JB Weld vs. Pratley Steel Epoxy Putty: Patch Exhaust Leaks and Engine Cracks, Loose Screws, Stainless Steel

JB Weld vs. Pratley Steel Epoxy Putty: any difference?

JB Weld vs. Pratley Steel: Specs & Uses

Technical Info

	JB Weld	Pratley Steel
Rating	★★★★★	★★★★
Datasheet	📥JB Weld	📥Pratley Steel Quickset
Description	Two-part steel-reinforced epoxy adhesive	Two-part metallic epoxy adhesive
Color	Dark gray	Metallic color matching ferrous metals
Working time	45 minutes max	2-3 minutes
Set time	4-6 hours	Gels in 6 mins, dry to touch in 30 mins
Key substrates	Metals, concrete, plastics, wood, ceramic, fiberglass	Metals, rigid materials like ceramic, stone, cement, wood
Electrical properties	Not recommended	Electrically insulating
Sandable/machinable	When fully cured	After 3 hours of setting

My Hands-on Test of Pratley Steel Quickset

✅How to Apply Pratley Steel

This step was crucial, as using only one stick wouldn’t have given me the full experience of the product.

Once the two putty colors became one, I continued kneading the mixture in my hands for about 8 minutes. The directions provided clear guidance on the consistency to look for, and I could feel the putty becoming hardened. While it doesn’t magically transform into steel, it does become remarkably strong over the course of two days.

Fill Metal Components

I like to fill and rebuild metal components with it. I had an old yard decoration that had rusted through in some areas. After prepping the surface, I was able to use the Steel Quickset to fill in the holes and cracks, almost like resculpting the missing metal. It bonded perfectly and has held up great outdoors.

I’ve also used it to repair cracks and holes in metal automobile parts. It works wonders on cracked or bent wheel rims – just be sure the gap isn’t too hairline thin. I was able to completely rebuild a cracked 26″ rim on my Cadillac Escalade by packing the putty into the crack. The repair has been rock solid.

Plug a Hole

Need to re-drill a hole or plug an existing one? No problem – the putty can be used for that too, though it won’t take machine screw threads quite as well as metal. I’ve used it to refill stripped out holes to provide a tight friction fit.

The putty even works in some plumbing applications. I’ve used it to successfully repair leaks in pipes, though I wouldn’t recommend it for drinking water lines. It patched up a leak in the firebox of my outdoor wood boiler with no issues.

Speaking of high temperatures, the putty can handle high heat exposure like on automotive exhaust components, though I haven’t personally tried that application. At room temperatures though, it bonds tenaciously to steel, stainless steel, aluminum and pot metal surfaces.

Can Apply Additional Coats of Steel Quickset After the First Coat Cures

It’s great that you can apply additional coats of Steel Quickset after the first coat cures so you can build up the repair area. The putty comes as two plasticine-like sticks that you knead together thoroughly until uniformly mixed. Work quickly though, as it starts to set in about 5 minutes.

When fully cured, the medium-gray colored putty is extremely hard and durable, yet can be sanded and shaped if needed. It’s not magnetic though, so it won’t attract a magnet. As for coverage, the amount in one package goes a reasonably long way if applied in thin layers.

❌There are some materials it doesn’t work well with

There are some materials it doesn’t work well with though. I tried using it to repair a decorative silver candlestick and it was a no-go. The putty just didn’t want to adhere to the silver. It’s also not recommended for glass or plastic fuel tanks that will be exposed to gasoline – those are better repaired with other products.

FAQ of Pratley Steel Quickset

My Hands-on Test of JB Weld

✅Heavy-Duty Applications

Let me start with the heavy-duty applications. When my wood stove developed a crack, I used the JB Weld Extreme Heat formula, designed to withstand continuous temps up to 500°F. It bonded beautifully and has held up through countless fires. In an automotive carburetor issue, Extreme Heat putty was the way to go since it can handle gasoline.

Versatile Formula

The regular JB Weld formula is remarkably versatile too. I’ve used it to mount dishwasher brackets to granite countertops – it creates an extremely strong, durable bond. It can even be painted over once fully cured. And while I wouldn’t recommend it for delicate decorations, it worked like a charm reattaching a metal piece on my teapot.

One caveat – this epoxy doesn’t actually turn into metal after drying. It remains an epoxy resin, just in a hardened state. But it still forms an incredible bond to metal, plastic, ceramic, you name it.

Speaking of which, I was a bit skeptical about using it on porous materials like wood, but it passed that test too when I repaired a cracked cedar planter. Just be sure to properly prep and dry porous surfaces first.

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

Value for Money

As for the product itself, the two separate putty sticks (resin and hardener) allow you to mix up just the amount needed, which is convenient. The 8270 and 8271 items are the same 10oz product, just different packaging. Easy to use, and easy to find at any hardware store.

❌Not Ideal for Sealing Leaking Water Pipes

My only complaint is that while JB Weld bonds tenaciously, it’s not a fully waterproof sealant. For sealing leaking water pipes, plumbers actually recommended using Tank Weld or a silicone caulk instead. But for most general repairs, JB Weld has been an absolute workhorse in my toolbox. Highly recommended!

💬 FAQ of JB Weld