Will Superglue Hold A Rearview Mirror?

 If you are here then you are looking for an answer to this question. You might have heard that super glue is a quick fix for this problem, but does it actually work? The answer is no.

Despite its strong initial bond, super glue is not a long-term solution for securing your rearview mirror. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover the best glue for rearview mirrors and never worry about your mirror falling off again!

Many years ago, when I was a kid, my sister and I were told to wait in my dad’s truck while he went to see a friend for a minute.  He said,” I’m only going to be gone a minute; don’t destroy my truck!”. 

Well, a minute was all it took, my sister was goofing off and she ripped the rearview mirror right off the windshield.  Somehow, we both got in trouble for her buffoonery.  

I don’t remember how my dad fixed the mirror, I do remember it was never quite the same again.  It fell off frequently after that. This leads me to believe it wasn’t properly reattached, maybe he used superglue?

Most people have super glue around the house or can easily pick it up at any store, so it’s tempting to grab a tube and use it to reattach your rearview mirror.

This will most likely result in damage to either the windshield, the mirror, or both.  There are several reasons why a proper rearview mirror adhesive should be used.

• Rearview mirror glue is specially formulated to bond with glass
• It does not produce the same type of heat that a regular superglue would during the curing process
• The adhesive will not crystallize when dry and exposed to heat and sunlight, allowing your mirror to fall off again!

Super Glue will hold the mirror for a short time, but it is not the long term answer to your problems.  The jolting and side to side movement that your rearview mirror takes is a weak point for typical super glue.

Rearview mirror glue has the strength to withstand this type of jostling.

Will Gorilla Glue Work on a Rearview Mirror?

Do you want to know if Gorilla glue is a good option for reattaching your rearview mirror? Well, it’s possible to use it, but let’s be honest, there are better options out there.

Firstly, Gorilla glue isn’t designed to bond metal to glass, which is often the case with rearview mirrors. You might get lucky and have some success with it, but it’s not recommended for long-term use.

Secondly, the curing time for Gorilla glue is a whopping 24 hours! Can you imagine holding your mirror in place for that long? I certainly can’t, and I bet you can’t either. Without proper bonding time, the glue won’t hold the mirror securely.

Thirdly, Gorilla glue isn’t designed to withstand the elements that a rearview mirror is exposed to, such as humidity and heat. It’s like trying to use an umbrella made of tissue paper in a hurricane. It’s not going to work out well for you or your mirror.

Lastly, let’s talk about cost. A tube of Gorilla glue will set you back around six to seven dollars. That’s not exactly cheap, especially when you consider that you can buy a proper rearview mirror adhesive for a similar price.

So, to answer the burning question, can you use Gorilla glue to reattach your rearview mirror? Yes, you can. But, it’s not recommended due to the factors we’ve discussed. If you want a secure and long-lasting bond for your mirror, it’s best to use a specialized adhesive that’s designed for this purpose. Don’t be tempted by the allure of Gorilla glue. It might be strong, but it’s not the right tool for the job.

What is the best glue to use to reattach a rearview mirror?

Look for products that specifically say they are for rearview mirrors.  3M, Loctite, Permatex, and Vashem all make products that are specially formulated for attaching a mirror.   Most rearview mirror adhesives use a combination of chemicals, that need to be premixed, to achieve the desired hold on the window.

There are some products that have no mixture that needs to be done before it’s applied.  The effectiveness of these products can be questionable. However, if you are looking for an easier time of application, this may be what you are looking for.

You need to pay attention to how your rearview mirror is attached to your window.  There is usually what is called a ‘button’ that is first glued to your window.

The button is usually metal, but it can be made of plastic.  Some rearview mirror adhesives are only formulated to bond with the metal.  Just be cautious when making your purchase.

Also, be mindful of the temperature in the area you live in.  The temperature of the glass will have an impact on what type of adhesive you can use.

For instance, if you live in a cold climate, find a product that can be applied in colder temperatures.  If the temperature is not optimal, the adhesive will not hold.

It is easy enough to find rearview mirror adhesive.  Check any local auto parts store, Walmart, or Amazon for rearview mirror glue. You should be able to find something that fits your needs.

How do you remove the old glue or bonding agent from your windshield?

Well, since your mirror is off now you might as well give the inside of your windshield a good cleaning.  

You can start with the standard glass cleaner of your choice to clean the inside of your windshield.  However, cleaning the area where the rearview mirror once was will require a little bit of extra work.

First, you will need acetone, or cleaning alcohol; something that will take the old glue off.  I like to soak a little bit in a rag and hold it on the spot with the old glue.

This destabilizes the glue and allows it to be wiped off more quickly.

Keep reapplying and rubbing until all the glue is gone.  The new adhesive will not stick if the area isn’t completely clean.

This is by far the easiest option for removing the old glue.

Some other alternatives are using a heat gun or a blow dryer to warm the adhesive up.  The heat allows the glue to become more malleable and you are able to peel it off.

Be careful, though, the glue will get hot (hot glue, lol) and you could burn your fingers trying to remove the glue.

One last thing you could try is using a razor blade to scrape the glue off.  Sometimes there is a stubborn little bit left that just won’t come off.

A carefully placed razor blade may be just the tool you need.

Again, be careful for obvious reasons.  You could cut your fingers nicely or you could put a nice scratch in your windshield.

Final Thoughts…

Well, we have explored two very popular brands of superglue. Although, these are excellent at their particular purpose.

A standard type of superglue is not recommended for your rearview mirror.

I can attest to this from personal experience.  If your rearview mirror falls off, use a glue that is formulated for reattaching rearview mirrors.  It is dangerous and a hassle if your rearview mirror falls off while you are driving down the road.

Safe travels…