Welcome to our guide on the best adhesive to glue metal to wood. Gluing metal and wood together in woodworking is known as bonding. More broadly, it’s the process of joining two unlike materials together to make furniture or wooden items. As a DIY-er or a professional woodworker, bonding is a skill you’ll eventually need to master, whether to make a new item or fix a damaged one. And when it comes to bonding, a strong adhesive is essential for ensuring a strong and durable connection.
| Product Image | Product Name | SimpleWoodWorking Rating | What We Like | What We Didn’t Like | Link |
 | Gorilla Two-Part Epoxy Syringe | Most Long-Lasting | – It is fast-drying (6 minutes) – It is moisture resistant – Easy to dispense and use – Compatible with various wood surfaces | – It has a strong odor – Only works perfectly with steel and aluminum | Check Price Here |
 | J-B WELD KwikWeld Steel-Reinforced Epoxy | Best Heat Resistance | – High tensile strength – Temperature and moisture resistant – Doesn’t run or drip Sets very quickly (6 minutes) – Compatible with a range of wood and metal types | – The resin and hardener need to be mixed by hand – It dries up into a dark color which may be easy to spot | Check Price Here |
 | Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control | Fastest Drying | – Easy application – Resistant to stress, temperature, and moisture – Still flexible after drying – Compatible with most metal and wood species | – Rubber-like consistency makes it hard to spread – Difficult to clean up or remove once dry | Check Price Here |
 | Adiseal Hi-Grab Extra Strong Grab Adhesive | Best Moisture Resistance | – Extra strong bonding – Waterproof – Works with a variety of metal and wood types – Doesn’t drip or spill while applying | – Doesn’t glue well to oily surfaces – Needs a caulk gun to apply properly – Glue easily hardens if the lid isn’t closed | Check Price Here |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Adhesive to Glue Metal to Wood
To the layman, there are often two important considerations when choosing glue: How strong it is and how long it takes to dry. However, in woodworking, there are a few more things to factor in when choosing glue – especially for bonding.
Adhesive strength
In fairness to said layman, the strength of glue is the primary factor to consider. Any glue used in bonding must have a high load-bearing and stress-resistance capacity. Consider factors such as load-bearing capacity, stress, and potential movement between the wood and metal components.
Compatibility
Ensure that any glue you use for your bonding is compatible with both wood and metal surfaces. Glue suitable for one or none of the materials will result in separation once stress is applied to the joint. Choose an adhesive that will bind both surfaces and create a secure joint.
Dry time
Again, the layman is right; dry time is important. This takes on extra importance if you are working with time constraints. Some adhesives products dry off quickly, which allowing you to move on to the next task. While some could take hours or sometimes up to a day for maximum binding strength.
Temperature resistance
Consider the environmental conditions the bond will be exposed to. If the bond is exposed to a high moisture or heat environment, ensure you purchase an adhesive capable of withstanding such temperature variations. This will maintain the bond’s integrity over time.
The Best Metal To Wood Glue
There is no shortage of glue options on the market. Even when you consider the factors above, a lot of products still qualify for a metal and wood bonding project. Choosing just one from the available options might be challenging, but worry not; we are here to help you decide. Here’s a list of the very best, with some pros and cons of each product:
Gorilla Two-Part Epoxy Syringe (Most Long-Lasting)
The Gorilla two-part epoxy syringe is one of the most popular options on the market for metal-to-wood bonding. As expected of a Gorilla product, this glue is popular for its bonding strength, and it’s very effective at holding wood and metal together. The glue has a 6-minute dry time, giving you enough time to properly adjust and position your pieces. The glue also comes in two syringes, one with resin and one with the hardener. This makes dispensing very easy.
Pros
- It is fast-drying (6 minutes)
- It is moisture resistant
- Easy to dispense and use
- Compatible with various wood surfaces
Cons
- It has a strong odor
- Only works perfectly with steel and aluminum
Verdict: The Gorilla two-part epoxy syringe is arguably the strongest glue for metal to wood on the market. It’s a near-perfect solution for your bonding needs and other gluing tasks around the home. The only downside is if the metal you wish to use isn’t made of aluminum or steel, as this product won’t glue as strongly on other metals. This product should be your first choice if the metal is made of aluminum or steel.
