Ask WWGOA: Breaking Gorilla Glue

Question:

Wondering if you know of a way to break apart joints glued with Gorilla Glue. Whoever tried to repair this antique dresser drawer let the glue squeeze out all over and didn’t clamp the joints so one has set up so far apart the drawer won’t fit in the case. I can use a sharp knife to cut out the squeeze out, but how do I get the joints apart? The Gorilla folks say there is no chemical that will break the bond.

Submitted by Joe

Answer:

I’m assuming you mean Gorilla’s polyurethane glue, not their wood glue.

It seems like Gorilla Glue would know their own product best, but a little cruising on the web indicates that denatured alcohol or acetone might loosen the hardened glue up. Home centers or paint stores should carry either product. I’d lean toward trying the denatured alcohol first as it’s not as potent as the acetone. If denatured alcohol doesn’t do it, go to the stronger solvent, acetone. In either case, work in a well-ventilated area and be sure to wear the right protective gear.

From what I read it looks like it’s important to allow the solvent to soak in for a while, 10 minutes or so, before trying to remove the glue.

Good luck.

George


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10 Responses to “Ask WWGOA: Breaking Gorilla Glue”

  1. karl powers

    I just bought a home and have a king size headboard and can’t get it up the stairs i wood like to know if there’s a way I could break down the glue to take it apart without damaging it if possible

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Karl. If it is an antique, it is possible that it uses hide glue which can be pried apart using steam and pressure. If it is more recent, it probably uses PVA glue which gives you almost no chance of pulling apart.
      Thanks
      Paul-WWGOA

      Reply
  2. BRUCE

    what would be the best way to cut a splayed leg chair to get the chair leg bottom to sit flat on the floor. The chair now rest on the inside edge and leave marks in the vinyl tile . It’s like holding a wooden dowel at oh say 30 degree angle, and the only part of the dowel on the floor is the edge.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Bruce. If the legs are splayed evenly in both directions, you will have to make a compound angled cut on both the top and the bottom at the same angle of your splay, so that the top is parallel with the bottom, and the bottom will sit flat on the floor.
      Thanks
      Paul-WWGOA

      Reply
  3. Phil

    Hammers will say 16 oz, 20 oz or 22 oz. They all feel about the same in weight, please explain. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Phil. A few oz may be difficult to assess by just picking up the hammer, but if you use a hammer a lot you will instantly notice the difference when you pick up the different sizes. If you put them each on a scale you should see a difference in weight.
      Thanks
      Paul-WWGOA

      Reply
  4. Sofea

    ​”GLU-MAN’ ​ ​ Glue Spreader​ ​is available in ​200 mm / 130mm / 80 mm​​ versions.​ ​It​ ensures even distribution, saves glue and time.

    ​Stainless ​Steel ​Body ​ with 200mm PU roller is the largest device out there in the global market. ​ ​Larger tank capacity makes it easy to use and reduces refilling time.

    ​Special ​PU Roller ​gives a long life and has anilox texture for even spread and achieving thin glue line. ​ ​Any glue can be used​, where a suitable​ solvent ​ cleaner ​ ​​is available to clean the roller and tank.

    GLU-MAN IS ​MADE FOR ANY INDUSTRY WHERE PASTING JOB IS DONE

    We are looking forward to be your ​channel partner and associate for quality products.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zijLAo268Lk

    Reply
  5. Norb Ottensmeier

    What type paint do you use for creating the cracking, i.e. oil or water based?

    Reply
      • Kelly

        Ha! Now all of are worried our latex paint jobs in our kitchens and such, as well as our house exteriors are going to crack.

        Okay, maybe not.

        Anyway, I think the question was purposed to determine the base coat and top coat to get crack results.

        Reply