JB Weld Steel Stick vs. Water Weld: what is the difference?
In terms of structural and metal repairs, JB Weld SteelStick is better for underwater and wet surface repairs. It sets in 4-6 minutes with steel-reinforced epoxy reaching 3960psi for rebuilding metal parts. Machines smoothly and dries gray like industrial steel.
- JB Weld Steel Stick vs. Water Weld: Specs & Uses
- My Hands-on Test of WaterWeld Epoxy Putty
- My Hands-on Test of SteelStik
JB Weld Steel Stick vs. Water Weld: Specs & Uses
⏰Set Time
JB Weld Steel Stick: 15-25 minutes
Water Weld: 4-6 minutes
🆚Key Features
JB Weld Steel Stick: – Complies with NSF/ANSI Standard 61, safe for potable water – Can be molded, drilled, filed & sanded – Sets under water – Cures off white
Water Weld: Steel reinforced for superior strength – Machinable and Drillable – Sets in Steel Gray Color
🛠️Common Uses
JB Weld Steel Stick fills and seals minor cracks on copper water jackets in water heaters; plugs holes in aluminum doors, seals small leaks in gas fryers, or fixes minor scratches on brake slave cylinders
Water Weld adheres well to wet surfaces, making it suitable for underwater repairs. It can be applied to patch holes in the pool lining, skimmer; or PVC pipe joint fix; seal leaks in natural gas and galvanized pipes; seal cracks in fiberglass tubs; attach metal firescreens, repair metal gas lines (temporarily), or fix tines in dishwasher racks.
Technical Info
My Hands-on Test of WaterWeld Epoxy Putty
So far, it’s been great, and I’m hoping it keeps going.
✅Pros: WaterWeld Epoxy Putty
It has truly exceeded my expectations, and the affordable price attached to it makes it even more worthwhile. Furthermore, it arrived quickly, saving me both time and money.
How I did the above plunge bath project:
- Sanding
- JB Water-weld
- Etching Primer
- Pond Sheild Epoxy (5 coats over 2-hour intervals)
- Finish product cure=5 days
Strong and Safe Solution for Potable Water
My rain barrel had a leaky connection that silicone couldn’t fix. WaterWeld worked perfectly for potable water. Since I applied it, not a drop has leaked. I would recommend wearing gloves while applying it, though. This product did exactly what it claimed to do, and I always keep a tube on hand.
Fixing a Crack
I fixed a crack in the base of my laptop 
with WaterWeld. I puttied up the crack and let it dry. After that, I smoothed it down with fine steel wool. Now that the crack is filled and the laptop is protected, I feel much better.
Long-Lasting Results
WaterWeld performs great and lasts a long time. I’ve tried it on metal, plastic, and wood, and it consistently provides strong bonds that last. Even after regular handling, I used it to fix a broken ceramic figurine.
❌Cons: WaterWeld Epoxy Putty
I did have a minor setback when I tried to fix a pinhole leak in a cast iron sewer pipe. I tried everything, but the product didn’t work as expected. As a temporary fix, I used silicone self-fusing tape until I could replace that section of pipe. As a side note, this version of JB Weld has a finer consistency, so it’s more water-tight.
FAQ of JB Weld WaterWeld
Q: Is WaterWeld effective for repairing pool leaks?
A: As a last resort, I purchased WaterWeld to fix my pool, which had already required the replacement of two pump motors and a whole pump assembly. It was a $200 pop-up Intex pool from Wal-Mart. I patched it once this season using a pool patch kit and a significant amount of Gorilla Tape (which you can see here duct tape vs gorilla tape) as a precaution.
To my dismay, while shocking the pool, which the kids described as “dark green” and constantly unplugged the pump from, I discovered a leak. I applied the putty but had to use a substantial amount before it somewhat stopped the leak.
Finally, after about 30 minutes and applying more putty, the leak was successfully sealed, at least for now. I plan to test its endurance against water pressure and chlorine to solve the green pool issue. Additionally, I wonder if it can be used to secure power plugs and prevent the kids from tampering with the pump again. WaterWeld has worked remarkably well, but it’s important not to skimp on the quantity. Since I intend to dispose of the pool this year, I won’t be able to determine its long-term effectiveness. I’m simply hoping it will last for another seven weeks.
Q: Does it adhere to wet surfaces?
A: Certainly. I used it to seal a gap between the plastic of my pool skimmer and the grout and tile of the pool lining, all while underwater. It worked splendidly and is still holding strong after several months.
If the pipe is spraying water under pressure, make sure to turn off the water before applying the putty; otherwise, the water will escape underneath it. Clean and sand the area, apply the putty, and wait for at least an hour for it to harden. I have personally used WaterWeld on 8-10″ PVC leaks at fittings, and although not under high pressure, it worked well for a greenhouse cooling system.
