Super glue is not a hot adhesive, but in some cases, it gets hot when moisture in the air causes a chemical reaction that results in the molecules heating up. 

This generally happens with resin-based adhesives. Once the chemical reaction happens and the glue gets hot, it generally fuses together quickly and cools off. 

This heating and cooling process often causes the adhesive to form a strong and quick bond. 

But this heating up of the molecules isn’t safe for all types of materials. 

Keep reading to discover which materials can handle this heating reaction and which don’t respond well. 

Super Glue: Which Types Of Materials Can’t Take The Heat

Super glue is known for providing a strong bond very fast. It is used to glue together almost endless objects and materials. 

Super glue is a cyanoacrylate adhesive. It comes in a liquid or gel format. 

Once you open the tube and the glue comes in contact with the constant moisture or water vapor in the air, it activates the glue’s bonding properties. 

As soon as super glue is exposed to air, it will start to dry and bond. 

As handy as super glue is, the heating element isn’t ideal or recommended for all types of materials. 

For example, if super glue gets hot on some of the following types of materials, it can melt them:

• Silk 
• Polystyrene 
• Some plastics 
• Others 

Super glue getting hot generally won’t affect the following types of materials:

• Metal 
• Paper
• Rubber
• Wood 
• Plastics that are heat resistant 
• Others 

But what happens when super glue gets on a surface you don’t want to be on, such as your eyelids or lips? 

If you accidentally get superglue on your skin or any other surface, you can remove it. 

Because Super Glue is water-based and moisture causes it to harden and bond, trying to wash it off with water won’t do the trick. 

But some very effective remedies will work great. Plus, they are easy to use. 

Super Glue: The Creative And Unconventional Uses

Everyone knows that if you accidentally break something in the house, it is super glue to the rescue. It is easy to use, and it bonds fast. 

But there are so many creative ways to use super glue, so we’ll share some of them here in hopes that they will inspire you. 

Because maybe it will come in handy in situations you never thought of using super glue. 

Here are some creative and uncommon ways to use super glue besides gluing back together a broken decoration. 

1. Fix handles 

If you are a handyman who loves working with tools, this trick may come in handy one day. 

Any tool that has a rubber handle can get loose over time. If you have a screwdriver that you use all the time, the handle may come off at one point. 

You can use super glue to attach the handle back on to ensure it won’t slip off again.

2. Seal a licking hose 

Nobody wants to waste water. So when your garden hose (or any other hose) starts to leak because of a hole or tear, you can use super glue to seal it. 

Ensure you have the water turned off, so it isn’t actively leaking when applying the glue. 

For a lasting bond, clean the hose area before applying the glue to it. If the surface is very smooth, roughen it up to create a stronger adhesion, resulting in a stronger and more in-depth bond. 

3. Repair a tear in the tent 

If you go camping, pack super glue with you. 

You don’t want the rain to catch you with a tent that has a tear in it. 

If the tear in your tent is very small, you can easily glue the material back together. If there is a bigger tear, use a heavy-duty piece of fabric to seal the tear and prevent rain from getting inside your tent. 

4. A quick fix for shoes

You can use super glue to fix some wear and tear on your shoes quickly. 

Before you apply the glue, clean the surfaces well. Make sure you remove any stains, dust, dirt, or debris. 

For a stronger bond, roughen up the surface where you apply the glue. 

5. A trick in woodworking 

If you are doing a woodworking project on your own, and you need to keep pieces together without them sliding or moving around, and you don’t have someone to help you, use glue. 

You can use super glue to attach two pieces of wood so they won’t move. 

6. Closing cuts

Super glue has been used many times to close cuts in the skin. Today, this isn’t recommended to do with regular Super Glue. 

If you need glue to close some cuts or wounds, you should use medical-grade Super Glue. 

7. Gluing a broken plate 

It is common knowledge that Super Glue can fix many broken things. 

If a decoration in your house accidentally breaks, a kitchen plate, or the handle of a mug (and many other objects), you can glue the broken parts back together with super glue. 

8. Fix broken glasses 

If you have an expensive pair of glasses, including sunglasses, that you accidentally broke and you don’t want just to throw out, you can use super glue to fix the situation. 

You can also use super glue to fix many other accessories, such as hair clips or jewelry. 

9. Repair frying cords, such as phone chargers 

Frying cords are very frustrating. No one wants just to buy new ones that will also end up in a frying state. And we get it. 

If you apply super glue to the frying part of the cords or even to the ends of the frying ropes, this will end it. 

10. Gluing a shower caddy in the shower

If you have a shelf that you want to add to your shower but you don’t want to make holes, you can glue it to your shower wall. 

Make sure you use water-resistant or waterproof glue. Otherwise, the glue will be weakened by the water and moisture over time. 

11. Repair minor tears in the car

If there is a small tear in the seat of your car, you can fix it will super glue. This will prevent the tear from getting bigger.

How To Store Super Glue After Use To Maximize Its Shelf Life

You need to know how to store Super Glue correctly to prevent it from drying up inside its tube and prolong its shelf life for as long as possible. 

Here is how you can protect and even increase the usable life of super glue after you have opened it:

1. After each use, wipe down the lid and nozzle of the tube to remove any glue spill to prevent the lid from getting glued to the nozzle- you need to do this quickly, so the glue inside the tube doesn’t start to dry
2. Immediately place the lid back on the tube and squeeze it tight 
3. Place the tube inside a ziplock bag
4. Store it in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources 

Conclusion

Super Glue gets hot because of a chemical reaction when it comes in contact with moisture. 

Keep this in mind if you are planning on using super glue on sensitive materials that can melt easily, such as silk.