The Best Super Glues Tested in 2023

Ever-popular Gorilla Super Glue Gel works well on various surfaces including metal, wood, ceramic, stone, and even brick. The gel formula is specially designed for porous surfaces and for vertical surfaces where a liquid glue would run, creating a mess. With a fantastic bonding time of 10 to 45 seconds without clamping, this super glue is an excellent option for almost any project.

Gorilla Super Glue Gel performed exactly as described in our tests, bonding with metal, wood, and most plastics. The product description said it would not work on polyethylene plastic but we tried it anyway—and, nope, it didn’t hold. We did like the bottle’s precision tip because it allowed us to apply the glue exactly where it was needed, like on a mug handle, without creating a mess. We were impressed with its quick bonding time and strong hold. Overall it’s an excellent all-around super glue to keep in the tool drawer for almost any household repair job.

Product Specs

• Available sizes: 3, 15, 20, and 25 grams
• Bonding time: 10 to 45 seconds
• Applicator: Precision tip

Pros 

• Gel formula prevents the glue from oozing out too quickly
• Gel consistency prevents the glue from running down the object after application
• Only a small amount is needed to bond many materials

Cons

• Somewhat difficult to get the glue to flow at times

Get the Gorilla super glue gel at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Target, or Walmart.

This pack of a dozen 2-gram, single-use tubes from The Original Super Glue Corporation bonds wood, ceramic, metal, plastic, and many other surfaces. Each single-use tube is intended for one quick fix requiring a small amount of glue, such as fixing a loose screwdriver handle—just apply where needed and toss the tube when done. While this isn’t the best-packaged super glue on the market, its short dry time of10 to 30 seconds, bargain price, and overall effectiveness make it a handy product to stash in a utility drawer or tool box.

The Original Super Glue passed our testing, mostly with flying colors. It created strong bonds on metal, wood, glass, ceramics, and many plastics. The only surface it did not work on was porous wood. It also proved challenging to control the flow of the glue from the tube—it tended to run over and get all over our fingers. Though impressed with the bonding ability and affordability, we suggest having a debonder on hand.

Product Specs

• Available sizes: 2 grams per tube, total of 12 tubes
• Bonding time: 10 to 30 seconds
• Applicator: Precision tip

Pros

• Paintable and sandable after 24-hour cure time
• Handy storage case neatly holds all 12 individual containers
• One-time-use tube size allows for quick use and disposable instead of sticky storage

Cons

• Does not bond to porous surfaces like wood
• Hard to control the flow of the glue, and it’s easy to squeeze out more than needed

Get The Original Super Glue at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Having an all-purpose super glue around makes quick work of repairing various surfaces. The 3M Scotch Super Glue Gel is a multipurpose, quick-bonding glue that works on several surface types, including wood, leather, metal, ceramics, rubber, and some plastics.

The super glue features a cap with a small needle in the interior that inserts into the precision tip, preventing it from getting clogged up with glue after each use. The gel formula makes it easy to see the glue once applied and doesn’t run down the object’s sides. Each tube of glue is 2 grams, which isn’t a lot, but you don’t need much; a little glue goes a long way. Its size also makes it ideal for single-use applications.

We used the glue on all the surfaces the manufacturer said it would glue, including leather scraps, wood dowel pieces, metal fasteners, broken ceramic mug handles, rubber gaskets, and all types of plastics. However, the 3M Scotch Super Glue Gel does not bond polyethylene plastic. But since it bonds most surfaces, it’s a good, inexpensive super glue to keep on hand for quick repairs. The glue is not food-safe, so it should only be used on surfaces that do not come into direct contact with food.

Product Specs 

• Size: 2 grams
• Bonding time: Instant
• Applicator: Precision tip

Pros

• Instantly bonds to most surfaces including wood, metal, leather, ceramic, rubber, and some plastics
• Features an anti-clog cap that prevents the glue from clogging at the opening
• Precision tip helps direct glue to exactly where you need it to go
• The fast-drying gel formula makes it easy to apply to surfaces

Cons

• Bonds instantly; there is no opportunity for readjusting materials once it’s applied

Get the 3M Scotch super glue at Amazon (2-pack),Target (4-pack), or Walmart (2-pack).

This glue features a unique formulation that works on plastic, metal, stone, fabric, paper, and rubber, among other materials. It dries in less than 45 seconds to a clear finish that helps make repairs undetectable.

This super glue was our top pick for the best glue for ceramics because it is easy to control the amount of glue with its specialty applicators. The gel glue features two nozzle options: a fine-bristle brush and a precision-tip nozzle. The brush works well for smaller repair jobs like reattaching small pieces of ceramic back onto vases, while the precision-tip nozzle accurately dispenses glue to repair fine cracks on delicate items such as decorative porcelain cups.

