Ever wonder about difference between super glue, crazy glue, instant glue and CA glue? Actually, they’re just different names for the same product. The technical name is “cyanoacrylate”. CA glue really is “super” – a one square inch bonding of cyanoacrylate can hold about a ton.
CA glue is very useful for household repairs and for woodworking. Besides bonding wood and other materials together, it can be mixed with sawdust to fill cracks and can even be used as a quick drying, high gloss finish.
Urban legend has it that CA glue was developed as a field dressing for wounds received in battle during World War II. While it was war time research in 1942 that led to the discovery of cyanoacrylates, scientists were actually looking for materials to make clear gun sights. They discovered a material that stuck to everything it came in contact with. Not much good for gun sights, it was rejected at the time. Then in 1951 a researcher at Eastman Kodak rediscovered it and recognized its commercial value. It was first marketed in 1958 as “Eastman 910”.
CA glue did see some battle action in the 1960s – in spray form it was used to stop bleeding in the battlefield so wounded soldiers could be safely transported. It wasn’t approved for use on humans at the time, but the military used it anyway. Since then, variants have been designed that are widely used in in closing wounds and surgical incisions, orthopedic surgery, dental and oral medicine, veterinary medicine, and for home use as Band Aid brand Liquid Bandage.
Should you use household super glue as a bandage? Unfortunately, regular CA glues irritate the skin and they can generate significant heat as they cure, potentially causing skin burns. To err on the side of safety, you should only use medically-approved glue.
There are so many things you can use it for. CA glue will bond almost anything; wood, most plastics, aluminum, steel, neoprene, rubber, PVC, vinyl, leather, and more. It will even adhere to glass, although not reliably. Some things it won’t bond include teflon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and some plastics.
Cyanoacrylates do bond to skin very well. Be very careful not to let it come in contact with your skin. If you do become stuck and don’t have a CA glue debonder close at hand, here are some things you can try:
- Separate your fingers using a slow, peeling motion – cyanoacrylates have relatively low peel strength.
- Soak your hand in warm water – it will cause your skin to release oils that will break down the bond. Allow some time for this approach to work.
- Try using a solvent like acetone or nail polish remover.
If you are very patient, the natural oils in your skin will eventually cause the cyanoacrylate to peel off over a couple of days.
From quick setting thin glue to slower gap filling gels, CA glue can be used with or without accelerators to provide a “super” bond.
