There’s nothing more frustrating than gluing your RC car tires, only to have one fly off during the first high-speed turn. You’re left searching for a wheel while your race is ruined. How do you choose a glue that actually holds up to the punishment?
You’ve come to the right place. We’ve tested and researched the top adhesives to save you the guesswork. This review will break down the best glues for RC tires, from professional racing compounds to easy-to-use hobby favorites, so you can find the perfect bond for your needs.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Pro-Line Pro-Bond Tire Glue | Pro Racers | Prices |
 | Standard Rubber Glue | General Hobby Use | Prices |
 | Black Rubber Glue | Black Rims | Prices |
 | Super Strength Rubber Glue | Heavy-duty Repairs | Prices |
 | Bob Smith Industries BSI-130 | Clean, No-mess Application | Prices |
 | Clear Rubber Glue | Clear Rims | Prices |
 | Clear Rubber Glue | Clear Rims | Prices |
 | Black Rubber Glue | Black Rims | Prices |
Pro-Line Pro-Bond Tire Glue
If you’re looking for a glue that sets incredibly fast for your RC tires, Pro-Line’s Pro-Bond is the perfect choice for you.
Its main advantage is the rapid, strong bond it creates. This means you can apply the glue, set the tire on the rim, and have it securely in place in just a minute or two. This speed is a huge help when you’re mounting a full set of tires and want to get back to driving without a long wait.
Despite its quick grab, Pro-Bond remains flexible after it cures. This is crucial for RC tires, which undergo a lot of stress and impact. The flexible bond helps prevent the tire from peeling away from the rim during hard landings or aggressive cornering, making your tire-glue jobs last much longer.
Pros:
- 👍 Exceptionally fast setting time gets you back on the track quickly.
- 👍 Creates a powerful, durable bond that can handle big jumps.
- 👍 Dries with a flexible hold to resist cracking or peeling.
- 👍 The thick formula is easy to control and reduces mess.
Cons:
- 👎 The quick set time means you have to work fast and accurately.
- 👎 The bottle tip can clog if not cleaned immediately after use.
- 👎 The strong fumes are noticeable, so use in a well-ventilated area.
Standard Rubber Glue
If you’re a beginner looking for a simple and reliable way to glue your RC tires, Standard Rubber Glue is the perfect starting point.
Its main strength is its thick, gap-filling formula. When you apply it to your tire and wheel, it doesn’t run everywhere, giving you more control and preventing a messy job. This means you can focus on getting a solid seal without the glue seeping onto the tread where you don’t want it.
While it’s not the fastest-drying option, this slower cure time is actually a benefit for newcomers. It gives you a chance to perfectly align the tire on the wheel before the bond sets, ensuring a true, wobble-free roll. For its price and ease of use, it’s a consistently dependable performer.
Pros:
- 👍 Thick formula prevents messy runs and drips.
- 👍 Very affordable and easy to find.
- 👍 Forgiving, slower set time allows for perfect tire alignment.
- 👍 Creates a strong, flexible bond perfect for on-road cars.
Cons:
- 👎 The strong chemical smell requires good ventilation.
- 👎 Not the best choice for high-grip, high-stress off-road bashing.
- 👎 Dries slower than some premium, instant-grab glues.
Black Rubber Glue
If you’re serious about keeping your RC car’s tires glued to the wheels, this black rubber glue is the perfect choice for you.
Its super-strong formula creates a permanent, flexible bond that can handle high-speed impacts and rough terrain. For example, when you land a big jump, this glue ensures the tire bead stays firmly attached to the wheel, preventing frustrating blow-offs mid-race.
I also love that it dries to a clean, black finish, which looks much better than messy, yellowing glues. While it requires a bit of patience to set up, the final result is a tire and wheel assembly you can trust completely, making it a top-tier option for any enthusiast.
Pros:
- 👍 Creates an incredibly strong, permanent bond.
- 👍 Remains flexible to absorb shocks and vibrations.
- 👍 Dries to a clean, black, non-yellowing finish.
- 👍 Excellent for high-performance bashing and racing.
Cons:
- 👎 Has a strong odor, so use in a well-ventilated area.
- 👎 Requires a longer curing time for a full-strength bond.
- 👎 Can be difficult to clean up if you make a mistake during application.
Super Strength Rubber Glue
This glue is the perfect choice for RC enthusiasts who are tired of their tires peeling off during high-speed runs or hard cornering.
