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Top 7 Best Glue for Aluminum

Whether you are doing some small repairs, a DIY project, or some crafts, something you might need to do is to bond aluminum together. Finding the right glue for aluminum can be quite a challenge because there are so many options to pick from. Today we are here to help you find the best glue for aluminum.

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Best Glue for Aluminum

Image
Product
Best Overall
J-B Weld 8281 Professional Size Steel Reinforced Epoxy
  • Very strong
  • Works on many surfaces
  • Resistant to heat and chemicals
3M Marine Adhesive Sealant
  • High tensile strength
  • Weather and salt proof
  • Waterproof
Hy-Poxy H-450 Alumbond
  • Very strong
  • Ideal for metal repairs
  • Can be worked with once cured
Permatex Permapoxy
  • Great for various metals
  • High tensile strength
  • High temperature resistance
Loctite Epoxy Weld Bonding Compound
  • Highly resistant to chemicals
  • Does not shrink
  • Can be worked with once cured
J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Reinforced Epoxy
  • Quick setting
  • Temperature resistant
  • High tensile strength
J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Marine Epoxy
  • Works with many materials
  • High tensile strength
  • High temperature resistance

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

JB Weld 8281 Steel Reinforced Epoxy

JB Weld 8281 Steel Reinforced Epoxy

If you are looking for the best glue for aluminum, you need to choose options that are of the cyanoacrylates glue family. This is actually the technical term for adhesives that are commonly referred to as super glue.

Cyanoacrylates are very strong and fast acting adhesives and it works when the molecules come in contact with water. When they come in contact with water, they form very strong chains, which in turn form what is essentially a plastic mesh. At this point, the best glue for aluminum is JB Weld.

When it comes to the best glue for aluminum, we do think that JB Weld is the best, and this is due to a number of reasons. First of all, it can be used on virtually any surface and to bond many materials together. This includes metal, PVC, plastic, wood, concrete, ceramic, tile, and fiberglass.
This is a simple two part epoxy. Take both tubes, mix an equal amount of both tubes together, and then use the mixture to bond aluminum. As far as two part epoxies go, cyanoacrylates like JB Weld are quite easy to use.

What is impressive about JB Weld is that it has an extremely high tensile strength and can withstand up to 5,020 PSI, which is a lot indeed. It is said that the bond which this particular super glue forms is stronger than steel.

It can hold a whole lot of weight, not to mention that it is resistant to high temperatures up to nearly 300 Celsius, so heat won’t degrade it either.

Although JB Weld does take a while to cure, once it is cured, it is also totally waterproof, as well as resistant to chemicals, acids, and even petroleum. It’s also a good option because it can be drilled, sanded, painted, and more, all once it is totally cured.

Top Features

  • Works on many surfaces
  • Waterproof
  • Resistant to heat, petroleum, chemicals, and acid
  • Steel reinforced
  • High tensile strength
  • Can be manipulated after drying

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Glue for Aluminum – Buying Guide

top 7 best glue for aluminum
Before you start buying just any old glue for metal, here we have a short buying guide for you, so you know exactly what to look for.

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

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

  1. J-B Weld 8281 Professional Size Steel Reinforced Epoxy (Our Overall #1 Pick)
  2. 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant
  3. Hy-Poxy H-450 Alumbond
  4. Permatex Permapoxy
  5. Loctite Epoxy Weld Bonding Compound
  6. J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Reinforced Epoxy
  7. J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Marine Epoxy

Types of Glue for Aluminum

Glues for Aluminum

There are 3 main types of glue that you could use to bond aluminum to aluminum, or even to bond aluminum to steel, and for bonding aluminum to plastic.

Adhesives

Adhesives are perhaps the simplest of the glues that can be used for aluminum. These come in various types, ones that dry flexible or rigid, ones that set fast or slow, and ones that dry with color or transparent. These generally have a high resistance to chemicals and heat, although their bond strength may not be as high as with the other types.

Epoxies

This type of glue is often used with metal. These are usually part of a 2 part system, one part being the resin and the other being the hardener. These can be a bit messy because the 2 parts need to be mixed first.

However, this two part system forms an incredibly strong bond with extreme tensile strength. This type of glue for aluminum doesn’t always cure very quickly, but once cured, it is incredibly strong and resistant to many things. The strongest epoxy for metal has high tensile strength.

