Last Updated on December 17, 2024 by Jaxon Mike

As a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle enthusiast, having the right adhesives and glues is essential for making repairs and keeping your models running their best. Two of the most common glues used in RC are tire glue and super glue. But when is it better to use tire glue versus super glue?

Tire glue is specially formulated for gluing and mounting tires onto RC wheels. Super glue is a versatile multi-purpose adhesive. While both can be used for certain tire applications, there are some key differences between tire glue and super glue that make each better suited for specific situations.

In this article, we’ll compare RC tire glue and super glue, looking at the pros and cons of each and when each type of glue is the better option. We’ll also cover some application tips and tricks for getting the best results. Let’s examine how tire glue and super glue differ and which one is right for your next RC tire job.

What is RC Tire Glue?

Made specifically for RC tires

RC tire glue, also sometimes called tread cement, is an adhesive made specifically for use with radio-controlled vehicle tires. It is designed to bond rubber, foam, and plastic tires to plastic and metal wheels.

The glue is formulated to be flexible when dry, unlike many other adhesives. This allows it to flex with the tire as it contacts the road surface without cracking. This flexibility prevents the bond from failing during use.

RC tire glue is available in liquid and spray formulations. The spray option allows for a quick and even application.

Pros and cons of tire glue

Here are some key advantages and disadvantages of using dedicated RC tire glue:

Pros:

• Strong flexible bond specifically designed for tires
• Won’t become brittle and crack with tire flexing
• Available in convenient spray cans for quick application
• Dries relatively quickly compared to other adhesives

Cons:

• Typically only useful for gluing tires, not versatile like super glue
• Short shelf life after opening, glue dries out over time
• Fumes can be strong/pungent with some formulations
• More expensive than super glue

While not as versatile, tire glue is engineered to excel at the specific task of adhering model tires. It works where more general glues may fail.

What is Super Glue?

General purpose adhesive

In contrast to specially-formulated tire glue, super glue (also called cyanoacrylate adhesive) is a general-purpose adhesive. It is designed to bond a wide range of materials, not just rubber and plastics.

Super glue works by rapidly polymerizing when pressed between two surfaces. This creates a strong rigid bond in seconds. However, this bond can become brittle over time.

Super glue is available in liquid and gel types. The gel formula allows it to cling to vertical surfaces or fill gaps.

Pros and cons of super glue

Here are some key advantages and disadvantages of super glue:

Pros:

• Strong rigid bond forms extremely quickly
• Bonds a wide variety of materials like plastic, rubber, metal, wood, etc.
• Very inexpensive and readily available
• Long shelf life, does not dry out quickly

Cons:

• Rigid bond can become brittle and prone to cracking over time
• Not specifically designed for use with tires
• Fumes from liquid types can be very strong
• Can stick to skin instantly, requiring careful application

While not optimized for tires, super glue can provide a fast inexpensive bond for many applications. But it lacks the flexibility and longevity of a tire-specific glue.

Key Differences Between RC Tire Glue and Super Glue

Now that we’ve looked at both adhesives individually, let’s directly compare some of the key differences between tire glue and super glue:

Specialized vs general purpose

The most fundamental difference is that tire glue is a very specialized product designed specifically for RC tires. Super glue is a general adhesive for many household applications.

Flexibility

When dried, tire glue remains flexible enough to handle the bending and flexing motions of a tire. Super glue cures into a rigid brittle bond that can crack under repeated flexing.

Drying time

Tire glue takes slightly longer to dry, usually 5-10 minutes. Super glue sets nearly instantly, often in under a minute.

Price

Due to being a specialty product, tire glue tends to cost more than super glue per ounce. Super glue is widely available for just a few dollars.

So in summary, tire glue creates flexible bonds optimized for tires, while super glue quickly creates rigid multi-material bonds. Each has advantages that make them preferable for certain RC applications.

When to Use Each Type of Glue

Now that we’ve compared the properties of the two adhesives, when should you use each one?

Use tire glue for:

• Mounting tires onto wheels
• Repairing cuts and punctures in foam RC tires
• Attaching tire liners and inserts
• Any application needing flexibility and vibration resistance

Tire glue is the ideal choice whenever you are working specifically with RC tires. The flexible bond and rubber-gripping formula gives the best adherence and resilience.

