Super glue, crazy glue, instant glue... who cares what it's called, all you know is you have a half-solid tube of the stuff in your junk drawer, a broken decorative plate, and a very annoyed mother. When you need to fix something fast, or if you have a hobby kit to build, super glue is your best bet, nine times out of ten.
Super Glue Uses
Super glue, or it's generic term, cyanoacrylate, is a very fast acting glue, often said to work instantaneously. Most people use it to fix the little things that break around the house, though people who build models or indulge in other craft hobbies can find uses for super glue as well. It's clear and takes little time to act, making it perfect for projects where white or colored glue will ruin the illusion of wholeness. It's also waterproof. Super glue works best on smooth surfaces, like metal, wood, ceramics and some plastics.
Cyanoacrylates can come in a syringe or tube, in a squeeze bottle, or as a spray. When super glue is combined with other adhesives, drying times can increase, so check the label before using.
If you decide you no longer wish whatever you glued together to be super-bonded, try using acetone. You should avoid using super glue on porous surfaces; try Duco Cement or Gorilla Glue instead.
Safety
Avoid handears, and so on. Even if your hand doesn't get stuck, there are just some places you don't want super glue. Use super glue in a well ventilated area whenever possible. Also remember that super glue reacts to cotton and baking soda by producing heat and greater fumes.
Lastly, while there are liquid bandages that are similar to super glue, you should never use super glue as a medical adhesive. Household super glue will irritate the skin, and can release formaldehyde into the body.
