10 Tips for Using Adhesives
The Home Handyman|January/February 2023
Adhesives are indispensable. We use them to bond items, fix holes, and even decorate objects. However, using glues comes with several risks. But you can avoid harming yourself while working with adhesives by handling the bonds carefully and following safety procedures.
10 Tips for Using Adhesives

Your projects may not turn out well if you don't know the correct way to use adhesives. This article will provide important tips you need to create awesome glue crafts and stay safe while using adhesives.

1. Avoid letting your glue freeze

Letting your glue freeze can destroy it, even if it's only getting thawed for the first time. During winter, store your glue in a cool space and keep it at room temperature.

2. Apply evenly

Always apply your adhesive in an even pattern. Clean off any excess you find immediately after you finish applying the glue.

3. Cover your glue container immediately after use

Close your glue container immediately after you finish applying the adhesive. This will maintain the performance of your bond and also help it last longer.

4. Store your carpenter's glue in a mustard bottle

Your carpenter's glue comes in a decorated dispenser. However, using your glue directly from these dispensers will clog their outlet.

In contrast, mustard bottles rarely get blocked when you use them to apply glue. Transfer your carpenter's glue from its dispenser to a mustard bottle. Regardless of the project, the easy application allows you to fix it your way.

5. Rough up your surfaces before application

If you want your glue to stay longer on DIY projects, you can roughen up the surface you want to glue with sandpaper before applying the adhesive. Cleaning the surface with isopropanol will also increase the strength of the glue.

6. Apply pressure when gluing metal

This story is from the January/February 2023 edition of The Home Handyman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January/February 2023 edition of The Home Handyman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE HOME HANDYMANView All
TIPS TO REJUVENATE -YOUR HOME FOR SPRING
The Home Handyman

TIPS TO REJUVENATE -YOUR HOME FOR SPRING

With Spring upon us, many South Africans will be considering how to refresh their homes - perhaps to place it on the market (it is a time of the year when many people sell) or to have it looking its best for the braai's and entertaining of friends and family.

time-read
4 mins  |
September/October 2023
Award winning grinding technology
The Home Handyman

Award winning grinding technology

PFERD’s high-performance grinding solution, CC-GRIND ROBUST, wins top award at K.I.T.E.

time-read
1 min  |
September/October 2023
10 Expert Tips for the Perfect Space for Entertaining
The Home Handyman

10 Expert Tips for the Perfect Space for Entertaining

Our expert guide on how to design a dining room covers everything you need to consider, from colour schemes to furniture choice in just 10 easy steps

time-read
7 mins  |
May/June 2023
WORKING ON THE ROOF? HERE'S HOW TO DO IT SAFELY
The Home Handyman

WORKING ON THE ROOF? HERE'S HOW TO DO IT SAFELY

Because it's better to be safe than sorry. While it's not necessarily wise to get up on your roof, there may be times when you need to make the climb to fix a slipped or broken tile or install a skylight, for instance

time-read
4 mins  |
May/June 2023
Make an entryway STORAGE BENCH
The Home Handyman

Make an entryway STORAGE BENCH

In this article I'll show you how I made this small shoe storage bench. It's a great way to capture all the shoes in our entryway and has been a welcome addition to the house

time-read
1 min  |
May/June 2023
ALL BAR NONE
The Home Handyman

ALL BAR NONE

Create a rustic, solid bar table.

time-read
2 mins  |
May/June 2023
HOW TO GET STARTED IN UPCYCLING
The Home Handyman

HOW TO GET STARTED IN UPCYCLING

Upcycling discarded furniture and giving it a new life is now much more fashionable than purchasing a brand-new characterless flat-pack furniture set.

time-read
5 mins  |
May/June 2023
FLOORING FIXES
The Home Handyman

FLOORING FIXES

Your floors are one of the first things people notice when they enter your home, so if you have a crack, burn or some damage, Y it is hard to hide. In this issue we'll tell you how to get your flooring back to its best, whether it is laminate flooring, tiles, or carpet

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2023
THE TOOLS YOU NEED IN YOUR AUTO REPAIR TOOL KIT
The Home Handyman

THE TOOLS YOU NEED IN YOUR AUTO REPAIR TOOL KIT

Having the right tools to perform basic DIY auto repairs and maintenance can save you time and money.

time-read
4 mins  |
March/April 2023
EASY-TO-MAKE PLANT STAND
The Home Handyman

EASY-TO-MAKE PLANT STAND

I recently made a plant stand to hold one of my many plants! Yes I have a plant addiction...

time-read
1 min  |
March/April 2023