CA glue (Cyanoacrylate glue) is a fast-acting and fast-drying glue that is very strong when dry. It can bond together a wide variety of surfaces, including virtually any type of wood. CA glue is a must-have for woodworkers who need a versatile adhesive with low cost, and high strength.
Other advantages of CA glue include its fast-drying, high availability, and long shelf life. You also won’t need to combine with a drying agent so no need to have two bottles laying around. CA glue uses cyanoacrylate, and it turns into a plastic-like state once it dries, and is especially strong when bonding together two pieces of wood.
What is the best CA glue for woodworking? There are lots of alternatives with slightly different packaging, additional accessories, and quantities. Let’s take a look at some of the best options if you’re looking to use CA glue for your woodworking hobby or projects:
Best Woodworking CA Glue
Starbond Medium CA Glue EM-150
Pros
- Comes with additional applicators.
- Water-Resistant.
- Lasts a long time when stored properly.
- Can be used on multiple materials.
Cons
- Not the best choice for pores and microfractures.
One of the best medium viscosity CA glues out there is the one by Starbond. It works well for woodworking, and you will have no complaint with this product. The best part about this product is that you have the option to choose from different sizes starting from 1 oz to 16 ounces.
If you get the CA glue by Starbond, you will also find a use for it while working with other materials. You can use this particular glue on materials such as fiberglass, metal, rubber, stone, leather, carbon, and of course, wood. If you use this glue, you’ll have nothing to worry about when it comes to water damage as the glue is water-resistant.
Starbond’s super glue has been tested in the labs. As such, you are going to find this product extremely satisfactory. The cPs of this glue stands at 150. This product also has a long shelf life and is stored properly, preferably in a cold place. You will also get micro tips, clog stopper, and even applicator caps.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 0.16 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 4.02 x 2.44 x 1.57 inches |
| Size | 2 ounce |
Starbond Thin CA Glue EM-02
Pros
- Long Shelf Life.
- Versatile.
- This glue is also waterproof.
Cons
- Not the easiest to control due to its thin viscosity.
Starbond is an amazing brand when it comes to CA glue. This particular glue has a thin viscosity with cPs of 2-3. This means that this glue’s resistance is similar to that of water and will be flowy. This particular glue works best on leather and wood. And the best part is that it is waterproof.
This glue has been tested in various labs, and as such, you can only expect the best performance from this glue. Such thin water-like glues work best for sealing thin or small cracks as it infiltrates and enters the cracks and holes easily.
Along with this glue, you also get a clog stopper, applicators, and even micro tips for precision work. With the precision tips, you can even use this glue on microfractures and the tiniest pores as well. This glue is a good choice for hardening and sticking parts that need close-fitting.
The shelf life of this glue is very long. If you store it under optimal conditions, which is in a cold place, this glue can last you for several years.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 3.94 x 2.28 x 1.42 inches |
MITREAPEL Super CA Glue
Pros
- Works on a wide range of surfaces.
- Comes with a spray adhesive activator.
- Gives an extremely strong hold.
- Clear and professional finish.
Cons
- Without the activator, the drying time is longer.
Are you working with wood and looking for a good super glue? Look no further. The MITREPEAL CA glue is one of the best glues out there when it comes to woodworking. This glue also comes with an adhesive activator in the form of a spray.
If you’re working with wood, this glue will make your job easier and simpler. All you need are two to three drops. With the help of the spray activator, the wood will stick together conveniently and sturdily. This is a powerful glue, and you need not worry about your wood coming apart.
The best part about this glue is that it does not have a messy finish. Your projects will be smooth and clean. It works well for both personal as well as industrial projects. You will also love the fact that it is quick-drying and takes anywhere from five to twelve seconds to dry.
The best material to use this glue on is wood. However, you can even use it on stone, marble, glass, paper, metal, and even ceramics. The dry color is also transparent, so it gives a professional finish.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 2.27 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 9.69 x 5.35 x 3.86 inches |
Glue Masters Medium CA Glue
Pros
- Comes in multiple size options.
- Sturdy hold.
- Works well on different surfaces, including fabric.
- Easy to control.
Cons
- No additional micro tips or applicators.
The CA glue by Glue Masters comes in a variety of size options. You can get it starting from 2 oz to as big as 16 oz. If you are planning on doing a project that involves wood, getting this glue is a great idea. It also works well on fabric and even plastic.
Glue Masters super glue offers an extremely strong hold. You do not need to worry about the strength of this product. This glue provides one of the strongest bonds in the market when compared to other CA glues. This is a product that will surely be worth your money.
Easy and simple to use, this glue is a personal favorite of many carpenters. It takes just about fifteen seconds to dry. The medium viscosity of this glue makes it easy to control as well and provides a clear and transparent finish.
