Use clamps or weights while glue cures
Hold parts still while glue develops strength according to its instructions.
Fix, Fasten & Secure
Glues & Adhesives
Small repair techniques, surface preparation and curing basics for common adhesives.
Practical tricks
View all tricksUse hot glue for temporary positioning
Use small dots of hot glue to hold a template or part before a proper fixing.
Use painter’s tape to control glue squeeze-out
Mask beside a joint so extra glue is easier to lift away before it stains a surface.
Use super glue for small non-structural fixes
Use a tiny amount of cyanoacrylate glue for small, clean, non-flexing parts.
Use wood glue neatly on small repairs
Apply a controlled amount of wood glue so the joint closes without excessive mess.
Guides
View all guidesChoosing glue for wood, plastic, metal or fabric
A practical overview of matching common adhesives to common DIY materials.
Preparing surfaces before gluing
Basic cleaning, fitting and surface preparation before applying adhesive.
Understanding drying time versus curing time
Why glue that feels dry may still not be ready for stress or handling.
Glossary
View glossary
Contact adhesive
Adhesive applied to both surfaces and joined after it becomes tacky.
Cure time
The time an adhesive needs to reach its intended working strength.
Epoxy
A two-part adhesive that cures through a chemical reaction.
Glue squeeze-out
Extra glue pushed out of a joint when the parts are pressed together.
Open time
The usable time after applying glue before it starts to set too much.