Devcon vs. JB Weld: any difference?
The name of Devcon Plastic Steel Putty is misleading, as it is not designed for bonding plastic. I recommend using one of the plastic epoxies specifically formulated for gluing plastic materials, for example, JB Weld.
- Devcon vs. JB Weld: Specs & Uses
- My Hands-on Test of Devcon Plastic Steel Putty
- My Hands-on Test of J-B Weld 8265S Original Epoxy
Devcon vs. JB Weld: Specs & Uses
⏰Cure Time at 25C
Devcon: 16 hours
JB Weld: 15-24 hours
🆚Max Temperature Resistance
Devcon: 121C (dry)
JB Weld: 500F (260C) continuous, 600F (315C) intermittent
🛠️Common Uses
Devcon is ideal for bonding metal to metal, metal to wood, and wood to wood; fill small hole in aluminum siding, a hairline crack in a cast iron radiator, or a stripped Allen bolt in a carbon fiber bike frame; effective for bonding plastic to metal or wood, such as attaching a plastic hook to a wall made of FRP panels or a plastic foglight housing to a bumper cover
JB Weld can be used to repair cracked cinderblock fence trim; bond plexiglass (acrylic) to aluminum; repair cracks in a wrought iron anvil; fastening car radiator plastic end tanks to brass core.
Technical Info
My Hands-on Test of Devcon Plastic Steel Putty
Devcon Plastic Steel Putty Bonds Almost Anything
Let’s start with its versatility. This epoxy putty can bond almost anything – metal, plastic, wood, you name it. I’ve used it to attach plastic hooks to FRP panels, bond polystone statues, fill rust holes in metal tubs, and even glue car emblems back on. The bonding strength is simply phenomenal, with a tensile strength of around 25,000 psi.
Devcon Plastic Steel Putty is great at filling gaps and holes. I’ve successfully used it to fill screw holes in stainless steel dishwashers, preventing water leaks, and even filled overdrilled holes in aluminum workpieces before re-drilling them to the correct depth. The putty fills in those pesky gaps like a charm.
Versatility
But that’s not all – this putty is also incredibly durable. I’ve used it on composite nylon parts that face intermittent high heat, and it’s held up remarkably well. While it may not be suitable for continuous high-temperature applications, it can certainly withstand its fair share of heat exposure.
Now, let’s talk about one of the trickier applications I’ve encountered – bonding metal legs to glass bases. With the Devcon Plastic Steel Putty, I was able to securely attach a metal bipod mount to a synthetic rifle stock, and it hasn’t budged since. The weight and pressure didn’t seem to be an issue for this tenacious adhesive.
Gorilla Glue Vs Liquid Nails: Bond Rubber to Concrete, Wood to Drywall, Glass and Metal
One thing to note is that the putty does have a slightly thicker viscosity than honey, which can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on your application. For instance, if you need to fill a deep, narrow hole (say, 4 inches deep and 3/8 inch in diameter), you might need to thin the mixture a bit to ensure it flows properly.
Curing times vary, so be patient. While it takes only a few hours (2-3) to become hard, it requires a full 24 hours to reach its maximum strength. But trust me, the wait is worth it!
❌ Didn’t Fare Well With Plastic Or Metal (Like Eyeglasses) Repairs
Now, let’s address a few common concerns. First, the putty doesn’t seem to expand much during the drying process, which is great if you’re trying to fill a precise space. Secondly, while I haven’t tried cold bluing with this epoxy, I wouldn’t recommend it, as it’s primarily designed for adhesive and repair purposes.
FAQ of Devcon Plastic Steel Putty
Q: Is Devcon suitable for bonding a large polystone statue?
A: If the material is somewhat porous, it should work. Make sure to clean the surface of the statue from oils and dirt before applying the epoxy. Allow it to set for 24 hours before moving or applying any weight to it. The tensile strength of this epoxy is approximately 25,000 pounds.
Q: Will it work to fill a small hole caused by rust near the drain in my metal tub?
A: Yes, it should work fine for that purpose. However, ensure that you prepare the surface of the tub properly before applying the epoxy. Let it set for the recommended amount of time before using the tub.
Q: Does this epoxy expand as it dries? I have a stripped Allen bolt in a carbon fiber bike frame, and I want to glue an Allen key to the bolt to remove it. Will it work?
