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Clamps are ideal for gluing woodworking projects to ensure a tight, even fit. However, they may not be available or practical for some projects. In such situations, you need to be creative and find an alternative way to hold wood pieces together.
So how to glue wood without clamps? You can glue woods even without using clamps using the following alternatives: superglue, masking tape, brad nails, and bungee cords. These clamp alternatives come in handy and can vary from holding intricate joints to fragile pieces to bulky woodwork projects. Not only are they accessible, but they are also easy to use.
Read on to learn more about how to use those mentioned above.
Gluing Wood with Superglue
Thanks to its versatility, superglue does an excellent job holding intricate joints together without clamps. The best thing is that this product is readily available and easy to use.
Here’s how you do it.
- The first step is to lay the wood pieces you want to glue together.
- Then, apply wood glue on the wood while leaving small gaps in-between glue dabs.
- Next, apply some drops of superglue to the small gaps.
- Lastly, press and hold the two wood pieces together for a few seconds to allow the wood glue to dry.
Note: You shouldn’t use superglue alone to glue wood because it sets pretty fast but breaks easily.
Read More >> How To Clean Wood Glue Off Clamps
Gluing Wood with Masking Tape
Consider using masking tape if you want to glue small pieces of wood together. Masking tape is especially great for fragile woodworking projects, such as those made from balsa wood.
Once you complete the project, you can easily remove the tape without worrying about ruining your work.
Here’s how you do it.
- Start by spreading a generous amount of wood glue on one side of the wood.
- Then, press the second piece of wood on the glued joint.
- Lastly, get enough masking tape to tape your two wood pieces together.
Note: Make sure you wrap the masking tape tightly and give your wood glue enough time to dry.
Gluing Wood with Brad Nails
This technique works best if you have a brad nail gun. Otherwise, you’ll be better off with the other options.
Inserting nails with a nail gun is faster and more efficient than with a hammer. This allows you to move the piece as the wood glue dries, and to continue working on your project.
Here’s how you do it.
- Start by laying your wood on a stable surface.
- Next, apply glue on the wood surface while ensuring an even spread.
- Place the second piece and press it to ensure they are correctly aligned.
- Lastly, nail your two wood pieces together and give them enough time to cure.
Note: It’s worth noting that the nails will stay in the wood permanently.
Read More >> The Best Clamps for Gluing Wood
Gluing Wood with Bungee Cords
Bungee cords are excellent for bulky woodworking projects where clamps cannot fit around. You can find them in different sizes and strengths, so you can easily choose the right one for your project.
Here’s how you do it.
- Start by applying wood glue to the parts of the wood you intend to hold together.
- Press the wood pieces firmly together before aligning the edges and wrapping the cord around the structure.
- Lastly, stretch the cord while tightening it around your wooden structure. Secure a tight knot to hold the joints firmly as the wood glue dries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective wood glue?
Polyurethane glue is among the most robust and durable wood glues available on the market.
Is wood glue stronger than screws?
Wood glue is often stronger than screws when applied between two wood pieces. Screws only hold the wood at a specific spot, while glue can hold the wood across the whole joint.
What is a good substitute for clamps?
Some great substitutes for clamps include DIY clamps, pipe clamps, caulking guns, and lightweight spring clamps. You can also use rubber bands, ratchet straps, and carjack in place of clamps or use a clamping board.
Conclusion
We hope you will find these ideas helpful if you’ve been wondering how to glue wood without clamps. If you want to learn more about various woodworking tools we’ve evaluated, tested, and reviewed, contact the experts at ToolGrader today!
