Choosing between E6000 and Super Glue for your project? This guide simplifies the decision by comparing their unique strengths, limitations, and applications. Discover which adhesive will best meet your needs for durability, quick fixes, or a perfect finish, and confidently select the right one for your next project.
E6000 Glue vs Super Glue
It’s important to understand the differences in the characteristics and applications of E6000 glue and super glue when comparing them.
E6000 is a heavy-duty adhesive known for its durability and flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of materials and outdoor use.
On the other hand, Super Glue is a fast-bonding adhesive ideal for quick fixes and smaller repairs, providing a strong and clear bond with rapid drying time.
Understanding the distinct features of each adhesive will help you determine the most suitable option for your specific project needs.
What is E6000 Glue?
E6000 is a brand of industrial-strength adhesive that is also popular for crafting. It is a clear, solvent-based adhesive that dries to a flexible, rubber-like bond. It is known for its strong adhesion to a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, fiberglass, ceramic, leather, rubber, vinyl, and most plastics.
What is Super Glue?
Super Glue, also known as cyanoacrylate adhesive, is a fast-drying and strong-bonding adhesive that provides a transparent finish on various materials. It offers a quick drying time of 2-3 minutes, making it suitable for quick fixes and smaller repairs.
Cyanoacrylate glues are sold under the brands “The Orginal Super Glue”, “Krazy Glue”, and
Super Glue is non-flammable, easy to use, and provides more strength than epoxy and polyurethane glues. However, it’s rigid and less flexible compared to E6000.
E6000 vs. Super Glue: Feature Comparison
Based on the technical data sheets for E6000 Glue and Super Glue, here is a comparison table of their technical characteristics without including any links:
This table provides an overview of the features of E6000 and Super Glue. documents provided. It’s always recommended to consult the product labels or the manufacturer’s instructions for specific applications and precise details.
Based on the available information, here’s a comparison table for E6000 Glue and Super Glue covering the requested technical characteristics:
| Characteristic | E6000 Glue | Super Glue |
|---|---|---|
| Properties | ||
| Type | Industrial craft adhesive | Quick-setting adhesive |
| Form | Gel-like | Liquid |
| Color(s) | Clear, Black, White | Clear, Transparent |
| Application | ||
| Method | Squeeze tube | Squeeze tube, applicator nozzle tip |
| Application Temperature | 50 to 90 °F (10 to 32 °C) | Not specified |
| Set Time | ~20 minutes | 10-30 seconds |
| Gap Filling | Good for various gaps | Good for very small gaps |
| Viscosity | 50,000-100,000 cps | Low to medium |
| Surface Preparation | Clean, dry, slightly roughened | Clean, dry, well-mated surfaces |
| Suitable Materials | Wood, metal, glass, and more | Metal, rubber, most plastics, and more |
| Open Time | ~4 minutes tack time | Immediate |
| Safety | Contains perchloroethylene | Contains cyanoacrylate |
| Bonding | ||
| Cure Time | 24-72 hours | 24 hours for full strength |
| Tensile Strength | 2500-2900 psi | Up to 4000 psi |
| Shore Hardness | 80 Shore A | 84 Shore A |
| Shear Strength | 35-45 pli on various materials | Not specified |
| Water Resistance | Excellent | Average |
| Temperature Range | -40 to 180 °F (-40 to 82 °C) intermittently | -65 to 180 °F (-54 to 82 °C) |
| Solvent Resistance | Good to dilute acids and caustics | Not specified |
| Finish | ||
| Sandability | Sandable | Somewhat |
| Paintability | Paintable | Somewhat |
| Clean Up | Acetone or citrus-based solvents (uncured) | Acetone nail polish remover (skin) |
| Shelf Life | 2 years (unopened) | 1 year under proper storage conditions |
For the most accurate and specific details, especially for critical applications, consult the product’s technical data sheet or contact the manufacturer directly.
Additional Notes:
- Super Glue is available in a wider variety of formulas, such as gel and brush-on.
