Glue Buying Guide

Many super glues are now sold in single-use sizes, and manufacturers sell packs with two, four, and even up to a dozen tubes. A few products we tested also include caps that plug the holes the glue is dispensed from to help keep the glue fresh longer and prevent the hole from becoming clogged. That means dried-up, half-used tubes of super glue are a thing of the past.

Two Types Can Pose Health Issues
Polyurethane glues can cause skin irritations and respiratory problems, and subsequent exposure to them could cause stronger reactions. Cyanoacrylate, the chemical name for super glues, carries some of the same health concerns. It can also bond skin instantly, and can be painful to remove if done improperly.

For more information on removing super glue from skin, inspect the product label or follow these tips: Do not try to pull the glue off your skin or attempt to pull apart two areas of skin that have been super glued together. Use warm, soapy water to wash off the area. If the glue has hardened, soak the area in the soapy water and slowly separate the areas. Do not pull harder if you feel that the skin is strongly adhered after soaking. Soak for longer before trying again.

For quicker removal, use a small amount of acetone. This should allow the glue to be removed very quickly, but because acetone is so drying, you’ll need to moisturize your skin well afterward.

No matter which adhesive you use, carefully follow the directions and safety information on the product packaging. Use any of these adhesives in a well-ventilated area and protect your hands and eyes from direct contact.

Doing It Right
Don’t make the mistake of using the wrong glue for the job. If you’re working with an item for the outdoors, for example, choose a water-resistant glue. If you’ll be using a glue in an area with extreme temperature fluctuations, check for information about the maximum and minimum temperatures to which a glue can be exposed before applying it to the project you’re working on. Ensure that the material you are gluing is included in the list of suitable materials on the product’s label. All of the models we tested had comprehensive lists both on the packaging and on the product websites.

Don’t Expect Miracles
Whatever you’re gluing together must have a clean break of the kind you’d expect from broken ceramic or glass. If you’re using super glue, the two parts must fit together perfectly with no gaps. And if you’re gluing unlike materials, you’ll need a glue that’s suitable for both, if possible, for satisfactory results.

Pay Attention to Color
If there’s a chance that the glue will be seen after it has dried, use one that is colorless after drying.

Use the Right Amount
Remember this mantra of proper gluing: Less is more. Use the minimal amount of adhesive needed to get the job done. Most of the glues we tested dictated how much glue to use in the directions on the packaging. 

Make It Last
Extend the shelf life of glue by squeezing excess air out of the tube, cleaning up adhesive around the opening, and replacing the cap tightly. Store the unused portion in a cool, dry place out of sunlight. For a few products, manufacturers recommend applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the tip of the dispenser to prevent the caps from adhering.

Be Patient
Despite what might be indicated on the package or label, avoid putting a heavy load on a glued joint until the adhesive’s full cure time has been met. We found that the longer these glues were allowed to cure, the more strongly they adhered to the wooden blocks we used in our tests.