Not only is this glue an excellent choice for woodworking, but it also works well for tons of other projects and needs. Whether it’s a large project or a small project, you can trust this glue.
Product Details:
| Compatible Material | Plastic, Wood |
|---|---|
| Item Volume | 59.14 milliliters |
Glue Masters Thick CA Glue
Pros
- Dries in less than a minute
- Industrial strength hold
- Thick resistance is easier to apply
- Suitable on various surfaces
Cons
- The thickness makes it hard to penetrate small holes and cracks.
If you are on the search for a good super glue with a thick viscosity, then the Glue Masters Thick CA glue is the perfect choice for you. If you get this glue for your projects, then you will surely have an easy time working with it due to its thick resistance.
The Glue Masters Thick CA glue provides an extremely strong industrial strength bond. Moreover, with the quick-drying feature and long shelf life, there is no reason why you should not consider this product. Not only does this glue work wonders on wood, but you can even use this glue on other materials and surfaces as well.
The glue is very easy to work with because of the precision applicator in the cap. Your work will not be messy, and it will be clean, professional, smooth, and transparent. If you are looking for an easy glue to work with, you can trust us when we say that this is the one! It takes just about a minute to dry completely.
If you are someone who keeps working with wood, then this glue needs to be in your toolbox. Other than carpentry purposes, you will also find uses for this glue elsewhere, such as mending shoes.
Product Details:
| Compatible Material | Plastic, Wood |
|---|---|
| Item Volume | 226.00 milliliters |
Starbond Toughened CA Glue KBL-500
Pros
- The product has a long shelf life.
- Can be used on multiple surfaces and materials.
- Industrial strength hold.
- Comes with additional supplies.
Cons
- Not suitable for microfractures and small pores or cracks.
By now, it’s clear that Starbond manufactures some of the best CA glue. As such, if you are looking for one which has a thick viscosity, then go for this particular product. This toughened CA glue works well on various materials, including rubber, glass, and even metal.
If you are wondering whether or not this product will work, then just know that this glue has been tested by various labs. As such, you should only expect the best results from this glue. This means that the hold and strength you’ll get from this glue will be extremely satisfactory.
With 500 cPs, the thickness of this glue is comparable to the thickness of syrup. This makes this particular glue really easy to control and handle while working with it. The time required for drying this glue ranges from forty seconds to about sixty seconds.
Along with this glue, you also get additional supplies such as micro tips, a clog stopper, and even extra applicators. You will also love the fact that this product if stored properly under optimal conditions, will last for several years.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 2.08 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 3.9 x 2.24 x 1.34 inches |
| Size | 2 ounce |
| Color | Black Medium-Thick |
Stick Fast CA Glue
Pros
- Comes in a kit.
- Value for money.
- Comes with a spray adhesive
Cons
- Dries slower without the spray adhesive.
Are you unsure of which viscosity you need for your carpentry work and projects? If that is the case, then this CA glue kit by Pen Kit Mall is a good option that is worth considering. What does this mean? This means that if you get this kit, you’re going to get all three types of viscosity- thin, medium, and thick.
These glues offer impeccable adhesion, which you will have no complaint with. Like most CA glues, these glues will also dry fast and make your projects much easier and faster. The best part about these glues is that you even get a spray adhesive. It accelerates the time taken to dry the glue. All three types of viscosity give a similar finish, so there are no inconsistencies.
You can use the thin glue for finer works such as filling holes and cracks, while the thick variant is excellent for rough and large projects.
Product Details:
| Package Dimensions | 7.95 x 6.61 x 3.35 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 3.52 ounces |
HG Power Glue
Pros
- Gives a stronghold.
- Suitable on multiple surfaces.
- Dries extremely fast.
Cons
- No extra supplies.
One of the best options for super glues out there is the ones by HG Power Glue. It comes with multiple application options, and you can even store it in your refrigerator to make it last longer.
This glue can be used for several reasons, such as bonding, filling, sealing, modeling, and even strengthening. Moreover, this glue works well with several materials and surfaces, including wood, rubber, ceramics, aluminum, and even plastic.
If you are in a hurry to fix minor household items to finish a project, then this glue is a good option. It dries in a matter of five seconds.
The strength of the hold is something you will find more than satisfactory. Moreover, this glue is also resistant to water.
Product Details:
| Color | White |
|---|---|
| Compatible Material | Plastics |
| Fabric Type | Industrial glue (cyanoacrylate adhesive) |
| Full Cure Time | 5 seconds |
| Included Components | 25ml (0.8 oz) ca glue (Adhesive) , 40g (1.4 ounces) power granulat |
What is CA Glue?