The glue also passed our glue tests on other materials including glass, wood, plastic, and metal. Like all Gorilla super glues, this adhesive does not work on polyethylene plastics. The gel formula makes it easy to apply and even readjust if needed. However, this glue is not intended for application on surfaces that come into direct or indirect contact with food.

Product Specs 

• Size: 10 and 12 grams
• Bonding time: 10 to 45 seconds
• Applicator: Precision tip and brush

Pros

• Gel formula is easy to see when dispensed, making application more precise
• Bonds in 10 to 45 seconds, so there is some time to adjust the materials if needed
• Features an anti-clog cap with a metal pin inside to ensure an airtight seal

Cons

• Rim of container can get messy when reinserting the brush applicator
• Strong odor when wet; requires use in a well-ventilated space

Get the Gorilla brush & nozzle super glue at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue features amazing bonding properties, especially for adhering metals together. The glue forms an ultra-strong, effective bond and also increases resistance to water, shock, vibration, chemicals, and impact, making it ideal for metal surfaces and outdoor use. It bonds in 15 to 30 seconds, fully cures within 24 hours, and once dry is nearly invisible and can easily be sanded and painted.

We found that the Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue performed exceptionally well in testing. It quickly created a strong bond between metal surfaces when we tested it on zinc, stainless steel, and plain steel fasteners. It also bonds wood, glass, and plastic. Like all gel super glues, it did not work on polyethylene plastic, and as indicated by the manufacturer, it did not work well on glazed surfacessuch as glazed pottery and tiles. However, the standout feature of this product was the side-squeeze dispenser that gave us complete and accurate dispensing control.

Product Specs 

• Available sizes: 4 grams
• Bonding time: 15 to 30 seconds
• Applicator: Precision tip

Pros

• Gel glue works on porous surfaces such as wood, chipboard, and leather
• Side-squeeze bottle makes it easy to control the flow of the glue
• Water- and impact-resistant once fully cured

Cons

• Not suitable for use on glazed surfaces such as glazed pottery or tiles

Get the Loctite Ultra Gel super glue at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Ace Hardware.

Small, intricate projects call for the fastidious application of Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue. The no-mess applicator boasts ridged rubber grips on either side for secure, nonslip handling in precision situations. The fast-setting formula bonds to plastic, wood, metal, ceramic, and more in 45 seconds or less and is highly resistant to impact.

The Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue features a side-squeeze dispenser (similar to Loctite’s Ultra Gel), which gives the user more accurate dispensing control. However, Gorilla’s bottle is longer, so we found it more comfortable to hold, and as such, even easier to control. The glue’s precision tip made it easy to apply the adhesive to tiny areas on tiny plastic toy figurines. The gel super glue is the same formula as all the other Gorilla super glues, so it performed similarly and did not work on polyethylene plastic.

Product Specs 

• Available sizes: 5.5 and6 grams
• Bonding time: 10 to 45 seconds
• Applicator: Precision tip

Pros

• Side-squeeze design makes it easy to control the flow of the glue
• Gel formula is easy to see, so users know exactly where the glue is going
• Bottle is small but very comfortable to hold and grip

Cons

• Not designed for use on projects where clamping is needed, such as larger repairs

Get the Gorilla Micro Precise super glue at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.

Krazy Glue provides a fast, strong bond at a budget-friendly price. It bonds almost instantly and works on a variety of surfaces including ceramics, metal, vinyl, wood, and all plastics, including polyethylene plastic. It has a brush applicator that is easy to control and gives excellent coverage. Krazy Glue also features a no-clog cap to help keep the glue fresh and the brush bristles from sticking together.

Krazy Glue proved to be remarkably strong and effective, and only a small amount is needed to create a solid bond between surfaces. In testing, we found that the glue works on virtually all surfaces, including some hard-to-bond, smooth plastic surfaces. Krazy Glue successfully bonded eyeglass frames, pieces that broke off a toy playset, and PVC pipe. Krazy Glue is also easy to dispense and control with its brush applicator. Although the package indicates it has a 10- to 60-second set time, we found that the bond was nearly instantaneous.

Product Specs 

• Available sizes: 5 grams
• Bonding time: 10 to 60 seconds
• Applicator: Brush

Pros

• Can work on items made with hard-to-bond plastic, such as PVC pipe
• Only a tiny amount of glue is needed to bond many materials
• Brush applicator makes it easy to apply glue precisely where it’s needed

Cons

• Sets incredibly fast, making it nearly impossible to adjust if a mistake is made

Get the Krazy Glue super glue at Amazon.

Loctite Glass Glue is the go-to choice for the most common glass repairs. It is formulated for use on all clear, colored, stained, and tinted glass. It features a pen-tip applicator and dries with a crystal clear, colorless finish. It’s also water-resistant and dishwasher-safe.

