Aluminum is a commonly used metal because of its low density and resistance to eroding. It is the preferred metal for most manufacturing and industrial processes.
JB Weld is a strong adhesive initially designed as an alternative to welding. It is usable for repairs, including fusing aluminum.
Welding can be time-consuming and expensive, and JB Weld offers a cost-effective DIY option. Especially for minimal repairs on components such as metal pipes.
Can You Use JB Weld on Aluminum?
The answer is yes. JB Weld manufactures some of the best adhesives made from epoxy resin. It works on fixing most metals, including aluminum. The bonding power of this high thermal adhesive is adaptable.
You can use it on numerous surfaces, so it would be easier to name the surfaces it cannot work on than those it can.
As long as users follow the instructions to the latter, JB Welds provides the best hold for years. It rivals welding and is very effective on small operations to some extent. Keep on reading and understanding the workings of JB Welds and how to use them.
How Strong Is A JB Weld Hold On Aluminum
It is important to appreciate that this adhesive does not do well with heavy loads. A properly cured JB epoxy adhesive will support up to 5020 psi pressures.
We recommend leaving the bond to cure overnight to get a desired and long-lasting hold—a minimum of 5 hours to set and another 16 to 24 hours for perfect curing.
A JB Weld holds can last several months and even years if done correctly.
Especially JB Weld Original Epoxy. Users have testified of their use in different settings—plumbers, boat owners, and on some petrol tanks.
Understand that this is an adhesive with limitations and may not work in certain circumstances. As stated before, if you use it on aluminum that supports heavyweights, you will be disappointed.
Prepping the Aluminum Surface
It is best to prepare the surface before applying any JB Weld product like most adhesives. Impurities will contaminate the bond, and it will not hold as expected.
You should file the offending area with a flat file then use a steel brush to finish up. It would be best to do all this to at least an inch of the area that’s damaged.
Nonetheless, this product is not magic. You cannot fix aluminum surfaces with this Epoxy because of the fillers used in JB Weld products.
In this case, there are other options you can consider other than adhesives. As strong as JB weld is, it has some limitations.
Setting and Cure Time
You must understand the setting and curing processes to achieve the best results. If you skip this, the ending may not be as desirable as you want.
JB Weld manufacturers have gone a step further to provide the method and period to use their product. As a result, it is convenient and simple to use. It depends on which product you are using.
The original JB Weld epoxy adhesive takes 6 hours to set completely and 24 hours for curing.
It takes 5 minutes to set and 60 minutes to cure. However, it has a psi of 900, which makes it less strong.
JB Weld Aluminum Applications
Yes, you can use this adhesive on aluminum. However, it is much more applicable in some instances than others.
One of the best applications is fixing holes in aluminum. This glue works perfectly as long as it is not a large gaping.
The ClearWeld is one of the best JB Weld adhesives that can hold within two hours of application.
Can You Use JB Weld On Aluminum Radiators?
The answer is yes and no. That depends on what you want to fix in the radiator and how long. Radiators are complex units.
This Epoxy can be used as a temporary fix. If you notice a leak in your radiator, you can apply the adhesive. It should hold until you get to a shop for welding.
As a permanent fix, the jury is still out on this. Some users can attest while a significant other does not agree. Welding is the best and safest course of action in this case.
Note that JB epoxies can be hard to clean off once applied. That will be a problem when it comes to welding. Also, its effectiveness is affected by thermal states. Too hot or too cold will lessen its efficacy.
Does It Work On Aluminum Boats?
JB Weld Epoxies work well with aluminum boats. Many users are happy with the results as far as boats go.
They have a product specifically geared for marine components.
The MarineWeld is an adhesive designed to withstand up to 550°F(228°C) and is water and oil-resistant.
However, the repairs need to be small and manageable. Large repairs will require welding. Using JB Weld epoxy will not bear the fruits you need if the damage is in a weight-bearing section.
Avoid using it on wires that are used as electrical conductors. Since it is waterproof, you can use it under boats or places that contact water.
Please read the user manual to understand the limitations of their products. Just because it worked on other surfaces does not mean it will always work on others.
Does JB Weld Work On Aluminum Bike Body?
One of the downsides of aluminum is its inability to return to its former strength once compromised. That means that not even welding can fully fix it once it breaks.
One of the main reasons JB weld is not recommended for fixing broken or cracked bike bodies is the weight factor. Bike frames withstand a lot of weight, and this adhesive doesn’t do well with too much weight.
Another reason is once the aluminum frame is compromised, it becomes much weaker with the JB Weld Epoxy. Welding can work but not as a permanent fix.
Take them to a professional who can harden them using heat treatment to fix bike frames. They should also re-tamper. This way, it will be safe for use.
Using JB Weld On Aluminum With Other Materials
Does JB Weld bond aluminum with other substances such as plastics and wood? This adhesive works well with most materials except plastic.
You can use JB epoxy to not aluminum to metal such as steel. It works just as well as it would on aluminum-to-aluminum bonds.
There are a few substances that don’t bond well with this glue. Plastic is the most notorious of them.
JB Weld was not designed for any bond that involves plastic. If you want to fix any plastic item, look for another option that has been designed for such a purpose.
Whether it is aluminum on wood or wood on wood, you can count on JB Weld. Although it has not been listed officially by the brand as one of the materials, this adhesive is good for wood and can bond with JB Epoxy products.
However, there are better options for wood bonds if it is compared to JB Weld. Make sure you have exhausted your alternatives before you settle for this adhesive.
Applying JB Weld On Aluminum
JB weld comes in different products, but for the sake of this article, we shall use MarineWeld™ as a reference point.
Directions
- First, you have to clean the area that needs to be repaired. Remove dirt, grease, paints, and so on.
- To roughen the clean surface, use sandpaper or a file. You can also use a scraper or a wire brush.
- Take the mixing tubes and use equal parts on a surface. The recommended ratio is 1:1. Work first in this step because the mixture will start setting as soon as the mixing process begins.
- Apply the mixture on the surface using a tool of your choice. Make sure to coat the surface evenly.
- Put the broken pieces and brace them together. That will allow the adhesive to set while the pieces are in the right place.
- The setting time is 6 hours, while the curing time is 24 hours. Please do not touch it for 6 hours, and do not put it back to use for at least 24 hours.
- Sand it down using fine grain sandpaper. That will give the bond a smooth, appealing finish.
It isn’t easy to get rid of JB Weld Epoxy. The sandpaper will be ineffective. It is recommended that you use heat at 315°C or higher. Grinders will also do the trick.
Conclusion
JB Welds will do if you look for an adhesive to patch aluminum. Although it has some limitations, its affordability and accessibility make it a convenient tool to have.
Remember, if the repair is a large project, it is best to go to a welder. That is a safer and permanent restoration option. Pay attention to the instructions in the JB Weld package, and you will be fine. We hope this article has been helpful.
