Gorilla Glue vs. Super Glue – Which One is Stronger?

Have you ever found yourself needing to fix a broken chair, a cracked vase, or a loose cabinet door, wondering whether to reach for the super glue or the Gorilla Glue? You’re not alone. These two popular adhesives are staples in many homes and workshops, yet the confusion about their relative strength and best uses is widespread. This article aims to clear the air and provide a comprehensive comparison, so you can make informed decisions for your next project and know which adhesive is stronger and when to use each.

Understanding the Basics: What are Super Glue and Gorilla Glue?

It's important to know the basics of each type of glue to fully understand their strengths and weaknesses.

• Super Glue:

• Super glue is typically used when you need something stuck together permanently.

• It is made from cyanoacrylate, which is a fast-acting adhesive.

• It's often used for quick fixes, joining wood onto furniture, or metal work on cars.

• While it's not as strong as other types of adhesives, it is useful when limited time is available.

• Gorilla Glue:

• Gorilla Glue is a stronger, thicker variation of super glue.

• It contains no solvents, which makes its consistency thicker and stickier compared to super glue.

• It's great for long-term fixes due to its strength.

• Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane-based glue.

Comparative Analysis: Gorilla Glue vs. Super Glue

Let's compare these two adhesives in key areas to understand their suitability for different tasks.

• Bond Strength:

• Gorilla Glue generally produces a stronger hold.

• While super glue isn’t as strong, it can still be effective for many jobs.

• Drying Time:

• Super glue dries and cures faster than Gorilla Glue.

• Gorilla Glue also dries quickly, making it easy to put together and take apart parts of projects.

• Fumes and Safety:

• Super glue doesn't give off fumes and is generally safer.

• Gorilla Glue also emits little fumes and is non-toxic.

• Both are free from harmful substances.

• Durability and Longevity:

• Super glue can last longer for some applications.

• Gorilla Glue is stronger, but may peel away.

• Gorilla glue will generally last longer than super glue.

• Cost:

• Super glue is typically more expensive than normal glue.

• Gorilla Glue might cost more than super glue but is long lasting.

• Versatility:

• Super glue can be used on a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and resin.

• Gorilla Glue works well on non-porous, rigid, and smooth surfaces.

• Both are designed for indoor applications.

The Pros and Cons – Detailed Breakdown

Let's dive into the benefits and drawbacks of each glue.

• Super Glue:

• Pros:

• Quick application and removal.

• Fast drying and curing.

• Does not give off fumes.

• Can last longer than other adhesives.

• It is easy to apply and works for many jobs.

• Cons:

• More expensive than normal glue.

• Requires a stronger surface to adhere to.

• You may lose control of its strength. If using a high concentration, it may be too hard to take apart again.

• Gorilla Glue:

• Pros:

• Quick drying time.

• Stronger bond strength.

• Does not emit any toxic fumes.

• Non-toxic and safe for children and pets.

• Completely free from harmful substances.

• Can be easily peeled away when needed.

• Cons:

• Tricky to move once hardened. Be sure of positioning before applying.

• It can peel away, which can be a problem if you want it to remain in place.

When to Use Which: Practical Applications

Choosing the right adhesive depends on the project.

• Super Glue:

• Best for: Quick, temporary fixes, minor repairs, and non-structural tasks.

• Examples: Gluing broken ceramics (if not for food), fixing remote controls, and mending picture frames.

• It is useful to use cyanoacrylate with an activator for lighter materials.

• Gorilla Glue:

• Best for: Long-term, structural repairs needing a strong bond.

• Examples: Joining wood, metal, or plastic for permanent fixes.

• Gorilla Glue is suitable for construction projects.

• Waterproof Considerations:

• Neither Gorilla Glue nor super glue perform well on surfaces exposed to water.

• They are designed for indoor use because they don’t dry fast enough to stay on surfaces outside.

Advanced Considerations: Special Cases and User Insights

Beyond the basic comparison, several factors can influence your choice.

• Specific Materials:

• Choose glue based on the material you’re working with (e.g., wood, plastic).

• There are special versions of super glue that work well on certain types of plastics.

• Look at other articles on the best wood glue for your project.

• Temperature and Environment:

• For outdoor applications, use a waterproof product.

• Reddit User Insights:

• Loctite Super Glue Gel is favored for its strong bond and clear drying properties, but some users have issues with the glue drying quickly in the bottle.

• Gorilla Super Glue Gel XL is well-regarded for model building, but some users have experienced hazing or poor adhesion.

• There is a suggestion to use CA glues for woodworking rather than gel types from grocery stores.

FAQs: Addressing Questions

Here are some common questions about Gorilla Glue and super glue:

• Is Gorilla Glue stronger than super glue? Yes, Gorilla Glue generally provides a stronger bond.

• What is the difference between Gorilla Glue and Super Glue? Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane-based adhesive that is stronger and thicker than the cyanoacrylate-based super glue.

• What is the difference between Gorilla Super Glue Gel and Liquid? The gel version prevents running and allows for precise application, while the liquid may be more versatile for certain applications.

• Which is better, Gorilla Glue or Loctite Super Glue? Both are good options, but the best choice depends on the specific application. Loctite is good for general use, while Gorilla Glue is often used for structural applications.

• Can you use Gorilla Glue on plastic? Yes, Gorilla Glue can work on plastic, but there may be specific versions of super glue that work better for certain plastics.

• How long does Gorilla Glue take to dry? Gorilla Glue has a quick drying time.

• How long does super glue take to dry? Super glue dries and cures faster than Gorilla Glue.

• Is Gorilla Glue waterproof? No, neither Gorilla Glue nor super glue are designed to be waterproof.

• What is the best super glue for wood? Consider CA glues for woodworking.

• What is the best super glue for metal? Super glue is effective on metal.

• Is Gorilla Glue the same as Super Glue? No, Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane-based adhesive, while super glue is cyanoacrylate-based.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Both Gorilla Glue and super glue are useful adhesives, but they serve different purposes. Gorilla Glue is generally stronger and offers a more durable bond, but super glue may be more practical for quick, less demanding applications. The best choice depends on your specific project, the materials you’re working with, and your desired outcome.