First find out which plastic it is. For hard plastics such as PVC, ABS and acrylic, makers list epoxy and super glue for plastic to metal, while polypropylene and polyethylene need a special glue.
Gluing
To
Metal
steel, iron, copper
Where
What holds
Two-part epoxy or super glue
19 products have both surfaces on their makers’ lists.
Gorilla Epoxy (two-part epoxy). Apply within 5 minutes of mixing, then clamp 30 minutes. Fills gaps; water resistant, not for constant water.
Gorilla Super Glue Gel (super glue). Sets in 10 to 45 seconds. Gorilla rates it for indoor use and not for filling gaps.
Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive (flexible solvent glue). Cures in 24 hours. Not for heat over 140°F.
Loctite Extreme Glue (hybrid polymer glue). Clamp 30 minutes, full cure in about 24 hours. Water resistant, not for underwater use.
Original Gorilla Glue (polyurethane glue). Clamp 1 to 2 hours; best after 24 hours. Waterproof (ANSI/HPVA Type I), and it expands as it cures.
Liquid Nails Fuze*It Max (construction adhesive). Press together within 10 minutes; cures in 12 to 24 hours. Goes on from 0 to 140°F.
13 more products list both.
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Glues whose makers list plastic and metal
Glues listed for both hard plastic and metal
Product
Type
Outdoor use
Gorilla Epoxy
Two-part epoxy
Yes
Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate
Two-part epoxy
Yes
Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix 5 Minute
Two-part epoxy
Not stated
J-B Weld Original
Two-part epoxy
Not stated
J-B Weld KwikWeld
Two-part epoxy
Not stated
J-B Weld ClearWeld
Two-part epoxy
Not stated
Gorilla Super Glue Gel
Super glue
No
Loctite Super Glue Gel Control
Super glue
No
Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System
Super glue
No
J-B Weld SuperWeld
Super glue
Not stated
Original Gorilla Glue
Polyurethane glue
Yes
Liquid Nails Fuze*It Max
Construction adhesive
Yes
Loctite Extreme Glue
Hybrid polymer glue
Yes
Loctite Metal Glue
Hybrid polymer glue
Not stated
Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive
Flexible solvent glue
Not stated
E6000
Flexible solvent glue
Not stated
E6000 Plus
Flexible solvent glue
Yes
Gorilla Clear Grip
Contact adhesive
Yes
Gorilla Fabric Glue
Fabric glue
Yes
Outdoor use as each maker states it. “Not stated” means the maker’s page and data sheet don’t say.
“Plastic” on a glue’s list usually means hard plastics. Check the recycling number to see which one you have.
Recycling numberin the triangle of arrows
The recycling number molded into the plastic tells you which one it is.
Polypropylene or polyethylene to metal
Of the glues we read, only Loctite’s Super Glue Plastics Bonding System takes these plastics, using the activator in its pack, and it lists metal as well. Its data sheet rules out exterior use and filling gaps. More on polypropylene and polyethylene.
Outdoors
Gorilla’s guide to outdoor projects names Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate for hard plastics and PVC. Several super glues in the table are rated for indoor use only.
Prep
Rough up shiny surfaces. Gorilla advises it for shiny materials, and J-B Weld for metal, so the glue has something to grip.
Clean the metal with acetone or lacquer thinner, as J-B Weld advises.
Go easy on the plastic. Acetone can soften some plastics, so keep it on the metal side and test any cleaner on a hidden spot of the plastic.
Glue isn’t a fastener. If the joint carries weight or a failure could hurt someone, bolt or screw it.
For small indoor jobs on hard plastic. Gorilla's and Loctite's super glue gels list both, but both are rated for indoor use and both rule out polypropylene and polyethylene.
How do I know which plastic it is?
Look for the recycling triangle molded into the part. A 2 or 4 is polyethylene and a 5 is polypropylene; the plastic page has the rest.
What's best for plastic to metal outdoors?
One whose maker rates it for outdoor use. For outdoor hard plastics and PVC, Gorilla's outdoor guide names Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate.
The glues that list both surfaces come from each maker’s own surface list, and the outdoor pick and prep from Gorilla’s and J-B Weld’s articles and FAQ. Checked against published data from Henkel, Gorilla Glue Company, J-B Weld, Eclectic Products and Pittsburgh Paints Company.
See all 29 sources
Gorilla Glue Company, Gorilla Super Glue Gel: product page, FAQ and SDS (2025)
Gorilla Glue Company, Original Gorilla Glue: product page, FAQ and SDS (2024)
