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.)

[Ken Caughron]

I use glue when I know that the piece is to be permanent.

sometimes I remove the screws for cutting or just to save screws.

[Dennis Dorries]

Some of the time.  It always depends on the type and size of the project or - in some instances - how lazy I am at the moment or how much time I have to make the item.  I think common sense is the best approach.

[Ralph Sarc]

I apply Gorilla Wood Glue with a brush on all Greg joints for added strength. As you said the Kreg screws act as mini internal clamps while the glue dries and the bond is complete.

[Tsu Dho Nimh]

Glue sometimes. Especially if it's something that will be used by toddlers or teenagers or large adults.

If I foresee having to disassemble something to move it, I'll use a fastener that is designed to be taken apart and put back together without losing strength: bed brackets, T-nuts or similar items.

[Rich Designs]

always, as not even the Kreg can hold as strong alone

 

[Steve Osterday]

There are times when I don't use glue depending on the application. Generally I like to use glue, but assembling some things with glue makes the joint slippery and hard to keep aligned. Then there's the issue if you want to use stain on the completed item if your glue gets on the finish part it won't take the stain. As I said, the main obsticle is keeping the joint from slipping out of place from the slippery glue while trying to get the screws in.

[Ken Darga]

One can minimize the glue escaping, by spreading the glue into a thin layer, using an acid brush.

Apply a small bead along the center of the intended joint, spread it out evenly, using the acid brush---

keep the glue a short distance from the edge of the joint.

 

Remove any glue, that may ooze out,  with a wet rag or towel, before the glue starts to set.

A scraper tool is also handy, lightly scraping the finished side, of the work piece.

 

Works for me.

[Ken Darga]

Keeping joints and/or edges from slipping.

Insert a small brad, into the wood surface, leaving a portion of the brad, protruding above the surface.

Cut of the protruding brad, using side cutters.  Side cutters which will leave a short section of the brad exposed---1/32 to 1/16".

Place the surfaces together, press into place, so the surfaces mate, and clamp in place while the glue is setting.

 

The cut points, on the brad, will penetrate into the adjoining surface and prevent slippage, during gluing/clamping.

 

Works for me.   

[Steve Osterday]

Great idea. Thanks

Ken Darga said:

Keeping joints and/or edges from slipping.

Insert a small brad, into the wood surface, leaving a portion of the brad, protruding above the surface.

Cut of the protruding brad, using side cutters.  Side cutters which will leave a short section of the brad exposed---1/32 to 1/16".

Place the surfaces together, press into place, so the surfaces mate, and clamp in place while the glue is setting.

 

The cut points, on the brad, will penetrate into the adjoining surface and prevent slippage, during gluing/clamping.

 

Works for me.   

[Ken Darga]

You're welcome Steve.

My mission on earth is not complete,

I'm still here.

[Jens Jensen]

I use Gorilla glue and a spritz bottle on anything and everything