Gorilla Glue and Gorilla Clear Grip are two popular adhesives from the Gorilla brand. But what’s the difference between the two and which one should you use? This comprehensive guide compares Gorilla Clear Grip and Gorilla Glue across various factors to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Gorilla Clear Grip | Gorilla Glue |
| Bond Strength | Strong | Extremely Strong |
| Clarity | Crystal Clear | Tan/Amber |
| Flexibility | Flexible | Rigid |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Cure Time | 10-30 sec | 1-2 hours |
| Ideal For | Plastics, rubbers, papers | Wood, stone, metal |
Overview of Gorilla Clear Grip
Gorilla Clear Grip is a fast-acting super glue that forms strong, crystal clear bonds in just 10-30 seconds. Here are some key features:
- Provides a strong, durable bond on various materials including plastic, rubber, ceramic, leather, paper, metal and more
- Dries crystal clear for an invisible bond
- Bonds instantly and is waterproof and flexible when cured
- The precision tip applicator allows controlled application for maximum efficiency
- Anti-clog cap keeps the tip ready to use for instant bonds
- Can be used for minor repairs on many items including jewelry, appliances, toys, figurines and more
Overview of Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane-based glue known for its incredibly strong bonding power. Here are some highlights:
- Provides industrial-strength bonding for wood, stone, metal, ceramic and more
- Expands 3-4 times into materials for a super strong bond
- 100% waterproof and dries tan/amber color
- Withstands temperatures from -20°F to 200°F (-29°C to 93°C)
- Takes 1-2 hours to cure fully into a rigid, durable bond
- Fills gaps when gluing uneven surfaces
- Ideal for major repairs on furniture, outdoor projects, crafts and more
Key Differences Between Gorilla Clear Grip and Gorilla Glue
While both are high-quality adhesives, Gorilla Clear Grip and Gorilla Glue have some notable differences.
- Bond Strength
Gorilla Clear Grip is known for forming strong, yet flexible bonds. It’s the go-to option for light-duty repairs. It’s particularly adept at holding together materials that experience vibration, or those that may expand and contract.
In contrast, Gorilla Glue boasts an extremely strong, rigid bond. Its strength is unmatched, especially when bonding porous materials like wood, stone, and metal. The expanding action of Gorilla Glue fills gaps effectively. This feature makes it a favorite for heavy-duty repairs, ensuring longevity under stress.
- Clarity
When it comes to clarity, Gorilla Clear Grip takes the lead. It dries crystal clear, forming an invisible bond. This characteristic makes it ideal for projects where appearance matters, such as crafts and jewelry.
On the other hand, Gorilla Glue dries to an amber or tan color. While this might not be the best for all projects, it’s a minor trade-off for the strength it provides.
- Flexibility
Flexibility is a standout feature of Gorilla Clear Grip. Once cured, it maintains a degree of flexibility. This attribute makes it a suitable choice for materials subject to movement or environmental changes.
Contrastingly, Gorilla Glue sets into a hard, rigid form. It doesn’t offer flexibility but provides unparalleled strength and stability.
- Cure Time
For quick fixes, Gorilla Clear Grip is your ally. It sets in a swift 10-30 seconds, making it a favorite for instant repairs.
Gorilla Glue, however, asks for patience. It takes 1-2 hours to cure fully, but the wait guarantees a bond that’s robust and enduring.
- Waterproofing
Water resistance is a shared feature between the two. Whether it’s Gorilla Clear Grip or Gorilla Glue, both can be used confidently in wet environments and outdoor settings.
- Temperature Resistance
Gorilla Clear Grip performs best in moderate temperatures. It’s not the choice for extreme cold or heat but holds up well in average conditions.
In contrast, Gorilla Glue stands up to a wide temperature range, from -20°F to 200°F, making it versatile for varying climates.
- Materials
Gorilla Clear Grip excels with smooth, tricky surfaces like plastic, rubber, and leather. It’s a reliable choice for bonding ceramics and other similar materials.
Gorilla Glue, with its thick texture, is the champion for porous materials. Wood, stone, metal, and foam bond securely and lastingly under its hold.
- Viscosity
The thin, easy-flowing consistency of Gorilla Clear Grip allows for precision. It ensures that the application is smooth, and bonding is even.
Gorilla Glue offers a thick, syrupy texture. This characteristic means it fills gaps uniformly, creating a consistent, unyielding bond.
- Price
When it comes to cost, Gorilla Clear Grip is slightly more wallet-friendly. It offers great value, especially for light-duty tasks and crafts.
Gorilla Glue might be a bit pricier, but the strength and durability it provides make it a worthwhile investment for heavy-duty projects.
- Projects Suited For
Gorilla Clear Grip is versatile. It’s perfect for model assembly, costumes, jewelry, and minor repairs on plastic and rubber. Art enthusiasts will find it handy for paper crafts and other creative projects.
Gorilla Glue is your companion for major tasks. It’s ideal for building and repairing furniture and outdoor structures. If you’re working with natural materials like wood, or tackling foam projects, it’s the adhesive to reach for.
Pros and Cons of Gorilla Clear Grip
Pros
- Crystal clear invisible bonds
- Fast 10-30 second cure time
- Flexible when cured
- Waterproof and temperature resistant
- Won’t yellow over time
- Precision applicator tip
- Can bond plastics, rubber, leather, paper, more
Cons
- Not ideal for porous materials like wood
- Lower heat resistance than Gorilla Glue
- Not expandable for gap filling
- Bonds may wear faster than Gorilla Glue over time
Pros and Cons of Gorilla Glue
Pros
- Incredibly strong and durable rigid bonds
- Withstands extreme impacts, vibration, weathering
- Expands to fill gaps for uneven surfaces
- Excellent for porous materials like wood, foam, etc
- Waterproof and high temperature resistant
- Available in small and large sizes
Cons
- Requires clamping for 1-2 hours during cure time
- Doesn’t dry crystal clear
- Thick consistency can cause messes
- Doesn’t bond well to smooth surfaces like plastic or metal
- Permanent bonds make repairs difficult
- More expensive than Gorilla Clear Grip
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Gorilla Clear Grip has a similar cyanoacrylate formula as traditional super glues. But it uses advanced technology to create stronger, clearer bonds compared to ordinary super glues.
Gorilla Clear Grip forms very strong flexible bonds on hard-to-glue surfaces. While not as strong as Gorilla Glue, it can bond materials with tensile strength up to 3000 PSI when used properly.
The original Gorilla Glue is the strongest variant in the Gorilla Glue line. It provides extreme bonding strength of over 4000 PSI when clamped overnight.
Gorilla Clear Grip is ideal for minor repairs, arts and crafts, costume making, scrapbooking, labeling, and any application where you want a fast-drying, crystal clear bond. It excels at bonding plastic, rubber, leather, ceramic, metal and similar smooth, difficult materials.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between Gorilla Clear Grip and Gorilla Glue, consider the materials you want to bond and the strength you need. Gorilla Clear Grip is best for light-duty repairs and projects where crystal clear bonds are preferred.
For heavy-duty repairs on porous materials, Gorilla Glue is the superior choice. Both are excellent adhesives to keep stocked in your toolbox for versatility. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully with either product for safe, effective results.