10 Best Glue for Metal to Wood of 2023

There are many types of glue to choose from, but not all provide a permanent bond when sticking metal and wood together. This is because some adhesives only stick well on one material or the other – so you’re left with no reasonable option if your project involves both.

This article will discuss the best ways to select glue for metalworking projects and how it can provide you with an incredible bond between different materials while also being user-friendly.

Top 10 Glue for Metal to Wood Comparison Table

ImageNameItem VolumeCompatible MaterialRating (1-5)
1. Loctite-2436364 Ultra Gel Control Super Glue41 MillilitersWood, Leather, Ceramic, Metal, Rubber4.7
2. J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy2 Fluid OuncesWood, Fiberglass, Ceramic, Concrete, Metal4.6
3. Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy2.1 Fluid OuncesWood, Glass, Ceramic, Metal4.6
4. Liquid Nails LN700 Small Projects and Repairs Adhesive4 Fluid OuncesWood, Brick, Ceramic, Concrete, Metal, Stone4.6
5. J-B Weld 8281 Professional Size Steel Reinforced Epoxy147.8 MillilitersWood, Fiberglass, Ceramic, Concrete, Plastic, Metal4.7
6. CATPALM 7000 Super Glue Industrial Strength Adhesive1.8 OuncesWood, Glass, Paper, Ceramic, Plastic, Metal, Fabric4.2
7. MMOBIEL T-8000 Multipurpose High Performance Industrial Glue110 MillilitersWood, Glass, Paper, Leather, Ceramic, Plastic, Metal, Rubber, Stone4.3
8. Loctite IDH# 2474240 Construction Adhesive9 OuncesWood, Plywood, Osb, Mdf, Hardwood Floors, Concrete, Stone, Granite, Marble, Tile, Slate, Masonry, Brick, Foam, Xps, Porcelain, Metal, etc.4.6
9. Krazy Glue KG92548R Instant Krazy Glue0.18 OunceWood, Leather, Ceramic, Plastic, Metal, Rubber4.6
10. Starbond EM-150 Cyanoacrylate Adhesive Super Glue60 MillilitersWood, Fiberglass, Leather, Ceramic, Plastic, Metal, Rubber, Marble, Carbon, Stone4.7

Things to Consider When Buying Glue for Metal to Wood

The best glue for sticking metal and wood together is not a straightforward answer. Some factors to consider to ensure you get the correct adhesive for the job. 

Here are some of the things to consider when choosing glue for projects involving metal surfaces:

1. Type of Glue

Different types of glues can be used to bond metal to wood, each with its strengths and weaknesses. These include epoxies, cyanoacrylate-based adhesives, and polyurethane-based glues. 

Epoxy is arguably the best glue for metal to wood, but you should use a two-part solvent-free epoxy for projects involving bonding metal to wood. Two-part epoxy is strong, waterproof, and resistant to heat, chemicals, humidity, and other elements.

The downside of epoxies is that they cure very slowly and can take more than one day to dry fully, which can be inconvenient when working on large projects. 

Polyurethane-based glues are another remarkable option when sticking metal to wood. They are moisture-resistant and cure quickly while providing high adhesion. However, you must be cautious when working near open fires because they are highly flammable. 

Commonly known as superglues, cyanoacrylate-based adhesives are another great option. They help glue almost anything, but some options are designed to deliver excellent results for metal-to-wood bonding.

The best thing about cyanoacrylate-based adhesives is that they are easy to use and deliver instant results. As for weaknesses, superglues create weaker bonds and may have an unpleasant smell for some people. 

The best type for you will depend on the project you have in hand. Generally, epoxies deliver remarkable results and are ideal for large projects because they have low open time. 

2. Materials You are Bonding

When buying glue for bonding metal to wood, you also want to make sure it is suited for the metals you want to stick to wood. Typically, manufacturers indicate what kinds of metals the glue works for.

Even so, it is safe to say that epoxy and polyurethane-based glues work best for most projects. They will deliver excellent results when bonding aluminum, metal sheeting, and metal sheeting to wood. 

