Loctite and Liquid Nails are two popular brands of construction adhesives used for bonding and fastening building materials. Both offer versatile all-purpose adhesive options as well as more specialized products designed for specific applications and materials. But which brand is the best choice for DIY and professional jobs? Here we’ll compare Loctite vs Liquid Nails on key factors like bond strength, versatility, durability and more.
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Bond Strength
One of the most important considerations when selecting an adhesive is its sheer bonding power and strength. In general, both Loctite and Liquid Nails offer adhesives with strong bond strength across their product ranges. However, Loctite does market their adhesives as providing superior strength over competitors.
Loctite claims their adhesives can provide two times more initial grab than leading brands. They also state their construction adhesives deliver over 800 pounds of strength per square inch compared to approximately 300 to 400 PSI for typical construction adhesives. So in terms of pure power and bonding performance, Loctite does appear to have an edge.
With that said, Liquid Nails also offers robust strength with their formulations. Their LN-2000 heavy duty construction adhesive provides a powerful bond and is rated for vertical applications, which is an indicator of high bond strength. Their LN-903 adhesive is designed to bond even porous and damp surfaces like wood and concrete. So Liquid Nails products also deliver ample sticking power.
Key Factors in Bond Strength
There are a few key factors that determine an adhesive’s bond strength:
- Adhesive base chemistry – Cyanoacrylate, epoxy, polyurethane etc.
- Viscosity – Thicker adhesives tend to have higher bond strength.
- Cure process – Heat or chemical cured adhesives gain full strength faster.
- Surface prep – Proper cleaning and roughening of surfaces improves adhesion.
- Gap filling ability – Adhesives that can fill larger gaps strongly are preferable.
- Clamping pressure – Applying pressure while curing improves bond strength.
By engineering the adhesive formula and cure process, brands like Loctite and Liquid Nails optimize these factors to provide strong, durable bonds across different materials and applications.
Versatility
Versatility is another important consideration when selecting a construction adhesive. Using one adhesive brand and formulation for multiple applications and material combinations saves time and money.
Both Loctite and Liquid Nails offer versatile all-purpose options designed to bond common materials like wood, metal, concrete, tile and more. For example, Loctite’s PL Premium Maximum Strength Adhesive and Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Adhesive can tackle a wide range of indoor and outdoor jobs. So general versatility is a strength of both brands.
Specialty Options
Each brand also provides specialty adhesives designed for specific material bonding applications including:
| Application | Loctite Product | Liquid Nails Product |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor/Wet Area | PL Premium Polyurethane | LN-903 Landscape Block |
| Weather Resistance | PL Polyurethane | LN-2000 Outdoor |
| Roofing | PL Premium Roof Sealant | LN-903 Landscape Block |
| Metal/Aluminum | PL Premium Metal Epoxy | LN-2000 Panel |
| PVC/Vinyl | PL Premium PVC | LN-904 Plasticizer |
So both Loctite and Liquid Nails have products tailored for common specialty bonding situations from outdoor applications to PVC trim and fixtures.
Durability
Over the long run, you need an adhesive that maintains a strong, durable bond. Environmental factors like moisture, changing temperatures and UV exposure can degrade adhesives over time.
Loctite touts their adhesives as chemically and environmentally resistant, capable of maintaining strong bonds even after prolonged exposure to weather elements. Independent product testing has shown Loctite adhesives retain over 80% of their initial strength after a month of soaking in water.
Liquid Nails states their adhesives can have strong bonds lasting decades when properly applied between surfaces. Their formulations are designed to endure humidity, rain, snow and seasonal temperature swings. So both companies engineer their adhesives to go the distance in tough conditions.
Longevity Tips
Following best practices when applying adhesives also promotes long-lasting bonds:
- Prep surfaces thoroughly – Clean and lightly abrade.
- Use enough adhesive to fill the joint.
- Clamp securely while curing.
- Allow full cure time before stressing joint.
- Seal outdoor applications from excess moisture.
Ease of Use
An adhesive also needs to be relatively convenient and easy to work with, especially for DIYers. Key factors affecting ease of use include:
- Dispensing and tooling – Smooth, consistent flow from the container that tools evenly into joints.
- Open time – Adequate working time to position bonded materials before curing.
- Cleanup – Ability to easily remove excess adhesive from surfaces and tools.
- Cure time – Reasonable cure rate without extended clamping time.
Both Loctite and Liquid Nails adhesives are designed for convenient use by DIYers and professionals. Their all-purpose adhesives typically offer:
- Smooth squeeze tube or gun dispensing.
- 10-30 minute open time.
- Easy soap and water cleanup when wet.
- Full cure in 24 hours or less.
So in terms of handling, Loctite and Liquid Nails are very comparable. Following the product instructions ensures an easy, successful application experience.
Cost Comparison
Adhesive pricing can also be a factor, especially for larger jobs. In general, Loctite and Liquid Nails are competitively priced with each other for comparable all-purpose and specialty formulas. For example:
| Adhesive Type | Size | Loctite Price | Liquid Nails Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose | 10 oz | $4.97 | $5.98 |
| All-purpose | 28 oz | $8.97 | $9.94 |
| Outdoor | 10 oz | $9.97 | $7.98 |
| Heavy duty epoxy | 5 oz | $6.97 | $8.94 |
There are occasional differences, but largely these leading brands cost about the same per ounce of adhesive. Bigger bulk sizes can provide cost savings on larger jobs.
Availability
Being able to easily purchase an adhesive brand locally or online is also a benefit. Both Loctite and Liquid Nails have wide availability at home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowes and Ace Hardware. This makes last-minute purchases convenient.
Online at Amazon and adhesive specialty retailers, you can also readily buy both brands along with more specialized formulas. So whether shopping locally or online, Loctite and Liquid Nails are readily available options.
Project Ideas
All-purpose adhesives like Loctite PL Premium and Liquid Nails Heavy Duty can tackle a wide range of bonding and construction jobs like:
- Installing trim, panels, molding
- Securing tile backsplashes
- Assembling furniture
- Installing wallboard, drywall
- Bonding wood, metal, concrete
- Anchoring fixtures and fasteners
More heavy duty applications like structural repairs, stonework and outdoor projects may benefit from specialized adhesives like:
- Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane
- Loctite PL Premium Roofing Adhesive
- Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Outdoor
- Liquid Nails Landscape Block Adhesive
Always check the product description for the recommended applications and material suitability.
Conclusion
When considering Loctite vs Liquid Nails adhesives, both offer similar strengths in bonding power, versatility, durability and ease of use. They also have comparable cost and wide availability. The main differences come down to some specialized formulas tailored for specific material bonding needs.
For most general DIY and construction projects, you can achieve great results with leading all-purpose adhesives from either brand. Check that the adhesive suits your particular materials and application environment. Outdoor and heavy duty situations may call for a more advanced adhesive formulation.
By following best practices for surface prep and application, both Loctite and Liquid Nails adhesives can deliver incredibly strong, long-lasting bonds capable of standing up to the elements. So weigh your project requirements and use this comparison as you decide between these two adhesive giants.
