If you ask any carpenter or a Do-It-Yourself kind of person, one of the biggest challenges you can face during a project is bonding wood to metal. Unlike wood to wood connections, where you can nail the pieces together, or metal to metal connections, which can be made with welding, wood to metal is a tricky proposition. Arguably, the main reason for this is that these two materials are on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of raw material composition. Compared to metal, wood is much softer and has a lower density. It also contracts and expands more than metal. All these differing characteristics make it challenging to bond metal to wood, which is best achieved using the best products for bonding wood to metal.
Therein lies the challenge. Many sealants and adhesives can bond wood to metal, but not all are effective. For the best results, you must use the best products for bonding wood to metal. Such adhesives can keep the materials strongly bonded together despite the movement of wood. With numerous options to choose from, identifying the best products to bond wood to metal can be challenging. Do you want to simplify your selection process? Read on to find out the best adhesives for wood and metal.
Table of content
1. Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue (Top Pick)
Rubber-toughened, instant adhesive resists impact, shock, vibration and temperature extremes
Ideal for metal, rubber, ceramics, wood, leather, paper and plastics
Comes in a patented, side-squeeze d...
When it comes to the best products for bonding wood to metal, Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue is head and shoulders above the rest. It has a wide range of properties that help keep the materials well-bonded, thus making it our top pick.
- It comes with a special indicator that makes it easy to apply
- It contains rubber, which makes it waterproof
- The presence of rubber toughens the glue, giving it a tensile strength of several thousand pounds per square inch (psi)
- It tolerates both high and low temperatures
- The material can be used for both outdoor and indoor applications
- It has fast setting and curing times
- This works on a wide range of materials such as leather, metal, ceramic, wood, paper, chipboard, hard plastics, cork, and rubber
- It’s challenging to spread because the glue is thick
2. Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive
Bonds: metal, glass, fabric, wood, ceramic, leather, paper, plastic, and more
Fast grab: holds in just seconds
100% waterproof: for indoor/outdoor
Permanent bond
Crystal clear
The best product for bonding wood to metal usually depends on the type of project you are doing. For smaller projects, Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive is a suitable choice. It can be used on a wide range of materials, adheres immediately after application, and sets and cures within five minutes.
Once dry, it makes a permanent bond with a clear finish that you can paint over.
- Suitable for virtually all materials
- Quick-drying
- High tensile strength but still flexible
- Water-resistant
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- It has a limited working time
3. J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy
J-B Weld KwikWeld: A fast setting version of The Original Cold Weld two-part epoxy system that provides strong, lasting repairs to multiple surfaces. Perfect for DIY household, automotive, marine, ...
If you need a quick setting adhesive with a high bond strength, the J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld is a suitable option. As the name suggests, this glue is reinforced with steel, making it a strong bonding agent with a tensile strength of 2424 psi.
After application, the J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld takes 6 minutes to set and about 6 hours to dry. Then, it forms a permanent bond that you can shape, sand, and drill.
- Can withstand high temperatures of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
- Very high tensile strength
- Fast setting and curing time
- Can be worked with after curing
- Can be used for a wide range of materials
- Cannot be mixed by hand because it makes a mess
4. 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200
3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200 is extremely strong, retains its strength above or below water line
Stays flexible
Allows for structural movement
Has excellent resistance to weathering and salt wat...
For over a century, the 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant has proven to be one of the best products for bonding wood to metal. As the name implies, it is suitable for underwater use. With this adhesive, you get a product that cures within a short time and creates a permanent bond between metal and wood.
It can be used on boats or products that will be fully submerged in water for extended periods. The adhesive also offers durability, efficiency, and easy application.
- Dries completely in two hours
- Bonding strength remains the same whether above or below the waterline
- Comes with an applicator
- Tolerant to strong elements
- Requires a few days to become firm and seven to cure fully
- Once opened, the shelf life is limited
- Can be messy
5. Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy – Best for Steel & Aluminum
Incredibly strong: 4250 psi
Sets in 10 minutes
Waterproof (bonded wood materials should not be submerged or soaked in water)
Dries Dark gray
Forms permanent bond
When dealing with aluminum and steel, consider using the Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy. This glue comes in two separate barrels for the resin and hardener to ensure it does not harden before it’s used. Being a two-part epoxy, it has great bonding strength.
This adhesive can be used in hot and cold conditions, indoors and outdoors, and in some moist conditions. One of the main reasons it ranks high among the best products for bonding wood to metal is its easy application — it comes with a syringe for precision.
After application, the Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy takes five minutes to set and produces a clear finish when dry. Other materials that can be bonded with the Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy include ceramic, glass, various plastics, tile, and wood.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Fast set time
- Produces a clear finish
- Withstands a little moisture
- Suitable only for specific metals (Steel and aluminum)
What to Consider When Choosing a Wood and Metal Adhesive
It is possible to rank the best products for bonding wood to metal based on factors such as tensile strength, temperature resistance, curing time, and the like. However, the ones that come out on top in general may not be suitable for your specific project. Getting the best products for bonding wood to metal is all about finding one that best serves your particular needs.
The responses below are not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any financial entity or advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
