I have worked in carpentry for more than two decades. Now, just like any other carpenter and a woodworker, there comes a time when I need to bond two pieces of wood together.
In my early days of carpentry, I preferred using standard adhesives which obviously couldn’t give the kind of bonding strength I needed. However, after coming across wood glue, it has never come to my mind going back to the regular adhesives.
I love the bonding strength of the wood glue since it delivers professional results that everyone wants in their projects, and yes, as one would expect, throughout all these years, I have had the opportunity to interact with different wood glues.
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11 Best Wood Glues
#1 Titebond 5004 II Premium Wood Glue, 16-Ounces
No products found.If you are not new to wood glues, there are higher chances that Titebond is not a vocabulary to you. The product comes from Franklin Titebond, who has been one of the industry-leading manufacturers of wood products. And yes, being aware of the manufacturer’s rich history, I saw it wise to give this product a try. There is plenty to love about this option. For example, I like that the glue offers great water resistance. This property allowed me to use it for both indoor and outdoor applications unlike a good number of options that only suit indoor use.
The bonding strength of the glue is also very impressive and allows for use in applications that need steadfast gluing. The great bonding strength also implies that the glue provides excellent results when used in soft, medium, and hardwoods. Also, I realized that the nozzle does not clog with glue after use which allows for hassle-free repetitive use.
The glue comes with good viscosity and a honey cream color that dries to a translucent yellow color that can be easily sanded without softening. The product is also FDA-approved which implies that it can be used for cutting board. However, the glue may turn runny for some application although the mess wipes with less hassle.
Pros:
- The glue creates excellent bonding.
- It is water resistant.
- It has a storage life of up to 24 hours.
Cons:
- It’s quite runny on some applications.
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#2 Gorilla Wood Glue, 18-ounce Bottle
No products found.This is also a water-based adhesive that suits both indoor and outdoor woodworking projects. The glue complies with the ANSI/HPVA Type II water resistance levels which mean that it won’t come out even when used for the outdoor furniture. The adhesive is proudly made in the United States so that you can buy without any concerns over quality.
The polyurethane wood glue offers excellent strength that suits hardwood, softwood, and natural wood alike. After using the glue in one of the past woodworking projects I realized that it changes the color from white to natural tan-like color when dry to create a nearly invisible bond line between two workpieces. Also, it only takes 20-30 minutes to fully clamp at most 24 hours to fully cure.
Most users appreciate the versatility of the glue since besides wood it can also work in other materials such as foam, glass, concrete, stone, metal, and many others. Therefore, if you are a DIY enthusiast or a dedicated hobbyist, this would be an ideal option for you since it can come in handy whenever you need a super strong adhesive regardless of the material. The 18-ounce capacity is pretty much to handle a number of woodworking projects.
Pros:
- It suits both indoor and outdoor projects.
- It is greatly water resistant.
- It is versatile since it can bond different materials.
Cons:
- The nozzle may be quite hard to clean.
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#3 Elmer’s E7330 Carpenter’s Wood Glue Max, 1 Gallon, Tan
No products found.For the professional woodworkers or carpenters that find themselves using wood glue regularly, Elmer’s E7330 should be a good choice for them. The glue comes with a capacity of 5 gallons that should keep them going for an extended period. When we compare the capacity to the price, it becomes one of the sweetest deals you will get in the market. The glue offers excellent adhesion when properly applied and is designed to give excellent bonding whether used on soft, medium or hardwoods.
The bond it creates has excellent waterproof properties which prevent water from penetrating through the wind to ensure that it doesn’t weaken over time. The glue comes with heat-resistant properties and also resists mold.
Just like the preceding option, this wood glue comes with versatility in mind. In other words, whether you want it for wood or other materials such as stone, metal, ceramic, foam, and glass, you can be sure to get excellent results. Additionally, Elmer E7370 doesn’t require any mixing. The glue cleans with ease; just sand or scrape when dry or use mineral spirits or acetone when dealing with it when wet.
Pros:
- It creates a waterproof bond.
- It is thicker which minimizes dripping.
- It spreads easily than most wood glues.
Cons:
- The 1-gallon capacity may be much for people that want it for one-time use.
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#4 Titebond 1413 III Ultimate Wood Glue, 8-Ounces
No products found.After using the 16-ounce glue from the same manufacturer, I was greatly impressed by the results. Therefore, I decided to buy this 8-ounce wood glue from the same manufacturer since I needed a smaller quantity of it. I like that the fact that the glue offers improved water-resistance properties.
These properties allowed me to use it for both indoor and outdoor furniture. The glue utilizes enhanced proprietary technology that offers better adhesion for a greater bond in woodworking projects. Titebond 1413 is designed for healthy minds since it does not contain any toxic elements like most traditional options in the market.
