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Top 5 Best Glue for ABS Plastic

When working with ABS plastic, or any plastic for that matter, you may notice that glue sometimes have a tendency to not adhere properly. Due to this, you have to use a specific type of glue that works with the molecular structure and surface structure of the ABS plastic. Glues that are not compatible may appear solidly set at first but will not fully adhere and will eventually break out and come apart, which can be detrimental if applied in a structural or plumbing setting, especially. Let’s take a look at some of the candidates for the best glue for ABS plastic and figure out which one is right for the job you are attempting to complete.

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Best Glue for ABS Plastic

Image
Product
Best Overall
Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System with Activator
  • Affordable
  • Low odor
  • Can be used with non-plastic medias
Oatey All-Purpose Cement Low Voc
  • Affordable
  • A lot of product in the container
  • Quick bond
GUGUYeah UV Light Glue Kit Clear Adhesive Liquid Plastic Welder
  • Cost-effective
  • Includes UV light
  • Compact for travel
Pratley Powda Bond Adhesive Powder Filler Repair Kit
  • Very strong bond
  • High durability
  • Can be modified
J-B Weld 50139 Plastic Bonder Body Panel Adhesive and Gap Filler Syringe
  • Includes gap filler
  • Syringe application for mess free use
  • Multipart system

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System with Activator

Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System with Activator

When working with ABS plastic, your best option is none other than a family of adhesives known as cyanoacrylates, also known as superglue. Cyanoacrylates work due to pulling moisture from the air to cure, creating a mesh-like bond that sticks well and handles smoother services without abrasions without issue in most cases due to the mesh creation allowing better adhesion. Due to this, many people stick to superglue or a similar product when working with most ABS plastics.

This includes our #1 pick, the incredibly powerful Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System with Activator. As a product that is made from cyanoacrylates, this glue works extremely well to create a lasting bond on a wide range of ABS plastic surfaces. The two-part system requires no mixing, simply apply the activator first then a coat of the bonding agent and you are all set.

The product cures relatively quickly, usually within twenty to twenty-five minutes, but some reviewers do note that it is best to leave the bond for a full twenty-four hours before use if possible to help ensure it is fully set. Either way, this is a solid choice that is great to have on hand!

Key Features

  • Durable
  • Includes activator
  • No mixing, no mess

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Types of Glue for ABS Plastic

Glue for ABS Plastic

When you begin to look for a glue product for ABS plastic, chances are you will find quite a few different options. Different materials seem to work well with bonding ABS plastic but some certainly do work better than others. Let’s take a look at which work best to suit ABS plastic repair situations and decide what products you should have on hand for all of your ABS plastic welding needs.
There are generally four popular types of glue that work well for ABS plastic materials. These include cyanoacrylates, two-component epoxies, UV curable adhesives, and polyurethanes.

Cyanoacrylates

Also known as superglues and other similar products, cyanoacrylates work the best when gluing ABS plastics. The quick bond forms instantly and works to lock the ABS material in place without melting or damaging it in any way.

Two-Component Epoxies

Epoxies are a different type of adhesive all together. An ABS epoxy will create a very strong bond but can be messy and take quite some time to fully dry down and cure. Typically, these types of adhesives need clamps to cure fully, as well.

UV Curable Adhesives

Similar to two-component epoxies, UV curable adhesives take time to dry and need clamps in most situations but also require access to a strong UV source to fully harden and set in place. That being said, these bonds are some of the strongest and most robust, so many find them worth the extra effort and time.

Polyurethanes

Polyurethane creates a strong bond that lasts for quite some time and is also heat resistant and waterproof when fully cured. It takes a moderate amount of time to cure and requires pressure to fully bond but is durable. It can also be rather messy.

How to Glue ABS Plastic

When looking at how to bond ABS plastic, the exact details will vary greatly depending on the type of glue you are using. Some will require sanding of the smooth surface to ensure proper adhesion while others will be much more simplistic and just need direct application. Just follow the directions closely on the packaging to ensure you are doing what needs to be done with your specific product.

Safety Precautions

As with all glues, there are definite safety risks. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, skin, and other surfaces. Also, try to stay away from flames since many types of glue are very flammable. Each product will also have additional concerns so be sure to read all packaging inserts to make sure you are using the product properly and safely.

