Super Glue Uses: 5 Things You Didn’t Know It Could Do

With its high strength and quick set time, super glue (also known as CA glue or cyanoacrylate glue) is a uniquely useful thing to have around the house for DIY projects. After all, it seems to work on almost any material. You’ve probably used it before to fix a piece of furniture or repair a broken vase. But what you may not know is that the uses of super glue go far beyond basic “stick it back together” household repairs and, dare we say, might just surprise you. Here are five uses for super glue you may not have thought to try yet.

‍

Five Super Glue Uses You Should Know About

1. Fix a Model or Figurine

Snapped off a piece of a model or collectable figurine? A tiny bit of CA glue can work miracles in these situations. Simply apply a small amount to the two pieces and press them together for an almost instant bond. Tip: For smaller pieces, Gorilla Super Glue Micro Precise has a specially designed nozzle for more controlled applications.

Safety Note: Super glue is not food-safe. It should not be used on toys for children under 5 years old, and any repairs should be supervised to ensure the glue doesn’t come into contact with skin.

2. A Spare Pair of Hands

Sometimes, you need an extra set of hands if you’re juggling a few bits of wood or fiddly components. Use a little drop of super glue to hold pieces in position before they are glued permanently with nails or screws. It’ll keep everything still while you line up your tools.

3. Rescue Ceramics in a Flash

If your favourite vase topples over and suddenly it’s in pieces, super glue can help. It's particularly effective for penetrating cracks and ensuring a strong bond. Brush away any dust or debris, dab a small drop of super glue onto the broken edges, and press them together for around 30 to 60 seconds.

Tip: For less mess, use a gel formula like Gorilla Super Glue Gel.

4. Fix a Broken Earring

Metal-to-metal fixes can be a hassle, but super glue is a handy option for quick costume jewellery repairs. Apply a drop of glue to the separated parts, hold it briefly, and you’re good to go. We do not recommend using super glue on expensive jewellery.

5. Stabilise a Loose Screw

Sick of constantly tightening the same screw over and over? One drop of super glue on the threads can increase friction and hold it in place. This is best for lightweight items, like a drawer knob, since you might still need to remove screws in load-bearing or critical parts later.

Remember These Tips For Best Results

1. Prep surfaces: For best results, make sure that smooth surfaces are clean and dry before applying the glue. Porous surfaces, like wood, can also be sanded and cleaned to improve adhesion.
2. Use sparingly: A thin layer is often enough to form a strong bond, and you only need to apply it to one surface for it to work. Use about one drop per square inch (6.5 cm²).
3. Let it cure properly: While super glue sets fast, it will take longer to fully cure. We recommend leaving it for 24 hours before handling it.
4. Store properly: Store in a cool, dry place, away from children and animals, and make sure the cap is sealed tight.
5. Blocked nozzles: Gorilla Super Glue comes with an anti-clog cap to keep the nozzle clear and ready to use. If your super glue dispenser becomes blocked, use a small metal pin to push a hole through the clog.
6. Use Super Glue Gel for vertical surfaces: To reduce drips and ensure better control, use gel super glue on vertical surfaces.
7. Avoid skin contact: Wear gloves or use an applicator to prevent accidental bonding to the skin.

• If you get super glue on your fingers, immediately soak your hands in warm, soapy water to weaken the bond.
• If this doesn’t work, you can use nail polish remover or acetone to remove it according to the solvent manufacturer's instructions. Keep in mind that acetone can strip your skin of oils, so apply moisturiser after removal.

A Must-Have For Every Household

Whether you’re repairing a family keepsake or adding the finishing touch to an art project, super glue is a product that should definitely be in your toolbox. If you’re interested in improving your DIY skills and getting the best results from your adhesives, check out the Gorilla Glue Blog.

‍