What's the Best Glue in 2017?

[cowboycolonel]

Here in the Peoples' Republic of California, where we're protected from ourselves, we can't get Barge's in any useful quantities, so I've had to go to Master's.  It forms a strong bond, seems to grip more readily on moist leather, and doesn't give off such a strong odor, so it's what I use now.  Doubt I'd go back to Barge's if I could.

[justpaul]

I worked in a shop where we used some German-produced glue and there was also a thinner that went with it, can't recall the name. It worked very well.

I have used Barge and Weldwood. Both stick well, but Weldwood seems to leave more of a residue in areas where you glue-past your glue line.  I'll probably go back to Barge when I run out of Weldwood, but would like to get some of the German stuff but I can't recall the name of it.

[garypl]

I use masking tape along the glue line if I am concerned about glue getting on areas I plan to finish - apply tape, spread glue, then take off tape before the glue sets.  The tape will remove color on pre-finished leather, so I only use it on unfinished leather.

[Brewerkel]

justpaul - Renia is a popular brand of glue in Europe. Many repair shops in North America like it once they've tried it. Pricey like Barge AP but better on a wide variety of soling material.

 

[Brewerkel]

cowboycolonel
Barge developed the TF formula specifically due to your state's health and safety regs. You should be able to get it in quarts, gallons and five gallon buckets from your shoe findings wholesaler. It doesn't have the silica gel thickener but its a lot easier on the lungs.

BTW, all five gallon buckets of chemicals have to have a "Do not allow babies near this" thing on them because of California regs. Can you imagine letting a toddler near an open bucket of glue? ;-)
 

[Colt W Knight]

I like buying the quart cans of Weldwood (red can gel formula). Works great form me. I bought a gallon jug of Barge, and it seems to dry up quickly. I would need to keep the thinner around with that stuff.