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Does Gorilla Glue Work on Metal?

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Written by: Jeremy Sanchez

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Does Gorilla Glue Work on Metal?

Gorilla Glue works very well on metal, specifically the heavy-duty Gorillaweld steel bond epoxy. 

GorillaWeld is a Gorilla Glue adhesive in a much stronger format. The formula of this adhesive offers a 4250 bond strength and sets as fast as 10 minutes. 

GorillaWeld is:

  • Waterproof 
  • Versatile 
  • Forms a long-lasting permanent bond to metal 

The Original Gorilla Glue also works on metal. 

Keep reading to discover more about Gorilla Glue’s bond on the metal. 

Does Gorilla Glue Work On Metal?

Generally, both Polyurethane glue (Gorilla Glue) and Cyanoacrylate glue (Gorilla Super Glue) work on metal. 

When you glue any type of material, there are always other factors to consider, which will tell you which glue is best for the project. These other considerations include how quickly you need the glue to cure, in what environment the project will be (outdoors, indoors, high moisture levels), and others. 

Gorilla Glue has several products. 

Which specific Gorilla Glue you will need also depends on whether you want to glue:

  • Metal to metal 
  • Metal to rubber 
  • Metal to velcro 
  • Metal to plastic 
  • Metal to glass
  • Metal to wood 

If you want to use Gorilla Glue on metal, gorillaweld is generally your best option. 

Here is everything you need to know about GorillaWeld:

  • 4250 PSI strength (this is incredibly strong) 
  • Waterproof 
  • Dries dark grey 
  • Forms a permanent bond 
  • Sets in 10 minutes 
  • Easy to use 
  • Application temperature: 32 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Service temperature: -40 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit 
  • Comes in 2 parts: resin and hardener – it requires mixing 
  • It doesn’t expand or shrink when cures 
  • It is great for filling gaps 
  • Can be used outdoors 
  • It is freeze and thaws stable 

GorillaWeld is also:

  • Paintable 
  • Sandable 
  • Drillable 
  • Shapeable 
  • Stainable 

Here is how to use GorillaWeld:

  1. Clean the surface well – remove all stains, debris, or dust 
  2. If the surface is smooth, use sandpaper to roughen it up
  3. Remove the caps from both tubes – you can puncture the foil seal with the top of the cap 
  4. Use a disposable cup and dispense the same amount of resin and hardener into it 
  5. Mix them well together with a clean and disposable tool (wooden stick) until you get a uniform color 
  6. Apply this mixture onto the surface within 3 minutes of mixing 
  7. Spread the mixture evenly 
  8. Align and press the two surfaces together 
  9. Use clamps to secure them in place 
  10. Let it fully cure for 24 hours 

Keep in mind that the curing time may change depending on the temperature, how much glue you have applied, and humidity levels. 

If you don’t have clamps to secure the surfaces, use alternative tools such as tape, rope, elastic bands, weights, etc. 

How To Glue Metal To Metal With Gorilla Glue

Epoxy glue is best for gluing metal to metal, which is GorillaWeld. 

Here are some of the advantages of using an epoxy adhesive for bonding metal to metal:

  • Provides a very strong and durable bond 
  • It is weather-resistant 

Before you apply Gorilla Glue to the metal, clean the surface well. Remove any stains, debris, oils, or dust. 

Once both surfaces are properly cleaned, sand them well to create better adhesion. 

Keep the two metal surfaces clamped while the glue fully cures. 

How To Glue Metal To Rubber With Gorilla Glue

Cyanoacrylate-based Gorilla Glue works best for gluing metal to rubber, which is Gorilla Super Glue. 