A: This epoxy does not expand, but it forms a strong bond with clean surfaces and can fill gaps before curing slowly. You can use a generous amount without leaving any on the carbon fiber. While it may not provide the strength of a weld, it’s worth trying if the bolt has slightly loosened.
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My Hands-on Test of J-B Weld 8265S Original Epoxy
✅held Up Incredibly Well to the Extreme Exhaust Temperatures
I first discovered its capabilities years ago when rebuilding a powerful 427 engine for my 1971 Chevelle SS. I actually used a custom blend of J-B Weld mixed with metal shavings to fill in the exhaust crossover ports on the cylinder heads. That epoxy repair held up incredibly well to the extreme exhaust temperatures and didn’t cause any issues. It looked great too – you could hardly tell it was a repair.
Since then, I’ve used J-B Weld for all sorts of automotive repairs. It can definitely handle exhaust manifold leaks – just make sure to clean the area well first. I’ve sealed small cracks in oil pans, cylinder heads, even patched rust holes in body panels by bonding metal plates over them. The key is surface prep – sand or grind the area to remove any dirt, oil, rust, etc. This gives the epoxy a clean surface to bond to.
While I wouldn’t recommend it for repairing windshields 
or mirrors due to the difficulty of clamping, it definitely works for rejoining broken plastic pieces like tail light housings. The epoxy adheres to itself extremely well for adding reinforcing layers.
I’ve used it to repair all kinds of other household objects too – from reconstituting the threads on a stripped screw hole to filling gaps between metal components that need to move. It can shim those spaces while still allowing the necessary motion. Though for serious impacts or frequent shifts, I’d go with a more flexible adhesive.
Leaky aluminum boats? J-B Weld is frequently recommended for patching small holes and cracks before repainting. The chemical resistance is excellent – I’ve even used it to re-seal leaking battery terminals against the sulfuric acid.
❌Isn’t Ideal is Bonding Components That Need to Flex Frequently
One area where it isn’t ideal is bonding rubber or plastic components that need to flex frequently. The epoxy sets into an extremely hard metallic compound that can crack or separate if bent too much. For those applications, you’d want a more flexible adhesive.
FAQ of J-B Weld 8265S Original Epoxy
Q: Is it possible to reattach the trim on a cinderblock fence?
A: Yes, it is possible to reattach the trim on a cinderblock fence. One option is to use epoxy, but keep in mind that it will require a drying period of at least 24 hours. Alternatively, you can consider using small nails if the trim materials allow it.
Q: Can I bond plexiglass (acrylic) to aluminum?
A: There is a possibility that you can bond plexiglass (acrylic) to aluminum.
Q: Is it suitable for repairing a PVC pipe that cracked from freezing? Should it be wrapped?
A: Repairing a PVC pipe cracked from freezing can be challenging as not many adhesives stick well to PVC. One option is to cut a piece of a larger pipe to use as a patch and glue it over the crack, similar to joining pipes. You can find helpful tutorials on platforms like YouTube for visual guidance.
Q: Can JB Weld fix a crack in a wrought iron anvil?
A: JB Weld might not be suitable for structurally repairing a crack in a wrought iron anvil.
Q: Can I use JB Weld to bond the plastic end tanks of a car radiator to the brass core? Will the different expansion rates be a problem?
A: It is likely that the different expansion rates between plastic and brass could pose a problem. While JB Weld and other similar adhesives may not bond well to polyethylene plastic commonly used in automotive fluid reservoirs, they require specific bonding agents that might not be compatible with metallic substrates like brass. Therefore, it is unlikely to work effectively in this case.
I’m Ronald Stevens, a Mechanical Engineer obsessed with adhesives, glue, and all things sticky! My passion began in childhood when I’d always be the one playing with glue during arts and crafts. And I’d spend hours researching and experimenting. Happy reading, and remember: stick with the best, and you’ll never be stuck in a mess!
Feel free to contact me and join our discussion:
I want to attach a foglight housing (plastic part) to the inside of a bumper cover. Will Devcon Plastic Steel Putty be strong enough as the sole fastener?
It is sufficiently strong, but bonding may be challenging in this case. You may need to reinforce it with wire on both sides to ensure a secure bond.