Gorilla Glue vs Loctite: Compared and Reviewed

Imagine a household without glue.

Well, I can’t. I’ve always ensured that at least two types of glue/adhesives are lying around at home. You never know what might happen, right?

Loctite and Gorilla Glue are my usual go-to glue brands. I’ve used their products for ceramics, plastics, light machinery stuff…

Recently, I’ve been doing some woodworking DIY in Japan. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Gorilla Wood Glue- but I’ll get into that in a bit.

When choosing the suitable adhesive for your DIY projects, countless options are available. Among them, the most popular brands are Gorilla Glue and Loctite. But how do they compare, and which one should you choose?

Gorilla Glue and Loctite are both known for their strength and versatility. They have a loyal following among hobbyists, professionals, and DIY enthusiasts. However, with so many options, knowing which one to go for can be challenging.

09/27/2023 12:56 pm GMT

The Benefits of Gorilla Glue Original

Gorilla Glue Original has several advantages that make it a go-to multipurpose glue:

1. Waterproof Properties: Gorilla Glue Original is specifically formulated to be waterproof, ensuring a strong and lasting bond even in wet conditions.
   
   
2. Versatility: This glue is suitable for various applications, making it an excellent choice for various projects.
   
   
3. Longevity: Gorilla Glue Original expands as it dries, allowing you to use a small amount for each project. This longevity ensures that one bottle will last for multiple uses.
   
   

Practical Example: Shoe Sole Repair

Imagine your shoe soles need some glue love during rainy autumn days. Gorilla Glue Original provides a waterproof bond that ensures your repairs withstand moisture. You can trust that your repaired soles won’t fall apart after a few days.

It’s important to note that Gorilla Glue Original can be pretty sticky. Remember to wipe it off your hands or, better yet, wear gloves to prevent any inconvenience. Using an appropriate amount is also crucial, as excess glue can lead to messy results. Gorilla Glue Original can withstand temperatures up to 200°F, providing stability under moderate heat conditions.

Other Types of the Gorilla Glue Brand

Gorilla Glue is a well-known adhesive brand that produces various products to meet any repair need. From the original Gorilla Glue, which is an all-purpose adhesive for a variety of materials including wood, metal, stone, ceramic, and more, to specialized glues such as Super Glue and Epoxy Adhesive, there are a number of choices available from this brand.

Gorilla Super Glue

Gorilla Super Glue is a popular adhesive used for various projects and repairs. It is known for its strength, versatility, and fast drying time, making it a great choice when you need a quick fix. Gorilla Super Glue is an ethyl-cyanoacrylate-based adhesive that can bond to a range of materials, such as metal, plastic, and wood. It is ideal for use on small projects where precision is key, as it creates a durable bond with even the most minor gaps.

Compared to the regular Gorilla Glue, the Gorilla Super Glue is a fast-drying, highly-versatile adhesive that creates a strong bond on all types of surfaces. It comes in a convenient tube with a precision nozzle for easy application, making it perfect for quick repairs or projects. Its stronghold and fast setting time make it a favorite among DIYers and professionals. 

Gorilla Epoxy Adhesive

Gorilla Epoxy Adhesive is a two-part epoxy that provides an incredibly strong bond in just five minutes. This type of glue can be used to repair broken items or even construct new items with great strength and durability. The epoxy is reinforced with rubber particles to ensure a flexible bond, making it ideal for use on outdoor projects that need to withstand extreme weather conditions or vibration.

Gorilla Epoxy Adhesive is waterproof and protects against extreme temperatures and exposure to water. It is highly resistant to moisture, so there’s no need to worry about the bond breaking down over time. It also smoothes easily, making it perfect for projects requiring a smooth surface.

Loctite: Versatility and Specialized Expertise

While Gorilla Glue is an excellent choice for general applications, Loctite offers a wide range of adhesive products catering to various specific needs. Regarding epoxy, Gorilla Glue is often favored for its ease of application and impressive strength. However, Loctite stands out in variety, offering specialized epoxies for different projects.

 

The Versatility of Loctite

Loctite provides various adhesive products, including specialized epoxies for different applications. Here are some notable features:

1. Diverse Epoxy Offerings: Loctite offers a variety of epoxies, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your project. They cater to cure times, bond strengths, and other specific requirements.
   
   
2. Water Resistance: It’s important to note that while epoxies are water-resistant, they are not entirely waterproof. Extended exposure to water can compromise the bond, so it’s crucial to exercise caution when using epoxies in wet environments.
3. Low Plasticizer Content: Loctite epoxies contain low levels of plasticizers, a type of chemical that can weaken the bond over time. Low plasticizer content means that the epoxy will remain strong for extended periods.