Here is all you need to know about Gorilla Glue Super Glue:

  • Impact tough formula 
  • High strength 
  • Quick set time 
  • Provides a long-lasting repair
  • Dries clear 
  • Dries within 10 to 45 seconds 
  • Increased impact resistance 
  • Resistant to wear and tear 
  • Anti-clog cap with a metal pin inside to ensure an airtight seal for maximum reusability each time 

Follow these steps to glue metal to rubber with Gorilla Glue Super Glue:

  1. Clean both surfaces 
  2. Apply a small amount of Gorilla Super Glue to one surface (about 1 drop per 6.5 cm2)
  3. Align and carefully press the 2 surfaces together 
  4. Keep pressing them while securing them in place for about 45 minutes
  5. Allow the glue to cure for 24 hours 

Gorilla Super Glue does not provide a waterproof bond. If you need the bond between the metal and rubber to be waterproof, choose Gorilla Contact Adhesive. 

Gorilla Contact Adhesive:

  • Is 100% waterproof 
  • Flexible 
  • Fast-setting 
  • Applies and dries crystal clear 
  • Provides a strong permanent bond 
  • Paintable 
  • Repositionable 
  • Holds in seconds 
  • No-run formula 

Follow these steps to glue metal to rubber with Gorilla Contact Adhesive:

  1. Prepare both surfaces by cleaning them properly – remove any stains, debris, or dust 
  2. Apply Gorilla Contact Adhesive to both surfaces 
  3. For a repositionable bond, wait approximately 1 minute after application, then press the two surfaces together – depending on the surface type, you should be able to reposition the surfaces for 2 to 4 minutes
  4. For maximum strength bond, wait about 2 minutes after application, then join and press the two surfaces together 
  5. Press firmly 
  6. Allow the glue to cure for a minimum of 24 hours – curing time will be even longer at lower temperatures and on non-porous surfaces 

To create better adhesion, use sandpaper to roughen both surfaces before applying the glue. 

How To Glue Metal To Velcro With Gorilla Glue

Gorilla Contact Adhesive is the best choice for gluing metal to velcro indoors and outdoors. 

Follow the steps described above to glue metal to velcro. 

How To Glue Metal To Plastic With Gorilla Glue

The specific answer depends on what type of plastic you want to glue metal. Different types of plastics require different types of adhesives. 

Generally, epoxy glue will do a great job of gluing metal to plastic. And it won’t be surprising that Gorilla Glue has an epoxy adhesive for this job. 

Here is what you need to know about Gorilla Epoxy adhesive:

  • It is a 2-part adhesive 
  • It dries crystal clear 
  • Gap-filling
  • Provides a strong long-lasting bond 
  • Comes with a built-in syringe that dispenses equal amounts of the resin and the hardener 
  • Sets in 5 minutes 
  • Water-resistant 
  • Withstands extreme temperatures 

Follow these steps to glue metal to plastic with Gorilla Epoxy glue:

  1. Clean both surfaces – remove any stains, dirt, debris, and dist 
  2. Use sandpaper to roughen up the surfaces 
  3. Remove the stir stick
  4. Snap the sealing cap off while keeping the nozzle pointing upward 
  5. Slowly push the plunger to eliminate the air
  6. Once the resin and hardener reach the tip, dispense them into a clean, disposable surface 
  7. Mix well together for about 20 seconds – the epoxy will most likely warm up, this is a normal reaction 
  8. Apply the epoxy glue within 5 minutes of mixing – the longer you wait, the weaker the bond strength will become 
  9. If there is any excess glue, remove it right away with a dry cloth 
  10. Press the two surfaces together 
  11. Clamp them together for a minimum of 30 minutes 
  12. Allow the glue to fully cure for 24 hours 

Gorilla Epoxy glue is not recommended for polyethylene and polypropylene plastics (or similar plastics). 

How To Glue Metal To Glass With Gorilla Glue

If you want to glue metal to glass, your best two options are Gorilla Super Glue and Gorilla Epoxy glue. 

If you want time to reposition the surfaces after you applied the glue and pressed them together, go with Gorilla Epoxy Glue. 

You can follow the exact steps described above on applying both adhesives. 

How To Glue Metal To Wood With Gorilla Glue

To glue metal to wood, you need Gorilla Glue or Gorilla Wood Glue. 

