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Gluing is an easy way to bond metal pieces together for home repairs and projects, but how do you make sure the pieces really stick? Glue is great for smaller metal pieces that won’t experience intense wear and tear, and the materials you need are easily available online or at your local hardware store. We’ve put together a handy guide to gluing metal to metal, including which glues to use and how to prep your metal for a strong bond. If you’re ready to get metal crafting, keep scrolling!

Things You Should Know

  • Choose epoxy, polyurethane, or super glue. Consider the strength you need, drying time, and the size of gaps between the metal pieces.
  • Thoroughly clean and lightly sand both metal pieces before applying glue. Afterwards, clamp the pieces together for 1-2 hours to set.
  • Wait 24 hours for the adhesive to cure fully—afterwards, your metal is fully bonded and ready for use.
1

Select an adhesive based on your metal needs.

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  1. They’re all strong, durable, and easy to apply, but have different advantages. Consider your time frame, weight of the metal, and whether the metal will be inside or outside while glue shopping:[1]
    • Choose epoxy if you need maximum strength. It’s the strongest of the three and can fill in gaps if pieces don’t fit perfectly together.[2] It comes in flexible or non-flexible varieties and is heat- and impact-resistant.[3]
    • Use polyurethane for moderate household repairs. It’s slightly weaker than epoxy but is easier to apply.[4] Choose it for outdoor projects since it’s resistant to heat, UV, and water.[5]
    • Opt for super glue to bond small pieces together very quickly. It’s best for spot gluing flat surfaces together.[6] It does not fill in gaps, so the metal pieces must fit together perfectly.[7]
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2

Protect your skin and lungs from adhesive fumes.

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4

Sand both surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper.

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5

Apply epoxy resin to both pieces.

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  1. Squeeze both chemicals into a disposable plastic cup or onto a coffee can lid and mix together with a popsicle stick. Make sure they’re thoroughly blended and apply the mixture to both metal surfaces.[13]
    • Make sure the metal is clean and sanded before you mix the epoxy. It will harden within minutes, so apply it to the metal as soon as it’s mixed.
    • Some epoxies come in a dual-chamber syringe that mixes the hardener and adhesive while you squeeze it onto the metal.
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8

Clamp the metal pieces together.

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  1. First, firmly press your metal pieces together for about a minute to bond them. Once the initial connection is formed, apply clamps or set a weight on top of epoxy- or polyurethane-glued metal for 1 to 2 hours. Hold super glued metal together with clamps or your fingers for about 1 minute to set.[17]
    • Make sure to rest the pieces in a place where they won’t be disturbed or moved.
    • Use a rag moistened with acetone or mineral spirits to wipe away runs or globs of glue that get squeezed out from between the pieces.[18]
9

Wait 24 hours for the glue to completely cure.

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Tips

  • Always read the instructions that came with your glue very carefully. The exact mixing and application procedures may vary based on brand.
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Warnings

  • Rinse your eyes, nose, or mouth with warm water for several minutes if they come into contact with any adhesive. See a doctor immediately and bring the glue packaging with you so they can see the ingredients in the product.[20]
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About This Article

Josh Goldenberg
Co-authored by:
Residential Remodeling Expert
This article was co-authored by Josh Goldenberg and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Josh Goldenberg is a Residential Remodeling Expert and the Co-Founder of 5blox, based in the Greater Los Angeles area. With more than seven years of experience, Josh and his team specialize in luxurious and sustainable home renovations. 5blox is fully licensed and bonded. This article has been viewed 54,339 times.
17 votes - 73%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: December 19, 2024
Views: 54,339
Categories: DIY
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 54,339 times.

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