The Best Cheap Super Glue
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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“Super glues” use moisture to form a strong and quick setting chemical bond. If you’ve ever had a tube of super glue “dry out,” the reality is that the glue cured as a result of moisture. That’s one reason why these cyanoacrylate adhesives are being sold in ever-smaller tubes. (You can extend a glue’s storage life by keeping it in a salt-filled mason jar.)
Most cyanoacrylate adhesives are fundamentally the same, but some include things like rubberized pellets to help the glue withstand impacts and side pressures. Super glues aren’t as “all-purpose” as many people believe, but they’re great for low-impact indoor jobs and worth keeping in a utility drawer. To decide which glue is best for the job, check out ThisToThat.com.
Here are the best cheap super glues for the money:
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find cyanoacrylate adhesives with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any glue with a price above the mid-point.
To find super glues with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Glues with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, approximately 85% of the products that are analyzed are eliminated for one or more of the reasons above.
The Original Super Glue: 12-Pack, 2 Gram Tubes
Good Value: $6 | Great Deal: $4
This cyanoacrylate glue multi-pack is convenient, effective and the tubes are just small enough that they don’t harden after opening, according to several customers. Many reviewers say the packaging is too secure (and that a box cutter is needed to open the case); others warn that the glue is thin (i.e. low viscosity).
Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue, 6 Gram, Clear
Good Value: $7 | Great Deal: $5
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This Gorilla super glue is ideal for precise jobs like eyeglass repair, model-making and at-home manicure fixes, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that the tube is deceptively small.
Scotch Super Glue Liquid
Good Value: $4 | Great Deal: $2
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Scotch super glue is easy to apply thanks to a long, narrow tip, according to several online customers. Some reviewers complain that the tube ejects glue once it is opened; others say that it doesn’t bond plastic.
Elmer’s E616 Super Glue Triple Pack
Good Value: $6 | Great Deal: $3
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Elmer’s mini-tubes of super glue are ideal for first aid kits and small jobs like eyeglass repair, according to several online customers. Some reviewers warn that the caps can seal themselves shut if they aren’t cleaned well.
Gorilla Super Glue 15 Gram, Clear
Good Value: $5 | Great Deal: $3
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Gorilla’s super glue is effective, according to several online customers, but many complained that the glue is sold in too-large-a-bottle that looks half empty. A few customers warn that this glue is slow to cure.
Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue 4-Gram
Good Value: $5 | Great Deal: $4
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This Loctite super glue bonds well and is packaged with a convenient dispenser, according to several online customers. However, many reviewers felt gipped by the small 4 gram (0.14 fl. oz.) tube.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Cyber Monday.
Krazy Glue Brush On Super Glue, 5 Grams
Good Value: $3 | Great Deal: $2
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This version of Krazy Glue has a convenient applicator brush and clog-free packaging, according to several online customers. On the other hand, some reviewers wish that this glue formed a stronger bond.
Gorilla Super Glue Gel, 15 Gram, Clear
Good Value: $5 | Great Deal: $3
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Gorilla’s super glue gel is better for large gaps than traditional super glue, according to several online customers. Some reviewers don’t like that the glue needs to be shaken before each use; others warn that the glue is hard to remove from your hands (and recommend using rubber gloves while applying it).
Elmer’s Krazy Glue Maximum Bond Industrial Formula, 15g
Good Value: $7 | Great Deal: $4
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This version of Krazy Glue is incredibly strong, fast setting and ideal for ceramic, wood and marble, according to several online customers. Some reviewers caution that the glue won’t set on silicone or plastic.
Gorilla Glue Brush & Nozzle, Clear
Good Value: $5 | Great Deal: $4
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This Gorilla Super Glue has a convenient White-Out-like brush, according to several online customers. Some reviewers warn that the glue dries white, not clear; others say the applicator brush gums up over time.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Cyber Monday.
Loctite 1906107 Super Glue Ultra Gel Minis
Good Value: $5 | Great Deal: $3
Loctite’s mini tubes are ideal for small jobs that require a single drop of glue, according to several customers. Some reviewers caution that this glue takes a long time to cure (i.e. harden); others appreciate the extra work time that this affords them. Many reviewers note that these tubes are even smaller than they expected.
About the Author: John DeFeo is a data scientist who specializes in the analysis of online customer reviews. He was formerly the head of editorial insights for brands such as Live Science and Tom’s Hardware.
