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You don’t need to reach for a drill or hammer to fix everything at home. In fact, many common household problems can be handled with nothing more than a little patience and just the right amount of glue. However, it’s important to keep in mind that no single type of glue is suited for every project, so you’ll need to select the correct type of glue based on the problem at hand.
There are many uses for glue both inside and outside the home, including fixing broken toys and keepsakes, patching shoes and minor tears in leather, or even creating and repairing jewelry. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to have at least one type of glue readily available that can be used for a wide assortment of projects. Take some time to discover these uses for glue that make home repairs more convenient and easy to tackle, even for beginner DIYers.
1. Install or repair lightweight trim and paneling.
Small finishing nails can become loose over time, allowing the trim to peel away from the walls. By applying a bit of construction adhesive to the trim you can fasten it securely in place. Similarly, you can use construction adhesive to install lightweight trim or even to attach lightweight paneling sections. Still, it’s important to ensure that both bonding surfaces are clean since any dust or debris on the surfaces will interfere with the adhesive’s ability to do its job.
2. Fix frayed cables.
There are many types of glue available, but one of the most reliable for home repairs is super glue. Using super glue, DIYers can fix frayed or fraying cables by applying a thin layer of glue along the damaged area, and then wrapping the frayed part of the cable with electrical tape for better support. This simple super glue repair can extend the life of your cables, prevent future fraying, and reduce electronic waste.
3. Repair broken glass or ceramic objects.
While some of the best super glue products can be effective when fixing chips in glass or ceramic materials, more significant damage should be handled with a clear epoxy glue. Since glass is nonporous and tends to shatter into many pieces when it breaks, it isn’t easy to repair. However, if you can manage to find all of the pieces, then a clear epoxy glue can be used to rebuild the shattered glass. Similarly, epoxy glue is one of the best options for repairing ceramic objects, like flower pots or mugs. Just make sure to select a clear or crystal clear epoxy product so the repair seams are not visible.
4. Seal a leaking garden hose.
Glue isn’t just used indoors, you can even rely on glue to fix a range of outdoor problems, like a leaking garden hose. A small pinhole leak or even a seam that is starting to split can be sealed by applying a generous amount of super glue. The glue will quickly fuse to the rubber, preventing water from seeping out. However, it’s important to ensure that the hose is clean and fully dry before attempting this repair, otherwise the glue may not adhere properly.
5. Restore damaged metal and wood.
Metal is prone to rusting and pitting, but before investing in costly replacements you can try to restore the damaged metal using an epoxy glue. This type of glue can fill in small holes and repair thin cracks with relative ease. Similarly, when wood starts to show signs of rot, you can attempt to fix the wood with an epoxy glue. This is especially helpful for extending the life of wood decking and fence pickets that are constantly subjected to rain, ice, and snow. Just make sure to select an epoxy product that doesn’t contain chemical additives that could harm the target material.
6. Repair kitchen cabinets and appliances.
The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in most homes, so there are often little issues that need to be fixed to keep the kitchen in pristine condition. However, you don’t need to dig out the toolbox or invest in expensive cabinet, countertop, or appliance replacements when there are many repairs that can be managed with glue. Using super glue, you can secure drawer knobs and cabinet handles that have become loose. Similarly, if a small piece of laminate breaks off or starts to loosen, you can use contact cement to reattach it. Another great use for glue is to secure a loose refrigerator or freezer seal to extend the life of the appliance.
7. Assemble or repair wood furniture.
DIY woodworkers know that wood glue can be significantly easier to use than nails or screws when working with thin pieces of wood and delicate furniture. The wood glue can effectively bond two pieces of wood together for furniture repair and assembly projects, or you can put it to use to fix wooden objects around the home, like wooden stools or picture frames.
Tip: Learn how to revive dried glue if your wood glue hasn’t been used for a few months.
8. Patch a tent.
Fabric glue may be an often overlooked type of glue, but small holes and tears in your tent can be patched using fabric glue. It’s recommended to set up the tent before applying the glue to avoid accidentally gluing the tent sides together. When you use fabric glue in this way, it will both protect against water entering the tent and prevent the damage from growing.
However, if you notice there is a larger tear in the tent, you will need an extra piece of fabric or a piece of heavy-duty tarp to create a patch before sealing it with one of the best fabric glue products available. Fabric glue is even one of the top glues for repairing shoes, clothing, and leather furniture in a pinch.
9. Fill or fix a stripped screw hole.
Many people learn how to use a glue gun when they are young for a range of artistic crafts and little projects, but you can also use that same hot glue to fill holes left behind by nails or screws. Also, if you find that a screw hole seems to be stripped and can no longer hold a screw, you can fix the issue with hot glue, if it’s a light-duty situation. Just fill the hole with hot glue, then drill a small pilot hole, before reinserting the screw. The dried glue will provide the extra grip necessary for a secure fit.
Note: This repair method should not be used for heavy-duty applications.
10. Fix loose, broken, or chipped tiles.
In some cases, the adhesive that is used to secure tiles to the wall or floor may weaken over time, causing the tiles to become loose. When this occurs, you will need to first learn how to remove the glue left on the back of the tile to create a smooth, clean surface. When the tile is ready, apply an epoxy adhesive, thinset mortar, or a tile paste adhesive before reinstalling the tile. You can also use these adhesive products to repair broken or chipped tiles as long as you have all the pieces on hand.
11. Install or repair PVC pipes and fittings.
PVC pipes are used throughout a home to carry waste and wastewater to the septic tank or municipal sewer system, but when one of these pipes develops a small leak or you need to install a new fitting, PVC cement is the right product for the job. PVC cement forms a bond in a similar way as super glue, creating a chemical reaction that binds the pipe surfaces together.
Still, you may also want to use a PVC primer to help prepare the pipe and fittings before applying the PVC cement to complete the repair or installation project. Just keep in mind that this type of adhesive sets within a few minutes, so you need to work efficiently to prevent the PVC cement from setting before the pipe and fittings are in place.
12. Fill and repair masonry cracks.
When a new cable is run from outside the home to the inside, typically the installers will need to drill a hole or widen an existing hole. You can fill the holes with epoxy glue to prevent outside air and moisture from seeping into the home. Similarly, if the bricks or foundation of the home develop small cracks, then applying an epoxy glue to the affected area can seal the cracks and help strengthen the structure. The waterproof epoxy won’t be affected by rain or meltwater, and you can even paint over the cracks to give the home a renewed appearance.