Loctite Glass Glue did indeed bond all types of glassware to each other. In testing, we found that cleaning the surface first resulted in a stronger bond on the glass vases and stemware we repaired. The glass glue also worked on metal and plastic. It does not, however, work on porous surfaces. Although the adhesive is advertised to work on drinkware, it is not food-safe. The manufacturer recommends only using the glue to fix broken stems, handles, or other glass parts that do not come into contact with consumables.

Product Specs 

• Available sizes: 2 grams
• Bonding time: 15 to 60 seconds
• Applicator: Precision tip

Pros

• Bond is dishwasher-safe and water-resistant once fully cured
• Works on multiple surfaces including some hard-to-bond materials like metal and some plastics
• Dries clear and colorless making it perfect for delicate repairs on clear or tinted glass

Cons

• Not food-safe; it should only be used on surfaces that do not come into contact with consumables

Get the Loctite Glass super glue at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Aleene’s Super Fabric Adhesive allows users to create costumes and alter everyday wearables, accessories, and crafts without sewing. The glue dries clear and does not yellow over time. It creates a maximum-strength but flexible bond on cotton, denim, nylon, elastic, vinyl, and other fabric types. It can be used to attach various embellishments such as beads, sequins, and lace. Best of all, once cured, the adhesive is machine washable.

In testing, Aleene’s Super Fabric Adhesive performed precisely as described. It formed durable bonds on various types of fabrics including felt, leather, cotton, and vinyl, and it held embellishments such as sequins, beads, and buttons steadfast. It even held up to washing and drying. The only con we found during testing is that the applicator tip makes it hard to dispense the glue when you only need a little. However, this adhesive is a must for crafters who like to customize their clothing or any DIYer who wants to hem pants or curtains without using a sewing machine.

Product Specs 

• Size: 1.5 ounces
• Bonding time: 2 to 6 hours
• Applicator: Precision tip

Pros

• Secure bond holds even after washing and drying once cured after 72 hours
• Creates a flexible, clear bond when dry that resists yellowing over time
• Adheres to a variety of natural and synthetic materials for a wide range of applications

Cons

• Large tube opening on the glue can hinder precise application

Get Aleene’s super glue at Amazon, Michaels, or Joann.

Rubber is notably challenging to bond because it is flexible and nonporous. Gluing rubber to other smooth surfaces, such as plastics, requires a glue that creates a near-instant bond without damaging the surface. The 3M Scotch-Weld adhesive is formulated to create a durable bond between most rubber and plastic surfaces.

The glue has a slightly thick consistency and a precision-tip applicator that aids in precise application to surfaces. Its cap is designed with a small needle inside (similar to the 3M gel adhesive above) that helps keep the adhesive fresh and prevents clogs in the applicator. It bonds in 15 seconds and cures to a clear finish in 24 hours.

We used the 3M Scotch-Weld adhesive to glue various types of rubber, including floor mats, gaskets, jar seals, and pencil erasers. The glue quickly bonded rubber to rubber surfaces and rubber to most plastics. The only plastic surface it didn’t bond to was polyethylene plastic, but 3M specifies that you must prepare a polyethylene plastic surface with an adhesive activator for the glue to bond. Despite that, we liked how easy it was to control the glue’s flow, thanks to its low viscosity and precision-tip applicator. It doesn’t have a strong smell, which made it pleasant to use indoors.

Product Specs 

• Size: 20 grams
• Bonding time: 15 seconds
• Applicator: Precision tip

Pros

• Forms a strong bond on many types of nonporous rubber and plastic substrates
• Features a precision tip with an anti-clog cap for careful application from the bottle
• The low-viscosity formula does not run down vertical surfaces

Cons

• Only works on polyethylene plastics with the aid of an instant adhesive activator

Get the 3M Scotch-Weld super glue at Amazon.

When working with super glue, it’s always wise to have a debonder on hand. Bob Smith Industries Debonder dissolves cured cyanoacrylates, which is the adhesive substance in super glues, in about a minute. It works on bonded skin and materials. However, since cyanoacrylates are acrylic plastic, this debonder is not suitable for use on plastics.

We tested this debonder on our own fingers and it did soften up the glue enough to break the bond. However, it did not really remove the glue; to do that, acetone must be used. We also tested it on cured super glue between metal and glass and it performed well, removing the super glue as we hoped, but it did not work well on porous wood.

Product Specs 

• Size: 1 ounce
• Bonding time: Debonds in 30 to 120 seconds
• Applicator: Precision tip

Pros

• Debonds cyanoacrylate-based glue from surfaces in a minute or less
• Does not damage skin when use precisely as recommended by the manufacturer
• Only a small amount is needed to debond many materials

Cons

• Only works on cyanoacrylate-based glue and does not debond contact cement

Get the Bob Smith Industries super glue remover at Amazon, Walmart, or HobbyTown.