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Bettesworth Construction
construction

How to Make Scrap Wood Glue Wells for Small Projects

Drill a few stopped holes in scrap wood to hold glue for small-project assembly, then transfer small dabs with a toothpick, bamboo skewer, or small brush.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 1 min read
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To make scrap wood glue wells, drill several stopped holes in a piece of scrap with a Forstner bit. Put glue in a well, then use a toothpick, bamboo skewer, or small brush to transfer it to the parts you are assembling. The wells give you a handy place to pick up the small dabs a small project needs.

Make a simple glue-well block

  1. Choose a piece of scrap wood to use as a small glue holder.
  2. Drill a few stopped holes in the scrap using a Forstner bit. A stopped hole ends within the wood rather than passing through it.
  3. Squeeze wood glue into one of the wells when you are ready to assemble your project.
  4. Pick up a small amount of glue with a toothpick, bamboo skewer, or small brush, and apply it where needed.

This approach is intended for small-project assembly, where you need small dabs rather than a large pool of glue. WOOD Magazine described the method on January 29, 2024, and notes that the scrap can be discarded and replaced when you need a fresh glue holder: WOOD Magazine’s Scrap Wood Glue Wells.

Choose an applicator

  • Toothpick: a small option for transferring a dab.
  • Bamboo skewer: another narrow applicator for picking up glue from a well.
  • Small brush: an alternative when you prefer to spread glue with bristles.

The source names these as alternatives but does not rank them. Pick the one that suits the parts and glue placement in your project.

What the method does not specify

WOOD Magazine does not prescribe hole diameter or depth, a measured glue quantity, or a cleanup or storage procedure. Make the wells to suit your scrap and the applicator you plan to use; the published method establishes no standard dimensions.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Gorilla Wood Glue, Fast Clamp, Water Resistant PVA, 8 oz
Gorilla Wood Glue, Fast Clamp, Water Resistant PVA, 8 oz
Use Indoors or Outdoors: Passes ANSI/HPVA Type II water resistance.; Versatile: Ideal for use on hardwoods, softwoods, and natural wood composites.
$4.37
SaleBestseller No. 2
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, 16-Ounces #1414
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, 16-Ounces #1414
Provide a much stronger bond than the wood itself; Offer excellent heat-resistance and are very easy to sand
$7.95
Best Value
Wood Super Glue Liquid, Clear Instant CA Glue for Wood Furniture Heavy Duty
  • 🌲 Seamless Wood Bonding: Designed for wood projects, this wood glue penetrates fine cracks and forms strong bonds between wood, metal, or other materials. Perfect for restoring furniture, repairing cracks, and achieving seamless finishes with minimal traces.
  • ⚡ Fast-Drying & Waterproof Performance: Dries in just 30-60 seconds and fully cures within 24 hours, saving you time on repairs. The waterproof and heat-resistant formula ensures a durable bond, even in humid environments or when exposed to high temperatures.
  • 💪 Professional-Grade Strength for Lasting Repairs: Formulated with professional-grade cyanoacrylate, this adhesive delivers unmatched bonding strength. It stays strong and durable without cracking or weakening over time, making it ideal for furniture, crafts, and heavy-duty repairs.
  • 🛡️ Anti-Clog Cap for Smooth Application: Equipped with an anti-clog cap, our super glue can prevent the bottle from drying out or clogging. Ensures smooth and consistent glue flow every time, making it easy to reuse without hassle and saving you from unnecessary waste.
  • 🔧 Versatile for Multiple Materials & Surfaces: Bonds wood to various materials like ceramics, plastic, glass, and metal. Works effectively on uneven, rough, or vertical surfaces, making it suitable for a wide range of household repairs, DIY crafts and professional projects.
Rank #4
Titebond Original Wood Glue 5063, Industry Standard for Woodworking, Furniture Repair/Assembly, Construction, Home Repair or Modeling, 8 oz
  • Industry Standard Wood Glue: Trusted by professionals and hobbyists alike, Titebond Original provides strong initial tack and fast set time to reduce clamp time and speed up woodworking projects.
  • Bonds Stronger than Wood: Advanced aliphatic resin formula creates a permanent, durable bond that exceeds the strength of the wood itself for reliable, long-lasting results.
  • Excellent Sandability & Finish Compatibility: Dries to a translucent film that sands smoothly without softening and is unaffected by most stains, paints, and finishes.
  • Versatile Applications: Ideal for wood, hardboard, particleboard, leather, cloth, and most other porous materials for furniture, cabinetry, crafts, and repair projects.
  • Easy Water Cleanup & Safe to Use: Low-VOC (<0.2 g/L), nonflammable formula cleans easily with water, making it safe for workshop and home use with minimal fumes.
Rank #3
Sale
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue 4 Oz. – Woodworking Adhesive, Waterproof – 1412
  • Proven Type I Waterproof Performance: Passes ANSI/HPVA Type I water-resistance standards, making it ideal for outdoor woodworking, cutting boards, furniture, and projects exposed to weather conditions.
  • Superior Strength & Strong Initial Tack: Advanced proprietary polymer formula delivers exceptional bonding power, fast grab, and a durable long-lasting hold on hardwoods, softwoods, and composites.
  • Longer Open Assembly Time: Provides extended working time for complex glue-ups, larger assemblies, and precise alignment—perfect for professional woodworkers and DIY builders.
  • Works in Lower Temperatures: Formulated for reliable performance in colder conditions with a low 45°F application threshold, ensuring consistent results year-round.
  • Easy Water Cleanup & Interior/Exterior Use: Solvent-free, low-VOC, and cleans up with water; sands easily without softening and remains unaffected by finishes for a clean, professional result.
Rank #2
Sale
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, 16-Ounces #1414
  • Provide a much stronger bond than the wood itself
  • Offer excellent heat-resistance and are very easy to sand
  • Are water cleanup while still wet
  • Provide strong initial tack and a 30-minute clamp time
  • Conform to ASTM D4236 – Non-toxic and safe to use
#1 Best Overall
Gorilla Wood Glue, Fast Clamp, Water Resistant PVA, 8 oz
  • FAST CLAMP TIME: Bonds strong and fast with a clamp time of just 20–30 minutes; fully cured in 24 hours to keep your projects moving on schedule
  • WATER-RESISTANT FORMULA: Passes ANSI/HPVA Type II water resistance, making it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor wood projects and repairs
  • VERSATILE WOOD GLUE: Formulated for hardwoods, softwoods, and natural wood composites; suitable for smooth and porous surfaces for maximum bonding confidence
  • DRIES NATURAL COLOR: Offers a natural bond line with no foaming; paintable and sandable to match any wood color or project finish
  • EASY-TO-USE PVA ADHESIVE: Water-based adhesive that cleans up easily — wipe excess with a clean, damp cloth when wet; use a putty knife, razor, or scraper and sand when dried

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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