Glue

 Why, one might ask, would we include a page on glue? The answer is quite simple. Glue is what holds everything together on a rocket. Without glue, the rocket would just fall apart! But, why a special page on glue? That is also easy, certain glues are appropriate for different jobs. For example: using white glue on a plastic nose cone doesn't work!


  • White glue can only be used on porous materials (ie: wood, cardboard). This glue will not bond with metal or plastic. It is useful for engine mounts, both fiber and balsa fins, paper components, launch lugs, and for applying glue fillets.

  • Aliphatic Glue (aka: Wood Glue) is very similar to white glue, in the sense that it is used on porous materials. However, it is stronger and dries more quickly than standard white glue.

  • Plastic Cement is used to glue plastic pieces to porous materials. The most common use for this glue is bonding plastic rocket components to body tubes.

  • Liquid Styrene Cement is a clear liquid, applied with a brush, that can be used to fuse styrene pieces together.

  • Cyanoacrylate (aka: Super Glue) instantly bonds whatever it touches. This form of adhesive is excellent for field repairs, and lightning fast assembly. No glue is without drawbacks, however. Cyanoacrylate glue can instantly bond skin together, and we recommend using eye protection and gloves when working with it.

  • Epoxies come in two separate parts. When mixed, they create an amazingly strong bond. When building high-powered models, epoxy should always be used.
    • Continue to Engine Mounts


    The Hitchhikers Guide To Model Rocketry
    This page, its contents, and the Hitchhikers Guide logo are copyright 1997 by:
    Nicholas Burlett, Nathaniel Grady and Willliam