- E6000 is a better choice for projects that require a strong, flexible, and weather-resistant bond.
- Super Glue is a better choice for quick repairs and projects that require precise bonding.
Use of E6000 or Super Glue on Various Materials
When comparing the use of E6000 glue and Super Glue, it’s essential to focus on the types of materials each adhesive is best suited for. Here are brief descriptions for common materials:
Plastics:
- E6000: Works well with most plastics, but may not be suitable for some types like polyethylene or polypropylene.
- Super Glue: Efficient for rigid plastics but can cause some plastics to become brittle or cloudy.
Metals:
- E6000: Forms a strong bond with metals and is useful for applications requiring flexibility.
- Super Glue: Good for bonding metal but less effective if the joint is subject to heavy loads or vibrations.
Glass:
- E6000: Effective on glass, providing a strong bond while allowing for some movement.
- Super Glue: Bonds glass quickly but can be brittle and may not hold up well to temperature changes or stress.
Ceramics:
- E6000: Suitable for ceramics, especially when a waterproof bond is needed.
- Super Glue: Can bond ceramics effectively, but joints may be brittle.
Wood:
- E6000: Adheres to wood but may not be the best choice for structural applications.
- Super Glue: Effective for small repairs but not ideal for larger, load-bearing wood joints.
Fabrics and Textiles:
- E6000: Good for fabrics as it remains flexible and is washable.
- Super Glue: Not typically recommended for fabrics as it can harden and lose effectiveness.
Rubber and Leather:
- E6000: Works well due to its flexibility and strength.
- Super Glue: Can bond these materials but may not provide long-lasting flexibility.
Jewelry and Craft Materials:
- E6000: Popular in crafts and jewelry for its versatility and strength.
- Super Glue: Useful for quick fixes but may not be as durable for long-term wear and tear.
Discussing specific materials will help highlight the differences in applications and effectiveness of E6000 glue versus Super Glue. Remember, the choice of adhesive depends not only on the material but also on the project’s specific requirements, such as strength, flexibility, weather resistance, and curing time.
Is E6000 Stronger than Super Glue?
E6000 demonstrates superior strength and broader material compatibility compared to Super Glue, making it an excellent choice for demanding adhesive applications. Here’s a breakdown of the comparison:
- Shear Strength: E6000 boasts a shear strength of 7000 psi (48.2 MPa), surpassing Super Glue’s 4000 psi (27.5 MPa), indicating E6000’s superior ability to withstand opposing forces.
- Materials Compatibility: E6000’s versatility allows it to bond various materials like metal, plastic, leather, wood, rubber, and vinyl, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and DIY projects. Super Glue, while strong, is more limited in the types of materials it can effectively bond.
Is E6000 the Same as Super Glue?
E6000 glue and super glue are distinctly different adhesives. E6000, a polyurethane adhesive, cures in the presence of air moisture and is known for its strong, flexible, and waterproof bonding properties. It takes longer to fully set, typically 24 to 72 hours.
On the other hand, super glue, a cyanoacrylate adhesive, is characterized by its rapid curing time, often within seconds to a minute, but it creates more rigid and brittle bonds.
While E6000 is suitable for projects needing a durable, flexible bond, super glue is ideal for quick repairs on non-porous materials. Their unique chemical compositions and bonding properties make them suitable for different types of applications despite both being strong adhesives.
My Takeaways
In comparing E6000 and Super Glue, it’s essential to consider their distinct characteristics and applications for optimal adhesive selection. Based on the facts, here are my key takeaways to help you make an informed decision for your projects:
- For heavy-duty projects involving fabric, wood, plastic, or glass, E6000 is the go-to adhesive due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to water, heat, and cold.
- When aesthetics and quick fixes are a priority, Super Glue is the preferred choice, providing a fast setting time, strong bond, and transparent finish for surfaces like plastic, ceramic, and metal.
- Consider the specific requirements of your project, such as bonding rubber to aluminum or creating visually unobtrusive finishes, to determine whether E6000 or Super Glue is the best fit for your needs.
