How Long Can Gorilla Glue Last Before It Goes Bad?

There's nothing worse than going out to the garage while you're in the middle of a project to grab your bottle of Gorilla Glue and finding out that it's gone bad. Most likely, the glue has dried out and is totally unusable. The problem is that you can't remember when you purchased it and don't really know how long the glue should be stored before it just becomes useless. In general, and according to the manufacturer, most Gorilla Glue types you should have on hand should last around two to three years if unopened. On the other hand, opened tubes or bottles will last only around six to 12 months, depending on how they're stored.

Of the different types of Gorilla Glue, original, super glue, epoxy, and super glue gel will last up to two years from the manufacturing date if the products have not been opened. Wood glue, clear, contact adhesive, and heavy-duty grab adhesive Gorilla Glues can last up to three years unopened. 

The original Gorilla Glue is polyurethane-based, meaning that it will cure when exposed to moisture. Gorilla Super Glue is cyanoacrylate-based, which allows it to dry really fast. The problem with this is that it can clog up the tip of the tube, rendering it useless before it's even had a chance to go bad. On the other hand, epoxy glue, which is used when bonding plastic, needs to be mixed to work effectively. This is why the unblended components can have a shelf life of up to two years, but once mixed, they'll harden in five minutes.

Essentially, Gorilla Glue is not a product you want to buy in bulk unless you have a really large project in mind. When purchasing whichever type you need, it's best to just get enough for the intended purpose. Unopened Gorilla Glues should be fine for at least two years if they're stored in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. The only exception is the clear glue, which needs light exposure; otherwise, it will go yellow. It's also recommended that cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) be stored in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Of course, once you've opened the glue, extra care should be taken to store it as best you can. To begin with, you want to clean the nozzles and caps with a paper towel or dry cloth to remove any residue. Opened glues should be capped quickly and stored in a cool, dry spot with minimal exposure to moisture. If stored well, original, clear, and epoxy can be stored for around six to nine months before they go bad. Wood glue can be viable for up to 12 months. It's unlikely that super glue or super glue gel will last beyond six months before it goes bad. 

As a final tip, use a marker to put the opened date on your glue so you know roughly how long you've got before you need to toss it out. Plus, you might also like to explore some genius super glue tips and tricks that may help with making it last longer.