Use super glue for:

• Quick repairs needed to immediately get back to running
• Bonding non-tire materials like plastic RC bodies
• General repairs around the shop, household, etc.

For quick fixes, super glue’s instant tackiness can be handy for on-the-spot repairs. It can bind a wider range of materials too. Just be aware the bond may eventually fail under stress.

So consider the application and materials when choosing between the two glues. Tire glue is tailored for tires, while super glue is better for multi-material speedy bonds.

Application Tips and Tricks

To get great results from either tire glue or super glue, follow these tips when applying:

Prepping the surface

• Clean surfaces thoroughly to remove dirt, oil, grease, old adhesive
• Lightly sand paint and glossy finishes to improve adhesion
• Use acetone or alcohol to strip oils and contamination

Proper cleaning and surface prep ensures the glue bonds directly to the material surface. This creates greater strength.

Applying the glue

• Tire glue – use masking tape to evenly space nozzle and control spray pattern
• Super glue – dispense small drops and avoid flooding the area
• Spread evenly and work quickly before drying starts
• For foam tires, let glue soak in slightly then reapply to soak through full thickness

Controlling glue application takes some finesse. Work in sections and use enough to wet surfaces without creating puddles or globs.

Allowing to dry

• Let tire glue dry for at least 5-10 minutes before handling
• Super glue will set rapidly in 30-60 seconds
• Don’t stress or flex bond until fully cured

Resist the urge to test the bond prematurely. Give it sufficient time to fully dry to gain maximum strength.

Those are some key tips for getting the most performance out of RC tire glue or super glue. Apply them carefully using the technique best suited for each adhesive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between tire glue and super glue?

The main differences are that tire glue is specially formulated to bond rubber and plastic tires, while also remaining flexible when dry. Super glue is a more rigid general purpose glue suitable for bonding various materials like plastic, metal, etc.

When should I use tire glue?

Use tire glue when mounting tires to wheels, repairing foam tires, attaching tire liners, or anywhere that flexibility and vibration resistance is needed. The flexible bond works better for tires.

When should I use super glue?

Use super glue for quick repairs needed to immediately get a model running again. It can also glue a wider variety of materials like plastic bodies. Super glue is good for general repairs.

Does tire glue work on all wheel and tire types?

Tire glue is specially formulated to work with most common RC tire materials like rubber, foam, and plastic. It bonds best to plastic and metal wheels. Not recommended for wood or paper wheels.

Is super glue strong enough to hold RC tires on?

Super glue can be used in a pinch but may not hold up long term. The rigid bond can crack with tire flexing. For best results, use tire glue when possible for attaching tires.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tire glue and super glue each have their advantages for specific situations. Tire glue is engineered to bond rubber and plastic tires, with flexibility to handle tire movement and vibrations. Super glue quickly bonds a variety of materials to form rigid bonds ideal for general repairs.

Consider the application, required flexibility, materials involved, drying time, and cost when selecting the best adhesive. With the right glue and proper application technique, you can make your next RC pit stop quick and keep your models performing at their peak.

RC Tire Glue vs Super Glue Comparison

Feature	RC Tire Glue	Super Glue
Purpose	Specifically designed for RC tires	General purpose adhesive for multiple materials
Bond Flexibility	Remains flexible when dry to handle tire flexing	Rigid brittle bond when dry prone to cracking
Key Materials Bonded	Rubber, foam, plastic	Plastic, rubber, metal, wood, paper, etc.
Typical Dry Time	5-10 minutes	30-60 seconds
Ideal Applications	Mounting tires, repairing foam tires, tire liners	Quick repairs, general bonding of various materials
Bond Strength	Strong; resists vibration and shock	Strong initially but can weaken over time
Ease of Application	Liquid glue brushes on; spray adhesive for large areas	Liquid glue or gel; gel ideal for vertical surfaces
Odor	Low to moderate odor	Strong irritating odor
Shelf Life	Short, dries out within months after opening	2+ years unopened
Price	$5-$10 per ounce typically	<$5 per ounce usually