Will Superglue Hold A Rearview Mirror?

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Given the exposure to heat and sunlight that the rearview mirror receives, it is no wonder that occasionally the mirrors will drop off the windshield.  Granted, this doesn’t happen often, but it does beg the question; will super glue hold a rearview mirror?

However, it’s highly recommended that you DO NOT use super glue to reattach your rearview mirror.

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. Which 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 super glue would during the curing process

The adhesive will not crystallize when dry and exposed to the heat and sunlight, thereby 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 Super Glue Work on a Rearview Mirror?

Much like regular super glue, Gorilla glue is not designed to hold metal to glass or to be used for reattaching a rearview mirror. 

Yes, you can use it and you may even have a certain amount of success with using gorilla super glue.  Once again, however, it is not recommended and you may find yourself repeating the process in a few months.

There are several factors that must be considered here, as well.  

The amount of time it takes for gorilla glue to cure;  It can take up to twenty-four hours. I’m pretty sure that I can’t hold a mirror in a place that long and I am willing to bet you can’t either.  Without that time it will not bond properly

It’s not designed to withstand the elements it will be exposed to.  Humidity and intense heat will take its toll on the adhesive.

Finally the cost.  You are going to spend six to seven dollars for a tube of Gorilla super glue. For that price, you might as well purchase the proper rear view mirror adhesive.

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…