For filling holes in metal, choose a moldable epoxy putty when you need to build up or shape a repair, or a two-part liquid epoxy when you need working time to position and clamp parts. J-B Weld SteelStik is best for quick, moldable repairs; Vicpricme is better for repairs needing a longer working window; and PC Products PC-Metal is designed for fast-return metal repairs. The options below compare cure times, application styles, and stated limitations.
| Product | Best for | Stated cure or set information |
|---|---|---|
| J-B Weld SteelStik | Quick, moldable metal repairs | Sets in 5 minutes; cures in 1 hour |
| Vicpricme Metal Glue | Positioning and building a liquid epoxy repair | 30-minute working time; 24-hour cure |
| PC Products PC-Metal | Sheet-metal holes and quick service return | Return to service in less than 60 minutes |
| WXYCRUEYE Metal Glue | Mixed-material repairs and shaping | Room-temperature curing; duration not stated |
| Boncart AB Epoxy Putty | Large-volume, moldable repairs | Apply within 30 minutes; fully cures in 24 hours |
J-B Weld SteelStik For Quick Repairs
J-B Weld SteelStik is a hand-mixable, steel-reinforced epoxy putty stick for repairing or rebuilding metal. Knead the two-part material by hand, then mold it into a hole or damaged area. It sets in 5 minutes and cures in 1 hour, making it a strong fit when a repair needs to become firm quickly.
Best for: Buyers who want a moldable putty for a small or shaped metal repair and value a short set time. The cured material can be sanded, drilled, and tapped. The listing states a lap shear strength of 900 psi and resistance to petroleum, hydraulic fluids, and other chemicals when fully cured.
Limitation: Its 5-minute set time leaves little time for adjustment after mixing. The cured color is dark gray, which may need finishing if appearance matters.
Vicpricme Epoxy For Extended Working Time
Vicpricme is a two-part liquid epoxy with a 1:1 mixing ratio, a 30-minute working time, and a stated 24-hour cure. The longer working window can help when aligning parts, clamping a repair, or building up material around a hole. Its listed metal uses include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and cast iron.
Best for: Buyers who need time to position a repair or want a liquid epoxy that can also bond several rigid materials. After curing, the repair is described as drillable, sandable, fileable, and paintable. The product listing states a strength of up to 4,680 psi and resistance to water, oil, and chemicals after full cure.
Limitation: This is not the quickest option for returning an item to service: the listed cure time is 24 hours. Allow the full cure before exposing the repair to service conditions.
PC Products PC-Metal For Sheet Metal
PC Products PC-Metal is a metal-filled epoxy putty stick intended for appliance, machine, automotive, and plumbing repairs. Its listed uses specifically include filling holes in sheet metal and rebuilding metal castings. The product can be machined, sanded, primed, and painted, giving buyers options for finishing a repair.
Best for: Anyone looking for a putty specifically described for sheet-metal holes or a repair that may need shaping and surface finishing. The listing says the repair can return to service in less than 60 minutes, a useful distinction for buyers comparing quick-curing products.
Limitation: The product information does not give a precise working time or strength rating. Buyers who need those details for a structural or highly loaded repair should verify suitability before use.
WXYCRUEYE Metal Glue For Mixed Materials
This two-component metal repair adhesive comes in a 1:1 mix ratio and includes a pusher, spatula, and syringe. Its listed applications include metal-to-metal repairs and repairs involving plastic or fiberglass, as well as items such as tanks, pipes, hardware, and vehicle panels. The listing says it cures at room temperature and can be shaped, tapped, filed, ground, or drilled.
Best for: Buyers who want an epoxy adhesive for varied repair materials and value having mixing tools included. The stated abrasion, heat, corrosion, and impact resistance may suit general repair tasks when the product is used as directed.
Limitation: The provided product details do not specify a working time, full cure time, or numerical temperature limit. Do not assume a particular service temperature or fast return to use.
Boncart Putty For Moldable, Larger Repairs
Boncart is a two-part epoxy putty supplied as a 200-gram repair filler. Mix equal amounts and knead until the material turns off-white, then apply it within 30 minutes. It is described for filling holes, cracks, breaks, and uneven surfaces in materials that include metal, wood, tile, ceramic, and glass. Full cure is listed at 24 hours.
Best for: Buyers who want a moldable putty with a larger stated quantity for filling or sculpting work across different materials. The listing says it does not shrink or crack and can be used for plumbing and pool leaks.
Limitation: The instructions say not to use the putty underwater. Its white finished color may also be visible on metal unless the repair is covered or refinished.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Metal-Filling Epoxy
Should you choose putty or liquid epoxy?
Putty is generally easier to press into a hole, build into a shape, or mold around an uneven surface. SteelStik, PC-Metal, and Boncart are putty-style options. Liquid epoxy, such as Vicpricme, is useful when you need more time to align and clamp parts or spread material over a bonding area. Follow each product’s mixing and application instructions.
How important are working time and cure time?
Working time is the period available to mix, position, and apply the epoxy; it is not the same as full cure time. SteelStik sets in 5 minutes, while Vicpricme lists a 30-minute working time and a 24-hour cure. PC-Metal lists return to service in less than 60 minutes. Compare the exact timing that matters for your repair, and do not treat a set surface as fully cured.
What else should you check before filling a hole?
- Material and location: Check that the product lists the metal and repair type involved. Consider moisture, chemicals, heat, or movement at the repair site.
- Preparation and finish: Clean and prepare the surface according to the package directions. Check whether the cured material can be sanded, drilled, painted, or otherwise finished as needed.
- Repair demands: Product listings describe general uses, but a hole in a load-bearing, pressurized, fuel-containing, or safety-critical part may require a professional repair rather than epoxy alone.
- Color and quantity: Consider the cured color and how much material the repair requires. The products listed here include dark-gray and white options, as well as different package formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of epoxy is easiest to use for filling a metal hole?
A moldable epoxy putty is often straightforward for filling and shaping a hole. Choose one whose listed cure time, material use, and application instructions fit the repair.
Can epoxy putty be drilled or sanded after curing?
Some products in this list state that they can be drilled or sanded after curing. Check the specific product details and wait for the stated cure time before finishing.
How long should metal epoxy cure before use?
It depends on the formula. The products listed range from a stated one-hour cure to a 24-hour cure, while some do not provide a duration. Follow the package directions for the exact product.
Can epoxy repair a hole in a leaking metal pipe?
Some listings describe plumbing or leak repair, but suitability depends on the pipe, pressure, fluid, and conditions. Confirm the product instructions and do not assume every epoxy is appropriate for a pressurized or safety-critical repair.
Can metal epoxy be used underwater?
Do not assume so. Boncart specifically says to avoid using its putty underwater; check the instructions for any other product before applying it in wet conditions.