Glasses are delicate objects that require care and precision when making repairs. Gorilla Glue is a popular household adhesive, but is it safe and effective for fixing your eyewear? This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of using Gorilla Glue on glasses and provides tips for proper application.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue now offers several specialized glue formulas designed for specific materials like plastic, glass, and metal. These include:
- Gorilla Clear Grip: A no-foam formula designed for smooth, finished surfaces like glass and plastics. It still bonds tightly but without the expanding bubbles.
- Gorilla Clear Glue: Advertised as crystal clear and non-foaming. Bonds glass, plastics, metals, ceramics, and more.
- Gorilla Super Glue: Provides fast-drying, more precise bonds for smooth surfaces. Available in gel and liquid formulas.
Can You Use Gorilla Glue on Glasses?
The short answer is yes, Gorilla Glue can bond to the plastic and metal used in glasses frames. The glasses frames and lenses will need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried first.
However, there are some important caveats to consider:
The original Gorilla Glue formula may not be ideal for glasses. The expansion and inflexibility could cause frames to crack or lenses to fog. Instead, a specialty clear Gorilla Glue designed for smooth surfaces would work better.
Application requires precision. Only a tiny amount of glue should be used to avoid oozing and clouding lenses. Hold frames firmly in place until the glue sets.
It may permanently bond frames. Gorilla Glue forms a very strong, permanent bond. This makes future repairs or adjustments nearly impossible.
Safety precautions are essential. Fumes and seepage can irritate eyes and skin. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and eye protection.
While Gorilla Glue will adhere to glasses frames, it’s not necessarily the best or safest choice. Proceed with caution and consider more suitable alternatives for your glasses.
Pros of Using Gorilla Glue on Glasses
When applied correctly, Gorilla Glue does offer some benefits for minor glasses repairs:
Strong adhesive power. Gorilla Glue creates incredibly strong, long-lasting bonds between surfaces. This can reinforce temporary repairs to damaged frames.
Versatility. Gorilla Glue can bond plastic, metal, glass, acrylic, and other materials used in glasses. The clear formulas work especially well for lenses.
Waterproof seal. Gorilla Glue resists water damage and can protect broken joints from moisture and sweat.
Gap filling. The original Gorilla Glue formula expands as it dries, helping it seep into cracks for maximum hold.
If you only need a temporary fix, a small dab of Gorilla Glue on eyeglass frames can provide a sturdy adhesive bond. Just beware of application risks.
Cons of Using Gorilla Glue on Glasses
While Gorilla Glue is versatile and strong, several factors make it less than ideal for repairing eyeglasses:
Permanent bond. Gorilla Glue dries hard and is extremely difficult to remove once cured. This can prevent future adjustments or repairs to frames.
Clouding risk. Excess Gorilla Glue can cloud plastic lenses or leave residue that affects vision and clarity.
Frame damage. The inflexible, expanded glue can cause fragile eyeglass frames to crack under pressure.
Skin and eye irritation. Gorilla Glue can cause significant eye and skin irritation during application before it dries. Fumes can also bother some users.
Messy applications. A tiny amount of Gorilla Glue goes a long way. It’s easy to accidentally use too much and have it ooze onto lenses and other frame surfaces.
For these reasons, optometrists typically don’t recommend using Gorilla Glue for glasses repair. At best, only use it temporarily in small amounts on sturdy plastic or metal frames.
Types of Gorilla Glue and Their Uses
With multiple formulas available, make sure to select the right type of Gorilla Glue for glasses repair projects:
Original Gorilla Glue
The traditional Gorilla Glue formula is a polyurethane-based adhesive. It expands significantly as it cures, which is useful for filling larger gaps in porous materials. The expansion means it can easily seep where it’s not wanted on glasses frames. It also dries hard and inflexible, which isn’t ideal for delicate eyewear.
Gorilla Clear Grip
Clear Grip has no foaming action, making it a better choice for smooth materials like metal and plastic glasses frames. It flows easily into cracks and dries transparent. The bond isn’t quite as strong as the original formula, but it’s less likely to damage frames or lenses.
Gorilla Clear Glue
Gorilla Clear Glue provides crystal clarity and high strength at the expense of a slower cure time. No clamping is required as it dries. Like Clear Grip, it has minimal expansion and is specially designed for materials like glass and plastic. This makes it a good option for glasses if applied sparingly.
Gorilla Super Glue
The Gorilla brand also offers their own versions of cyanoacrylate “super glues.” The liquid formula works on plastic and rubber eyeglass frames. The thicker gel formula is useful for vertical surfaces. Both provide faster drying without expansion. Take care not to get super glue on lenses as it can permanently fog or scar them.