It has also been effective in sealing a 1″ hole my son punctured in a fiberglass bathtub and plugging holes in natural gas and galvanized pipes. Remember, preparation is key, so clean and sand the area before applying the putty. I usually wait for about an hour before testing the repaired area. It’s a strong and reliable product that I highly recommend to fellow plumbers.
Q: Can WaterWeld be used to fix a small hole in a plastic chainsaw oil tank?
A: I’m uncertain about how the oil might affect the seal of the weld. However, I used WaterWeld on a plastic rain barrel to seal a metal faucet I had installed a few years ago, and it is still securely sealed. Based on my experience, I believe it should work for your situation. If I were in your position, I would give plastic oil tank repair kit a try. Good luck!
Q: Can WaterWeld repair a leaking water tank while it is still leaking?
A: In my experience, achieving better results required working on a dry surface. Therefore, when I used the product, I turned off the water mains and tried to drain the affected parts. If the leak is small and slow, there might be a chance that it acts as a temporary plug. However, I wouldn’t place any bets on it.
Q: Is this the best JB Weld product for DIY tooth repair?
A: It worked quite well for me, although it may take a day or so to fully harden.
Q: What’s the method for achieving a uniform color when the product already starts with a uniform off-white color?
A: Once you break off the desired amount of material needed for your task, you will notice a different color of hardener inside the material column. During the kneading process, these colors will blend together. Keep kneading until you achieve a uniform color. At this point, the product is ready for installation. Please note that the product generates heat during the kneading process, so wearing rubber gloves is advisable.
Q: Can WaterWeld be used to seal a crack in a fiberglass tub? Will it provide sufficient strength
A: Yes, JB Weld WaterWeld can be used to seal a crack in a fiberglass tub. It is known for its strong bonding properties and can provide sufficient strength for such repairs. Clean the area around the crack thoroughly, sand it to roughen the surface, and then apply the JB Weld epoxy putty according to the instructions. Allow it to cure completely before using the tub again. This should help seal the crack and reinforce the damaged area.
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My Hands-on Test of SteelStik
A very handy tool to have in your toolbox because of its value, versatility, and bonding power.
Although it’s not perfect for every situation, steel-reinforced epoxy sticks to most metal fix-it jobs around the house.
✅Goes Beyond Simply Gluing Surfaces Together
What sets SteelStick apart is that it goes beyond simply gluing surfaces together. It’s perfect for those situations where there’s a “loss of tissue” in materials like plastics and metals that are under pressure from weight. Let me give you an example: just recently, I had a wheel supporting a cart that weighed around 30 to 40 pounds. There were no surfaces to glue together, so I had to rely on J-B Weld to mold and replace a disintegrated plastic housing.
Fix a Small Crack
The first thing I did was fix a small crack in my water heater’s copper water jacket. To make the adhesive really grip, I roughed up the surface with sandpaper and cut around the crack with a razor blade. It was easy to mold and shape the SteelStik right onto the crack. Within minutes, it turned grayish-black, almost blending in with the copper jacket. I haven’t tried painting over it yet, but the colored finish might not even need painting.
Mixing Process
As soon as I removed an old doorbell from my aluminum door, a 1/2″ hole was left behind. With its putty-like consistency, I could really work it into the hole and smooth it out beautifully. Compared to replacing the whole door, it bonded firmly to the aluminum.
On my lawn mower, I had a fuel leak from a metal gas line that needed a quick temporary fix until I could replace it properly. SteelStik stopped the leak and gave me time to order a replacement part.
A broken key couldn’t be repaired with it – the twisting forces are too much for adhesives. For filling scratches and dents, it worked great. It filled two small scratches on the machined surface of a brake slave cylinder that was leaking. It took a lot of cleaning and mixing, but the SteelStik filled those scratches perfectly.
JB Weld Vs Gorilla Glue
J-B Weld Original is steel reinforced, has a tensile strength of 5020 PSI and can withstand temperatures up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit (287 degrees Celsius); gorilla glue is nice for repositionable, gap filling, paintable, easy to dispense
❌What SteelStik Can Not Do
The only thing to keep in mind is that SteelStik is not food-safe, so it can’t be used to attach metal to bricks or repair tines in dishwasher racks. In those cases, you’d want a plastic-safe epoxy.
The cured SteelStik isn’t magnetic, so you can’t use it to repair magnetized items. It’s also not electrically conductive, so you can’t fix rear defogger taps. Also, the gray color doesn’t match stainless steel, so you can’t use it to repair appliance dents where you want it to blend in.
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!
Can JB Weld WaterWeld fix a wet PVC pipe joint that's leaking?
Yes, it should work. Ensure that you cut a section with both the outer and inner layers of JB Weld and thoroughly blend them together using your fingertips. Roughen the entire surface where you plan to apply the epoxy using sandpaper, as this will help it adhere properly.