You can easily and effectively glue wood without clamps by implementing a couple of strategic techniques, such as:

• Masking tape 
• Super glue 
• Rope
• Weights (heavy objects)
• Brad nails (only with a Brad Nail gun)
• Ratchet straps 
• Carjack 
• Rubber bands 

Depending on the size and shape of your project, some of these effective alternative solutions will work better than others. 

For example, rubber bands will work to secure two small pieces of wood together, but they won’t be a helpful technique when it comes to large projects. 

This guide will walk you through each technique step by step, so you know exactly how you get the job done, achieving the best results without clamps. 

How To Glue Wood Without Clamps Using Masking Tape

Masking tape is easy to use and offers a very effective solution when you glue smaller to medium pieces of wood together. 

Once you apply the glue to the wood and press the two pieces together, secure them in place with masking tape. Make sure you wrap the masking tape around the two pieces, not just on one side. 

As you wrap the masking tape on the wood, make it as tight as possible while fully pressing the wood pieces together. 

Leave the masking tape on your project until the wood glue fully cures. Then remove it. 

Remember that masking tape will hold the two wood pieces together, but it won’t apply as much pressure as may be needed. 

How To Glue Wood Without Clamps Using Super Glue

Using super glue to glue wood without clamps has proven to be a simple, easy, and, most importantly, effective technique. 

Follow these steps:

1. Once your wooden surface is properly prepared, cleaned, and fully dry, apply the wood glue leaving some gaps in between the application 
2. Roughen up the surface so the glue will adhere better, creating a stronger bond 
3. Add a few drops of super glue where the gaps are 
4. Align and press the wood items together, holding them in place for several seconds (super glue dries in about 10 – 45 seconds, depending on how much you used)
5. Once the super glue dries, it will hold the two pieces of wood in place while the wood glue is drying and curing 

Do not replace the wood glue with super glue. You still need to use wood glue on wood. 

Super glue holds the wood in place while the wood glue is working its magic. 

How To Glue Wood Without Clamps Using Rope (Or A Bungee Cord)

Ropes or bungee cords are great if you are gluing bigger pieces of wood together. They are strong and can be tightened around the wood. 

This method is as easy as it sounds. 

Follow these simple steps:

1. Apply the glue to the wood after you have properly prepared the wood 
2. Align the wood surfaces and press them together 
3. Grab the rope or bungee cord and wrap it around your project – be careful not to shift them out of place 
4. Secure them in place as tightly as you can
5. Leave the rope or bungee cord on until the wood glue fully cures 

How To Glue Wood Without Clamps Using Heavy Objects

If you are working on an even surface, adding heavy objects on top of your project (as long as the structure and shape of it allow it) is such an easy and simple solution that yields effective results. 

After you apply the glue and press your pieces together, add objects that are heavy and can add that pressure on top of your project while the glue is curing. 

You can use weights or items that have the proper weight for your projects, such as books, decorations, rocks, paint cans, and many other objects. 

Your options are almost endless with this technique. You can use objects and items you have at home. 

This technique is great for wider and larger projects. Just make sure to distribute the weight evenly. 

How To Glue Wood Without Clamps Using Brad Nails

Only implement this technique if you have a brad nail gun. Otherwise, you will need to hammer in the nails, which isn’t the best, as this can cause the wood pieces to shift and wiggle out of place. 

The Brad Nail Gun can insert the nails easily, quickly, effectively, and with great precision and accuracy. 

First, apply the wood glue to the surfaces you need to bond together. Press them together in alignment. 

Use the Brad Nails Gun to insert the nails to secure the wood pieces. 

Once the glue fully cures, you do not remove the nails. You leave them in. 

This will give added structural support for your project that will hold well over time. 

How To Glue Wood Without Clamps Using Ratchet Straps

Ratchet straps are similar to the rope technique, but it is better because the ratchet allows you to tighten the straps very easily, as tightly as you need to. 

The ratchet system can apply pressure to the joints that other techniques, such as masking tape, super glue, or rope, cannot. 

The steps are very similar to what has already been described. 

Follow these steps to glue wood without clamps with ratchet straps:

1. Apply the glue to the properly prepared wood surfaces
2. Press the wood pieces together 
3. Wrap the ratchet strap around your project 
4. Ratchet very slowly; otherwise, you risk buckling the structure if you apply too much pressure 
5. Slowly apply enough pressure to tighten the joints together

When working with softwood, remember that tightening the ratchet straps too much can cause the wood to bend. 

How To Glue Wood Without Clamps Using A Carjack

This technique works if you need to apply downward pressure on your project. 

A carjack works similarly to clamps. 

Apply the glue to your wood surface after you have prepared them properly (cleaning and drying). Then, press them together. 

For safer and better results, use a block of wood between the carjack and your glued wood to ensure that even pressure is applied. 

Keep the carjack in place until the wood glue fully cures. 

How To Glue Wood Without Clamps Using Rubber Bands

Only use the rubber bands technique on small and light projects. 

Follow these steps:

1. Clean the wood surfaces to remove any stains, debris, or dust, and allow them to dry 
2. Apply the wood glue to the surface and spread it evenly with a soft-bristled brush 
3. Align and join the glued items together 
4. Wrap rubber bands around the glued joints – the more rubber bands you use, the stronger the support will be 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does wood glue take to dry?

The precise answer depends on the following factors: the type of wood, the amount of wood glue used, humidity levels, the temperature, and the type of glue used. 

Generally, wood glue can dry in about 30 minutes and requires a minimum of 24 hours to cure fully. 

Is wood glue waterproof?

Some wood glues have a waterproof formula, but not all types are waterproof or water-resistant. 

How to make wood glue waterproof?

To make your bonded project waterproof, apply a waterproof sealant. You may need to apply more than one layer depending on the project and the environment it will be in. 

Is wood glue water-based?

Generally, wood glue is water-based. 

Is wood glue water soluble?

Usually, wood glue is water soluble. 

Conclusion

Now you know that you can easily and effectively glue wood without clamps. You can choose from various tested and proven techniques. 

Choose the technique that offers your project the best support, weight, or pressure points.