Metal Glue to the Rescue – You Don’t Always Need Professional Help
Metals are incredibly strong and tough, yet there are occasions when they do break. When this happens, many feel that they need to hire a professional to repair it adequately.
The truth is that glues have evolved to where they can adhere two metal surfaces together, adding strength for both repair and reinforcement. If you have a metal item that is loose or even completely broken, a good metal glue can come to the rescue and provide a great repair. Let’s explore this in more depth.
Metal and Glues Haven’t Always Gelled
Traditionally, household glues weren’t really designed for metal. Metal is non-porous by nature and as such glues just couldn’t bond two bits of metal together. This is why if you use a conventional glue with metal, it simply won’t work.
Glues have now been developed that can bond non-porous materials together.
Types of Metal Glue
These days, there are different types of metal glue suited to specific tasks and types of metal. Like other glues, there are glues for heavy and light duties and everything else in between. Let’s explore the different types of metal glue in more depth.
Epoxy Adhesives
This glue is great for DIY jobs around the home. It comes in two parts, adhesive and hardener. When applied, the two parts combine to provide a strong bond between metal surfaces or metal and concrete. As well as bonding two surfaces together, epoxy adhesives can be used to fill gaps in either metal or stone where necessary.
One of the reasons they are a great DIY glue is that they bond in minutes.
Polyurethanes
This type of glue is great when it has to perform in extreme heat or cold. The glue itself requires moisture to set but once it has, it provides a strong bond between surfaces and can be painted, sanded, and stained.
The glue is waterproof and UV resistant which means it operates well on items, such as saucepans and oven doors and radiators. One great thing about this glue is that it never becomes brittle which provides more strength and practicality for repairs.
Super Glue
Ethyl cyanoacrylate based, most super glues will bond metal surfaces together. Drying almost instantly they are ideal for quick repairs that require light duty. The glue can’t fill gaps, however, but it can do almost anything else.
Applications
The better glue manufacturers have developed different ways of applying glue to surfaces. It is possible to apply some glues drop by drop allowing for very precise, close work, and operates on a pressure sensitive system. If you can get your hands on this type of glue, it’ll work on wood, rubber, and a host of other materials including metal.
No Need for Welding
Traditionally, if you wanted to stick two pieces of metal back together, say a cast iron railing or pipes, it would be a welder’s job to melt and fuse the metal together. Those days are coming to an end as it is possible to use a fast-drying glue to do such a job.
Fast-drying glue has a non-drip gel formula which means you can use it from a vertical position, which is extremely convenient. It is ideal for securing bolts, fixing non-porous to non-porous surfaces, and everyday repairs to guttering and lawnmowers for example.
Fixing Your Bike
In the old days should two bits of metal work come loose on your bike, it was an extensive repair sometimes resulting in the bike being scrapped altogether. Chances are now that you may be able to repair your own bike by just using a strong glue.
To fix your bike do the following:
- Prepare the environment– Ensure that you do the repair outside or in a well-ventilated area. Make sure you are wearing latex or nitrile gloves as anything else is unsuitable. Finally, cover the area beneath the bike to catch any spills.
- Prepare surfaces– Make sure the two metal surfaces fit together and then clean both surfaces with a damp cloth. It is important to remove any dirt, dust, oil, fingerprints, grease or wax. Once clean and ready to go, moisten both surfaces with the damp cloth to help the bonding process.
- Apply the glue– Apply the glue generously to both surfaces and hold them firmly in position. It is not the end of the world if you position them incorrectly as there is still time to adjust for the perfect fit.
- Drying– A good glue will bond firmly in about one minute but leave to dry overnight for a more secure bond before use. Before you go for a longer ride give your bike a short outing to make sure the bond is secure.
- Clean up – Mop up any spills using white spirit or acetone.
Whether repairing a bicycle or something around your home, a good glue should always be in your toolbox.