Deciding which metal glue to use is always harder than it should be. It is an essential tool in limitless applications and there are many glues in the market to choose from. However, based on durability, hold, and curing time, the best glue for metal is the J-B Weld 8271 Reinforced Epoxy.
I’ve worked with metalwork for over a decade, and have tested hundreds of glues for the best bond. Having found a winner for creating immovable metalwork and filling screw holes, I’m confident that I can help you find the best metal glue for your project.
Adhesives are science in themselves. You’ll find that many glues have weak cohesive forces or are simply intolerable for their strong odor.
Before starting this guide, I bought aluminum, wood, plastic strips, and a variety of metal adhesives. I aimed to test each glue’s strength and durability and determine its best application. So, I proceeded to test them in load-bearing home applications.
Let’s dive in.
The Strongest Metal Glue in Every Application
| Product Image | Product Name | SimpleWood Working Rating | What I Like | What I Didn’t Like | Link |
  | J-B Weld 8271 Reinforced Epoxy | Best Metal to Metal Adhesive Glue | – 5-minute bond, 6-hour full cure – File, saw, paint after curing – Anti-drooping formula – Metallic filler for added strength | – It has a strong odor profile – It isn’t shockproof | Check Price Here |
 | Sikaflex 292i Multipurpose Adhesive | Best for Marine Applications | – Highly viscous for bonding large gaps – UV and weather-resistant – Permanently elastic for flexibility and durability | – Dries in the cartridge, causing dried glue – Difficult to squeeze without a battery caulk gun – Adheres to cloth and skin, leaving a residue | Check Price Here |
 | Loctite Ultra Gel Control | Best for Small Applications | – Tip and grip design for easy dispensing – Elastic, no-drip gel formula minimizes waste – Flexible formula strengthens the bond – Mess-free, non-crusty cap | – Removal becomes challenging as glue level decreases – It has a long curing time | Check Price Here |
 | Loctite Premium Max Construction Adhesive | Best for Metal to Concrete Bonds | – Easy tube dispensing – Up to 2 hours of repositioning time – Thick consistency for an air-tight seal – Waterproof formula for harsh weather conditions | – It has a strong odor profile – It doesn’t work well with painted surfaces | Check Price Here |
 | PC-7 Epoxy Adhesive Paste | Best for Metal to Wood Bonds | – It has a low odor-profile – 2-hour repositioning time – Anti-brittleness elastic formula – Sandable, drillable, paintable – Easy cleaning with hot water and soap | – The consistency is much stiffer than ordinary epoxy – It has a long curing time | Check Price Here |
 | Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy | Best for Metal to Plastic Bonds | – It sets within 5 minutes – It utilizes self-leveling technology – It dries transparent | – It has a pungent odor – It isn’t sandable – Doesn’t hold up in high heat | Check Price Here |
Top 6 Strongest Metal Glues for an Unbreakable Bond
I used 2×2 aluminum strips to test the metal to metal glue for adhesive and peel strength. Then, prying the plastic, wood, and concrete bonds, I tested for adhesive or cohesive failure.
I gave 24 hours to fully cure before recording my findings in my rubric. Here’s what I found:
Best Ultimate Strength/ Metal to Metal Adhesive Glue- J-B Weld 8271 Reinforced Epoxy
Two words for the J-B Weld 8271 Reinforced Epoxy: instant gratification. Here’s why it trumps the rest:
- Compared to other epoxies, it dries and cures in a short time
- It is designed with a filler to avoid drooping in vertical applications
- You can file, saw, and paint it
I tested the adhesive on a galvanized metal watering can and 2×2 aluminum strips, and it bonded in 5 minutes.
Before mixing, I warmed both compounds to 120F with a hair dryer before coating my substrates. However, I wouldn’t mix too much at a time because 5 minutes goes by quickly when you struggle to mix epoxy.
I could adjust the substrate’s positions for up to 2 hours after application, a bonus for tricky projects like mine. After 24 hours, It was bullet-hard and ready to be tested.
The aluminum strip broke before the seal, and my watering can is as good as new.
The J-B Weld 8271 Reinforced Epoxy is one Hercules of a metal to metal epoxy. Subsequently, I learned of its metallic filler that improves strength and heat resistance and prevents drooping. So it is ideal for vertical and non-flat surfaces.
What I Liked
- It bonds in 5 minutes and fully cures in 6 hours
- It can be filed, sawed, and painted
- Anti-drooping formula
- Incorporated metallic filler for extra strength
What I Didn’t Like
- It has a strong odor profile
- It isn’t shockproof
Best for Weather-exposed Applications – Sikaflex 292i Multipurpose Adhesive
I needed an impermeable adhesive resistant to weather and UV radiation. Since the Sikaflex 292i Multipurpose Adhesive was built to withstand marine weathering, it was an easy pick for installing my new camper window.