Sometimes, more than the typical 5-minute setting time of most epoxies are needed for intricate projects. This is where Loctite’s Extra Time epoxy shines. It provides up to one hour of setting time, allowing you to re-align and adjust materials during the bonding process. It offers flexibility and convenience, ensuring ample time to achieve the desired results.

 

The Superiority of Loctite Threadlockers

Loctite has established itself as a specialist in threadlockers. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. Medium Strength Threadlockers: For general applications, the Loctite Blue series, specifically 242 and 243, are recommended. These medium-strength threadlockers offer reliable locking properties and are suitable for various uses.
   
   
2. Enhanced Oil Tolerance: Loctite 243, part of the Blue series, stands out due to its increased oil tolerance. This means you don’t have to extensively clean the threads before applying the threadlocker. It simplifies the application process while ensuring a tight, long-lasting hold on the threads.
   
   
3. Heavy-Duty Strength: Loctite Red series comprises heavy-duty, high-strength threadlockers. These are intended for projects that demand the utmost thread retention. However, it is essential to note that Loctite Red threadlockers require heat and additional tools for removal and are typically reserved for heavy-duty machinery applications.
   
   

The Loctite Blue Series

The 242 or 243 Loctite Blue glues are excellent for medium-strength thread lockers and provide reliable thread-locking capabilities. The Loctite 243 series, in particular, offers increased oil tolerance, eliminating the need for thorough thread cleaning. This feature simplifies the application process while ensuring a solid and long-lasting bond.

Loctite Red

Loctite also offers heavy-duty, high-strength threadlockers known as Loctite Red. These threadlockers are designed for extreme conditions and are typically used in heavy-duty machinery projects. However, it is important to note that removing these adhesives requires heat and additional tools, so they are not suitable for everyday household or maintenance use.

If you are working on automotive projects, Loctite threadlockers offer exceptional performance. They can secure critical components such as shock absorber mounts, idler bearings, and wheel bearings. With Loctite threadlockers, you can ensure that fasteners stay tight even under the vibrations and stresses experienced in automotive applications.

Choosing the Right Adhesive: Practical Considerations

When selecting the ideal adhesive for your project, consider the specific requirements and characteristics of the materials involved. Here are some practical considerations:

Wood Applications

For dedicated wood applications, Gorilla Glue remains a preferred choice due to its quick-drying and reliable bonding properties. However, remember that wood glues, including Gorilla Glue, are not highly water-resistant. Therefore, if water exposure is expected, alternative options may be more suitable.

Mounting Tape

While Gorilla Glue offers a wide range of adhesive products, it is essential to consider the specific application. In the case of mounting tape, it’s advisable to avoid Gorilla GlGlue’sfferings and opt for trusted brands like 3M, as their tapes are known to provide superior strength.

Plastic Surfaces

When it comes to choosing the suitable adhesive for a specific project, there are a few key considerations that I always keep in mind. For instance, if I’I’morking with plastic surfaces, I like to use super glue or cyanoacrylate glue. These glues offer excellent bonding properties and create a strong bond between two plastic surfaces. Additionally, they provide a perfect choice for quick repairs as they dry quickly.

Metals

For metal bonding, epoxy adhesives such as Loctite Epoxy and JB-Weld have been preferred due to their specialized formulation for metal surfaces and durability. These adhesives also offer superior water and impact resistance, making them a suitable option for outdoor use.

Finally, for projects where flexibility is important. These products are designed to provide a flexible bond while offering enhanced resistance against the outdoor elements.

Conclusion

LeLet’salk about Gorilla Glue vs. Loctite from a more global perspective:

How do these two compare across different applications?

I’I’veorked a lot with both, and here are my conclusions:

• If you need regular multipurpose glue: Gorilla Glue Original is your best choice. ItIt’saterproof, thus perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
  
  
• If you need an epoxy: Generally – this Gorilla Glue as it’s easier to apply and leaves surfaces nearly spotless. If you need more set time, only Loctite has this 60-minute epoxy.
  
  
• If you want to lock threads/fasteners: nothing better than Loctite Threadlockers. The 243 series comes with increased oil tolerance, so you don’t need to clean your threads much.
  
  

When it comes to adhesives, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You must consider your project requirements and choose the right adhesive for the job to get the best results. It’s essential to consider the materials involved, the environment where they will be applied, and how much protection from moisture is required.