When it comes to strong, reliable adhesives, four major brands dominate the market: Gorilla Glue, Loctite, Devcon, and Flex Glue. Each of these adhesives is designed for different types of repairs, materials, and environments. Whether you're tackling a DIY home project, automotive repair, or crafting build, choosing the right glue can make all the difference. Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide which one best fits your needs.

Gorilla Glue: Best for Versatile, All-Purpose Bonding

Gorilla Glue has become a household name thanks to its impressive strength and versatility. Its signature polyurethane formula expands as it cures, allowing it to bond uneven surfaces easily.

Pros

• Works on wood, metal, stone, ceramics, foam, glass, and more
• Waterproof and weather-resistant
• Expands into porous surfaces for a strong hold

Cons

• Expansion can cause messy squeeze-out
• Requires clamping for best results

Best For: Woodworking, household repairs, and porous materials. Use Gorilla Glue when you need an all-purpose adhesive with serious holding power.

Loctite: Best for Precision and Professional-Grade Strength

Loctite is known for its high-performance formulas, particularly its cyanoacrylate (super glue) and epoxy products. If you require quick bonding or need industrial-level precision, Loctite is often the top choice.

Pros

• Fast curing time
• Wide range of specialty formulas
• Exceptional for metal, plastic, and small repairs
• Professional-grade strength

Cons

• Some formulas don’t work well on flexible materials
• Super glues can be brittle under heavy stress

Best For: Automotive repairs, plastic bonding, electronics, and detailed repairs where precision is key.

Devcon: Best for Heavy-Duty Metal Repairs

When maximum durability is required, Devcon stands out. Unlike typical glues, Devcon is actually a two-part epoxy that creates a steel-reinforced bond, making it ideal for structural repairs.

Pros

• Extremely strong once cured
• Heat-resistant up to 176°C (depending on formula)
• Excellent for metal, automotive, plumbing, and mechanical repairs
• Can be sanded, drilled, and painted

Cons

• Slow cure time (4–6 hours to set, 15–24 hours to fully cure)
• Not ideal for flexible materials

Best For: Metal repairs, engine components, plumbing fixtures, heavy-duty fixes, and jobs where strength matters more than speed.

Flex Glue: Best for Waterproof and Flexible Bonding

Flex Glue, made by the creators of Flex Seal, is designed for waterproofing and bonding in harsh conditions. Its rubberized formula stays flexible even after drying.

Pros

• Waterproof and weatherproof
• Works on wet surfaces
• Stays flexible — great for moving joints
• Thick formula provides gap-filling ability

Cons

• Not as strong as epoxies for heavy-duty repairs
• Longer cure time than super glues

Best For: Outdoor repairs, gutters, pool areas, roofing, and projects where a waterproof, flexible bond is important.

Which Adhesive Should You Choose?

• Choose Gorilla Glue if you need a strong, multi-surface adhesive for general repairs or woodworking.
• Choose Loctite for fast precision bonding, especially plastic or small component repairs.
• Choose Devcon for the strongest, most durable bond—especially if you’re working with metal or high heat.
• Choose Flex Glue when you need waterproof, flexible adhesion for outdoor or moisture-prone areas.

Final Verdict

The best adhesive depends entirely on your project. For everyday repairs, Gorilla Glue or Loctite are reliable choices. If you need industrial strength, Devcon is unmatched. For waterproof flexibility, Flex Glue leads the pack. By understanding the strengths of each product, you can choose confidently and ensure your repair lasts for years.

FAQ: Gorilla Glue vs Loctite vs JB Weld vs Flex Glue

1. Which adhesive is the strongest overall?

Devcon epoxy is generally the strongest, especially for metal and high-pressure applications. Its cured bond is closer to a weld than a standard glue.

2. Which glue is best for plastic?

Loctite offers specialized plastic bonding formulas that outperform most general-purpose glues. Gorilla Super Glue Gel is also a strong choice.

3. What’s the best waterproof glue?

Flex Glue is designed for heavy moisture and can even bond on wet surfaces. Gorilla Glue (original) is also waterproof once cured.

4. Which adhesive works best on metal?

Devcon is ideal for metal repairs, especially in automotive or high-heat environments. Loctite epoxy is another strong option for quick metal fixes.

5. Which glue dries the fastest?

Loctite Super Glue typically sets within seconds and cures quickly, making it the best choice when speed is essential.

6. Can these glues be used outdoors?

Yes—Gorilla Glue and Flex Glue are excellent for outdoor applications due to weather resistance. JB Weld can also be used outdoors where curing conditions are suitable.

7. Are any of these adhesives flexible after curing?

Flex Glue stays flexible once cured, while Gorilla Glue and Devcon cure to a rigid finish. Loctite varies depending on formula.