European Alternatives to Gorilla Glue

Gorilla Glue is an American adhesive brand that became known for its polyurethane glue, which expands slightly while it cures and bonds wood, stone, metal and many plastics. Readers who prefer a European manufacturer have strong alternatives. This page lists European brands that cover the same jobs: repairs, assembly and strong bonding in the home and workshop.

European alternatives and what they offer

For general repairs and DIY, Pattex and UHU sell all-purpose, contact and instant adhesives in hardware stores across Europe. Loctite is the go-to brand for threadlockers and instant adhesives with strong bonding on metal and plastic. Bostik and Soudal specialise in construction adhesives, sealants and PU foam, which is the closest area to Gorilla Glue's heavy-duty use.

Choosing the right product

• Check the material: wood, metal, glass, ceramics and plastics each need a suitable adhesive, and polypropylene and polyethylene are difficult to glue with most products.
• Read the label for the cure time, water resistance and whether the adhesive foams or stays clear.
• For outdoor use, look for products described as waterproof and weather resistant.
• Use protective gloves and ventilation for instant adhesives and polyurethane products.

What to expect

The European brands do not sell an identical formula under the same name, so product names differ. In most cases there is a matching product in the range of Pattex, Soudal or Loctite for each job, and the staff in a hardware store can help find it. See also our overview of European adhesive brands.