Why Super Glue is Better Than Finishing Nails
Finish nails, or finishing nails, are a type of fastener commonly used to construct cabinetry, attach molding, and more. They are strong enough to hold thicker materials, and their small diameter reduces the risk of split wood. Additionally, finishing nails have small heads, meaning they can be nailed in flush or countersunk to conceal them beneath the material’s surface.
While finishing nails offer certain advantages, they may not always be the best option. Depending on the application, super glue can work just as effectively as finishing nails while providing some additional benefits. Here, we’ll go over some of the reasons why super glue can be better than finishing nails, as well as when to use each.
Benefits of Super Glue Over Finishing Nails
Cyanoacrylate adhesives, or super glue, offer numerous benefits over finishing nails. It bonds almost instantly to numerous materials and leaves no visible marks or holes. Super glue is also more precise, allowing for fast repairs or intricate work without the risk of damaging or splitting the material. Other key advantages of super glue include:
Faster Application
One of the most important benefits of cyanoacrylate adhesives is their exceptionally quick cure time. Super glue rapidly polymerizes when it comes into contact with moisture, producing a high-strength bond within seconds. While a full cure can take up to 24 hours, the adhesive will be strong enough for light operation almost immediately. Super glue’s fast-curing properties help to enhance productivity and reduce waiting times in construction projects.
Versatile
Compared to finishing nails which are mostly used with wood, super glue can form strong bonds with a wide range of materials, including metal, rubber, plastic, fabric, and more. This material versatility makes super glue ideal for a broader range of applications.
Stronger Bonds
The rapid polymerization process forms a high-strength molecular bond with the material’s surface that resists breaking under normal stress. Some cyanoacrylate adhesives can achieve bonding strengths of more than 20 MPa. The strength of a finishing nail, on the other hand, depends on its size and the material it’s being driven into.
When to Choose Nails Over Glue
When choosing between finishing nails and super glue, it’s important to consider the requirements of your application. While super glue is known for its fast curing times and high bond strength, there are certain situations where finishing nails may be the better option.
Super glue is better than finishing nails for the following applications:
- Making quick repairs or temporary fixes
- Bonding delicate materials such as porcelain, glass, or thin wood
- Attaching trims, decorative elements, or other embellishments without nail holes
- Bonding components in tight spaces where a hammer or nail gun won’t fit
Finishing nails are better suited for applications requiring load-bearing strength. The chemical bond formed by super glue may not be able to keep materials securely in place when subjected to repeated stress or movement. Additionally, super glue doesn’t work as well with thicker or more porous materials.
Applications where finishing nails are the better choice include:
- Attaching door or window frames
- Installing crown molding and stair treads
- Securing components that have to bear weight
- Affixing interior and exterior trim
Depending on the project, you can also combine super glue with finishing nails. Because super glue provides an instant bond, it can prevent pieces from shifting while driving nails into place. Additionally, using super glue first reduces the need for clamps, which can leave marks on materials.
Super Glue from Aron Alpha
Super glue provides excellent bonding strength, rapid cure times, and durability when used alone or in conjunction with finishing nails. Toagosei America Inc. brings you the Aron Alpha® brand of cyanoacrylate instant adhesives and Industrial Krazy Glue. These high-quality products offer a high-performance, fast assembly solution for a range of substrates, including metals, plastics, elastomers, and more.
For more information about our super glue products, contact us today.
