FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Nightmare with Gorilla Glue

fingersandtoes | Posted in General Discussion on June 24, 2009 04:47am

Today I was putting some 1/2″ steel pegs into a number of oak boards. I drilled the boards so that the pegs were snug and before pushing them in put a small amount of Gorilla Glue in the holes. 20 minutes later the glue began to foam around the pegs and after repeatedly wiping it away I finally abandoned the experiment and pulled the pegs out. Three hours later the holes were still filling up with foamy glue – even after I wiped them out carefully with Q tips.

The stuff is worse than expanding foam. I guess tomorrow I’m drilling, sanding and staining the boards again. Wretched stuff. I’m sworn off for life.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. calvin | Jun 24, 2009 04:53am | #1

    You can put that experience into your bag of application techniques.

     

    This peg thing, exterior?

     

    Amazing stuff with certainly some drawbacks.

    A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    http://www.quittintime.com/

     

    1. fingersandtoes | Jun 24, 2009 05:25am | #4

      "This peg thing, exterior?"

      No, the last few bottle holders for a wine cellar I have been working on sporadically for two years.

      I wouldn't mind so much if the container had some caution like "This glue expands to ruin your project", as opposed to a bunch of soothing stuff about how it is the only glue to stuck together anything you can think of.

  2. AitchKay | Jun 24, 2009 05:00am | #2

    I'm sure that there must be some good reasons to use foaming polyurethane glues.

    Perhaps someone will post one here.

    We're waiting.

    AitchKay

    1. User avater
      basswood | Jun 24, 2009 05:23am | #3

      It is not harmed by freezing temps and can be used down to 40*F... this makes it handy stuff in Minnesota. Can also be used for structural joints. Typical PVA glues will creep over time, if loaded.

    2. RedfordHenry | Jun 24, 2009 05:47am | #5

      I used it to glue some rare earth magnets to some nice beach rocks.  Made awesome refrigerator magnets.  Also used it to reattach a couple of shovel heads to their wooden handles.  Worked great in both situations. 

    3. Waters | Jun 24, 2009 06:02am | #6

      I know a guy who made a built up beam of 2x12 PT which he steamed first and bent around a form.

      the glue works wet.  Supposed to wet it I think. 

    4. sisyphus | Jun 24, 2009 05:20pm | #22

      IIRC Gorrilla Glue was what we used to fasten a small chip back on to a precast concrete window sill we bush hammered. I thought no way it would survive but it is still there after 5 years and lots of freeze thaw cycles.

      1. DanH | Jun 24, 2009 05:51pm | #23

        Yeah, it's a reasonably good masonry glue.
        As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

    5. gb93433 | Jun 25, 2009 02:59am | #35

      A few years ago I made a ladder for an upper set of cabinets in a bedroom. Part of the hardware involved a rail. Because the rail was made from EMT and I did not want to make one from pipe or rigid electrical conduit I placed a piece of closet pole inside and filed the space with Polyurethane glue. The space was filled very well and the rail was remarkably stiffer and light too.

      Edited 6/24/2009 7:59 pm by gb93433

  3. Shep | Jun 24, 2009 06:22am | #7

    The foaming is a natural part of the curing process. I like it, because once the glue is cured, its easy to carve off the excess foam. And I've found it doesn't sink into the wood, and affect a finish.

    You shouldn't have tried wiping it as it dried. I let it dry before I worry about any squeeze out. What did you try wiping it with? If it was water, that would just increase any foaming action. IIRC, mineral spirits is what's recommended for clean up, but I find that doesn't work all that well, especially when you get the glue on your clothes, or skin, which I have a tendency to do <G> It really has to be cleaned up almost immediately to have a chance.

    I like polyurethane glues for some applications. It'll bond just about anything, like an epoxy, but it's cheaper, and it doesn't have to be mixed.

    1. User avater
      IMERC | Jun 24, 2009 06:39am | #8

      that much foaming means too much glue... 

      Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

      WOW!!! What a Ride!

      Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

       

      "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

      1. fingersandtoes | Jun 24, 2009 07:25am | #13

         

        "that much foaming means too much glue..."

        Once things went bad, I removed the pegs and carefully cleaned out the holes with Q Tips. Twenty minutes later the 1/2" dia. by 1" deep holes were overflowing! How much is enough?

        1. User avater
          IMERC | Jun 24, 2009 08:20am | #15

          did you clean up with denatured alcohol???

          just a drop or two....

          when ya think you haven't used enuff...

          it already was too much... 

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!

          Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

           

          "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

        2. User avater
          IMERC | Jun 24, 2009 08:21am | #16

          BTW...

          tight fit....

          watch how thick ya put it on....

            

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!

          Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

           

          "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

  4. Scott | Jun 24, 2009 06:42am | #9

    It takes some getting used to. But it really is good stuff for certain applications. I keep a bottle in the freezer.

    Scott.

  5. DanH | Jun 24, 2009 06:49am | #10

    It's good glue, but the foaming nature can take you buy surprise.

    As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
  6. KFC | Jun 24, 2009 07:03am | #11

    What shep said.