Of significance, using polyurethane-based adhesives is discouraged when working with copper as the fumes from the adhesive can result in reaction and corrosion. 

Cyanoacrylate-based glues deliver immediate results but create a weak bond. 

3. Application Type

Most glues are designed with dispensers, allowing for easy application and minimizing the chances of making a mess. You should not assume the type of application because not all glues come with dispensers. 

There is spray glue which poses a higher risk of making a mess. For this reason, professionals recommend spray glue for metal to wood. Some two-part epoxy options must be mixed manually before application and may not be ideal for DIYers with little experience. 

When it comes to making a decision, choose a glue that you can apply without hassles. It is common knowledge that glues with dispensers are easier to use. 

4. Resistance to Elements

Before making any purchase, check if the glue in question is resistant to elements. Of course, the level of resistance you need will depend on the project.

The best glue for metal to wood should be waterproof and resistant to heat and other chemicals. In some cases, you may need glue that can withstand high pressure. 

5. Bond Strength

Measured in pounds of force per square inch (PSI), the strength that a particular type of glue can create is crucial to consider before making a purchase. This is extremely important when bonding large and heavy products. 

To ensure you buy suitable glue for your project, it is always a good idea to check out the PSI the glue can handle when it cures. 

Generally, the heavier and larger the metal and wood to be glued, the higher the tensile strength needs to be. An ideal option should seal and fill all gaps very well to minimize lines of weakness and dry relatively flexible to withstand cracking and potential damage that can occur due to movement. 

6. Clamping, Setting, and Curing

Most glues require clamping to create a reliable bond. Other options, especially thick adhesives, do not necessarily require clamping. For this reason, if you are buying glue that requires you to use clamps, make sure you have or can access them. 

Also, pick a glue metal to wood glue with a reasonable setting and curing time. The glue that dries faster will allow you to get to work within a short while. However, this doesn’t mean you should use glue that delivers inferior results because you want to get to work as soon as possible. 

Top 3 Best Glue for Metal to Wood Reviews

When it comes to bonding metal to wood, here are some of the glues you can consider:

1. Loctite-2436364 Ultra Gel Control Super Glue

Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue is arguably the best adhesive glue you can use to stick metal and wood together. It has been in the market for over 50 years and has earned the trust of those using it.

Besides wood and metal, Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue can also be used on leather, ceramic, rubber, and plastic surfaces.

The glue is toughened by rubber, making it possible to glue items quickly as it sets within 30-60 seconds. You will have enough time to correctly align all parts you need to glue together before the one-minute drying time elapses.

The glue has a flexible bond that ensures no breakage of parts once it dries. In addition, you don’t need to clamp pieces together when using this glue because it does not leak or drip off the position where it has been applied.

This particular glue is packed in a squeezing container which helps you control the amount of glue you are applying. The squeezing container is also air-tight, thus preventing it from drying while still in the container.

Pros
  • Easy to apply and use
  • Works best for a wide range of material
  • Highly adhesive
  • You don’t need to clamp working pieces together
  • Squeeze design allows for easy control
  • Flexible when cured
  • Resistant to any impact
  • Resistant to moisture
Cons
  • The thick consistency makes it quite hard to spread

2. J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Quick Setting Steel Reinforced Epoxy

J-B WELD KwikWeld Epoxy is a steel-reinforced glue with a high tensile strength of 2424 PSI. It can be used on various materials other than wood and metal. Once the adhesive is set, you can drill, tap or even shape it as you desire.

It is effective on large and small-scale projects and is thus the strongest glue bond worldwide. This adhesive can resist high temperatures of up to 148 degrees.

The product is epoxy, so you must mix the resin and hardener in a 1:1 ratio before using it. It can be used on various outdoor, plumbing, automotive, marine, and indoor equipment.

The adhesive sets in six minutes but completely cures within six hours. Its durability and resistance when it cures increase the range of materials it can apply.

Pros
  • High tensile strength
  • Fast rate of setting
  • Can resist extremely high temperatures
  • Water-resistant
  • Acid and chemical resistant
  • Works best on several materials
  • It can be worked on or molded on after curing
Cons
  • It is at times challenging to mix the resin and hardener correctly

3. Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy

The Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy is a strong glue you can use for any DIY project. The epoxy consists of a resin and hardener that you should mix before using. It is packed in a two-barrel syringe to keep the resin and hardener separate throughout. This prevents the adhesive from setting when not in use.

