Is Gorilla Glue Stronger Than Super Glue?

When it comes to selecting the right adhesive for various tasks, it's crucial to understand the differences between Gorilla Glue and Super Glue. These two popular adhesives serve different purposes and have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different scenarios. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison and explore a unique method to enhance the strength of super glue using baking soda.

Gorilla Glue

Gorilla Glue, a polyurethane-based adhesive, is renowned for its expanding nature as it cures. This property leads to an incredibly strong bond, making it versatile for a wide range of materials such as wood, metal, ceramic, and foam. Its effectiveness is particularly pronounced with porous materials, and it offers a water-resistant quality, which is a significant advantage in many applications.

Super Glue (CA Adhesive)

Super Glue or Cyanoacrylate is known for its rapid action and strong bonding properties. It adheres quickly to non-porous materials like plastic, metal, and glass, making it ideal for small repairs and touch-ups. However, its strength diminishes on porous surfaces. Additionally, once set, super glue tends to be more brittle compared to gorilla glue.

Typical Usage Scenarios

Based on their characteristics, the choice between Gorilla Glue and Super Glue largely depends on the materials being worked with and the nature of the project. Gorilla Glue shines when working with porous materials and those requiring a robust, flexible bond. On the other hand, Super Glue excels in quick fixes on non-porous surfaces where a strong, albeit rigid, bond is needed.

Enhancing Super Glue with Baking Soda

Despite the characteristics of super glue, it can be significantly strengthened through a creative method. By adding baking soda, the adhesive can develop exceptional strength and properties that extend its usability. This method can be particularly useful in situations where a quick and strong bond is necessary.

The process involves applying the super glue and then sprinkling baking soda over it. Upon drying, this combination forms a rock-hard bond almost immediately. For a more robust bond, further applications of glues and baking soda can be layered to achieve the desired strength. This technique has been put to the test in a real-world scenario where a broken false tooth was temporarily repaired to last through a significant event.

A Proven Example: Temporary Tooth Repair

A friend's false tooth broke, and in a time-sensitive situation, a quick repair solution was needed. Using super glue and baking soda, the broken tooth was first cleaned and prepared for adhesion. Instead of attempting to create a neat and precise restoration, a rough and durable fix was made. By adding layers of glue and baking soda and then carefully shaping and sanding, a functional and temporary tooth was created. This makeshift repair managed to withstand the demands of a wedding weekend and has been in place for over a year, proving the effectiveness of the super glue-baking soda combination.

Interestingly, attempting to reattach the broken tooth using only super glue failed miserably, as the glue was swallowed within hours. The combination of super glue and baking soda, however, provided a robust, lasting solution.

This example highlights the remarkable strength and versatility of this method. While it may not be suitable for permanent or high-stress applications, it demonstrates the potential of enhancing super glue's capabilities in emergency or temporary fixes.

In conclusion, while both Gorilla Glue and Super Glue serve important roles, their effectiveness can be enhanced through innovative methods. For those looking to maximize the potential of super glue, incorporating baking soda offers a practical and proven solution for achieving incredible strength and durability.