Super Glue

About Super Glue

Super glue, scientifically known as cyanoacrylate adhesive, is a fast-acting bonding solution essential for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts throughout the UK. These powerful adhesives create incredibly strong bonds in seconds, making them indispensable for quick repairs, precision assembly work, and emergency fixes on site. Whether you're working with plastics, metals, rubber, ceramics, or wood, professional-grade super glue forms permanent bonds that often prove stronger than the materials being joined.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range from trusted brands including Loctite, Bondloc, Everbuild, Gorilla, Bostik, and Sealey. Available in various viscosities and formulations—from low-viscosity liquids that penetrate tight joints to thixotropic gels that stay exactly where you place them—there's a cyanoacrylate solution for virtually every bonding challenge. Professional formulations offer superior performance with higher bond strengths, better temperature resistance, and precision applicators for accurate, waste-free application.

Applications

Super glue is widely used across numerous trades and applications:

• Electricians: Securing cable clips, fixing enclosure components, and bonding electrical fittings
• Plumbers: Emergency repairs on plastic components, fixing clips and brackets
• Joiners and Carpenters: Precision bonding of decorative elements, veneers, and small fixtures
• Vehicle Mechanics: Interior trim repairs, bonding rubber seals, and fixing plastic components
• Maintenance Engineers: Quick repairs on machinery, equipment, and industrial components
• Shop Fitters: Securing signage, displays, and retail fixtures
• UPVC Window Fitters: Bonding plastic components with specialist formulations
• DIY Enthusiasts: Household repairs, craft projects, and emergency fixes

Choosing The Right Super Glue

Viscosity: Low viscosity adhesives flow into tight joints and hairline cracks, ideal for precision work. Medium viscosity offers versatility for general repairs. High viscosity and gel formulations provide gap-filling capabilities and won't drip on vertical or overhead applications.

Material Compatibility: Standard cyanoacrylate works excellently on plastics, metals, and ceramics. For porous materials like wood or leather, consider slower-setting formulations. UPVC applications benefit from specialist products paired with activator sprays.

Application Type: Rubber-toughened super glues offer flexibility and resistance to impacts and vibration. Thixotropic gels are perfect for vertical surfaces. Black formulations provide discreet finishes on dark materials.

Applicator Style: Brush-on applicators offer precise control for detailed work. Nozzle bottles suit general applications. Easy-flow bottles provide controlled dispensing without excessive pressure.

Safety Information

Always work in well-ventilated areas as cyanoacrylate adhesives release vapours that may cause respiratory irritation. Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent accidental contact. If skin becomes bonded, soak in warm soapy water and gently peel surfaces apart—never forcibly pull. Keep a debonding agent in your toolkit for emergencies. Store super glue in cool, dry places away from heat sources with containers tightly sealed. Follow manufacturer's safety data sheets and comply with COSHH regulations in workplace environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does super glue take to set and fully cure?

Initial bonding occurs within 10-30 seconds on most surfaces, but full cure strength develops over approximately 24 hours. Avoid subjecting repairs to stress during this period. Using an activator spray can significantly reduce cure times on non-porous materials.

What's the difference between standard super glue and gel formulations?

Standard liquid super glue has low viscosity and flows easily into tight joints. Gel formulations are thicker and thixotropic, staying exactly where applied without running. Gels are perfect for vertical surfaces, overhead work, and gap-filling applications up to a few millimetres.

Why won't super glue bond certain plastics?

Some plastics like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and PTFE have low surface energy that prevents effective bonding with standard cyanoacrylate. These materials require surface preparation with primers or specialist adhesives. Clean very smooth or oily surfaces thoroughly with degreaser before application, and consider using an activator spray available at MyToolShed.co.uk for improved adhesion.