How do you GLUE?

[KregRep]

At Kreg, our position has always been that glue is completely optional - which stands in stark contrast with other wood joinery techniques.  However, we also suggest that if you want the strongest joint possible, adding glue is the way to go.  The great news is that if you do use glue, there's no need for hours of clamp-ups since the screws act as mini internal clamps while the glue dries.

 

Inquiring minds want to know... when you're building your own projects with Kreg Joints:

• Do you use glue?
• All the time, some of the time, none of the time?
• Are there situations where you feel glue is more needed?
• If you don't use glue, why not?  Do you foresee disassembling your project later on?  Are there any particular issues you've had (mess, frustration, finishing inconsistency, etc.)

[Jerry Murray]

Sometimes... especially if the piece will be heavily loaded.

[Steve McCullough]

Yes I use glue, but not nearly as much as I used to before I discovered Kreg.  If its a permanent type project, I'll use a little glue, but it really is a decision I make at the time.  As I've gained confidence in the holding power of the Pocket Hole Screw, I've greatly decreased my use of glue.

[steve kidd]

have made dozens of projects with pocket screws and never used glue. i know the joints would be stronger, but after making these projects and the abuse i put some of them thru, i really dont see the need for glue. in the future i want to start useing glue, will just make the joints that much stronger.

[Michael Campbell]

I always use glue.  dampen both pieces with a wet rag, apply glue to both pieces, even the glue with my finger,  screw it together and wipe the excess  off  with wet rag.

[Rene' Martinez]

I use glue some of the time.  I tend to use it where I'm putting together a bench or somewhere someone may put weight on the item.  I "know" it's not needed, but it makes me feel better knowing there's just a tad bit more there holding everything together.

[ray vile]

sometimes I will use glue in certain joints , but it's very rare

[T. Lloyd Doucette]

I use glue all of the time, due to the fact that old habits are hard to break and it does make a very strong joint along with the Kreg system.

[Kerry Drake]

I always use glue, unless it is quick throw away jig.

[Michael Campbell]

using glue also fills any cracks or gaps,  it is a good wood filler.

Michael Campbell said:

I always use glue.  dampen both pieces with a wet rag, apply glue to both pieces, even the glue with my finger,  screw it together and wipe the excess  off  with wet rag.

[Geoff Simpson]

Almost always for the whole piece and always for the carcass.  The only exception (and depending on the project), I like to do pre-assembly/dryfit.  Occassionaly, i'll put together the whole piece without glue to ensure i've got everthing the way i want it, then i knock it down and do it all over again with yellow woodglue.

[Johnny D. Rich]

It all depends on whether or not I want to make a mess. See, when it comes to glue, I always make a mess. Generally though, I don't usually use glue when screwing things together.

[Donald Stutsman]

If a project is worth doing, it is worth keeping. Glue adds to the strength imparted by the pocket screws.