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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- No clamping required
- Can be used for vertical gluing
- Works for all materials
- Withstands some moisture
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Very fast set time
- Extremely high tensile strength
- Can withstand high temperatures
- Sets and cures fast
- 100% waterproof
- Works for various materials
- Easy to dispense
- Quick drying
- Works for all materials
- High tensile strength and flexibility
- Retains its strength below and above the waterline
- Becomes completely dry within two hours
- Can withstand strong elements
- Tough enough to withstand the heat or cold
- Safe for outdoors or indoors uses
- 3x expansion rate after application
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
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.
Glue For Metal To Wood – Buying Guide & FAQ
Before you go out and choose any glue to bond metal to wood, there are some main considerations to keep in mind.
Are you short on time or just want a quick answer?
Check out our list below for a summary of our results.
- Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue
- Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy – Best For Steel & Aluminum
- J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy
- Franklin 2303 Titebond Polyurethane Glue – Waterproof Wood To Metal Glue
- Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive – Quick Drying Super Glue
- 3m Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200
- Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue
Types of Glue for Metal to Wood
If you are gluing sheet metal to wood, there are two main types of glue that you may use. These include epoxy adhesive and polyurethane glue. Both of these adhesives have their specific benefits. On one hand, you have epoxy, which is great in terms of its resistance to temperature, solvents, UV light, and impact.
That said, epoxy may become a little brittle over time, which is not ideal for long term use. On the other hand, we have polyurethane glue, which is ideal as it remains quite flexible even after curing, and it has a great deal of impact resistance too.
Generally speaking, polyurethane glue is the best option to go with here and reason for it is because it has the ability to bond different materials of various densities like metal and wood which other glues have problems doing. If you are going metal to wood, the better option to go with is polyurethane glue, not epoxy, although both will do in a bind.
Materials That Can Be Bonded
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. Not all glues will for all metals, whereas some will. Most of the glues we have reviewed here today work for bonding metal to wood, ceramics, plastics, and so much more.
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.
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.
- First off, you want to choose your construction adhesive, which in this case we would recommend is polyurethane glue.
- It is a good idea to prepare both services by cleaning and drying them prior to applying glue. You do not want there to be any dirt, dust or sediment on any of the services of this will get in the way of the glue bonding properly.
- Next, put small amount of glue to only one of the surfaces. Do not put glue on both of the surface is as this will just make a mess.
- Now you need to press the metal in the world together so the glue can actually adhere to both materials. Depending on the product that you use, you may need to click the product together for up to an hour or longer. Always read the directions on your product before doing this.
- While trying to bond what to metal, make sure that you’re not working in the sunlight or in the rain as both UV right and moisture can affect the bonding rate and strength of these types of glues.
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.
Best Glue for Metal to Wood
The top best product [hide]
Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue
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.
Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy – Best For Steel & Aluminum
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.
J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy
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.
Franklin 2303 Titebond Polyurethane Glue – Waterproof Wood To Metal Glue
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.
Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive – Quick Drying Super Glue
Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue
3m Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200
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.
FAQ
Will Liquid Nails bond metal to wood?
What other adhesives can I use to bond metal to wood?
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.
