Nobody needs a glue spreader, but it certainly makes the job easier. In a pinch you can use your finger, an old credit card, a popsicle stick, or an acid brush. But glue brushes are often more effective and provide more uniform results.
Rockler’s new silicone glue brush features silicone bristles on one end, and a flat spreader on the other. The beauty of this brush is that, unlike most other foam and bristle versions, it’s reusable. Dried glue peels off with ease, and the brushes are ready to go for round two.
You can sometimes get free shipping through Rockler, and it also seems to available through Amazon with free shipping.
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Steve R.
Stuart–This looks like a great tool to have, and I’d use it a lot just to glue address labels on large envelopes and boxes I’m mailing. Amazon does offer it on its website; however, you still end up having to order it from Rockler. That means you pay $3.95 for the brush and $6.95 for shipping. If there was a store nearby, I’d go buy one; alas, there isn’t. The price is a bit steep unless I can find $21.05 more in merchandise I can’t live without in order to get the “free” shipping. All they need is a small padded envelope to ship it to me, not a foot-long cardboard box; if they could reduce shipping to $3.00, I’d buy two of them.
Joe Gravelle
I’ve seen silicone brushes like this at kitchen supply stores. I’ll check the prices out next time and compare. Pretty cool idea non the less.
Maikeru
To somewhat reiterate what Joe G. said, but in more specific terms; they remind me a lot of the silicone basting brushes, but with shorter “hairs”.
Steve R.
Joe G’s idea had me checking out the possibilities involved with just buying a basting brush. I checked BedBathandBeyond, as well as the numerous versions on Amazon. The basting brushes have thinner and more numerous bristles, which I think will suit my purposes better. I decided to get two of the Progressive Mini Silicone Basting Brushes, which are 6-1/2″ long and look easier to handle in tight spaces than the Rockler brush. I’ll keep one for the workshop and use the other for….well, basting. They don’t have the flat end that the Rockler brush has, but I think these will work. Thanks for the heads-up, Joe.
Stuart
Mini silicone basting brushes also have longer bristles, which might make them too floppy and flexible to efficiently spread glue. And the ones I’ve seen start at $4 as well, so there doesn’t seem to be much cost savings either.
fred
I guess you could try cutting of the tips on a mini basting brush – but why bother since the price of this seems low enough to try out. I got a letter from Rocker a week or so ago offering free shipping on any size order – with the proper promotion code. Unfortunately, I don’t buy much from them – other than for personal use – so I tossed it.