Image: MomJunction Design Team
You need not discard your child’s broken toy just yet. Consider using the best glue for plastic toys with strong adhesives. This is an easy, tried-and-tested solution to fix broken toys and save you the burden of buying a new one, as it could be an expensive affair. Moreover, these adhesives are safe to use around kids and work great in melding plastic parts together. If you are unsure about which glue to purchase for fixing toys, check out our list of the best-selling ones and pick the one that suits your needs.
Top Picks
11 Best Glues For Plastic Toys
1. Best Versatile:Tamiya Extra Thin Cement Glue
If you’re looking for Glue to fix small toys, Tamiya’s Extra Thin Cement glue for miniatures and plastic items is a good choice, thanks to its pointed applicator that allows for both dexterity and pinpoint accuracy. Versatile and safe, this trustworthy glue is ideal for fixing plastic model kits made of high-density polystyrene plastics, including action figures, model planes, and trains. Check out a tester’s experience in this review video to learn more about this plastic cement.
Pros
- Extra-thin formula
- Does not leave marks and stains
- Capillary action for smooth application
- Can be used to glue plastic parts in any desired position
Cons
- May have a peculiar smell
- May have a watery consistency
"I love this glue option for its mess-free assurance—it has a fine-tip applicator brush that ensures controlled application. Though I need to use the glue in an area with proper air circulation, its unique formula prevents quick drying, allowing me to work at my pace."
Quick fact
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 12,549 positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Fast Setting:Gorilla Super Glue Micro Precise Gel
Worried your child might break a toy again? Prevent that from happening with the Super Glue from the trusted brand Gorilla. It is formulated to increase impact resistance and reinforced to increase the strength of its hold. This super glue for plastic is easy to use, as the tube is specially designed to fit perfectly into your hands, and its solution is fast-setting, requiring only about 10 to 45 seconds to solidify. It is incredibly versatile and non-runny, and you can rest assured that your kids’ toys will be fixed in minutes, minus the fuss of the mess. This review cum testing video can help you learn more about this time-tested Gorilla glue.
Pros
- Has an anti-clog cap
- No clamping required
- Airtight seal for maximum usability
- Precise dispenser
- Comes in three packs
Cons
- Smell may be intense
- May not dry clear
"This Gorilla glue gets a thumbs-up from me for its excellent bonding strength and versatility. Its precision nozzle allows me to apply the glue to the finest and narrowest of spaces, and the sleek nozzle design also prevents the glue from drying out."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 8,075 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
3. Best With Longer Shelf Life:Glue Masters Industrial Strength Cyanoacrylate Adhesive
If versatility is what you’re looking for, then that is what you’ll get with this adhesive that is ideal for repairing toys. Whether you require glue to fix toys, build scale models, or fix your shoelaces, this high-proficiency glue can be your savior. The glue offers industrial-level strength with a fast cure that solidifies in just under 45 seconds. A must-have for every home-maker and handyman’s toolbox, this one comes with an ergonomically designed tip that makes it easy to use and apply while having a longer shelf-life than most of its competitors.
Pros
- Industrial-strength formula
- Shelf life of one year
- Pointed tip controls flow
- Great for DIY projects
Cons
- May be a bit watery
- Not suitable for use in rooms with poor ventilation
"The multipurpose glue is ideal for household repairs and hobby crafts. It is quick to set and is effective enough to bond even strong magnets to metal and plastic. It has a thin consistency; therefore, following the ‘less is more’ approach helps avoid mess."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 6,759 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
4. Best Water-Resistant:Cat Palm B-7000 Multi-Purpose Adhesive
Are you looking for water-resistant glue? Try the Cat Palm’s B-7000 Multi-Purpose Adhesive that boasts a super-strong formula. The B-7000 Multi-Purpose Adhesive can resist even boiling water even if the applied area is soaked for 12 hours straight. The tube is designed with a needle tip, which helps you apply the adhesive accurately without clogging, thanks to its unique design. Perfect for plastic toys, you can now fix your child’s favorite toy. Check this video review showcasing a tester’s experience to learn more about this strong plastic adhesive.