J-B WELD KwikWeld Steel-Reinforced Epoxy (Best Heat Resistance)
Next on our list is the J-B WELD KwikWeld Epoxy Glue, known for its resistance to high temperatures. This product can withstand heat up to 230 degrees and is water-resistant when fully dried and cured. This makes it perfect for bonding outdoor woodwork. Like any epoxy adhesive, the hardener and resin need to be combined in a 1:1 ratio. The glue dries in roughly 6 minutes and takes 5-6 hours to set.
Pros
- High tensile strength
- Temperature and moisture resistant
- Doesn’t run or drip
- Sets very quickly (6 minutes)
- Compatible with a range of wood and metal types
Cons
- The resin and hardener need to be mixed by hand
- It dries up into a dark color which may be easy to spot
Verdict: the J-B WELD KwikWeld Epoxy Glue is the best metal glue on our list and a great alternative to the Gorilla Two-Part Epoxy Syringe. Particularly if you’re working with a metal other than steel and aluminum where the Gorila product does’nt excel. Wear some nitrile or protective gloves to reduce the mess, and so your hands won’t instantly stick together while mixing.
Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control (Fastest Drying)
The Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control is a rubber-enforced instant adhesive that’s also common in wood and metal bonding. This product has a gel formulation, but due to its rubber-like thickness, it won’t rip or spill when applying it. The packaging and tiny tip also make it easy to dispense and gives you control of where and how much glue is used. It may be difficult to remove if it dries on your skin; hence, wearing protective gloves and wiping any spillages quickly is important. The drying time is around 1 minute, but the glue remains flexible for a few hours.
Pros
- Easy application
- Resistant to stress, temperature, and moisture
- Still flexible after drying
- Compatible with most metal and wood species
Cons
- Rubber-like consistency makes it hard to spread
- Difficult to clean up or remove once dry
Verdict: The Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control is highly recommended if you’re working with a time constraint. The glue dries in just a minute and remains firm but can be adjustable before it sets. This product isn’t as functional as the Gorilla two-part epoxy syringe or the J-B WELD KwikWeld Epoxy Glue but provides a solid alternative.
Adiseal Hi-Grab Extra Strong Grab Adhesive (Best Moisture Resistance)
Adiseal Hi-Grab Extra Strong Grab Adhesive is another great adhesive option. This product is highly functional; it does its job of gluing metal to wood efficiently, and the process is hassle-free. One of the product’s perks is its excellent bond strength. The glue is made of a thick paste and creates a strong grip. It’s also highly versatile and can function in dry and wet conditions – even underwater. The Adiseal Hi-Grab Extra Strong Grab Adhesive comes with a caulk gun for application; manually squeezing the glue isn’t effective.
Pros
- Extra strong bonding
- Waterproof
- Works with a variety of metal and wood types
- Doesn’t drip or spill while applying
Cons
- Doesn’t glue well to oily surfaces
- Needs a caulk gun to apply properly
- Glue easily hardens if the lid isn’t closed
Verdict: The Adiseal Hi-Grab Extra Strong Grab Adhesive has a similar bond strength level to the Gorilla two-part epoxy syringe. It’s one of the strongest wood glues on the market. This glue is very versatile and recommended if your bonding is exposed to moisture often.
Safety Precautions When Glueing Metal to Wood
When working with adhesives to bond metal and wood, it’s essential to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth and hazard-free process. Here are some key safety precautions to keep in mind:
Ventilation
Work in a ventilated area or use proper ventilation equipment such as fans or windows. This helps to prevent the accumulation of fumes or vapors from the adhesive, ensuring a healthier working environment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wear the appropriate PPE to safeguard your eyes and skin from splashes or drips. This is because adhesives can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Read and Follow Instructions
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines for each product. Adhesives may have specific application methods to be followed to ensure proper bonding.
Avoid Skin Contact
Minimize direct contact between the adhesive and your skin. If accidental contact occurs, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water. Some adhesives may require specific solvents for removal, so refer to the product instructions in case of skin contact or spills lots of moisture.
Conclusion
That’s it for our guide on the best adhesive to glue metal to wood. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworking pro or a beginner, metal-to-wood bonding is a valuable skill to have in your arsenal. If you use the right glue and follow the safety measures, the bonding process should be a breeze.
Our top pick for a metal-to-wood glue is the J-B WELD KwikWeld Epoxy Glue. It has the bonding strength and durability you want in an adhesive and also works on a wide range of metal and wood surfaces.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.
