Polyethylene, HDPE (number 2) and LDPE (number 4), is on almost every glue’s exclusion list. Loctite’s Plastics Bonding System lists it, for indoor repairs.
Gluing
Polypropylene or polyethylene
recycling number 2, 4 or 5
ABS, hard plastic objects
Where
What holds
Super glue
1 product has both surfaces on its maker’s list.
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Where you’ll find it
Check the recycling triangle: a 2 is high-density polyethylene and a 4 is low-density. Gorilla’s outdoor guide says many plastic outdoor chairs and bins are polyethylene or polypropylene. Both plastics turn glue away for the same reason, so the polypropylene page has every maker’s wording.
What to use
- Indoors: Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System lists polyethylene. Prime both parts with its activator first, then glue, as its data sheet sets out.
- Outdoors: that kit’s data sheet rules out exterior use. Gorilla’s outdoor guide points to Permanent Gorilla Tape All-Weather for polyethylene chairs and bins.
- Sealing a gap: DAP warns that polyethylene doesn’t allow for best adhesion with its 100% silicone, so try a test spot.
Polyethylene to something else?
Glue finder