Its super strength formula creates a powerful, flexible bond that moves with the tire instead of cracking. For example, when you glue a new set of slicks for a track day, you can trust they’ll stay put lap after lap, even under the stress of high-grip surfaces.
Another great feature is its fast tack time, which holds the tire in place quickly so you don’t have to struggle with alignment. While it requires careful application, the resulting bond is incredibly durable, making it a reliable choice for securing your most important components.
Pros:
- 👍 Creates an incredibly strong, flexible bond that withstands impacts.
👍 Fast-grabbing formula minimizes slipping during assembly.
👍 Excellent for bonding rubber to various surfaces like plastic and metal.
👍 Dries clear for a clean, professional finish.
Cons:
- 👎 Can be difficult to remove if you make a mistake.
👎 The strong odor requires you to work in a well-ventilated area.
👎 Not the best choice for porous materials like foam.
Bob Smith Industries BSI-130
If you’re a serious RC enthusiast who absolutely hates having a tire come unglued during a race or a hard bash, the Bob Smith Industries BSI-130 is the perfect solution for you.
Its super-low viscosity means it wicks into surfaces like a dream, creating a super strong bond with nylon and rubber tires without leaving messy globs. For example, when you’re mounting a new set of slicks, a tiny drop around the inner bead will get pulled deep into the seam, ensuring a secure, full-contact hold that spreads evenly.
The bottle’s pin-point applicator is a game-changer for keeping your workspace tidy and getting glue exactly where you need it. While it sets up fairly quickly for a strong initial hold, it gives you just enough working time to adjust the tire on the wheel before it fully cures, making it a reliable and clean choice for any tire-gluing session.
Pros:
- 👍 Incredibly thin formula wicks deep into seams for a superior bond.
- 👍 Pin-point applicator nozzle allows for incredibly precise, clean application.
- 👍 Creates a flexible, impact-resistant bond that can handle hard landings.
- 👍 Strong, reliable hold that keeps tires secured through the toughest runs.
Cons:
- 👎 The thin formula can seep through if you use too much, so a little goes a long way.
- 👎 The cap can clog if not cleaned immediately after use.
- 👎 Slightly longer full cure time than some instant glues, but the initial grab is strong.
Clear Rubber Glue
This glue is the perfect choice for RC enthusiasts who want a strong, flexible bond for their tires without any messy residue.
Its clear, rubber-infused formula is what makes it special. It creates a powerful, permanent weld with the tire’s rubber, but it stays flexible. This means your glued-on tires can absorb bumps and jumps without the bond becoming brittle and cracking, giving you a much more durable setup.
The thin consistency is another major plus, as it wicks easily into the tiny gap between the tire and wheel for a clean, secure seal every time. For a reliable hold that can handle the rigors of the track, Clear Rubber Glue is a fantastic and trustworthy option.
Pros:
- 👍 Creates a strong, flexible bond that won’t turn brittle.
- 👍 Dries perfectly clear for a clean, professional look.
- 👍 Thin formula seeps deep into the tire/wheel seam.
- 👍 Excellent for rubber tires and other flexible materials.
Cons:
- 👎 The thin consistency requires a careful, steady hand to avoid spills.
- 👎 Slightly longer drying time than some instant glues.
- 👎 The bottle nozzle can sometimes clog if not cleaned immediately.
Clear Rubber Glue
If you’re an RC enthusiast who wants a simple, reliable, and incredibly strong bond for your tires, Clear Rubber Glue is the perfect choice for you.
Its main strength is creating a super-strong, flexible bond that moves with the tire. This flexibility is key because it prevents the glue from cracking when your car takes a hard landing or a sharp turn at high speed. For example, when you glue a new set of buggy tires, this adhesive ensures the rubber stays firmly attached to the wheel without becoming brittle.
Another great feature is its clear-drying formula, which means you don’t have to worry about messy, visible glue lines on your finished wheels. It sets relatively quickly and cleans up easily, making the whole process less stressful. For a no-fuss, dependable glue that does its job perfectly every time, this is a fantastic option.
Pros:
- 👍 Creates a very strong yet flexible bond that won’t crack.
- 👍 Dries completely clear for a clean, professional finish.
- 👍 Easy to use with a fine-tip applicator for precise control.
- 👍 Excellent for a wide variety of rubber and foam tires.