I let it harden for 10 hours and met an excellent bond. The consistency is stronger than silicon-based adhesives, so a battery caulk gun effortlessly extracts the adhesive. The high flexibility and mechanical load make it a case of “no pain, no gain”.
The adhesive is difficult to remove from skin, so I used disposable gloves to avoid a sticky situation. Take care because it never leaves without a residue, my trusty solvent and silicon remover helped me tackle spills and adhesive beams.
Opened cartridges should also be used in a few weeks otherwise they’ll harden in 2 to 10 months.
Based on my experience, it is an indestructible adhesive for weather-exposed cases like sealing plugs on roof outlets or pools.
When Sikaflex has hardened, it is bomb-proof!
What I Liked
- It is highly viscous, which makes it ideal for bonding large gaps
- It can withstand UV rays and harsh weather
- It is permanently elastic, boosting flexibility and resistance
What I Didn’t Like
- It dried, leaving me with dried glue in the cartridge
- The consistency is hard to squeeze without a battery caulk gun
- It sticks to cloth and skin and leaves a residue
Best for Small Applications – Loctite Ultra Gel Control
The name of the game for the Loctite Ultra Gel Control glue is control. My young daughter is rough on her toys, so I needed a strong, non-toxic bond for metal bits on her action figures.
Having a gel-like consistency, the Loctite Ultra Gel Control eliminated “glue anxiety” and the race to get the dripping glue where I wanted. Its rubber-infused technology also creates a flexible bond that resists twisting and pulling.
Less porous surfaces take longer to bond, but it stuck in 40 seconds and cured in 24 hours. However, this was after degreasing the surface with rubbing alcohol and roughening with sandpaper.
For an urgent job, you can use an accelerator like Bob Smith Insta-Set to help cure the bond faster
To test peel strength, I used glued 2×2 galvanized sheet metal and had a very difficult time getting them apart. The bond eventually broke after significantly denting the sheets.
Between being flexible and strong, it works great. Get the Loctite Ultra Gel Control, and you’ll never go back to the drippy stuff.
What I Liked
- Effective tip and grip design for easy dispensing
- Elastic, no-drip gel formula strengthens bond and avoids waste
- The flexible formula strengthens the bond
- The cap stays mess-free and doesn’t get crusty
What I Didn’t Like
- It gets difficult to remove glue when it starts running low
- It has a long curing time
Best for Metal to Concrete Bonds – Loctite Premium Max Construction Adhesive
The Loctite Premium Max Construction Adhesive is my winner for metal to concrete bonds. I used it to reattach a metal fixture to my outdoor concrete birdbath and met an immovable seal.
Hoping for a waterproof seal, I prepped the metal and slathered it with the pasty adhesive. The product grabs hold of the surface, allowing me to reposition the bond for up to two hours.
24 hours later, the cured adhesive was smooth, gray, and immune to the fingernail test. I also noticed that the Loctite Premium Max Construction Adhesive doesn’t develop air pockets, creating an airtight seal between the metal and concrete. However, be sure you’re using bare metal because it doesn’t work well with painted surfaces.
After rain showers and kids bumping into the bath, the bond is very much stuck in place.
What I Liked
- Comes out of the tube with little effort
- Its repositioning time is up to 2 hours
- Its thick consistency creates an air-tight seal
- Its waterproof formula is suited for harsh weather conditions
What I Didn’t Like
- It has a strong odor profile
- It doesn’t work well with painted surfaces
Best for Metal to Wood Bonds – PC-7 Epoxy Adhesive Paste
The strength of the PC-7 Epoxy Adhesive Paste surpassed my wood substrate. I used it to attach two metal handles to wooden window shutters, so I needed the glue to withstand the freezing winters and hot summers of Minnesota.
I used a 1.5-inch putty knife to mix the two pasty consistencies before spreading. Think toothpaste or caulk.
24 hours later, there was minimal flexibility but after 48 hours it was fully cured to a dark gray color. By now, I could sand the putty knife marks and paint the glue to match the shutters.
The adhesive’s elastic formula prevents brittleness, which is crucial to my project because there’s so much movement between the handle and the wood. It also has a 2-hour readjustment time, which gave me plenty of time to work before the epoxy sets.
Due to the glue’s strength, be careful when sanding to avoid scouring the wood. It’s a classic case of “suffering from success”.
What I Liked
- It has a low odor-profile
- It has a 2-hour repositioning time
- It has an anti-brittleness elastic formula
- It can be sanded, drilled, and painted
- It cleans easily with hot water and soap
What I Didn’t Like
- The consistency is much stiffer than ordinary epoxy
- It has a long curing time
Best for Metal to Plastic Bonds – Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy
The Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy exceeded my expectations with a steel-like bond. I needed to stick my wife’s fidget spinners to a metal pegboard, so I searched for a child-proof seal.
