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Top 7 Best Glue for Metal to Wood

If you are a carpenter, a handyman, a craftsman, or anything in between, something you might always have need for is glue that can securely stick metal to wood. This is a type of glue that can be used for a variety of purposes, but that said, for the best results, you also need the best glue for metal to wood.

It can be hard to find the right product that works best for you, especially seeing as there are so many different options out there. Today we are going to help you figure out how to choose the glue for metal to wood with an in depth buyer’s guide, plus we’re reviewed some of the best options as well.

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best glue for metal to wood

Image
Product
Best Overall
Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue
  • No clamping required
  • Can be used for vertical gluing
  • Works for all materials
Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy – Best For Steel & Aluminum
  • Withstands some moisture
  • Indoor and outdoor use
  • Very fast set time
J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy
  • Extremely high tensile strength
  • Can withstand high temperatures
  • Sets and cures fast
Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive – Quick Drying Super Glue
  • Quick drying
  • Works for all materials
  • High tensile strength and flexibility
Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue
  • Tough enough to withstand the heat or cold
  • Safe for outdoors or indoors uses
  • 3x expansion rate after application
Franklin 2303 Titebond Polyurethane Glue – Waterproof Wood To Metal Glue
  • 100% waterproof
  • Works for various materials
  • Easy to dispense
3m Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200
  • Retains its strength below and above the waterline
  • Becomes completely dry within two hours
  • Can withstand strong elements

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue

Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue

When it comes to super glue wood and metal, the top pick would have to be Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue, which is true for a variety of reasons. What makes this the best epoxy glue for wood to metal?

  • This glue is rubber toughened which helps provide a tensile strength of several thousand PSI.
  • The addition of rubber to this epoxy allows it to be totally waterproof.
  • Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue can be used for indoor and outdoor applications, and can withstand high and low temperatures.
  • This particular glue can be used for vertical gluing applications and does not require any clamping whatsoever.
  • Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue features a fast setting and curing time.
  • Easy application thanks to the special indicator.
  • Works for metal, leather, cork, ceramic, wood, chipboard, fabric, paper, cardboard, rubber, and various hard plastics.

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Types of Glue for Metal to Wood

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

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

  1. Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue
  2. Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy – Best For Steel & Aluminum
  3. J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy
  4. Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive – Quick Drying Super Glue
  5. Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue
  6. Franklin 2303 Titebond Polyurethane Glue – Waterproof Wood To Metal Glue
  7. 3m Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200

Epoxy

The best type of glue for metal to wood is epoxy. Epoxies are strong, waterproof and resistant to heat, chemicals, UVs and humidity. When using epoxy for metal to wood adhesive projects you should use a two-part solvent free type of epoxy that is specifically made for this purpose.

Pros:

  • Epoxy is waterproof
  • Two-part epoxy for metal to wood are pre-mixed, so you do not need any other materials or tools
  • No solvents used in the process can cause an allergic reaction

Cons:

Low open time (epoxies cure at a slower rate) which means that it may take more than one day to fully dry. If you’re working on a large scale project this could be problematic because rubbing up against your freshly glued joints will undo some of the work and make them weak over time. You should also avoid applying pressure while they are drying. This might sound like common sense but as I mentioned before epoxies have a low open time.

Polyurethane-based adhesive

Polyurethane-based adhesive is another type of glue that can be used for metal to wood. Polyurethanes are a good choice because they cure quickly, provide high adhesion and have excellent moisture resistance which means it will not loosen or peel off in the rain!

Pros:

  • Quick curing time (polyurethane based adhesive cures at a faster rate than epoxy)
  • Highly resistant against water damage – meaning your project won’t be damaged by rain, humidity or any other kind of liquid substances

Cons:

The only real con associated with using polyurethane as an adhesive is that its highly flammable so you’ll want to use caution when working near open flames. I would also recommend not using polyurethane based glue if you’re working with copper as the fumes from this type of adhesive can cause a reaction and corrosion to occur.

Construction adhesive for metal to wood

Construction adhesives are made for the sole purpose of bonding metal to wood. They’re not as strong or waterproof as epoxies but they have a longer open time which means you’ll be able to work on larger scale projects without having to worry about losing your joints and getting glue all over yourself.

Pros:
Longer open time (construction adhesive has an extended curing period) making it perfect for large-scale projects that require more than one day of drying time. It also dries clear, so if there is any excess glue left around after installation, it won’t leave behind any stains in addition to not being flammable like polyurethane based adhesives.

Cons:
Construction adhesive is not waterproof and lacks a high degree of adhesion when compared to epoxies. This means that if you install metal onto wood with construction adhesive, there will be more of an opportunity for the two materials to shift around over time as well as come apart in severe weather conditions.

Construction adhesive will also give off a strong smell while it’s curing which can be unpleasant for some people.

How to Glue Metal to Wood


Now that you know what the best instruction adhesive for which metal is, it’s time to actually talk about how to glue wood to metal the right way. Talk about how to glue wood to metal in a step by step way.