    Don't wipe it.  Let it do its thing, then come back the next day with a paint scraper.  No problemo.

    k

    1. fingersandtoes | Jun 24, 2009 07:21am | #12

      The pegs were already spray painted and the oak stained, so once it came out of the hole I was done. The annoying thing about it is I really didn't need the glue - the pegs fit tightly and are supported by the oak. I just thought I'd put a dab of something on in case things shrunk. Grabbed a bottle off a shelf in the guys shop and...

      1. User avater
        Jeff_Clarke | Jun 24, 2009 08:17am | #14

        That's a good application for a small amount of Marine Grade Goop.

        Jeff

  7. alias | Jun 24, 2009 01:58pm | #17

    Ditto on the denatured alcohol, and a tooth brush. There is a definite learning curve , the attachment was done with gorilla glue poly it's a muntin on a window . Once you learn the stuff, and how to apply. As IMERC said denatured alcohol and a nice fine toothbrush , wait until it reaches it peak foaming ,but hasn't harden up , gently scrub it with the alcohol. it has a tendency to retard the foaming also. Not to much cause it will compromise the the integrity of the bond. I'll point it out but it pretty obvious , if your staining the gorilla polyurethane is not for this application.

  8. User avater
    SteveInCleveland | Jun 24, 2009 02:25pm | #18

    If I'm ever concerned about the foaming as it dries while working with a delicate (stained) surface:

    Stain and finish wood as needed.  Cover area as needed with a lighter duty painters tape.  Drill holes as needed with tape already in place.  This way, you have your holes, with no exposed wood.  Use gorilla glue sparingly. 

    After it has completely cured, cut away any excess glue.  Remove your tape.

    In your case, you could tape your spindles to protect their finish, too.

     

     

     

    "Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words."  - St. Francis of Assisi

    No, I didn't vote for him; but he IS my president.  I pray for the his safety, and the safety of his family every day.  And I pray that he makes wise decisions.

    1. GregGibson | Jun 24, 2009 02:53pm | #19

      Oh, and have you looked at your hands this morning ? Black, right ? It'll wear away, takes about two weeks. Don't ask me how I know.Greg

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Jun 24, 2009 02:59pm | #20

        baby oil and a green scrubby...

        takes the wait down to a day or so... 

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

         

        "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

        1. Shep | Jun 24, 2009 03:10pm | #21

          be a man.

          60 grit sandpaper.

          plus you could start a new career as a safecracker. <G>

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 25, 2009 12:52am | #29

            why go thru all that....

            MAPP gas torch....

            grt 'er done right now.... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

             

            "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

        2. fingersandtoes | Jun 24, 2009 06:28pm | #24

          Baby oil? What would I have baby oil for? What are you trying to imply? I post a simple rant about glue and you start questioning my masculinity. And it's starting to rain. And I forgot to buy gas.

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 25, 2009 12:55am | #30

            so use KY, Wesson or Crisco....

            don't ferget to wear yur galoshes... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

             

            "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

          2. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 25, 2009 01:05am | #32

            my wife(X) does that often.... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

             

            "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

        3. User avater
          PaulBinCT | Jun 24, 2009 07:29pm | #27

          You having flashbacks to a Thai massage parlor?PaulB

          http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com

          http://www.finecontracting.com

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 25, 2009 12:56am | #31

            60's Philippines... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

             

            "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

        4. JTC1 | Jun 25, 2009 01:09am | #33

          Mayonnaise will do the same thing, there might be one of those little packets in my truck console along with the ketchup and salt......

          JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 25, 2009 01:13am | #34

            I'll keep that one in mind... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

             

            "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

  9. ted | Jun 24, 2009 06:47pm | #25

    Most glues have their place. I think Fine Woodworking did a comparative test on glues a while ago. If I recall PVA glue was somewhere close to the top in terms of strength (when bonding wood to wood). And polyurethane glues were at the lower end of the spectrum in the same application. In your instance gluing steel to wood I would think that epoxy would be the best choice in terms of working time, application and cleanup not to mention superior strength compared to Gorilla glue. I'm with you on the stuff, Can't think of a reason to use it where another cleaner and stronger glue would get the job done.

    1. Snort | Jun 24, 2009 07:27pm | #26

      It's great for gluing up panels that can sanded: wooden countertops and the like. it's a beech in anything with a corner. works nicely with bent laminations, or most any laminations.http://www.tvwsolar.com

      Now I wish I could give Brother Bill his great thrill

      I would set him in chains at the top of the hill

      Then send out for some pillars and Cecil B. DeMille

      He could die happily ever after"

  10. cim | Jun 24, 2009 11:54pm | #28

    The application which you used it for is not ideal.  In most cases you do get the excessive foaming but alot of the time the curing action will actually push out a plug or in your case steel peg.  An epoxy would have been better suited.  Try West Systems epoxy, great stuff and alot of extra information and tips are available on there web site.  Good luck.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Picture-Perfect Pergola

Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Design and Build a Pergola
  • Podcast Episode 689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?
  • Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data