I prepped the metal with 40-grit and denatured alcohol to prep it. After mixing equal parts to a honey-like consistency, I had 5 minutes to apply the epoxy before it thickened and set.
The quick setting time and 24-hour curing time were a plus because the site is a high-traffic area. I recommend using nitrile gloves because it’s hard to remove from skin, and the goopy consistency gets everywhere. Just don’t mix more than you need or you’ll end up with a rubbery blob.
Aside from the immovable bond, the transparent formula and self-leveling nature win my heart. With a 5-minute window, I needed all the help to mix the epoxy before thickening.
What I Liked
- It sets within 5 minutes
- It utilizes self-leveling technology
- It dries transparent
What I Didn’t Like
- It has a pungent odor
- It isn’t sandable
- Doesn’t hold up in high heat
Which is the Strongest Metal Glue Overall?
After testing each metal glue, my overall best is the J-B Weld 8271 Reinforced Epoxy.
It is the best adhesive for metal to metal bonding, not to mention surfaces like wood, concrete, and plastic. Bonding in 5 minutes and curing in 24 hours, it also trumps other glues as the best for quick projects.
It is also designed with metallic filler to strengthen its hold and prevent drooping, so it excels in vertical surface application.
However, I’d recommend prepping the tools before mixing the J-B Weld 8271 Reinforced Epoxy because 5 minutes runs fast when epoxy is thickening,
The Buyer’s Guide to Choosing Immovable Metal Glue
Choosing metal glue requires some calculation to guarantee the right pick. Here are some factors to consider:
Adhesive Strength
The adhesive strength of your glue determines the durability of its bond.
Hot glue might hold small bits of jewelry but it won’t create a lasting metal-to-concrete bond. Similarly, epoxy is overkill for kids’ metal crafts.
Let the purpose of your craft guide you toward choosing the right metal glue.
Viscosity
Your glue’s viscosity determines its strength, versatility, and suitability.
Viscous compounds like epoxy and putty tend to hold better than thin, runny formulas like super glue. From the glue’s texture, I often know whether it’s a good fit for filling gaps in wood floors.
As a rule, joints and crevices benefit more from runny glues while sockets and gaps are better suited to epoxy-like adhesives.
Drying Time
Need I say more? Choosing a slow-drying adhesive can ruin an urgent project or stall a high-traffic area.
When choosing a metal glue, ensure that the drying and curing time lines up with your project.
Thick adhesives may set fast but often need 24-48 hours to fully set. However, cyanoacrylates (super glue) will cure between 1-3 hours.
Environmental Exposure
Environmental exposure can make or break an adhesive’s lifespan.
For instance, outdoor bonded surfaces encounter dust, harsh weather, and extreme temperatures. So, it is essential to check if your metal glue can withstand the great outdoors by checking reviews.
Shelf Life
The shelf use of an adhesive tells me how many uses I’ll get.
For example, quick-drying adhesives like super glue rarely last longer than 8 weeks in the cupboard. Contrarily, I get several uses from epoxy tubes over 1-3 years.
My Sikaflex 292i Multipurpose Adhesive has been in my workshop for over 18 months.
Sandability and Stainability
Sandability and stainability are crucial factors because they help you readjust the cured glue’s color.
While some glues dry clear, many others dry grey, brown, beige, and black. You can avoid the uneven color patch by searching out stainable glues from the get-go.
Stronger than Steel
Welding usually provides the strongest bond for metal substrates. However, metal glue follows closely behind with the best being the J-B Weld 8271 Reinforced Epoxy.
If your non-negotiables are strength, fast curing time, and sandability, you should give it a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Strength of Super Glue?
Super glue, or cyanoacrylate, has a tensile strength of up to 4,000 psi. Despite its powerful bond, super glue has many disadvantages like brittleness, poor peel strength, temperature limitations, and bonding to skin. So, unless it’s been modified with fillers, super glue is a temporary fix for many bonding projects.
Is Metal Glue as Strong as Welding?
Welding is superior to metal glue because it uses high heat to melt and fuse the parts. However, some adhesives like the J-B Weld 8271 Reinforced Epoxy come close in strength and durability. Metal glues are popular among artisans and DIYers for curing faster than other techniques like welding and screwing.
How Strong is Hot Glue on Metal?
Hot glue, much weaker than CA or epoxy, isn’t a good alternative for bonding metal. It isn’t suited to smooth surfaces like metal, or granite because it is susceptible to cracking and brittleness. Hot glue leans more toward simple crafts than high-strength applications
What is the Best Glue for Metal and Rubber?
The best glue for metal and rubber is the Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy. Stronger than hot glue, it fuses both surfaces into one structural unit in minutes. It uses a self-leveling technique to support its short setting time, eliminating “glue anxiety”. Unlike many epoxies, it also dries transparent.
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