In terms of resistance, the product is water-resistant and can function well, whether in hot or cold weather conditions. Many people consider it the best since it can be applied to materials like tile, ceramic, wood, metal, and plastic.

This product is resistant to water and solvents and can resist various weather conditions, either cold or hot.

This product is ideal for household and automotive repairs and sets within five minutes of application. Furthermore, Gorilla’s two-part epoxy can be used on various surfaces such as wood, tile, plastic, ceramic, and more. It is also one of the best options for DIY projects and repairs.

Although many prefer to use it outdoors, this adhesive works best for outdoor and indoor DIY. For perfect and permanent gap filling, you should use the product in a temperature range of 10 to 37 degrees Celsius.

Pros
  • Highly durable
  • Easy to use
  • Moisture resistant
  • Best for both indoor and outdoor DIY
  • Clear finish when dry
  • It can be used on several types of material
Cons
  • For metal, it is only effective on aluminum and steel materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Liquid Nails Stick to Metal?

Liquid Nails is one of the strongest adhesives and will stick to metal well. Despite the betraying name, it is a great construction-grade adhesive and works pretty well in sticking metal and wood together.

However, because it provides a lower tensile strength, it will work best in ticking lighter metals like aluminum. 

Does Liquid Nails Work on Wood?

Liquid nail is a popular adhesive used on various surfaces, including wood. Liquid nails for wood come with a potent formula that performs in all conditions, making for a fast solution to most household projects. However, some users have reported that liquid nails do not always work as advertised on wood.

Sometimes, the adhesive fails to bond properly or dries too slowly. In other instances, the adhesive may cause the paint to peel off or the finish to bubble. While liquid nails may not be perfect for every woodworking project, it is still a useful product to have on hand for those quick fix-ups around the house.

Does Super Glue Work on Metal to Wood?

Superglue usually works quite well to stick together virtually all materials. 

Super glue or cyanoacrylate-based adhesives can effectively work on metal to wood. Just make sure to keep the metal and wood surfaces clean and use a clamp to keep the surfaces clean. 

Which is Stronger: Liquid Nails or Gorilla Glue?

Liquid Nails is a common, water-resistant household adhesive, while Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane glue activated by moisture. As for performance, Gorilla Glue tends to bond better than Liquid Nails. 

Because the two brands have varieties on the market, the best way to determine the right glue is by checking the tensile strength of the individual formulas. In most cases, Gorilla Glues are superior. 

Is Construction Adhesive Better Than Wood Glue?

No, construction adhesive does not dry as wood glue and can be prone to separation under pressure. When properly applied and dried, wood glues joints are usually stronger, even than the wood, and never separate. 

Should I Use Nails or Wood Glue?

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether to use nails or wood glue for your woodworking project. One of the main considerations is the strength of the bond. Wood glue has stronger bonding properties than nails, so it is better if you want to create a permanent bond between two pieces of wood.

Another factor to remember is the amount of time and effort you are willing to put into the project. Applying wood glue requires more time and care than simply hammering in a few nails, but the results are worth it.

A final consideration is the aesthetics of the finished project. Wood glue creates a much cleaner joint than nails, so it is a better choice if you are looking for a professional finish. Whether you choose nails or wood glue, select the right type of adhesive for your project and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for the best results.

Does Wood Glue Hold Up Outside?

Wood glue is strong and versatile, making it a perfect option for indoor and outdoor furniture. When dry, it is incredibly water-resistant and works for various temperatures.

Can I Use Wood Glue on Metal Surfaces?

No—cyanoacrylate adhesives are not meant for metal surfaces. If you’re working with metal pieces, select a metal-specific adhesive, such as Krazy Glue.

Conclusion

Gluing metal into wood can be tough because the two surfaces differ in density and porosity. However, this doesn’t mean it is impossible. Hopefully, this post guides you in picking the best glue for metal to wood.