Super Glue

Super glues, also known as cyanoacrylates, is perhaps the best type of metal glue to use. This type of glue is often used because it has the ability to bond with many materials including things like wood, plastics, rubber, fabric, metal, tile, ceramic, fiberglass, and more. These generally dry and cure fast, they often dry clear, and they have great tensile strength too.

What is the Best Type of Glue for Aluminum?

Glue Aluminum

Most experts would agree that single component adhesives are best for bonding metal to metal, such as for bonding aluminum to aluminum.

Single component epoxies, as well as single component super glue, such as the JB Weld Epoxy we have looked at today, are great options to go with.

That being said, super glue (cyanoacrylates), single component adhesives, two component adhesives, and structural acrylics are all options you have at your disposal here.

On a side note, did you know that there is glue out there that can withstand several thousand pounds of pressure? Yes, that is right! For instance, the number one pick we have gone with today can hold up over 5,000 pounds!

How to Glue Aluminum to Aluminum

Bonding aluminum together with glue is actually not very difficult. You really just have to make sure that both pieces of aluminum are clean and dry, then glue them according to the instructions on the specific adhesive that you have purchased.

For the most part, this will mean applying a minimal amount of glue to one of the surfaces, pressing both surfaces together, and unless it is super fast drying and curing glue, you may have to clamp the two parts together until the glue cures.

If you are using very fast curing super glue, be sure to work fast, as the super glue will start to harden as soon as it comes out of the tube or bottle. Below, we have included a detailed video on how to bond aluminum with adhesives.

Safety Tips for Gluing Aluminum

Gluing Aluminum

Here we have a few safety tips for you to follow while bonding aluminum to other pieces of aluminum, or to any other type of surface.

  • We would strongly recommend wearing some sort of gloves while working with adhesives, particularly fast drying super glues. They will bond with skin.
  • You may also want to wear some form of eye protection to prevent any glue from getting into your eyes.
  • Always wear old clothing that you don’t mind getting ruined by glue. Most adhesives will not simply come off in the washing machine.
  • Always read the label of the specific glue you have. There are a select few products out there that require the user to wear a face mask or respirator. Either way, try to use super glue in a well ventilated area to prevent inhaling any fumes.

The Best Glue for Aluminum

Let’s take a look at the 7 best glues for aluminum right now.

The top best product [hide]

J-B Weld 8281 Professional Size Steel Reinforced Epoxy


J-B Weld 8281 Professional Size Steel Reinforced Epoxy
This particular glue works well to bond various materials such as many metals, plastics, tile, ceramics, wood, and more. It works for virtually any type of surface. Once this JB Weld glue is cured, it can be tapped, filled, sanded, molded and drilled, making it perfect for DIY jobs, repairs, and crafts alike.

This glue has an extremely high tensile strength of over 5,000 pounds once cured. Moreover, it is also 100% waterproof, it is resistant to very high temperatures, and resistant to chemicals, acids, and petroleum too. Keep in mind that this is a two part epoxy, so it does need to be mixed right before use. Also, keep in mind that it can take up to 24 hours to cure.
Technical Specifications:
  • 2 part epoxy
  • Steel reinforced
  • Great tensile strength
  • Can be painted/sanded/drilled once cured
  • Waterproof
  • Heat resistant
Pros
Very strong
Works on many surfaces
Resistant to heat and chemicals
Waterproof
Cons
Long curing time
Needs to be mixed

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3M Marine Adhesive Sealant


3M Marine Adhesive Sealant
3M Marine Adhesive Sealant is primarily designed for use on RVs and boats, and for other similar applications. It is designed to bond aluminum, other metals, and other materials that you might find on a boat. It is intended to be applied below the waterline, and once cured, it is 100% waterproof. It is made to have extremely high tensile strength. This, combined with the fact that it is waterproof, makes it the perfect choice for marine applications.

This stuff is made with a polyurethane polymer that is resistant to weather and salt water. One thing to keep in mind is that it may degrade if exposed to too much sunlight, so it should only be used where the sun cannot reach it. Although it does not require mixing, this adhesive may take up to 7 days to fully cure.
Technical Specifications:
  • Requires no mixing
  • 100% waterproof
  • Easy to apply
Pros
High tensile strength
Weather and salt proof
Waterproof
Great for heavy duty applications
Cons
Very long cure time
Does not fare well in direct sunlight

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Hy-Poxy H-450 Alumbond


Hy-Poxy H-450 Alumbond
Hy-Poxy H-450 Alumbond is made with aluminum particles and it is designed to bond aluminum together. This is a two part epoxy, so you do have to mic a 1:1 ratio of both the resin and the hardener before use, which can be messy. However, two part epoxies like this do tend to form a very strong bond. This stuff is so strong that it can be used to repair metals and items such as HVAC, radiators, engine blocks, boat hulls, equipment, and appliances.