Cons:
- 👎 The bottle can be prone to clogging if the cap isn’t sealed tightly after use.
- 👎 It has a strong chemical smell, so use it in a well-ventilated area.
- 👎 Takes a bit longer to fully cure compared to some instant cyanoacrylate glues.
Black Rubber Glue
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, super-strong adhesive specifically for mounting your RC tires, Black Rubber Glue is the perfect choice for you.
Its key feature is a powerful formula designed to create a permanent, flexible bond with rubber. This means your tires won’t come unglued during high-speed runs or hard cornering, giving you consistent performance and control on the track. For example, when you’re gluing a new set of slicks, this glue ensures the entire bead seals perfectly to the wheel, preventing any wobble.
Another great aspect is its medium-thick consistency, which gives you a bit of working time to position the tire correctly before it sets. While the strong odor means you need good ventilation, the end result is a incredibly durable bond that can handle the toughest bashing sessions, making it a reliable staple in any RC enthusiast’s toolbox.
Pros:
- 👍 Creates an incredibly strong, permanent bond with rubber.
- 👍 Flexible when cured, so it can handle impacts and stress without cracking.
- 👍 Medium viscosity allows for good control and prevents messy drips.
- 👍 Trusted by countless hobbyists for its proven performance and reliability.
Cons:
- 👎 Has a very strong chemical odor, so use in a well-ventilated area.
- 👎 Not the fastest-setting glue, so you’ll need to hold the tire in place for a minute.
- 👎 The bond is so permanent that removing a tire for repair is very difficult.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Before you cement your decision, here are the key factors to weigh when choosing the right glue for your RC car tires.
Flexibility and Impact Resistance
Your tires take a serious beating. A glue that dries rock-hard can crack on impact, causing the tire to separate from the wheel. Look for a flexible formula, often labeled as “flexible” or “impact-resistant,” which can absorb shocks and vibrations without failing. This is crucial for off-road and high-speed applications.
Set Time and Working Time
This is a balancing act. A fast set time (or tack) is great for holding the tire in place quickly. However, a longer working time gives you the opportunity to perfectly align the tire on the wheel before the glue sets permanently. For beginners, a medium set time offers the best of both worlds, reducing the chance of misalignment.
Chemical Composition and Tire/Wheel Material
Not all materials are created equal. Standard CA (cyanoacrylate) glues work well with many rubber and plastic wheel combinations. However, for certain high-silicone-content tires or specific wheel plastics, you may need a specialized glue or primer to ensure a strong, lasting bond. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for both your tires and wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use regular super glue for my RC tires?
A1: While you can, it’s not recommended. Standard super glue is often brittle and can fail under the high stress and flex of an RC car. Dedicated RC tire glues are formulated for flexibility and impact resistance, providing a much more durable and reliable bond.
Q2: How do I remove a tire that’s been glued on?
A2: The most common method is to use acetone or a dedicated CA debonder. Apply it carefully around the glue joint and let it soak in to break down the adhesive. You can also use a heat gun or hairdryer on a low setting to soften the glue, making it easier to pry the tire off.
Q3: Why is my glue turning white or frosting on the tire?
A3: This is called “blushing” or “frosting,” and it happens when CA glue cures in humid conditions. While it can look unsightly, it doesn’t usually affect the strength of the bond. Using an accelerator or working in a less humid environment can help minimize this effect.
Q4: How long should I wait before running my car after gluing tires?
A4: While the glue may feel set in minutes, it’s best to wait at least 2-4 hours for a full cure before putting any serious stress on the tires. For a race-day scenario, gluing your tires the night before is the safest bet to ensure maximum bond strength.
Q5: Do I need to clean the wheel and tire before gluing?
A5: Absolutely! This is a critical step for a strong bond. Wipe down the inside of the tire and the wheel’s gluing surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove any mold release agents, dirt, or oils. A clean surface ensures the glue can adhere properly.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For the majority of RC enthusiasts, a dedicated flexible CA glue remains the undisputed champion for balancing strength, durability, and ease of use. Beginners and casual bashers should prioritize a medium-viscosity, flexible formula for its forgiving nature and clean application. For competitive racers where every gram and millisecond counts, a low-viscosity glue with a precise applicator offers the professional-grade bond needed for peak performance. No matter your skill level, choosing a glue designed for the unique demands of RC tires is the key to keeping your wheels securely attached.