Super Glue/Activator questions

[OCtoolguy]

I want to buy some c/a glue and activator but this time, I want to get some advice so I don't buy the wrong stuff. In the past, I have bought "super glue" and used it once then the next time I went to use it, it had dried up or the spout was glued shut or whatever. I have never used the activator/accelerator. So, with that said, what brand, type or advice can you give me? Is there any way to keep the glue from drying up or closing the spout on the bottle? I have a bottle of Gorilla super glue that is more of a gel and it is very slow in setting up. Once it does though, it's pretty stout. And so far, it hasn't dried up. I don't know if it would work with an accelerator or not. Thanks for your help and advice,

 

[JAC1961]

I've used a few containers, in varying viscosities, of Starbond adhesives and have always been happy with it.  I just recently got a bottle of their black CA and have been using it to fill small cracks, works well.  I've also used epoxy made by Bob Smith Industries and been happy, and I'm pretty sure they make CA also.

I order both from Amazon.

Edited December 31, 2018 by JAC1961

[OCtoolguy]

1 minute ago, JAC1961 said:

I've used a few containers, in varying viscosities, of Starbond adhesives and have always been happy with it.  I just recently got a bottle of their black CA and have been using it to fill small cracks, works well.  I've also used epoxy made by Bob Smith Industries and been happy, and I'm pretty sure they make CA also.

Where do you purchase it? I've looked around here at H/D and Lowes as well as Michael's and Hobby Lobby. There are so many to choose from that is why I posed this question.

 

[JAC1961]

I went back and added that to my original response... after thought lol.

I know that Woodcraft carries a brand of CA, but I'm not sure which.

[Karl S]

I use the Stick Fast brand from Rockler, it seems to work well and lasts a long time if kept cool, It comes in 2oz bottles.

 

[OCtoolguy]

14 minutes ago, Karl S said:

I use the Stick Fast brand from Rockler, it seems to work well and lasts a long time if kept cool, It comes in 2oz bottles.

 

Is it a two-part adhesive? I have never used the activator so I'm interested in that too.

 

[Karl S]

15 minutes ago, octoolguy said:

Is it a two-part adhesive? I have never used the activator so I'm interested in that too.

 

No it is not an epoxy . It is Cyanoacrylate Adhesive ( aka) Super Glue. The activator is sprayed on the joint to set the adhesive instantly

[Rockytime]

Whatever brand of CA you buy I recommend using the same brand accelerator. I do not like using an accelerator. It is really unnecessary except in unusual cases. CA comes in thin, medium and gel or thick. It depends on what you are using it for. When using the CA I use, after use I give the bottle a sharp rap down on the bench causing the CA to clear the nozzle and replace the cap. This only works with the thin stuff. Sometimes a small nail or wire in the orifice helps for using it the next time. 

[dgman]

Ray, I’m not going to recommend any brands, bit the rule of thumb is to use an accelerator of the same brand. The accelerator is jut that, it instantly sets up the CA glue. If you are looking for a two part adhesive, you want an epoxy. Not the same thing.

When glueing with CA, apply the glue, assemble your work, then spray the accelerator. It should set up instantly.

As far as keeping the glue from setting up in the bottle, I buy the smallest bottle available. One trick that has worked is to tap the bottom of the bottle on the bench to force the glue back into the bottle. Also, never touch the tip onto the workpiece. Wipe off any glue on the spout. But most importantly, keep the CA bottle away from the area while spraying the accelerator so it does not get near the bottle tip.

Edited December 31, 2018 by dgman

[oldhudson]

I've always gotten what Rocker sells. Thin and medium viscosities and their spray accelerator. I'm usually pretty happy with their stuff. Once exception has been their saw blade / router bit cleaner.

[Scrappile]

Another way to clear the nozzle is to squeeze the container when it is upright, you can hear the air come out and go back in when you release the pressure on the container.  Do not look down the little hole when you do it!  I squeeze several times and let it suck the CA in the nozzle back into the bottle.  I agree, unless you are going to use a lot, get it in small portions.  When I was doing pens, I bought the larger quantities, but for occasional use I buy small.  I get mine locally at Hobby Town USA.  It is rebranded under their name.  They do not make it.  Normally I buy medium thickness.