The solvent-free adhesive cleans up easily with water when wet and sands easily without softening when dry. Furthermore, the glue lasts pretty quickly so that the user doesn’t have to keep waiting for long. However, unlike the 16-ounce option, the tip of this adhesive clogs although it cleans up with ease.
Pros:
- The unit doesn’t give bad odors.
- The bottle cap keeps the glue fresh for longer.
- It is easy to clean whether dry or wet.
Cons:
- The small capacity is not cost-efficient as the larger 16-ounce capacity.
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#5 Elmer’s E7010 Carpenter’s Wood Glue, Interior, 8 Ounces
No products found.Elmer’s Products Inc was established 65 years ago. Throughout this period, this top manufacturer has been among the top producers with a good record in providing customers with products that meet there needs. And yes, as a carpenter who prioritizes quality, this is the product that I have been using for the last two years. Although the glue is specially designed for use in the indoor projects, it possesses very fantastic features that qualify it as one of the most preferred options by most woodworking experts.
The product comes in an 8-ounce container that will last for quite long with occasional use. Most users love that the glue doesn’t produce toxic fumes when applied, unlike other most glues on the market. This is because the adhesive is not made with harmful chemical elements.
The product comes out from the can as a yellow substance but ends up drying to a natural tan-looking color which ensures that delivers a nearly invisible bond line. And since it is designed with the indoor use in mind, it only takes 15 minutes to clamp and 12 hours to completely dry. Just like most of the before models, this product cleans with water when wet and is easy to paint and sand when dry.
Pros:
- The glue isn’t visible when dry.
- It takes less time to dry.
- It is easy to paint.
Cons:
- It only suits indoor projects.
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#6 Titebond 1415 III Ultimate Wood Glue, 32-Ounce Bottle
No products found.Although I have used nearly all the Titebond products over the years, the Titebond III is what I consider the top option for most of my applications. Just like the others, this glue suits both indoor and outdoor use that allows me to tackle a wide range of projects. However, this version is runnier than the Titebond II option which makes some customers prefer the preceding version over it.
Nevertheless, I see the thin nature of the glue as an advantage since it allows it to penetrate deep into the wood to ensure that the two pieces will never come apart. Furthermore, the upgraded version possesses more improved water-resistant properties than any of the earlier versions, making it the excellent choice for use in the outdoor applications.
The 32-ounce capacity is pretty much so that it lasts for while whereas the non-toxic glue cleans smoothly with water. Titebond 1415 III Ultimate Wood Glue is also FDA-approved which means that it is safe for indirect contact with food. In other words, you can use this glue on chopping board with peace of mind that it will not cause adverse effects to health.
Pros:
- 32-ounce capacity is cost-efficient.
- It is solvent free.
- It dries quicker than most options.
Cons:
- It is quite messy since its thinner than most options.
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#7 Starbond EM-40 Heavy Thin, Adhesive Super Glue
No products found.If you need a glue that can work on different materials such as wood, rubber, glass, ceramic, leather, and metal, this should be one of the options you should consider giving a try. As a woodworker, cracks are very common and can result in further damages when left uncovered. And yes, this is one of the options you can count on to provide an excellent integration to your workpiece.
The adhesive infiltrates deep using capillary action, which makes it a good option for covering cracks on materials. In fact, Starbond EM-40 Super Glue has a thickness like that of olive oil and penetration ability of up to 0.004 inches. The cyanoacrylate super glue is tested to ensure that it provides optimal bonding in most materials.
The purchase constitutes extra supplies such as applicator tips, clog-free stopper, tiny pin, and micro-tips. The micro-tips ensure accuracy when applying the glue in cracks while the pin minimizes clogs. However, when clogs occur, you can switch to using the extra applicator tips for more efficient application. The super long shelf-life renders this option an ideal option for occasional use. The very option features a 2-ounce capacity although it is also available in 16-ounce can just in case you need it in greater quantity.
Pros:
- The glue works nicely in most materials.
- The tips hardly clog, unlike others.
- It arrives with plenty of extras.
Cons:
- It is thinner than most customers expect.
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#8 Glue Master Instant Glue (2 OZ Medium Viscosity)
No products found.Like the Starbond EM-40, this option comes in a 2-ounce bottle although it is also available in other sizes such as 16 ounces and 8 ounces. All these quantities give the user the kind of fixing power needed for any job, whether small, medium, or large. Glue master has a medium viscosity for easy spreading out, minimal mess, and for better controlling ability by the user. However, this option is also available in a thicker viscosity to meet different user needs.
