How to choose glue: the material to be bonded decides

Glue is chosen starting from the two materials to be joined, not from the brand. For quick repairs to small objects you need a cyanoacrylate, in tubes of a few grams; for a joint that has to withstand stress you need a two-part epoxy; for difficult plastics such as PE, PP and PTFE you need a product made specially for them, because universal glues do not grip. In the collection you will find packs from 3 g to 56 g, bottles from 20 to 500 ml and cartridges of 150, 310 and 400 ml.

The types

• Cyanoacrylate glue and instant adhesive. Sets in a few seconds, in tubes, syringes and 1 g single-dose minis. For small repairs to metal, rubber, plastic and wood, such as the 100Plus cyanoacrylate glue.
• Two-part and epoxy glue. Two parts to be mixed: they withstand stress better and fill gaps. Examples in the collection are the NPT Sigill epoxy glue and the Faren Riparo IO Mixer adhesive.
• Ready-to-use one-component and construction glue. Often in cartridges to be used with a gun, for repairs indoors and outdoors.
• Spray glue. For large, thin surfaces, such as fabrics, yarns and sheet materials. There are also temporary and high-strength versions.
• Anaerobic adhesive. Used for threadlocking of threaded parts: it cures without air, between metal parts.
• Glue for wood and for specific materials. Wood with SMP, marble, stone and concrete, glass and ceramic, artificial turf laying, fast-setting fabric adhesive, such as Unifix Allcon 10.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Type. It tells you how the glue works: cyanoacrylate, two-part, SMP, anaerobic, spray. It is the first thing to look at.
• Application. The list of materials it works on. This is the most important entry: if your two materials are not on it, change product.
• Content. In grams or millilitres. The tubes range from 3 to 56 g; the cartridges from 150 to 400 ml. For occasional use buy a small amount: opened glues lose quality over time.
• Packaging. Tube, blister pack, syringe, single-dose mini, cartridge. The syringe doses better, the cartridge is for those who glue a lot.
• Colour. Transparent or colourless where the glue line stays visible, beige, black or grey for site use.
• Pack (pcs). Some products are sold in multiples of 2, 12 or 36 pieces: useful for those who use them every day.

Common mistakes

• Using cyanoacrylate for a joint under load. It is fast but not very flexible: for stress you need a two-part glue.
• Gluing PE and PP with a universal glue. Check the materials on the product page: you need products specified for those plastics.
• Not cleaning and degreasing. Dust, oil and moisture are the most frequent cause of bonds that come apart.
• Applying too much glue. A thin layer holds better and dries sooner, especially with instant glues.
• Forgetting ventilation and gloves. Many products must be used in a well-ventilated area and with hand protection.

Frequently asked questions

Which glue should I use to bond metal and plastic?

Check the type of plastic. For common plastics a two-part glue or a cyanoacrylate will do; for PE and PP you need a specific adhesive.

Cyanoacrylate or epoxy?

Cyanoacrylate for quick, small repairs; epoxy when the joint is under stress or you need to fill a gap.

How do I store glue once opened?

Close the container tightly straight after use. If the pack is large and you use it rarely, the glue may age before it is finished.

Is there a glue for stone?

Yes, in the collection you will find adhesives for marble, stone and concrete: check the list of materials on the product page.

All the products are in the Glues collection: if you are not sure which to choose for your materials, ask for a quote or advice from the AMES technicians.