Different types of rubber fittings and surfaces in your home, workshop, or office might require a little glue here and there to continue working as intended. Some of the items that might require gluing include hoses, belts, shoes, neoprene, O-rings, diaphragms, fan belts, transmission belts, pump gaskets, steering columns, nitrile elastomers, and cable jacketing among others. The best glue for rubber will bond these rubber surfaces for the long-haul.
It would be hard, however, to get the perfect rubber glue for everything, especially if you do not know the features that make a glue ideal for a specific purpose. There are words such as “cure time” that you need to be familiar with in addition to knowing how much you can spend on good rubber glue. Knowing how to identify the best glue for your project is worth it because the ideal rubber glue will give you complete sealing on whatever rubber surface you use it on.
This article will look at 5 of the best glues for rubber that you will find in the market today. Additionally, we have included a buyer’s guide and a FAQ section to answer some of the commonly asked questions about rubber glues.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
For weatherstrip  | 3M 08008 Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive Tube
| |
For all purpose  | Amazing Goop All Purpose Adhesive
| |
For rubber shoes  | Barge All Purpose Cement
| |
Best budget rubber glue  | Henkel-Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel
| |
For outdoor  | Gorilla Clear Grip Contact Adhesive
|
Mostly preferred for automobile works thanks to its weatherproof feature, this premium adhesive creates a super strong bond on the surface it is applied on. It can be used on a wide range of surfaces including metal, vinyl, rubber, and fabrics.
This glue is black, a color that makes it easy to blend with many different car surfaces. It is mostly used on car doors, sunroof screens, trunks, and windows. The tube is easy to use, something that makes applying the glue easy. Moreover, it is easy to brush over the surface. A cure time of 24 hours is enough to give you a sure seal.
What’s more, 3M is a reputable adhesive producing company that has been in existence since 1925. With their decades of experience in producing glues, you can be sure that this rubber glue has been made adhering to the highest standards possible. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to glue a few parts in his or her car together. Ensure you remember to wear gloves when using it for your projects. This is because it might cause irritation when it comes into contact with the skin.
- Amazing weather strip capability
- Dries quickly
- Creates a strong and durable seal
- Can be used on different surfaces
- May cause an allergic skin reaction
Check Now at AmazonWhatever surface you need to stick to whatever surface, this is the glue for you. This all-purpose adhesive can be used on different surfaces including leather, wood, glass, laminate, metals, and fabric. It is the strongest single component glue on the market now.
The glue can be used for repairs in all areas around the house. This means that you do not have to buy different glues for different surfaces. I call this value for money. It is also very thick, meaning that it does not run down on surfaces. For maximum strength, it requires a cure time of a maximum of 72 hours.
Being temperature resistant means that the seal created will remain strong even when exposed to extreme heat. Unlike other regular super glues, it will also not crack. Additionally, the tube is designed to make the application very easy. When applying it, however, ensure you wear gloves. I would recommend it for anyone looking to save by having a multipurpose glue for multiple surfaces.
- Can be used on a range of surfaces
- Waterproof
- Dries clear
- Temperature resistant
- Thick for stringer sealing
- Has a strong smell
This all-purpose cement adhesive can be used on a wide range of surfaces but it is best for use on shoes. It is ideal for repairing rubber shoes, boots, and on wood rubber, plastic, paper, concrete, and metal among others.
Barge professional strength glue comes with an application brush for easier spreading on the surface. Additionally, it has a thin formulation that is easy to spread and dries quickly. It can be used on ether, vinyl, and rubber. Products made in the USA are also made adhering to the highest standards, and this adhesive is no exception.
This rubber glue is quite expensive but this should not discourage you. For its quality, the price is totally worth it, and I highly recommend it for anyone considering to buy it. Do not forget to apply Vaseline at the tip after first use or you will not be able to open the tube after that.
I would recommend this for you if you have shoes that need some bit of touch up. This product should be among your top choices thanks to its waterproof nature and strong bonds. Additionally, it is good for weather stripping. It works well with clean surfaces; as such, ensure that the surface is dirt, oil, and grease free before you apply it.