Edited December 31, 2018 by Scrappile

[fredfret]

Store it in the fridge. I have a bottle of medium that is 3 years old and still flows and sets just fine. Keep the nozzle as clear as possible. I get it at hobby town

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, Karl S said:

No it is not an epoxy . It is Cyanoacrylate Adhesive ( aka) Super Glue. The activator is sprayed on the joint to set the adhesive instantly

That's what I meant. As soon as I hit the submit button I knew that I had worded it wrong.

 

[OCtoolguy]

26 minutes ago, fredfret said:

Store it in the fridge. I have a bottle of medium that is 3 years old and still flows and sets just fine. Keep the nozzle as clear as possible. I get it at hobby town

Now that is a suggestion I've not heard before. I'll give that a try. All you cold weather folks don't have to do that do you?

 

[Scrappile]

He is right, I use to store mine in the refig, when I had larger quantities.  I had forgotten that.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I use Satellite CA. I do not use the accelerator but if need be I use their recommended product. Not all CA glues are the same as well as not all accelerators are the same. Some people are allergic to the stuff so be aware of this if using use it in a well ventilated area. They sell odorless and they sell flexible CA depending on what you use it for. In pen turning world we use it a s a finish top coat on pens because it is strong durable and takes a shine well. Do not store the CA near the accelerator and as mentioned do not spray it where the bottle is. The tap trick works. If you keep in a cool dry place no need to put in fridge unless you do not use for a long time. Wipe tip before putting cap back on. They sell those tipp caps separately too. 

 

http://www.caglue.com

[neal560sl]

I have had very good luck with the Loc tite brand of CA glue.  I can't remember if it was Lowes or Home depot where I got it.  Not sure if they have an accelerator or not.  I used to use accelerator a lot back when I used to build RC airplanes.

[danny]

Steve Good put a Post out maybe a week back with his recommendation for CA glue and Activator.  

Check out his design and Plans for a Circus Wagon (three plus animals.) 

Thinking about cutting this.                                    Danny  :+}

[OCtoolguy]

24 minutes ago, danny said:

Steve Good put a Post out maybe a week back with his recommendation for CA glue and Activator.  

Check out his design and Plans for a Circus Wagon (three plus animals.) 

Thinking about cutting this.                                    Danny  :+}

I saw that and that's what brought this question to mind. I was just wondering about CA glues and the activator/accelerators. I think I like the idea of buying in small bottles and keeping the nozzles open by rapping the bottles on the bench. Not sure I really need the accelerator at this point. I just want a glue that sets fast. The Gorilla gel doesn't.

 

[Rockytime]

Gel cures slow. Get medium or thin.

[Clayton717]

I use EZ BOND brand CA glue and accelerators. I buy this from - exoticblanks.com or woodnwhimsies.com. I buy the CA in 2 ounce bottle and use all 3 (thin, med, & thick).  I am also a    wood / pen turner and use it for the finish on my pens.  Have been using it for years with no issues, and its fairly cheap compared to some stores.If the tip of the bottle does close shut with dryed glue I just use a pair of side cuts to "crack" the glue and pull it off the tip. I don't use accelerator much, unless I'm using the CA glue to bond wood, then I will spay the accelerator on the opposite pieces as the glue. it cures the glue pretty fast.

I store my unopened glue on the shelf, (just below the freeze)r in my mini fridge. The opened bottle I keep on a shelf and have no issues.

[trackman]

I picked these up at my local Hobby Lobby store. Haven’t tried out. 

[Rockytime]

Those should work for you.

[RDVawter]

If the CA sets up in the nozzle too much to come out easily, you can also soak the tips in Acetone.

[redwine]

I have used the Insta-set that Trackman's photo shows except it was labeled for a hobby shop here but is the same item. The problem I have had using it is that while it cures instantly, it leaves  the cured CA with a white coating that is very difficult to remove. If the part to be glued is hidden from view that is fine if not wait for the normal curing time. jmo.   This has happened with 3 different super glues so test before hand!

Erv