Pros
- Does not turn white
- Vibration-resistant
- Has high elasticity
- Comes in two packs
- Doubles as wood glue
Cons
- Solution may be thicker than expected
- May not be child-friendly
Did you know?5. Best Non-Toxic: Weglau Plastic Adhesive
Weglau adhesive is a unique instant bonding formula that can bond any type of plastic, including PVC, ABS, PBT, PS, PA, PC, PM, MA, and nylon, within a few seconds. This plastic repair glue is a clear, odorless, and environment-friendly formula. This strong glue comes with two to three precision tips that twist and snap into place and provide more choices for application. It is suitable for uneven, rough, and vertical surfaces. The quick-drying formula can always remain viscous to make your furniture, model, sculptures, and plumbing stable and durable.
Pros
- Suitable for glass, wood, rubber, and more
- Shock-proof and water-proof
- Low-odor plastic adhesive
- High-temperature-resistant
Cons
- May stick your working rubber gloves together
- Some may find the consistency thinner than expected
"From repairing a garbage can lid to a cracked laptop frame, the adhesive has proven to be a dependable choice for bonding plastic objects. The tacky consistency and fine-tipped nozzles add to its functionality."
6. Best For All Materials:Mitreapel Professional Instant
Mitreapel’s Professional Instant glue comes with an activator spray that helps the glue solidify quicker than standard formulas and is perfect for hiding any evidence of damage in a matter of 5-12 seconds. The unique formula only requires two to three drops per square inch on a single surface, while the activator is to be sprayed on the other. This formula is highly versatile and can be applied to not only plastic toys but also other rough and smooth surfaces such as glass, brick, ceramic, and wood.
Pros
- Allows vertical application
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Dries clear
- Highly viscous solution
Cons
- May clog quickly if left open
- Glue cap may be flimsy
"The strength of this glue set lies in its ability to provide a solid bond that lasts for a long time. While using the glue and the accelerators makes the repair process a bit prolonged, its effectiveness makes it worth the ordeal."
7. Best Easy To Apply:Loctite Super Glue
Looking for a glue that can be used not only for fixing your child’s favorite toy but also for scrapbooking or school Projects? Loctite’s Super Glue is an investment you want to make as it dries clear and sets in a few seconds. Plus, the applicator brush makes it easy to apply evenly on flat surfaces while covering a larger area. The adhesive bottle is made to be spill-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about allowing your child to use it themselves.
Pros
- Shock-, moisture-, and chemical-resistant
- Can survive extreme temperatures
- No clamping required
- Suitable for hobby and craft projects
- Compact size makes it travel-friendly
Cons
- Brush may not be highly durable
"Its strong bonding capacity and clog-free bottle design make it a winner. It does possess a potent fume, however, using it in a well-ventilated area makes the application process easier. I also like the brush applicator that allows precision and reduces mess."
8. Best Heat-Resistant:HG Power Glue
Since children tend to break their favorite toys more often than we’d like, HG’s Power Glue can assure you of not having to worry about that again. The convenient four-step glue can give you industrial-level hold and functionality with its unique formula. This high-proficiency clear plastic repair glue also comes with a powdered primer, which readies the application area to provide a solid bond. The bind that this contact adhesive provides can last up to two years.
Pros
- Cold- and heat-resistant plastic repair glue
- Waterproof plastic repair glue
- Crystal-clear bonding
- Sets in seconds
Cons
- May suit only professional use
- Not suitable for absorbent materials
Quick tip9. Best Quick Fix:Inoteca Instant Bond
If you have ever needed to mend something on the go quickly and need a quick fix, Inoteca’s Instant Bond adhesive is what you have been looking for. With its 2-step process, this glue ensures that you won’t spend more than 3 seconds to fix anything, be it a smooth plastic toy, your favorite picture frame, sculpture, or any household ornament that has loose pieces and is at risk of falling off. With their unique activator spray that hastens the drying process of the solution, you can be assured that you will receive industrial-level strength in a matter of seconds.
10. Best Mess-Free:Scotch No Run Super Glue Gel
Worry less about messy and sticky fingers with this glue gel by Scotch. It has an anti-runny and quick-drying formulation, and its fine tip nozzle adds to its mess-free quotient while ensuring easy, precise, and minimal glue application. Furthermore, the glue is highly versatile as it works well on wood, ceramic, specific plastics, leather, and more. The convenient small size of the glue tube enables one-time use while also making it portable for emergency use.
