Product review: Beacon's 3 in1 Glue

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Many crafters want to know what is the best adhesive out there. That answer really depends on what kind of adhesive and what you're using it for. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a multi-purpose adhesive for us to use? As many of you know, there are plenty of such products. Then one day, I accidentally discovered the wonderful world of Beacon's 3 in 1 Glue.

I was first introduced to 3 in 1 while attending the CHA show two years ago. We used it on many items for a make and take at one of the booths I visited. I ordered a case of it and I've been using it, over a glue gun in many cases, ever since. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you the many uses of this adhesive and its versatility.


Let's start with project #1. I rummaged through my husband's workbench area - something he did not appreciate until I told him what I was doing. I was looking for anything that looked 30-40 years old, lol. I mean, if he's been saving it this long is he really going to use it? I also found a bunch of old screws, keys, cable splitter, switch - all kinds of things. With a project this size, getting the glue out of the needle nose nozzle was going a bit slow. Thank goodness 3 in 1 has a removable cap: 

I also glued the metal hinges on the inside of the cover:

After a drying time of about 8 hours, the album was safe for me to pick up. Don't believe me that these pieces are really on there?  Look at how strong the hold is. It doesn't even rip from the paper I have on the album cover:

Below are some other items I created using Beacon's 3 in 1. The first project, I glued a metal drawer handle to an album cover with Beacon's 3 in 1 glue and then glued a few rhinestones in the holes where screws would normally go:

In the project below I glued another metal handle (same kind as above - I have 4 total) to the lid of this metal canister. I also used Beacon's 3 in 1 glue to adhere the ribbon to the can which is another point I wanted to discuss in this article. Fabric and ribbon do not soak up Beacon's 3 in 1 glue the way it does many other brands of liquid adhesives do - which then dries and becomes too stiff for use. Usually crafters use adhesive that's specific for fabric, wet or tape, or they use glue dots.

Finally, I had a little fix-it job for myself. A ceramic thirsty coaster that was broken in three places. The Beacon's 3 in 1 glue holds it together once again. You can see the cracks where my coaster broke:

Pros:

• It's available in most craft stores at an affordable price.
• The glue does not dry up in the nozzle - which is removable - or in the bottle.
• Very versatile as far as purpose and use on various items.

Cons:

• Cannot find it in a gallon jug.
• Due to its thickness, if you're getting to the bottom of the bottle you will need to place upside down for a while to get the glue to the top.
• I also don't care for the glue threads and have to work hard to find a way to make it stop.

Conclusion:
As one can tell, I have become a huge fan of Beacon's 3 in 1 glue. And if I have a tough home repair I am more likely to reach for it over crazy glue or Gorilla glue. In fact, I just received an item my husband bought for me off of ebay; it arrived with a broken piece. Obviously, I will be using Beacon's 3 in 1 to repair it.

There are other multi-purpose adhesives on the market that are comparable; however, I wanted to report specifically on Beacon's 3 in 1 glue. Have you tried Beacon's 3 in 1 glue? What "multi-purpose" liquid adhesives do you prefer and why?

Disclosure