Loctite PL 500 vs. Loctite PL Premium: any difference?
Loctite PL Premium has a higher viscosity, shorter open and reposition times, and faster cure time compared to PL 500.
- Loctite PL 500 vs. Loctite PL Premium: What’s The Difference?
- My Hands-on Test of Loctite PL Premium
- My Hands-on Test of Loctite PL 500
Loctite PL 500 vs. Loctite PL Premium: What’s The Difference?
⏰Cure Time
Loctite PL Premium: 24-48 hours
Loctite PL 500: 2-7 days
🆚Limitations
Loctite PL Premium: Not for water submersion, PE, PP, PTFE plastics
Loctite PL 500: Not for water submersion, use on plastics
🛠️Common Uses
Loctite PL Premium attaches an aluminum exterior door threshold to a concrete floor; bonding molded plastic to concrete surfaces; works well for rubber-to-concrete applications.
Loctite PL 500 fixes stone that falls off your fireplace; fixing a broken step or repairing a damaged section of a stone structure.
Technical Info
My Hands-on Test of Loctite PL Premium
What sets PL Premium apart is its incredible bonding power on virtually any material – wood, concrete, metal, plastic, rubber, you name it. I’ve used it to glue aluminum door thresholds to concrete floors with excellent results that have held up over time, even surviving harsh Minnesota winters. It easily bonds concrete to concrete for outdoor projects like repairing cracked sidewalks or reattaching loose river rocks or deck tiles.
The fast cure time is also a major plus, allowing projects to be completed quickly without excessive waiting for it to set. Yet it remains forgiving enough that you have some repositioning time to get materials properly aligned before it fully cures.
Moreover, I had a wobbly toilet that needed to be securely mounted to the floor. I had tried using silicone caulk in the past (Acrylic Caulk Vs. Silicone Caulk), but it only offered temporary fixes, and even tile grout eventually failed.
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However, with the Loctite PL Premium, I found the perfect solution. By carefully applying the adhesive into the crack between the toilet and the floor, I was able to create a solid, permanent bond. After 24 hours, the adhesive set up harder than rock, forming a smooth and shiny gray surface that couldn’t even be dented with a fingernail. It truly provided the stability and security I was looking for.
In addition to its exceptional performance in hardscaping projects, I discovered that the Loctite PL Premium is also great for other repairs. For instance, when my cat accidentally knocked over a ceramic cat figurine, breaking off its head, I decided to give the adhesive a try. To my delight, it worked perfectly! After a day, the statue was as good as new, thanks to the reliable bond created by the adhesive. I even placed it in a safer location to prevent any future mishaps.
While not recommended for high heat applications, PL Premium exhibits incredible strength for general construction and repair use. I’ve re-attached sculptural pieces weighing a few pounds with zero issues picking them up by the adhesive joint. Of course, using proper bracing is still advised for overhead or weight-bearing applications until fully cured.
Removal is tricky if alignment goes awry, but possible with mineral spirits or carefully prying pieces apart before it fully sets. For gluing PVC or other non-porous plastics, I’d recommend the Loctite Plastics Bonding system instead based on the strong chemical bond it creates.
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FAQ of Loctite PL Premium
Q: What are the primary distinctions between this product and the more affordable premium 3x version?
A: This version boasts a quicker setup time and offers a more durable and stronger bond.
Q: Can I utilize this for attaching an aluminum exterior door threshold to a concrete floor?
A: I have successfully employed heavy-duty Loctite to install an aluminum threshold onto a concrete base, and it is held securely. However, the new threshold had pre-drilled holes for metal screws to affix to the concrete. For optimal adhesion with heavy-duty Loctite, I recommend applying it to a clean surface on a warm day.
Q: How can I detach items that have been firmly adhered together? I accidentally misaligned a frame on a mirror.
A: You can use mineral spirits to undo the adhesion.
Q: Is Loctite PL Premium suitable for bonding molded plastic to concrete?
A: Yes, it is.
My Hands-on Test of Loctite PL 500
Versatile Loctite PL 500
I’ve used it for all sorts of applications – repairing loose cultured stone on my fireplace, resetting pavers on my patio, adhering a metal sign to a block wall, you name it. The light yellow-brown colored adhesive develops an incredibly strong bond once it cures that is virtually impossible to separate.
For some recent projects, I needed to glue together around 25 square feet of bricks along the top of a retaining wall. A few 10oz tubes of PL 500 did the trick perfectly. The adhesive goes on thick but spreads easily. Even after some overnight rain, I was able to continue applying it to the wet bricks with no adverse effects on adhesion.
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The adhesive itself is truly excellent. However, it took me a little while to get used to how it squishes out upon application. It’s important to be mindful and apply it sparingly until you become familiar with its behavior. I must emphasize that this adhesive is incredibly powerful, which is a testament to its quality. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to test it underwater or in pond-related applications, so I can’t provide any insights on its suitability for those specific purposes.
FAQ of Loctite PL 500
Q: Is there a method to separate the blocks once this item has been utilized?
A: I’m not aware of any way to do so. It performs admirably.
Q: Given that it rained overnight, can I proceed with bonding the blocks together?
A: You may proceed as long as the blocks are dry.
Q: I require assistance with determining the quantity needed. I have to glue approximately 25 square feet of bricks on top of a retaining wall. How many tubes should I purchase?
A: You should consider acquiring 3-4 tubes for this task.
Q: A piece of cultured stone fell off my fireplace. Both the cultured stone and fireplace still have mortar on them. Would it be suitable to use Locktite 500 to reattach it?
A: It is likely that Locktite 500 will hold very well once set.
Q: What color is this product?
A: It is beige. If it is applied correctly, it should not be visible.
Q: Can I utilize this for installing PU/PVC crown molding and a ceiling medallion?
A: No, this specific product is designed for outdoor use, specifically for retaining walls and brickwork.s.
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!
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