Devcon vs. JB Weld: If you’ve ever tried to fix a cracked tail light or rebuild your kid’s toy truck, you’ve likely come across them before. They’re as ubiquitous as duct tape in the world of repairs.
So without further ado, let’s review these classic adhesive brands and their glue lineup to see which one has the right stuff when it comes to your next DIY SOS project.
Devcon vs. JB Weld: What’s The Difference?
The key difference between Devcon vs. JB Weld is: Devcon didn’t fare well with plastic repairs.
My Hands-on Test of Devcon Plastic Steel Putty
✅Pros
I decided to give it a try and see if it could repair my mistake and make the machine fully usable again. After cleaning the coolant and preparing the area, I worked a nice, mounded blob of the product into the rut and let it dry overnight. The next day, I carefully filed it down flush and checked the height. To my delight, it was good to go! The repair blended seamlessly, and I was back to milling with confidence.
Now, I must admit that JB Weld would probably have been just as good, but I have no regrets. It proved to be the best on the market, even stronger than JB Weld. Its thin consistency made it easy to work with, and the results were outstanding.
Impressed by its performance, I decided to put it to the test in various other scenarios. I used it to repair a leaky coolant tank on one of my machines, and it worked great. I also used it for bedding rifles, and despite being more runny compared to the usual putty, it delivered the same excellent results. In fact, a rifle I bedded with Devcon went on to win a state championship just four days later.
❌Cons
Additionally, I was able to glue heavy cast iron pieces together with Devcon, and it worked flawlessly. However, I must mention that it didn’t fare well with plastic or metal (like eyeglasses) repairs. It seems to fall short in those cases, failing to live up to the claims made by super glue or epoxy glue. So, it’s best to use it for tasks where its strength and bonding properties shine.
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.
Q: Can Devcon bond materials other than metal?
A: Yes, it can bond other materials as well.
Q: I want to attach a foglight housing (plastic part) to the inside of a bumper cover. Will this epoxy be strong enough as the sole fastener?
A: The epoxy 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.
Q: What is the viscosity of this epoxy? I need it to flow into a hole that is four inches deep and approximately 3/8″ in diameter.
A: The epoxy has a low viscosity, similar to JB Weld or peanut butter. While it may still work for your application, you will need to apply pressure to get it into the hole. Hope this information helps.
Q: Can this epoxy bond metal to wood?
A: Absolutely! It forms a lasting bond between metal and wood.
Q: Can I use it to attach my Toyota’s front hard plastic garnish to steel bolts?
A: The name of this epoxy is misleading, as it is not designed for bonding plastic. I recommend using one of the plastic epoxies specifically formulated for gluing plastic materials. There are several brands available, and the difference between them is minimal.
Q: Can I use Devcon to fill holes in aluminum siding?
A: It may be suitable for small holes measuring 1/4″ or less, but it is generally recommended to use good exterior caulking for plugging holes in siding. Plastic steel epoxy is not the preferred choice for this purpose.
Q: Will Devcon work for repairing a hairline crack in a cast iron radiator?
A: Yes, it should work. Ensure thorough cleaning of the area around the hairline crack. You can use Devcon 52345 Plastic Steel Epoxy, which is a two-part, high-strength, cold-welding epoxy. It can be drilled, threaded, machined, or filled once fully cured. The epoxy contains a steel alloy that does not rust and can be used on all types of metals. Its tensile strength is 2500 psi, and it is waterproof. The curing time is 16-24 hours.
Q: I want to fill a small screw hole inside my stainless steel dishwasher near the door. Can I use Devcon to fill the hole and prevent water from leaking through?
A: It is not recommended for this purpose. The epoxy is listed as water-resistant, but for sealing a hole in a dishwasher, you would ideally want a product that is waterproof. Silicone sealers designed for sealing fish tanks‘ seams would be more suitable for this task.
Q: I accidentally drilled 2 mills too deep into 6061 aluminum because my drill stop slipped. Can I use Devcon to fill the hole by building it up and then redrill it?
A: Yes, this epoxy should work for that purpose. Ensure that you clean the hole thoroughly before applying the epoxy. Build it up slowly in layers, allowing each layer to cure before adding more. Once it’s built up to the desired level, you can redrill the hole. Make sure to use proper drilling techniques to avoid slipping again.
