What’s the most important tool every DIYer should have? The hammer. This tool has been with us since prehistoric times. The tools of the human race have changed over time. A caulking gun, adhesive, and nail are much more useful than a hammer.
Using mechanical fasteners such as screws or nails, you focus the load on specific points. A picture hanging up on a wall requires that only one nail supports the entire frame’s weight. The weight of the picture would be evenly distributed if it was glued to the wall with adhesive.
This principle can be applied to many projects, even though gluing frames on walls is not practical. If you are repairing deck steps, adhesives can be used in conjunction with mechanical fasteners to make the repair stronger and more durable.
Deck steps can become loose due to the expansion and contraction of wood in extreme temperatures. Apply straight beads of adhesive before placing the step back into place. Then, replace the fasteners. This will help distribute the strain evenly. Because the adhesive is used to secure the boards, the steps won’t move as the wood changes.
Adhesives offer greater flexibility than mechanical fasteners. “Once something is screwed, nailed or stapled in place, it is very difficult to re-adjust its position,”Mike Goldstein, Senior Brand Manager at Liquid Nails Brand Adhesives, (www.liquidnails.com “With an adhesive, there is some amount of open time, approximately 10 minutes, allowing you to reposition the substrate immediately following installation.”
Liquid Nails Brand has products designed for specific projects. Its Interior Projects Adhesive can adhere drywall, moldings, foamback tub surrounds and ceramic tile repair. While its Heavy Duty Adhesive can be used for countertops, cabinets and brick veneer, it is recommended for plywood.
For more information, please visit www.liquidnails.com.