Keep in mind that once cured, this glue will remain grey in color, but it can be drilled, tapped, sanded, threaded, and painted. This is a non-magnetic and non-rusting aluminum finish.
Technical Specifications:
  • Extreme tensile strength
  • Designed specifically for aluminum
  • Can be drilled, tapped, sanded, and painted
Pros
Very strong
Ideal for metal repairs
Can be worked with once cured
Fairly easy to use
Cons
Two parts need mixing
Only for metal

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Permatex Permapoxy


Permatex Permapoxy
What is nice about this glue is that it can be used for aluminum, steel, iron, chrome, brass, copper, and more. It is ideal not only for creating very tight bonds between two objects, but also for general repairs and filling in cracks too.

This stuff cures very quickly, within about 15 minutes, and it does not require clamping either. The syringe dispenser accurately dispenses equal parts of the resin and hardener, allowing for easy and precise mixing. This glue has incredible temperature resistance once cured, it has a tensile strength of 4,500 pounds, and it can be drilled, tapped, threaded, painted, and sanded once cured.
Technical Specifications:
  • Works on various metals
  • Very strong
  • Temperature resistant
  • Cures fast
Pros
Great for various metals
High tensile strength
High temperature resistance
Easy to use
Cons
Requires some mixing
Not 100% waterproof

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Loctite Epoxy Weld Bonding Compound


Loctite Epoxy Weld Bonding Compound
This is a two part epoxy that does first need to be mixed before use. However, when mixed in equal volumes, it will produce a very strong bond. It’s almost as strong as if you were to weld metals together, and it works for metals such as iron, steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, and pewter. You can use this glue for crafts, small repairs, for filling cracks, for rather serious repairs too. This glue cures with a metallic grey finish, and it can be sanded, painted, drilled, and more once it has cured. It’s also a good option because it does not shrink, and it won’t degrade due to chemicals and fluids such as diesel, gasoline, anti-freeze, motor oil, and more.
Technical Specifications:
  • Resistant to chemicals
  • Works on most metals
  • Non-shrinking
Pros
Highly resistant to chemicals
Does not shrink
Can be worked with once cured
Great for repairs of all sorts
Works with many metals
Cons
Limited moisture resistance
Limited temperature resistance

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J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Reinforced Epoxy


J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Reinforced Epoxy
This has to be one of the strongest epoxies around. Once cured, this glue has a tensile strength of well over 3,000 pounds, plus it can withstand great temperatures too. This glue can be used for crafts, repairs, and DIY projects alike, as it works for metal, wood, concrete, ceramic, tile, and much more. This glue takes only a couple of minutes to set and up to 6 hours to cure, which is not bad at all. Keep in mind that this is two part epoxy, so it does need to be mixed first.
Technical Specifications:
  • Fast curing
  • Works with many materials
  • High tensile strength
Pros
Quick setting
Temperature resistant
High tensile strength
Can bond various materials
Cons
Does not seem to be 100% waterproof
Mixing the two components can be messy

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J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Marine Epoxy


J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Marine Epoxy
This particular epoxy also consists of two parts, a resin and a hardener that need to be mixed. It can be a bit messy, and it does take a while to cure, but that said, this is perhaps some of the strongest glue you can get your hands on. This glue has extreme tensile strength once cured, well over 5,000 PSI. Moreover, it is also 100% waterproof, it can withstand temperatures up to 300 Celsius, and it is resistant to most chemicals such as gas, diesel, and other such fluids as well. What is also nice about J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Marine Epoxy is that it can be used for aluminum and other metals, fiberglass, plastic, composites, and wood too.
Technical Specifications:
  • Meant for marine applications
  • Workable when cured
  • Waterproof
Pros
Works with many materials
High tensile strength
High temperature resistance
Waterproof
Chemical resistance
Cons
Long cure time
Can be a bit messy

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Final Verdict

When it comes down to it, if you need the best glue for aluminum, we would of course recommend our own top pick of the day. However, with that being said, we do think that any of the products from JB-Weld, that have been reviewed today, are all prime choices to keep in mind.

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