Gorilla Glue, An Adhesive phenomenon
Written: Aug 12 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Glues well and great for inside and outside work.
Cons: Must use solvents for clean-up
The Bottom Line: After experiencing Gorilla Glue, I'm sticking to it. It did a few around the job projects with ease, as long as I could clamp it.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Gorilla Glue |
I've always used Elmers Wood Glue as my chief adhesive along with a variety of others for specific materials and jobs. A few years back Gorilla Glue made a big splash on the market with its descriptive name and big time claims. Even so, I never gave Gorilla Glue much thought.
Recently at work this product was available and I thought I would give it a try. It claims to be an all purpose glue that's good for interior and exterior use. It claims to be good for is metal, stone, wood, ceramics, foam, glass and other materials. It also claims to be the "Go to glue for dissimilar materials.
Using the Product and Following the Steps To Repair
I had a few things that needed attention so I gave Gorilla Glue a go. We had a wooden chair with the supports loosened up. I followed the instructions being sure the surface was clean and ready. I removed some old glue that was there. (Elmer's Wood Glue) and sanded to the wood. Roughening up the surfaces to be bonded is an important step according to the instructions. That's especially true on smooth finishes like polished metals and fired ceramic finishes that something may be glued to.
Something unique to this glue is that at least one surface needs to be dampened before the glue is applied. That step somehow makes a better bond of the glue into the pores of the material being mended.
I was gluing an oak chair and the instructions note that hard, dense woods should be dampened on both surfaces. It's also mentioned to be dampened and not overly saturated. They said it could be sprayed on or with a damp cloth. I went with the cloth.
The Gorilla Glue is then applied evenly to the dry surface only. In the case with my chair I did both sides lightly.
The next step is clamping the pieces being glued together. This is important so if getting the glue at the store, be sure you pick up something for clamping before starting the project. With the chair legs I simply tied on a piece of rope and then used a stick to twist it pulling the wood together. That method works well on chair repairs.
I can't express how important clamping for at least the drying time of about 2 hours. It's the pressure of the clamping that seems to help the glue become part of the surface it's to adhere to. The full cure time is about 24 hours so have patience before using the item glued.
Gorilla glue now has a faster curing formula that is available bringing the clamp time down to about a half hour. I have used this stuff and it works well. In fact I like the fast er curing time. One of the negatives about Gorilla Glue first and basic formula is the clamping time is a bit long.
Pops Thoughts
I like Gorilla Glue. I have learned to use the stuff more sparingly than I did at first. It happens to expand and separate the surfaces a bit if not clamped tightly together. That makes the joint glued weak.
This must be cleaned with a dry cloth or a solvent. Have that ready when using this product too. I'm usually care free in gluing with my hands open to the adhesive but with Gorilla Glue I do protect them more. The glue does not come off easily.
I used this glue on the chair I talked about earlier in the review to good effect. It stayed together well. I will however try the Gorilla Glue wood formula that is now available and is water soluble. I like that kind of ease of use better than having to use solvents or having to chisel or sand excessive Gorilla Glue off a surface.
I have used Gorilla Glue for other small projects to good effect. Again though, clamping with pressure is a must for making a good joint.
Recommended:
Yes
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