Glue for ABS Plastic – Buying Guide

Gluing ABS Plastic

Are you short on time or just want a quick answer?

Check out our list below for a summary of our results.

  1. Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System with Activator
  2. Oatey All-Purpose Cement Low Voc
  3. GUGUYeah UV Light Glue Kit Clear Adhesive Liquid Plastic Welder
  4. Pratley Powda Bond Adhesive Powder Filler Repair Kit
  5. J-B Weld 50139 Plastic Bonder Body Panel Adhesive and Gap Filler Syringe

When picking out an ABS plastic glue, there are a few factors you should consider. Let’s look at what makes for a good glue and what to look out for while deciding on your final purchase.

The Basics

Glue ABS Plastic

The most important thing you should consider is how well the glue bonds. If there are reports of good initial bonding but long term lack of effectiveness, you should perhaps consider a different product. With most ABS glue, the bond is supposed to be permanent and should last, as they typically bond via dissolving a tiny layer of the plastic and creating a gripped, interlocking bond.

Aside from that, you should also take into account the drying time of the glue. When researching how to glue abs plastic, you probably noticed that many people claim the glue sets fairly immediately or within a few minutes. This is because most ABS glues dry down incredibly quickly. They may still move a bit and not be fully set but they will not have to be supported in order to finish the setting process. Being able to easily pull apart your plastic pieces after using glue for ABS bonding can indicate that the glue may not be compatible with the surfaces.

ABS adhesives for plastic are quite easy to find since they typically involve simply gluing plastic to plastic. Even gluing ABS to PVC is not particularly difficult with the right glue or cementing product. Be sure to read your labelling to ensure the glue are suitable for mixed media usage.

Most ABS safe glue are actually mentioned in descriptions of how to repair ABS plastic, as many of them can be utilized as a repair mechanism. Using the glue as a filler works by bonding the plastic back together and bridging any gaps or cracks. Simply sand away the extra glue and you are all set!

Tricky Bonding

Gluing for ABS Plastic

While bonding plastic to plastic is simple, sometimes bonding other materials can be a bit more difficult. If you are looking into a situation like gluing ABS to wood or bonding fiberglass to ABS plastic, you may want to double check the packaging on your glue of choice to make sure it is suitable.
Since these surfaces are not as uniform as most plastics, it can be harder to allow the glue to create a gripped bond. This could lead to the bond breaking or not completely setting. Always check labelling before using any glue with ABS to prevent damage or misconnection.


Comparison of Adhesive Properties of Polyurethane Adhesive System and Wood-plastic Composites with Different Polymers after Mechanical, Chemical and Physical Surface Treatment – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6473932/

Follow Directions

As much of a no-brainer as it seems, always follow the directions when using ABS plastic glue. Sometimes they require multi-step processing to properly set and instructions can vary greatly across brands. Due to this, it is necessary to always double check labelling to ensure you are properly and safely bonding everything together. The last thing you want is to create fumes or have something break and cost you more money down the road so take things slow and do your research! Now, let’s look at some of our favorite products!

The Best Glue for ABS Plastic

The top best product [hide]

Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System with Activator


Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System with Activator
Trusted as a popular option for basic household super glue and craft glue, Loctite produces some of the most affordable and effective bonding agents on the market today. This extends into their ABS safe bonding system, which acts as both a bonding glue and an ABS sealant. This glue works by having the first use the activator to prep the surface follow up with the bonding agent in equal volume to create a rigid, heavy duty sealant that will last for years to come. The product is easy to use, mess free, and low fume, making it great for both hobby and viable work. This glue is even suitable for surfaces like cork and paper since it is more gentle than a lot of comparable glues on the market while still providing a strong seal.
Pros
Affordable
Low odor
Can be used with non-plastic medias
Cons
Tube dries out quickly, making it hard to use more than once
Glue dries fast, making it a bit tricky to work with
Felt tip on activator gets very dry even with product inside

buy on Amazon

Oatey All-Purpose Cement Low Voc


Oatey All-Purpose Cement Low Voc
Oatey is a trusted brand that has been around for decades for a good reason: it really works. They consistently put out high-quality, effective products, with their all-purpose cement being no exclusion. As a waterproof, durable bonding product, this all-purpose cement can be used on everything from PVC pipe to typical ABS plastic.

