The Best Glues for Every Fix
Over the years I’ve used a multitude of glues and learned the best glues for each application. Here is a list of The Best Glues for Every Fix. Most of the links in this article are affiliate links to help you find the exact glues I use.
To get a good secure glue fix, you have to use the appropriate glue for the job.
Hot Glue:
I know many people love hot glue because it’s a good resource for crafting. Hot glue is best used for fabric and textured crafts. But, that’s it.
Rubber Cement:
For a permanent paper to paper connection, use two coats of rubber cement.
Spray Adhesive:
Use spray adhesive as another option for attaching paper to other paper or cardboard surfaces.
Spray adhesive can also be used to hold upholstery foam in place before upholstering.
A light coat of spray adhesive on a stencil can help keep the stencil from sliding.
Wood Glues:
Wood glue is perfect for wood-to-wood application and to add extra hold, especially when using nails to secure your joints.
For adhering two pieces of wood that has a slight gap between, I prefer Gorilla Glue. The glue expands and foams as it hardens to fill small voids. One note of caution, the tube will harden if you leave any air inside the container. I prefer the minis because if they harden, you don’t lose a whole container of glue.
PVC cement:
For glueing PVC pipes, PVC cement with PVC primer is the only solution.
Caulk:
Caulk can be used for more than just sealing edges around trim and windows. It’s a great flexible sealant for holding counter tops, moulding and glass.
Construction Adhesive:
For installing sub-floor, bead board or other paneling, I prefer to use construction adhesive.
Permanent Craft Adhesive:
When gluing glass, metal or other craft type projects you can’t beat E-6000. It has an epoxy-like strength. Best of all it dries clear.
I also use E-6000 for fixing broken ceramics, acrylic or plastic.
But, what do you use when the cap of your E-6000 breaks?
Moldable Glue:
Sugru to the rescue. What’s Sugru?
It’s a moldable glue available in a variety of colors.
Simply cut open the package and roll the glue into a ball.
Then form it around the surface you need to fix.
Here’s two more uses for Sugru glue:
A broken detergent drawer on our washer.
I gave it a fix with Sugru glue.
My son’s light switch broke and the knob continued to fall off.
I rolled some Sugru into a ball and pressed it into the knob.
Slipped it back onto the switch…
…and it’s fixed.
How does Sugru hold up?
When I received some samples of Sugru moldable glue, I doubted the claims made by the brand. I decided to try it first on a snowman I built out of plywood. I used Sugru to make eyes and a mouth. I also used it to secure the nose (no screws or nails.)
The snowman had an unfortunate face plant and he chipped his nose.
But the glue held the nose on!
Did you have any favorite glues? Or is there a use I didn’t discuss. Feel free to ask me in the comment section.
If you liked this post, you may find How to Fix All Types of Holes helpful.
Disclosure:Â Sugru and Gorilla Glue were both provided at no cost for my honest review. I have not received any other compensation. I was not told what to say. All opinions are my own.
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In most garden centers they have art made from concrete I have an Indian holding a peace pipe The pipe got broke and I have yet to find a glue that repairs it. The concrete is somewhat poreous. I’ve tried the E whatever glues and super glues but it won’t stay on It fits on perfectly .. No pieces have chipped off except the bowl of the pipe, but what I’ve tried just won’t hold.
Jeff has a great tutorial for fixing garden statues here: https://prettyhandygirl.com/how-to-fix-your-garden-gnome-and-other-garden-decor/
Sugru is also good for protecting those fragile phone charger cables from bending and breaking at the ends
I think you covered them all but I had not heard of Sugru ,….oh gotta get some NOW! Thanks for this, a keeper for sure
My plates wont stand up in my cabinets for show.What can I use to hold them up.
Id like to know how they display and hang dishes.
I use small rolled up balls of kneaded art erasers! Then squish the plat into the ball and it stays put!
Great tips. I’m sharing on Facebook. I never heard of Sugru!
I have two more faves: No More Nails and (not technically a glue) a Bondic Pen.
Great info…thanks for this list. Pinned!
Oh my this list is really a good one to have on hand.
Thanks for giving us the low down on which glues to use for which projects.
Hugs!
Nail glue is the best for glass ceramics and cold porcelain
Hi Eva,
Do you mean glue like No More Nails? I love that one but it’s hard to find in the U.S. Amazon has it.
Eva, ooo, thanks for that tip! Is there a brand name you like?