- Extremely strong
- Great for shoes
- Easy to apply
- All-purpose meaning it can be used on different surfaces
- Great for weather stripping
- The formulation is toxic and you need to use the glue in a well-ventilated area.
This highly functional yet extremely affordable adhesive can be used for a wide range of projects. You can also use it on different surfaces including leather, metals, wood, fabric, rubber, plastic, and paper among others. It is impact, vibration, shock, and temperature resistant to be able to handle different conditions.
The formula is rubber toughened to offer a flexible and water-resistant bond. It is very thick and consistent for vertical application and for small gaps in small spaces. A patented control applicator ensures an easy and clean application process. The screw-on cap does not clog and keeps your rubber glue fresh.
The glue’s weatherproof formulation makes it best even for outdoor projects. I would recommend this for anyone looking for affordable and effective glue for his or her indoor and outdoor projects. At only four grams, however, you will not be able to do much. This means that you have to buy several tubes if you have a large project that you would like to do with it.
- Extremely affordable
- Resist vibration, shocks, and extreme temperature
- Easy to use side-squeeze design
- Used for repairing a range of items
- Safe and non-toxic
- It is not as strong
- The package is too small making it unattractive for large
This fast setting clear adhesive creates a strong permanent bond on various surfaces. It can be used on wood, plastic, glass, ceramic, PVC, laminate, fabric, rubber, and stone among others. For maximum convenience, this glue does not only dry quickly but is also paintable. Thanks to its waterproof formulation, it can be used even for outdoor projects.
The glue has a cure time of 24 hours but this can vary depending on the type of surface it is used on and the prevailing temperatures. To make it blend with the rest of the surface, you can paint it. Ensure you apply a little Vaseline at the cap to prevent it from sticking permanently.
Since it is clear, you do not have to worry about white glue patches when it dries up. If it cures on a surface where it is not wanted, you can easily scrap it off. You can also clean it off a surface using Isopropyl alcohol, citrus-based solvents, or acetone.
- Water and weatherproof
- Non-toxic
- Quick cure time
- Clear adhesive
- Strong smell
Buying Guide
Specific features make specific rubber glues best for different applications. When buying the best glue for rubber for you, therefore, there are a few factors you need to consider depending on what you need it for. These include:
Strength
When picking the best glue for rubber, it is critical to ensure that you know its strength. This is because glues have varying strengths that are ideal for different projects. For example, a glue ideal for leather shoes is not the same glue that would be used on a leather wallet. This is because glues for heavy projects have heavy duty bonds. Choose glue for rubber according to your specific needs.
Setting and curing time
Setting time is the time you need before joining two parts together with an adhesive while curing time is the amount of time that you need to wait for your glue to dry. Because you do not want to be stuck around waiting for glue to dry, ensure you choose one with the ideal time for you. Quick drying glues are more convenient because they save time. However, rubber glues with longer setting time are stronger. For heavy projects, do not use quick-drying glues because the bond is not going to be as strong as you would want it to be.
Weatherproof
If you need to fix outdoor leather projects, it is important to consider a weather-proof glue that will withstand weather elements. However, if you need it for an indoor project, you can get a regular rubber glue.
Waterproof
Waterproof rubber glues are available for projects that require to be protected from water such as shoes. A waterproof glue will protect your item in addition to ensuring that it sticks completely.
Surface type
Leather surfaces are not the same. Some are smooth while others are rough. For this reason, you cannot use the same adhesive for the two types and expect the best results. Rough surfaces are not as restrictive with the type of glue but smoother surfaces require a glue with stronger bonds and longer setting time. This means that you have to choose a glue according to the type of surface you intend to use it on.
Color
Rubber glues dry to leave different colors on your project. If you are worried about white glue seeping from your project, you can use clear glue. However, if this is not a problem, you could get any type of glue that works for you.
