When bonding two things together of different material structures, things can get rather tricky. This is especially true if attempting to glue together something rigid like metal to something with a bit of flexibility like rubber. Fortunately, many brands have formulated specialized glue to suit this type of complex bonding. Here are our favorite options for the best glue for rubber to metal bonding.
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- Strong bond
- Control tip
- Heat resistant and waterproof

- No clamping needed
- Dries crystal clear
- Waterproof

- No-mess tip
- Thicker formula
- Dark Color for Blending

- Unique rubber particle formula
- Anti-clog cap
- No-run gel formula

- Very effective bond
- A little goes a long way
- Works well in high impact areas
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Amazing GOOP 160012 Automotive Adhesive
When bonding rubber to metal, you ideally want a glue that will create a tough, longlasting bond while still accommodating for the flex and potential movement of the rubber. Amazing GOOP Automotive Adhesive does this wonderfully, securing rubber pieces in place on smooth metal surfaces without creating potential bond failure scenarios through rigidity.
The brand claims that their product is more effective than even silicone for battery terminals against corrosion, sealing windshields, and sealing headlights and that the glue is strong enough to hold screws in place, seal hoses, and repair vinyl seats, among other tasks.
It can even be used to insulate electrical wiring due to its level of curing and bond. As a sealant for internal and external automotive components, you can trust that the bond created will be a lasting, effective one.
The no-mess tip makes it easy to apply this product precisely where you want it to be placed and makes the clean-up after bonding much less intensive. Additionally, it is heat resistant and all-around excellent for use in a wide range of automotive situations.
If you need a lasting bond that will keep a piece of rubber in place indefinitely in automotive applications or otherwise, this is a solid choice and definitely worth the overall top pick title!
Features:
- Durable Bond
- No-Mess Tip
- Heat Resistant
Glue For Rubber to Metal – Buying Guide
When selecting a glue to use for rubber to metal bonding, you want something that will work without much mess and fuss but there are other factors to consider. Let’s look over what makes a product one of the best rubber to metal bond products.
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Check out our list below for a summary of our results.
Types of Glue for Rubber to Metal
The best glue for bonding rubber to metal your number one choice is a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive. There are many reasons why this is considered the best glue for bonding rubber to metal. One of the reasons why this type of glue is the preferred choice is due to its high bonding strength. In terms of, in terms of impactors instance, this is one of the strongest glues out there. It’s strong, it’s permanent, and it is extremely durable.
OK, so for all of you people that actually don’t know this, this type of glue, the name we have used here, is actually the technical name for super glue, also known as crazy glue. Yes, folks, that is right, if you’re looking to bond rubber to metal, your best choice is super glue.
Moreover, there is also the fact that this type of glue is ideal in terms of thermal stability, or in other words, it resists temperatures very well. Extreme hot and extreme cold will not really affect how strong this glue ends up being. In the grand scheme of things, when it comes to being waterproof, UV resistant, durable, impact resistant, and more, this is one of the very best choices out there. And this is true whether you’re gluing rubber to metal or rubber to any other surface.
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How to Glue Rubber to Metal
When gluing rubber to metal, there are a few things to keep in mind, mainly concerning the integrity of the rubber material and the grit of the metal. To add a bit of grip, try lightly sanding the metal surface so the glue has a better surface to hold onto. From there, you should lightly wipe down the surface to remove dirt and dust that could interfere with the contact of the two pieces.
Select one of the specifically designated rubber to metal bonding adhesives and carefully apply a bit to each piece. Stick the rubber and metal together and hold it or clamp it in place until it has stuck fully.
How to Glue Silicone Rubber to Metal
Silicone rubber has a very smooth surface, making it extra tricky to fully connect with the metal. To attach these two items, follow the same basic directions in regards to prepping the surfaces but take extra care to select an epoxy rubber to metal bonding agent. This will help create a very strong bond despite the very smooth and slick surface area.
How to Glue Rubber to Aluminium
Again, the process is very similar. Due to aluminum’s structural nature, it is important to wash the area to be glued with mild soap and water, rinsing well. From there, lightly sand the aluminum then clean it again and apply the epoxy glue as you normally would.
Why is Rubber So Hard to Glue?
Rubber is a widely used product and, due to this, the specific makeup of each piece varies. Some have slippery agents, some have chemical additives to preserve color or shape. You may get one piece of rubber that is very flexible and another that is so stiff you cannot easily bend it. This means that when you order rubber as someone with no knowledge of what exactly is inside of the piece on a molecular level, you do not know exactly what you are getting.
This means that glue for rubber and other similar surfaces will have to be able to create a holding area via slight abrasion. Otherwise, the glue simply would not be able to hold onto the slick area and would not create a bond strong enough to be productive or effective.
Where to Use Glue for Rubber to Metal
Something else you might be wondering here is for what sort of applications you might use glue to bond rubber to metal. Well, one of the main applications that this might be used for is in the automotive industry.
For instance, if you have to adhere a piece of rubber to your metal car frame, then this type of glue is something that you would use. This type of glue can also be used if you’re gluing rubber to metal for the purposes of arts and crafts, for home repairs, or for any other such purpose. Remember folks, Cool is a very versatile thing, one that can play replacement screws and nails.
The Best Glue for Rubber to Metal
There are a lot of different fantastic rubber to metal bonding glues on the market. These were selected due to their high reviews, pricing, and effectiveness. Any of these would be a fantastic choice that would serve most projects well. Let’s look at the benefits and pitfalls of each and what real-life reviewers have said about the formulas.
The top best product [hide]
Amazing GOOP 160012 Automotive Adhesive

This product can be used on a wide range of automotive or non-automotive rubber to metal bonding applications due to its sticky, thicker formula. The flow control tip helps make repairs easy to pull off and creates the perfect tip for smaller spaces. All around, this is an amazing product worth having on hand. Just be sure to avoid skin contact, as some reviewers note it is an irritant and can be tricky to get off once it dries on clothing or skin.
Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive

Moreover, another big benefit of this particular glue is the fact that it is 100% waterproof and this means that you can use it for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Yet another benefit that you might appreciate is the fact that this glue dries crystal clear, so you can't see it once it's dry, and moreover once it is dry, it forms a very permanent bond that is nearly impossible to break.
- Fast Grabbing
- Dries Clear
- 100% Waterproof
Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant

The brand also notes that this product is weather, water, and vibration resistant, making it suitable for automotive use or where it will contact the elements or potential bumps and knocks. As a durable bond, you do not have to worry about this product slipping, sliding, or breaking, allowing for a secure, trustworthy adhesion once the product is cured fully. As a silicone adhesive, this is one of your best options, especially for tight spaces due to the skinny control tip.
Loctite Liquid Professional Super Glue

3M Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive

Gorilla Super Glue Gel

Pasco Strongest Glue for All Materials

Glue For Rubber to Metal FAQ
Will silicon stick to metal?
What kind of glue works on metal?
Does hot glue work on rubber?
Does super glue work on rubber?
Conclusion
When working with metal and rubber, adhesives can be tricky. Smooth surfaces are notably difficult to glue and can form bonds that degrade over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market that will provide a lasting, strong adhesion!