Step 1:

Make sure both surfaces are clean, dry and dust free.

Gluing metal to wood - step 1

Step 2:

Carefully cut the seal tips at the end of the syringe nozzle.

Step 3:

Dispense equal amounts of both liquids out of a clean disposable surface and mix them well. The mix glue will be usable for two to three minutes

Gluing metal to wood - step 3

Step 4:
Apply the glue mix to both surfaces of the job and bring together

Gluing metal to wood - step 4

Step 5:
Don’t strain the bond for at least 30 minutes and table wait the joint in place if necessary. It’ll reach maximum strength after 16 hours. For storage, place cap from plunger on nozzle.

Gluing metal to wood - step 5

HANDY HINT:
Clean up any uncured araldite with acetone or nail polish remover.

Best Glue for Metal to Wood

The top best product [hide]

Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue


Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue
Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue might just be the strongest metal to wood glue out there, as it has an extremely high tensile strength. This glue is rubber toughened which provides various advantages including being very flexible, impact resistant, moisture resistant, and more.

This glue also features a no drip consistency, so it can technically be used on vertical surfaces without the need for clamping. This glue can be used for metal, leather, cork, ceramic, wood, chipboard, fabric, paper, cardboard, rubber, and various hard plastics. Application is made easy thanks to the patented applicator. It dries clear with no clamping required.
Pros
No clamping required
Can be used for vertical gluing
Works for all materials
High tensile strength
Flexible
Moisture and impact resistant
Easy application
Cons
Thickness can make it hard to spread

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Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy – Best For Steel & Aluminum


Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy – Best For Steel & Aluminum
Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy features two separate barrels of resin and hardener which helps keep it from hardening before use. Two part epoxy tends to be extremely strong as well, which is the case here, as Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy features incredible bonding strength. This glue can attach steel, aluminum, glass, wood, ceramic, tile, various plastics.

This product can be used both indoors and outdoors, in hot and cold conditions, and it can withstand a decent amount of moisture too. Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy also dries totally clear for an invisible finish. This glue features a fast set time of 5 minutes. This epoxy glue for metal to wood is easy to apply with precision thanks to the syringe. Gorilla Glue metal to wood glue is one of the more popular options around.
Pros
Withstands some moisture
Indoor and outdoor use
Very fast set time
Works with various materials
Dries clear
Cons
Only works for specific metals (steel & aluminum)

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J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy


J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy
This is a type of epoxy which contains a quick setting adhesive with an extremely high bond strength, which is due to the fact that it is reinforced with steel. J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld does need to be mixed by hand, which can make a bit of a mess.

However, this product can be used to adhere virtually any materials to one another, and with amazing bond strength. It features a tensile strength of 2424 PSI and will withstand temperatures up to 300ºF. It forms a permanent bond which can be sanded, shaped, and drilled through. J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld will set in around 6 minutes and it cures completely within 6 hours.
Pros
Extremely high tensile strength
Can withstand high temperatures
Sets and cures fast
Can be worked with after cured
Works for virtually all materials
Cons
Need to mix – makes a mess

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Franklin 2303 Titebond Polyurethane Glue – Waterproof Wood To Metal Glue


Franklin 2303 Titebond Polyurethane Glue – Waterproof Wood To Metal Glue
Franklin 2303 Titebond Polyurethane Glue is designed to glue wood to wood, as well as wood to metal, ceramics, and most plastics too. This glue can be used for both porous and non-porous materials. What is beneficial is that this glue features a long 20 minute working time until it starts to set.

However, at the same time, it does feature a short clamp time of 45 minutes, and it should cure totally within roughly half a day. This glue dries a clear pale yellow. Franklin 2303 Titebond Polyurethane Glue is completely waterproof, making it ideal for a wide variety of applications including outdoor use. It might not have the highest bond strength out of all glues, but it still holds its own.
Pros
100% waterproof
Works for various materials
Easy to dispense
Long working time with short clamping time
Dries clear and flexible
Cons
Not the highest tensile strength

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Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive – Quick Drying Super Glue


Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive – Quick Drying Super Glue
This is an ideal choice for smaller applications, as there are four small tubes of Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive. This glue adheres more or less on contact and grabs onto all surfaces very fast, and it takes only 5 minutes to totally set and cure. This product features a permanent bond, it dries flexible and crystal clear, and can even be painted over afterwards. Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive can be used to adhere virtually all materials to one another, plus it is totally waterproof as well, which also mean that it can be used for indoor and outdoor applications.
Pros
Quick drying
Works for all materials
High tensile strength and flexibility
Indoor and outdoor use
Moisture proof
Cons
Limited working time – need to work fast

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Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue


Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue
The Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue is ideally designed to bond any kind of wood together. It is infused with water-activated polyurethane formula, which creates a bond that can fix almost anything. It is easy to apply, and this automatically makes it a winning choice for many users. This polyurethane glue is sandable and paintable, and can glue any type of wood to a metal surface. It fully cures within hours, and you can be sure that the effect will be long lasting. Whether you need glue for industrial work or just want to fix household items, Gorilla is your go-to.
Pros
Tough enough to withstand the heat or cold
Safe for outdoors or indoors uses
3x expansion rate after application
Cons
Does not work well on any plastics or rubber with high oil content
Difficult to remove once it comes in contact with the skin
Sharp smell. Might not be suitable for customers with chronic asthma

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3m Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200


3m Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200
If you’re looking to glue metal to wood underwater, you might want to try this one out. The 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant has remained a trusted adhesive in the glue industry for over a century. This version is a fast-cure adhesive and bonds metal to wood permanently, regardless of the situation. The 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant forms a firm and rubbery, waterproof bond without damaging materials. It can be used in your boats and other equipment that will need to be submerged under water for long periods. If you’re looking for efficiency, durability, and flexibility in application, this is easily one of your top choices.
Pros
Retains its strength below and above the waterline
Becomes completely dry within two hours
Can withstand strong elements
Features an applicator
Great value for your money
Cons
Shelf life is limited once opened
Takes several days to firm and about seven days to fully cure
Can be quite messy

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Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue

Our pick for the best and strongest glue for metal to wood is Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue. Simply put, it features extremely high bond strength, it’s impact, water, and temperature resistant, and it doesn’t even require clamping to properly set, even for vertical gluing. It might be a little hard to work with due to its viscosity, but the bond it forms is unquestionable.

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Glue For Metal To Wood – Buying Guide & FAQ

Materials That Can Be Bonded With

Always make sure that the glue in question is in fact intended for bonding metal to wood. Moreover, be sure to read the label for what kinds of metals the glue in question works for.

Below we have checked the main project cases for gluing metal to wood.

Find yours among them or ask your question in the comments!

Aluminum to wood

Aluminum to wood is a project that definitely falls into the category of metal to wood adhesive. There are many different types of glue you can use for this type of bonding, but epoxy and polyurethane-based glues seem like your best option.

Sheet metal to wood

Sheet metal to wood, like aluminum to wood, is another project that falls under the category of metal to wood adhesive. Again, there are many different types of glue you can use for this type of bonding but epoxy and polyurethane-based glues seem like your best option.

Metal Sheeting to MDF

Metal sheathing to MDF is another project that falls under the category of metal to wood adhesive. Epoxy and polyurethane-based glues seem like your best option for this type of bonding process.

Application Type

Something else to consider before making a purchase is what kind of application is required. There is spray glue metal to wood, but spray glue often makes a mess and doesn’t bond too well. It is recommended that you get a 1 or 2 part epoxy. 1 part epoxy can be applied right out of the bottle, and so can some 2 part epoxy. However, there is also 2 part epoxy which you need to mix manually before application, which can get messy, although these tend to form a very strong bond.

Bond Strength

The bond strength is going to be very important to keep in mind, especially when attempting to bond large and heavy objects to one another. It’s always a good idea to check out how much PSI the glue in question can handle once cured. The heavier and larger the objects being glued, the higher that tensile strength needs to be. On that same note, good glue should dry relatively flexible to withstand cracking and damage caused by movement.

Resistance

Something you definitely want to look for is glue that is waterproof or at least water resistant, plus being weather and temperature resistant doesn’t hurt either. A high level of impact resistance may also be required in some cases.

Clamping, Setting, & Curing

Some glues will require clamping, most in fact, whereas some, the thicker glues, may not require clamping. Not having to use clamps can be a clear advantage. Also, try to look for glue with a moderate to fast setting and curing time. The faster it dries the faster you can get to work.

Can normal wood glue be used for metal?

Generally speaking, no, normal wood glue is designed for porous materials, and most metals are not porous, and will therefore not work.

How do you glue metal to wood?

An important part is to ensure that both surfaces are very clean and dry. Apply the glue as indicated, clamp together if needed, and allow the glue to set for the indicated time as instructed.

Does regular super glue work for bonding wood to metal?

In most instances yes, normal super glue actually works quite well to glue together all sorts of materials.

What is the best brand of glue for bonding wood to metal?

Some of the most popular and trusted brand names for this particular purpose include Titebond, Gorilla Glue, and Loctite, among others.

FAQ

Will Liquid Nails bond metal to wood?

The answer clear is yes, Liquid Nails is actually one of the strongest adhesives out. This is a great construction grade adhesive for various construction projects including the bonding of metal cooler.

What other adhesives can I use to bond metal to wood?

Another option that you have at your disposal clear to simply use cement or a cement-based adhesive. this is generally the best option to go with for heavy duty construction projects where the job will need to last for a long time to come.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, as long as the glue in question sets and dries fast, it forms a bond with a high tensile strength that is water and temperature resistant, and it dries flexibly, you really cannot go wrong. Just ensure that the specific glue in question is in fact designed to bond metal to wood.

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