Ease of application
You want to buy the best glue and at the same time, you want to buy a glue that is easy to apply. The design of the glue bottle will come in handy in determining the ease of use. Easy to apply bottles are available that protect you from a messy application. Additionally, the viscosity is also an important determinant of the ease of application. A highly viscous glue is easier to apply but is not as strong. It is imperative, however, that you avoid going for an easy to use bottle at the expense of the glue quality. I would rather have a messy application but have a glue that stuck.
Non-toxic
When looking for rubber glue, consider getting one with a non-toxic formulation. This makes it safe to work with, especially if you work around kids who can get anything in their mouths.
Versatility
Most industrial adhesives nowadays can be used on a wide range of surfaces as opposed to being ideal for specific surfaces. This means that you can save on the money that you would have otherwise used to buy glues for each surface. When choosing the best glue for rubber, it would be an added advantage if you could get one that is ideal for different surfaces. It is not uncommon to find an adhesive that works well or rubber, glass, metal, paper, and fabric altogether.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between setting time and cure time?
A: Set time is the time it takes to form a serviceable bond after an adhesive has been applied. This is determined by temperature, the type of adhesive, and the amount used. These factors make the set time vary for different types of adhesives. The setting, however, only takes a short time.
Cure time, on the other hand, refers to the time adhesives take to form high strength, rigid to flexible bonds that can resist water, temperature, shock, and chemicals. Curing can take a long time since the glue needs to hold together. It can take from overnight to a few days depending on how thick it is.
Q: How do you use glue for rubber
A: Before you start using glue for rubber, read the safety information on the packaging or on the manufacturer’s website. Ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area since it might have a strong formulation and fumes that might not be right for you. Apply the adhesive to each of the pieces you want to bond together. Let it dry partly before joining the surfaces. Put the pieces together and press them to join. Bonds form quickly so if you need to reposition, you should do it immediately or leave it altogether. Give it time to cure. Curing time might vary based on the type of rubber surface and the temperature.
Q: Safety precautions to observe when using glue for rubber
A: Depending on the type of glue, there are types of precautions you should keep in mind when using glue for rubber. Some rubber glues have a toxic formulation that could cause health issues and irritation. As such, glues should be treated with care. Before using any glue for rubber, it is important to read about the safety effects of the product. Moreover, ensure you use it in a well-ventilated area. If it has specific temperature requirements, ensure that you adhere to them. Any residue should be cleaned off with mineral spirits immediately.
Q: How to clean up excess glue for rubber
A: When there is excess glue, wipe it off with a dry cloth first. You can then use acetone, or isopropyl alcohol to clean it out. If it has already cured, you can scrap it off the surface with a sharp-edged tool.
Q: On what surfaces can you use glue for rubber?
A: There is a wide range of rubber surfaces in different sectors that could use glue for rubber. Glues for rubber can be used on natural rubber on any surface in addition to other synthetic types. They are used in the automotive, oil, optical, chemical, electronic, and medical industries. These include pump gaskets covers, water pump seals, nitrile elastomers, orthopedic braces, conveyor belts, drive couplings, O-rings, transmission belts, diaphragms, neoprene that is used in electric installations, cable jacketing, and hydraulics hoses among others.
Q: How do you store the best glue for rubber?
A: After use, wipe the nozzle of the tube or bottle with a dry cloth. Apply some petroleum jelly at the tip to prevent it from sticking permanently when you close it. Replace the nozzle then store in a cool dry place away from children and animals.
Conclusion
Who knew that buying glue would require that much information? Having read through this review, I think it is safe to assume that you are now better placed to choose the best glue for rubber for your needs. Most glues for rubber have been used in the automobile industry but technology has now created glues that can be used on a wider range of materials. In fact, high-quality adhesives are being produced that can even be used to replace expensive welding and solvent bonding methods. As technology continues to evolve, manufacturers are sure to produce even stronger glues for rubber. This will help you to save money by buying the best glue for rubber that is in line with your bonding requirements. If you are looking to fix some of the items mentioned above, you can choose an ideal glue from the products reviewed in this article.
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