My Hands-on Test of J-B Weld 8265S Original Epoxy
✅Pros
I’m not into welding, so I decided to try heat-resistant adhesive. First, I tried regular epoxy. I was careful to clean all grease and water mineral residue off the lid and handle first. Epoxy didn’t hold – the handle popped off on first use.
Next, I tried high-strength heat-resistant super glue. I was careful to clean off all residue from the epoxy and glued the handle back on. Once again, the handle popped off the lid on first use.
So I tried this a third time, and it seems to be the charm. The adhesive is easy to mix but does take about four hours to set up. I used some tape to hold the lid handle in position while the epoxy was set up. After that, I waited another day for the epoxy to gain full strength. It has worked so far. My wife has been using the lid again for about one month, and you’d never know the lid had been repaired.
I also used it to ‘weld’ and reattach a broken-off metal mailbox support beam to the vertical metal post. Used a ratchet strap to hold the metal beam in place for 24 hours. Looks good. Hint: you can put a temporary hold on your mail to do this type of project. I used a plastic knife to mix and apply the product. Make sure you have clean bare metal on both pieces to be joined and apply the product to both surfaces. 😎
Used it as a ‘permanent’ thread lock. Was tired of a bolt backing out… even with red Loctite. Used this… that bolt is NEVER going to move again. That’s what I want.
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.
Q: Will JB Weld effectively fasten the top of an exterior fiberglass fountain to its base?
A: Yes, JB Weld can be used to fasten the top of an exterior fiberglass fountain to its base. However, ensure that you clean and keep it dry until the weld dries completely. The drying process usually takes about an hour, but it is recommended to keep it clamped and allow it to cure overnight. Keep in mind that extreme cold temperatures may affect the cure time.
Q: Can I permanently glue my bike seatpost to the bike frame using JB Weld?
A: Absolutely! If you want to permanently glue your bike seatpost to the bike frame, this product can be used. Just remember that once it’s glued, it will be nearly impossible to remove. Make sure you’re certain about your seat choice because it will be permanent.
Q: Can JB Weld be used for painting or bluing with a touch-up marker?
A: While I haven’t personally used it for bluing, I have successfully applied paint on top of JB Weld in my hobby projects. After applying the product and allowing it to set and harden, you can sand it down and paint it with various types of paint, including enamel, acrylic, and lacquer. In my experience, it works fine with those paints, so there shouldn’t be any issues using a touch-up marker.
Q: Can I bond wood to metal using JB Weld?
A: According to the instructions, JB Weld can be used to bond wood. Therefore, it is possible to use it for bonding wood to metal, such as steel. However, please note that once it is bonded, removing it will require chiseling. Keep this in mind before proceeding with the application.
Q: Will JB Weld work well for filling unused holes in an amplifier chassis?
A: Yes, JB Weld can be used to fill unused holes in an amplifier chassis. However, it might be better to consider using or creating a plug from foam or rubber. Additionally, for larger holes, JB Weld may not be the most effective option.
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Q: Can I use JB Weld to bond metal to glass, specifically a stainless steel trim to a black cooktop?
A: It is not recommended to use JB Weld to bond metal to glass, especially when dealing with dissimilar materials like stainless steel and glass. The different expansion rates between the materials could potentially cause the glass to crack. JB Weld is better suited for filling gaps or cracks in small motors and does not require a pressure seal.
Q: Is JB Weld safe and functional for low-density polyethylene potable water containers? If not, which JB Weld product would be suitable?
A: JB Weld may not be suitable for use with low-density polyethylene potable water containers as it may have toxic properties. It is advisable to avoid using it in direct contact with potable water. For specific bonding needs involving polyethylene, it is recommended to explore other JB Weld products that are designed specifically for compatibility with polyethylene materials.
Q: Does JB Weld stick to ABS? I need to reinforce weak spots in windshield wiper arm covers.
A: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a common plastic used in various applications, and JB Weld can adhere to it. However, it’s always a good idea to test the bonding strength on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire windshield wiper arm covers. This will help ensure compatibility and assess the effectiveness of the bond.
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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