The bond that is created is quick-acting, usually taking just five minutes but sometimes up to an hour to become unmovable but does require more time to cure fully, as most glues do. As a whole, this is a very sold product that, for the price, is definitely worth checking out. Be aware, though, that some reviewers did report it is messy to use and that if you leave glue on the sides around the lid, it could become glued shut. If left open, it will dry out quickly.
Pros
Affordable
A lot of product in the container
Quick bond
Cons
Messy
Dries out fast if left open
Easy to accidentally glue lid shut

buy on Amazon

GUGUYeah UV Light Glue Kit Clear Adhesive Liquid Plastic Welder


GUGUYeah UV Light Glue Kit Clear Adhesive Liquid Plastic Welder
A somewhat lesser-known brand, GUGUYeah created something really special and effective with this amazing UV light curing glue. The bond it creates is incredibly strong and for the price, you cannot go wrong with this option. This product is incredibly affordable and includes a small, easy to travel with UV light to help cure the glue. This saves you a lot of time and money on more expensive glue options and works in your favor to make it easy to take this product with you for any project you may have.

The brand also has a guarantee that the glue is stronger than any other on the market and backs their product with a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the quality or ease of application. If you are looking for a very affordable UV option that will work well in most usages, this is the way to go.
Pros
Cost-effective
Includes UV light
Compact for travel
Cons
Can take a while to cure
Strong odor
Dries out fast/batteries die fast

buy on Amazon

Pratley Powda Bond Adhesive Powder Filler Repair Kit


Pratley Powda Bond Adhesive Powder Filler Repair Kit
A bit of a different take than most abrasive glues that typically are used with ABS plastics, the Pratley Powda Bond is a powder and liquid based agent that creates a locked in place surface that can withstand a shocking amount of impact. It can also be used as a crack and hole filler since it can be drilled, sanded, hammered, nailed, tapped, painted, and is heat resistant to 190 degrees. Around since 1948, this glue is a tried and tested favorite that has been used for generations in bonding ABS and more than a dozen other surfaces, even automotive parts! The kit comes with both black and white powder filler that can be mixed to make grey if needed and a liquid super glue that is mixed with the powder to create a locked seal.
Pros
Very strong bond
High durability
Can be modified
Cons
Can be very messy
Glue is very runny (brand explains this is so it saturates the powder fully)
Takes longer to dry in cold weather (normal for most similar glues)

buy on Amazon

J-B Weld 50139 Plastic Bonder Body Panel Adhesive and Gap Filler Syringe


J-B Weld 50139 Plastic Bonder Body Panel Adhesive and Gap Filler Syringe
Claiming to be the world’s strongest bonder, the J-B Weld Plastic Bonder is a powerful superglue ABS style product that includes a multipart and multipurpose urethane adhesive & gap filling system to target specific concerns like gap filling, bonding, and a host of other common issues. The brand notes that this product can even be used to bond ABS to fiberglass, aluminum, and ceramic, making it a valuable asset for most household projects. The glue is available in multiple colors, including black and white to suit different project needs and claims to set within 15 minutes to create a strong, durable bond that can handle everyday use and contact once it is fully cured after around a day and a half.
Pros
Includes gap filler
Syringe application for mess free use
Multipart system
Cons
Long curing time
Takes a while to set
White sometimes yellows with age

buy on Amazon

Glue for ABS Plastic: FAQ

Can ABS glue be used with PVC?

For the most part, ABS glue are suitable for usage with PVC plastics. You should still read all labelling to be sure and always try to buy products specifically listed for the plastics you are working with to ensure the bond is sturdy and will not erode over time or with use.

Are ABS glue toxic?

Generally, it is recommended to use caution with ABS glue, as they do contain chemicals that can be toxic or irritating if ingested or contacted with eyes or sensitive areas. The fumes can also be irritating with some products as well. Chemicals like Methyl ethyl ketone and cyclohexanone can appear in formulas and can pose issues like birth defects and should be kept away from pregnant women.

Should I use a mask with ABS glue?

Yes. ABS glue emit fumes and highly flammable vapors so using a mask can play a massive role in keeping you safe while working with these compounds.

Conclusion

In a market as niche as ABS glue, you can typically find some real hidden gems. These products are high quality, low cost, and get the job done, saving you time and money in the process. If you need a solid, well tested product, check out some of these we have discussed or check into reviews of comparable products for even more options. Good luck!

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