E6000 Glue Not Working – Troubleshooting Tips and Solutions

E6000 Glue Not Working – There are times when this trusted glue may not work as expected. When E6000 glue is not working properly, it can be frustrating and cause your projects to fall apart.

Fortunately, there are several potential reasons why the E6000 may not be working, and troubleshooting the root causes can help get it bonding again.

Here is an in-depth look at why E6000 glue may not work, along with tips to troubleshoot and solutions to fix the issues.

What is E6000 Glue?

Key features and benefits of E6000 glue include:

1. Bonds to wood, metal, glass, rubber, plastic, vinyl and more
2. Flexible formulation
3. Waterproof and weather-resistant
4. Paintable, sandable, and clear drying
5. Resistant to chemicals, abrasion, and temperature extremes

However, despite its versatile bonding ability, there are times when E6000 glue may not work as expected. Troubleshooting is required to get it functioning properly again.

Reasons Why E6000 Glue Not Working

There are several potential reasons why E6000 glue is not working on a project:

Incompatible Materials

E6000 does not bond well to certain types of plastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and silicone. If you are trying to glue these types of plastic materials, the E6000 will simply not adhere as expected. The glue may go on, but will not set up to form a lasting bond.

Smooth Surfaces

For any adhesive to work properly, it needs to soak into porous surfaces and grip onto microscopic textures and imperfections. E6000 may have difficulty bonding to very smooth surfaces like metal, glass, and polished stone. Without scratches and pores for the glue to grip, the bond can fail.

Greasy, Oily Surfaces

Like all adhesives, E6000 will not bond to surfaces contaminated with oils, grease, or other residues. Degreasing and thorough cleaning is essential before applying E6000 to achieve the desired bond. Any remaining grease or oil will prevent proper adhesion.

Too Cold Conditions

While E6000 glue can withstand temperature extremes once fully cured, it needs warmer conditions during the bonding process. Temperatures below 40°F can prevent E6000 from setting up properly. Bringing the glue, surfaces, and workspace to room temperature can help.

Too Humid Conditions

While high humidity does not affect cured E6000 glue, excess moisture in the air during application can disrupt proper curing. It’s best to use E6000 when humidity is below 75% for proper bonding. Dehumidifiers can help lower humidity levels.

Old, Thickened Glue

Over time and with exposure to moisture, opened E6000 glue can thicken and not flow or adhere as well. Using fresh glue ensures you get smooth, easy application and curing. Discard any leftover glue that feels overly thick or grainy.

Insufficient Clamping

E6000 forms a strong bond when parts are clamped tightly together as it cures. Without sufficient pressure, the glue may not be set up fully. Use clamps, vice grips, tape (see nano tape vs gorilla tape), or heavy objects to apply firm pressure as E6000 dries. Weight the glued parts down during the curing process.

Too Much Glue

While it’s important to apply a sufficient amount of E6000, too much glue can also prevent adequate bonding. Excess glue gets squeezed out from between the bonded materials. Go easy on the glue application and spread it thinly and evenly before clamping.

Moving Parts Too Soon

Even when E6000 appears dry to the touch, moving glued parts too soon can break the bond before full curing. Leave parts completely undisturbed for at least 24 hours, longer in colder temperatures. Let the E6000 fully cure before handling.

Poor Surface Prep

For maximum adhesion, surfaces must be clean, dry, and roughed up before E6000 application. Any dust, dirt, oil, or debris left on the bonding areas will compromise the strength. Lightly sanding provides texture for the glue to grip.

Hot Glue Vs. E6000

Hot glue provides a fast, easy bond for lightweight crafts, but has poor longevity, especially with heat exposure. E6000 forms an extremely strong permanent bond on nearly any surface and withstands heat, but is more difficult to work with and emits toxic fumes.

Solutions for Getting E6000 to Work Properly

Supply:

• 100-grit sandpaper
• Isopropyl alcohol or degreasing agent
• Space heater (portable)

Tools:

• Dehumidifier
• Clamps, vices, tape, rubber bands, weights

Materials: Clean cloths Eye protection, gloves Disposable brushes/stir sticks

By identifying and resolving the specific issues with incompatible materials, surface prep, environment, and application methods, you can get E6000 glue working effectively again. Test on scrap materials first whenever troubleshooting adhesive bonds. With the right techniques, E6000 can be an extremely versatile and strong multi-purpose adhesive for your projects.