How to Use Gorilla Glue on Glasses Properly
While not always recommended, Gorilla Glue can create an effective temporary bond on glasses frames if used correctly in small amounts. Follow these best practices:
Clean and Dry Surfaces
Wipe down frames with rubbing alcohol to remove oils, residue, and debris. Let the frames and glue dry completely before application. Gorilla Glue bonds through a chemical reaction with water, so any moisture can trigger premature expansion and bonding.
Select a Specialty Formula
Stick to one of the specialty non-expanding Gorilla Glue formulas designed specifically for smooth materials like plastic, metal, and glass. The original Gorilla Glue is more likely to seep and leave a cloudy mess.
Work in a Well-Ventilated Area
Use Gorilla Glue in an outdoor or very well-ventilated spot. Vapors from the curing glue can irritate eyes, nose, and skin for some users. Wear gloves and eye protection.
Limit and Control Application
Only use a tiny drop or dab of glue – the size of a ballpoint pen tip is plenty. Too much will result in oozing and lenses fogging over. Apply it slowly and carefully right to the joint or crack.
Hold Frames in Place
Once applied, squeeze and hold frames firmly together for 30-60 seconds as the glue sets. This prevents slipping that could smear glue where it’s not wanted.
Allow Proper Curing Time
Leave the glasses undisturbed as the Gorilla Glue fully cures. Drying time ranges from 5 minutes for super glue formulas up to 24 hours for the clear glue. Curing makes the bond fully waterproof.
Avoid Lenses and Hinges
Be extremely careful to keep any Gorilla Glue away from the lenses and hinges. It can permanently cloud plastic lenses and glue hinges shut. Tape over lenses and hinges for protection if needed.
With great care, Gorilla Glue can temporarily reinforce a weak eyeglass frame joint or bridge. But for most glasses repairs, seek out better alternatives.
Are There Better Options Than Gorilla Glue?
While handy in a pinch, Gorilla Glue is rarely the best choice for repairing broken glasses. Several adhesives and methods work better for the job.
Cyanoacrylate Adhesive
Commonly called “super glue,” cyanoacrylate adhesive is specially formulated for plastic and metal. A tiny drop dries nearly invisible with a strong bond in seconds. Most eyeglass repair kits include single-use cyanoacrylate glue.
UV-Cured Resin
Optical resin adhesives cure slowly under UV light, allowing time to align parts perfectly. The bond is crystal clear and durable. Many opticians use UV resin for flawless repairs.
Soldering
Metal frames can be soldered back together by an experienced optician or jeweler. This fuses the original metal for a seamless appearance and durable bond.
Eyeglass Repair Kits
Affordable eyeglass repair kits contain adhesives, screws, and tools tailored for glasses. They allow you to replace nose pads, tighten loose screws, and bond plastic frames without damaging lenses.
Professional Optician Repairs
For complex repairs like reattaching lens frames or replacing warped parts, visit an optician. They have the proper tools and adhesives to safely restore your glasses without jerry-rigged glue bonds.
Safety Tips When Using Gorilla Glue on Glasses
While not the best choice, Gorilla Glue can work for temporary frame repairs if certain precautions are followed:
- Wear gloves and eye protection when squeezing glue to avoid skin and eye irritation.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhalation of fumes.
- Tape over lenses with masking tape to prevent contact with glue.
- Use the non-expanding Gorilla Glue formulas designed for smooth surfaces.
- Limit glue to a tiny amount on a precision applicator like a toothpick.
- Hold frames firmly in place as the glue sets to avoid shifting.
- Let glue cure fully before wearing glasses to prevent bond failure.
- Consider it a temporary fix only – excessive Gorilla Glue will make future adjustments impossible.
Gorilla Glue bonds tenaciously to eyeglass frames but the application risks usually outweigh the benefits. For critical prescription glasses, take them to a professional optician for repairs whenever possible.
Conclusion
While Gorilla Glue can bond plastic and metal eyeglass frames, its properties make it less than ideal for achieving clean, durable glasses repairs. The adhesive works best on porous materials where the expanding formula can seep into cracks. The hard cure and inflexibility also pose risks of damaging fragile glasses.
With careful, controlled application using a non-expanding formula, Gorilla Glue may provide a temporary fix for damaged frames. But for the safest, most attractive, long-term glasses repairs, opt for professional optician services or specialized adhesives designed for the job.
For critical prescriptions glasses, don’t take risks with household glues. Instead, consult an expert to properly restore frames and keep your vision clear.