Pros
- Creates a permanent bond
- Acid-free
- Does not leave residue behind
- Easy to store
Cons
- May not be suitable for polystyrene foam, polypropylene, and polyethylene
- Tube might be smaller than expected
"The compact size of the tube and user-friendly nozzle make this glue a portable choice for handling emergency repairs on the go. It also sets fast and delivers a notably strong bond."
11. Best Quick Drying:Testors Plastic Model Glue
If you need an adhesive with a bond as strong as cement, Testors Plastic Model Glue would be an excellent investment. The unique solution within this tube is quick-drying, has a tensile strength that is on par with cement, and can even fix polystyrene to wooden objects. This polystyrene cement works best with plastics, so you can be assured that you can use it to fix your children’s toys as well. However, this plastic bonding glue must only be used within well-ventilated areas as it is highly flammable.
Pros
- Cylindrical spout for easy application
- Suitable for building working models
- Easy to paint on
- Sands well after application
Cons
- Tube may be tiny
- May not suit children less than three years
"This glue provides a cement-like bond, making repairing plastic toys and everyday items easier and quicker. The tube may not be 100% leakproof, but I would still recommend this glue for its multitasking abilities and super sticky consistency."
How To Choose The Right Glue For Plastic Toys?
Keep these pointers in mind when buying glue for plastic toys.
- Safety of children: The first thing that would come to any responsible parent’s mind is whether the glue is safe to be used on a child’s toy, as some adhesives can very quickly be toxic to kids below a certain age. Some may even be a choking hazard. Always opt for a non-toxic plastic glue.
- Multipurpose : While you may be looking for glue for your child’s plastic toys, having multi-purpose glue around the house is always a good idea. So, when picking the best glue for plastic toys, choose an all-purpose plastic adhesive that is compatible with a variety of materials, including wood, glass, and other porous surfaces.
- Water-resistance: We usually tend to forget that children tend to explore the world when left unattended and at times will find any body of water no matter how deep or shallow, and maybe even the family pets water bowl to dunk their toys in. Water-resistant glue is essential if you’re hoping to ensure that the adhesive can survive through all that.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between plastic glue and super glue?
Flexible plastic bonding glue is a gel-like substance with high elasticity that can be easily removed. Super glue has a strong bond and generally cannot be removed without special solutions.
2. Is plastic glue safe for children’s toys?
No, they are not, as they are made of industrial-grade chemicals which can be highly toxic for children. Plastic glue can generally be peeled off and hence is also a choking hazard.
3. What should I do if I get plastic glue on my hands?
Immediately run warm-luke warm water over the affected area and wash thoroughly with soap. Certain glues may also require special solutions to dissolve the adhesive bonds, but most generally require a good wash if not yet dried.
4. How do I glue hard plastics together?
You can use a strong adhesive for broken plastic with an industrial-strength formula along with high elasticity and viscosity to glue hard plastics together.
5. Can plastic glues work on metal?
Plastic glues are not formulated to be used on metal.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our team of highly skilled and knowledgeable reviewers and writers has compiled for you a list of the best types of glues for plastic toys. The products on the list were selected based on several criteria like adhesion strength, toxicity, drying time, and efficiency. We bring you each product’s description with its pros and cons for your easy understanding and comparison. Also included is an in-depth buying guide to help you consider the right factors when purchasing strong and durable plastic bonding adhesives.
The Bottom Line
Fixing broken toys becomes a lot easier when you use good glue. Now that you’ve scrolled through our list of the best glue for plastic toys, it can be easier for you to select one. You may pick a glue that sticks and dries fast, prevents clumping, and is waterproof. Also, consider the ease of application, less drying time, safety of the children, and the versatility of the solution while choosing glue. The right glue not only helps fix toys seamlessly but also helps fix materials such as wood and glass. We suggest you consider the versatile Tamiya Extra Thin Cement Glue and the quick-setting Gorilla Super Glue Micro Precise Gel for precise applications and the long-lasting Glue Masters Industrial Strength Cyanoacrylate Adhesive for your DIY projects.
Infographic: How To Fix Plastic Toys With Glue
Besides selecting the apt glue that suits your need, following the proper procedure is equally important to fix broken plastic toys with success in a hassle-free fashion. So, check out the following infographic to learn about the basic pointers to keep in mind when gluing plastic together. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Harry Coover Super Glue™
https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/harry-coover
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Almudena Herrero
Read full bio of Priti Bose
Read full bio of Wedetso Chirhah
Read full bio of Vaswati Chatterjee