Metal and wood are such different materials, they differ very much in porosity and density, so using the right glue is key to achieving a strong, long-lasting bond. 

Here is what you need to know about Gorilla Wood Glue:

  • It is water-resistant (D3)
  • Offers a strong and fast bond for a variety of wood surfaces 
  • Great for both indoors and outdoors 
  • Easy to use 
  • Dries a natural color
  • Features an anti-clog applicator 
  • Grip time is around 20 to 30 minutes 

Follow these steps to glue metal to wood with Gorilla Wood Glue:

  1. Prepare both surfaces by cleaning and drying them 
  2. Use sandpaper to roughen up both surfaces for better adhesion
  3. Apply a generous amount of glue to the surface 
  4. Align and press the two surfaces together 
  5. Keep the surfaces clamped for a minimum of 30 minutes 
  6. Allow the glue to cure for at least 24 hours 
  7. Remove the clear applicator tip from the tube to clean glue residue or build-up 
  8. Close the cap tightly
  9. Store at room temperature 

If there is excess glue, remove it with a clean cloth while it is still wet. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use GorillaWeld on plastic?

GorillaWeld works on some plastics but doesn’t work the best on polypropylene and polyethylene types of plastic. It also doesn’t work well on any type of rubber with a high plasticizer or oil levels. 

How should I mix GorillaWeld?

Mix equal parts of the resin with equal parts of the hardener until you get a uniform color, for about 20 seconds. 

How to store GorillaWeld?

Store GorillaWeld in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. 

Can I Use GorillaWeld on a vertical surface?

You can use GorillaWeld on vertical surfaces as it doesn’t snag. 

Is it normal if GorillaWeld becomes hot when mixed?

Yes, mixing GorillaWeld resin and hardener causes an exothermic reaction which will cause it to become hot. 

How long does it take for GorillaWeld to harden?

GorillaWeld usually hardens about 3 minutes after application. 

Is Gorilla Super Glue different from Gorilla Glue Original?

Gorilla Super Glue is a cyanoacrylate adhesive, and Gorilla Glue Original is a polyurethane adhesive. 

Gorilla Super Glue doesn’t foam, and it doesn’t require moisture to activate its drying and curing properties, while Gorilla Glue Original does. 

What is the temperature range for Gorilla Super Glue?

Once cured, Gorilla Super Glue remains strong and durable between -53 and 104 degrees Celsius. But you should apply it at room temperature. 

Is Gorilla Super Glue waterproof?

No, Gorilla Super Glue is not waterproof. 

What is the temperature range for Gorilla Contact Glue?

When cured, Gorilla Contact Glue holds between -20 and 50 degrees Celsius. The application temperature needs to be between 10 and 32 degrees Celsius. 

What is the shelf life of Gorilla Contact Adhesive?

The approximate shelf life of Gorilla Contac Adhesive is about two years unopened and 6 to 9 months opened. 

Do I need to use clamps for Gorilla Epoxy glue?

Yes, clamps help the glue bond correctly. 

Why has my epoxy not been set yet?

If the epoxy hasn’t been set yet, this may be because the part of resin and the part of hardener were not equal amounts. 

How can I clean a clogged Gorilla Wood Glue tip?

Use a clean damp cloth to wipe it out if it is wet. If the glue has dried, remove the cap, pull off the clear nozzle, then use a toothpick to push out the dried glue and rinse with clean water. 

What is the temperature range for Gorilla Wood Glue?

Gorilla Wood Glue can hold between -18 and 66 degrees Celsius when cured. You should apply it at room temperature. 

Can Gorilla Wood Glue be used on stained or painted surfaces?

Using Gorilla Wood Glue on a painted or stained surface can result in a weak bond or a failure in the bond. It is meant to be used directly on the wood surface. 

Can I thin Gorilla Wood Glue?

You can thin Gorilla Wood Glue by adding water, but no more than 5% weight. 

Conclusion

Gorilla Glue works on metal. 

Gorilla Glue offers various products to offer a strong long-lasting bond based on the surfaces you need to bond with the metal.

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