More commonly known as super glue, CA glue stands for Cyanoacrylate Glue. People also know it by the name of Krazy glue. There is a reason why CA glues are really popular. It is because they give a stronghold, and they dry very quickly.
CA glues or super glues come in different resistance or viscosity. The three kinds are thin, medium, and thick. All three have their own unique function. The thin variants dry faster, and the thick variants are useful for setting gaps.
The best part about CA glues is that they give a clear and smooth finish. You can also reverse this by using acetone. CA glues dry quickly because they harden once they come into contact with the moisture present in the air. The time taken to dry can also depend on the surface you are working with.
When you apply it thinly and spread it, it will dry quicker as compared to applying thicker pools. CA glues can dry as fast as five to ten seconds, while thicker applications can take about sixty to ninety seconds.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CA Glue
When it comes to the advantages of superglues, there are many. The main advantage is that super glues dries fast. And so, if you are working on a project where time is less, using super glue or CA glue can help you save time.
Another advantage of CA glue is the very strong hold hold it gives. If you use super glue to stick two pieces of wood together, then it is nearly impossible to part them unless you use acetone. One more added advantage of using super glue is the fact that they are versatile and work well with multiple surfaces and materials.
You also do not need to mix any special solvent or other materials. Super glues or CA glues are single adhesives, which means you can use them straight from the bottle.
When it comes to disadvantages, one of the major problems is that they can easily stick to your skin. Sometimes, CA glues can also give a rather white and blurry finish. If you want a bond with a slight movement, using superglue is not advisable as they have a sturdy hold.
Another negative about CA glues is the fume or smell they give off when they are curing. Super glues also struggle with low surface materials while bonding. For bonding larger surfaces and areas, super glues are not the best option.
Is CA Glue Better than PVA (Elmer’s) Glue for woodworkers?
When working with wood, the two options for glues include CA glue and PVA glue, also called Elmer’s glue.
Compared to PVA glue, CA glues dries quicker, is water resistant, and provides a stronger bond. However, PVA has its own advantage as well. The residue of PVA is easier to remove, and they are also more flexible. So, if you are looking for a sturdy hold, CA glues are a good choice as compared to PVA glues.
CA glue can also be used for finishing your woodworking project. This makes is extra useful as it can serve a double purpose, bonding, and giving an nice finish to your craft.
Choosing the Best Viscosity When Working with Wood
One type of glue cannot do all the work. This is why we have thin, medium, and thick CA glues. Viscosity essentially means the thickness and the resistance of the liquid.
Choosing the right viscosity is essential because all three types have different advantages. Thin CA glues dry quicker as compared to thick. The higher the viscosity a glue has, the thicker the liquid is.
Thin viscosity
Thin viscosity is ideal for filling tiny pores, holes, and sealing cracks. They are ideal for sawdust filling and fretwork.
Medium viscosity
CA glues of medium viscosity work best when you want to bond wood that . They play an important role when it comes to fretwork.
Thick viscosity
Thick CA glues are ideal when you want the glue to stay in one place where you applied it without spilling, running over, or flowing. Excellent for applying it on surfaces that are at an angle at it won’t run off.
Additional Tips When Using Cyanoacrylate Glues
- Prepare the surface before hand
If you are working with wood, make sure the wood is dry and also clean. Super glue can stick to dust as well, so making sure the surface is clean is a priority. A little sanding is also useful because it will roughen the surface, thereby increasing the surface area. This makes gluing easier.
- Protect The Bottle From Moisture
Super glues need to be protected from exposure to moisture in the air, or else the contents inside the bottle will dry up. So, make sure you seal it properly after every use.
- Avoid Contact With Skin
By now, you are aware that super glue can stick to anything, including the skin. So, make sure when you are using CA glues, you avoid getting it on your skin. It will be a painful task to remove it, especially if your fingers stick together.
- Use Polythene Gloves and Safety Glasses
CA glues are toxic and give off fumes, so using safety glasses can protect you from potential harm. If you use gloves of polythene, the CA glue will also not stick to them.
- Buy Smaller Bottles
Even though you get the option of larger bottles, getting the smaller bottles and using them quickly as needed is the best idea. This way, you avoid the risk of your glue drying up inside the bottle.
Here are additional tips from woodworkweb.com
Conclusion
There are plenty of CA glues out there in the market, and rightfully so. Super glues are extremely useful, especially for woodworking. The benefits they provide are extremely beneficial.
If you are looking for a good CA glue, we suggest you take a look at the list we made. The Starbond Medium CA glue is one of the best ones out there. It’s a perfect balance between thin and thick, and you can find multiple uses for it.