Unlike other adhesives that you have to wait for long, this glue settles in about 30 seconds to help save time. Also, the ability to work in different materials means that Glue Master Instant Glue is designed with user versatility in mind. In other words, whether you want it for fixing soles or for use in rubber, leather, metal, wood, and plastic you can always count on this option to get the work correctly done.
The unique cyanoacrylate resin formula succeeds where most competitors fail by providing an industrial-strength bond that will not come apart even after years. Surprisingly, this premium-grade adhesive does not come with a hefty price as one would expect of glue with equal bonding ability.
Pros:
- The bottle is jam-free.
- It does not leave a residue.
- The premium cyanoacrylate is top-class.
Cons:
- It may clog in the tip.
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#9 Gravix Pro Line – 16 OZ – Professional Grade
No products found.This wood glue is proudly made in the United States. I mean, you can buy it knowing that it will not disappoint when it comes to binding two workpieces together. The very specific option arrives in a 16-ounce bottle although it is also available in other packs of 8 ounces and 2 ounces.
Also, whether you want it thin, medium, or thick, it is available in all these viscosities to let you choose the ideal option for your projects. Gravity Pro-Line has a longer shelf life, making it a good option for the occasional users of glue. The cure time of 5-10 seconds saves time and makes it a great option for quick fixes.
The clear color implies that the glue delivers invisible bonds to ensure that you get professional results with a streamlined look. Gravix Pro-Line is designed with hobbyists and home DIY’ers in mind since it suits repairs, shoe repair, general household repairs, and other many DIY projects.
Pros:
- It is available in different quantities and thicknesses.
- It has an impressive shelf life.
- It works on different materials.
Cons:
- Getting the cap off is quite a hassle.
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#10 DAP 00157 4 oz Rapid Fuse Fast Curing Wood Adhesive
No products found.This is yet another wood glue that you may rely on to integrate two pieces and never come apart. The glue sets in 30 seconds and cures in 30 minutes, unlike other options that you have to wait for hours to dry. Its ability to dry faster makes it a good option for use in the indoor environment although it also suits outdoor applications.
The glue creates a bond that cannot be easily seen for more integrated and flawless repairs. The breakthrough technology combines with the unique cyanoacrylate formula to create a super strong bond that has advanced water-resistance properties. Whether you deal with soft, medium, hardwood or all, DAP 00157 is designed to provide excellent performance in all types of woods so that you can use it in all your projects.
Besides, apart from wood, this option can also be used in other materials such as plastic, glass, and rubber, making it a must-have addition in a DIYer’s toolbox. The capacity of 4 ounces is adequate to handle several occasional applications.
Pros:
- It works fast.
- It takes fewer quantities to create a super strong bond.
- It has a long shelf life.
Cons:
- The adhesive has a slight smell.
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#11 Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate (CA)”Super Glue”
No products found.Also coming from Glue Masters, this glue gives a very strong bond just like the sibling reviewed earlier. The glue employs the cyanoacrylate formula that offers a water-resistant bond. This feature means that it will be a good option for both outdoor and indoor tasks. The glue takes about 50 seconds to epitome and goes in smaller quantities.
The adhesive comes with a thick viscosity to avoid the mess created by the runny options. However, just in case you want a thinner type, the glue is also available in thin and medium viscosities to suit your different needs. Most customers love that the bottle is jam-free and that the glue has a long shelf life provided that it is kept under the right conditions.
The glue works in different materials to suit a wide range of projects while the capacity of 2 ounces is adequate for more bonding needs. Nevertheless, should you need a larger capacity; it is also available in 8 ounces and 16 ounces.
Pros:
- The glue is very strong.
- It settles in no time.
- The glue suits both indoor and outdoor use.
Cons:
- The medium viscosity is still runny.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Question 1: Is Gorilla Wood Glue better than Elmer’s?
Answer: From my experience, I find the two types of glue to offer an excellent bond. However, when buying the Elmer adhesive, confirm to find out whether it suits the area where you want to use it since some Elmer glues only suit indoor use.
Question 2: What glue should I use for wood?
Answer: There are a good number of options that work ideally well on wood. The options covered in this content are a few of the top options the market offers.
Question 3: Does wood glue stick to metal?
Answer: It depends on the wood glue you choose. Some are specifically designed for wood while a few can also work correctly in other materials such as metal, rubber, glass, stone, ceramic, and other many materials.
Verdict
Wood glue is very important if you need to join two pieces of wood without using fasteners. Unlike the fasteners, wood glue creates a nearly invisible bond line between the two pieces which gives your work a more integrated look. However, since it’s not easy to tell the right option from the fake ones, we have simplified the work for you by unveiling the market’s top wood glues. All our hand-picked choices give an industrial-strength bond and hardly disappoint.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
