How-To

Which Glues Work in Cold Temperatures?

By Mark Schofield #210–Jan/Feb 2010 Issue

**Chilly champs.** If you need to use glues in cold temperatures, your choices among the common woodworking glues are limited to Titebond III, which performs down to 47ºF, and Gorilla Glue, which needs a minimum of 40ºF.

Q:

I need to glue up panels in an unheated shop. Are there glues that work on hardwood—in this case, cherry—in the 40° to 45ºF range?

Art Utay, South Windsor, CT

A:

I contacted Franklin International and Gorilla Glue to see how cold you can go and still glue wood successfully. Joe Goodwin at Franklin had the minimum temperature for Titebond III memorized: “47°!” He also said Titebond II needs to be used above 55º F, and Titebond Original, Carpenters glue, liquid hide glue, and polyurethane must be above 50º. Below this, the glue dries white and powdery instead of transparent, and has virtually no bond strength.

Cyanoacrylate (“Super Glue”) also is not suitable for applications in the 40° to 45º range. Some epoxies work, but take much longer than normal to cure. Gorilla Glue polyurethane can handle 40°, but the cure time also is slower.

The bottom line: Use Gorilla Glue down to 40°F and Titebond III down to 47°F, but the best solution is to heat your shop a bit. Everything will be easier then.

**Too cold to bond.** Most yellow glues should not be used below about 55ºF. Below this temperature, instead of drying to their normal clear film, they quickly turn white and lose their strength.

Photos: Staff

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