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Glue Containers

  • 1.  Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-19-2026 16:52

    Hi all,

    What's your favorite way to transport glue for field work? I buy Titebond Quick & Thick in large bottles and used to transfer it to a mini GluBot. While I love the GluBot in the shop, the cap pops off too easily inside my tool case.

    I'm currently experimenting with travel-sized squeeze bottles, but I'd love to hear what everyone else uses on the road! 



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    Elisha Katamura RPT
    Katamura Piano Service
    Fresno, CA
    (559)765-7373
    https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-19-2026 17:11

    I'm fond of using the mini (1.25oz) Elmer's glue bottles emptied, washed, dried and refilled



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    Daniel DeBiasio
    Technical Education & Support
    ddebiasio@steinway.com
    718-267-3229
    Steinway & Sons
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-19-2026 17:30

    That sounds fantastic, Daniel! I'm looking at a 4 oz Elmer's bottle of my kids' right now-1.25 oz sounds like the exact size I'm looking for.



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    Elisha Katamura RPT
    Katamura Piano Service
    Fresno, CA
    (559)765-7373
    https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 09:52

    Another vote for reusing mini Elmer's glue bottles.  I keep 1 filled with Roo-Glue and 1 with wood glue.  I've tried numerous other bottles and ultimately came crawling back to the elmer's bottles.



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    A.J. Allulli, RPT
    701 - New Orleans Chapter President
    AJ@AllulliPianoService.com
    504-517-4079
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 10:18

    Thanks A. J.! Does the tip get gunky and blocked when you use the Elmer's bottle? 

    I use Quick & Thick and I'm afraid it might get clogged up on that tiny tip. 



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    Elisha Katamura RPT
    Katamura Piano Service
    Fresno, CA
    (559)765-7373
    https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-19-2026 18:06
    Buy a small bottle of Titebond at the hardware store and fill it from the large bottle as needed. 





  • 7.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-19-2026 23:18

    Hi Wim,

    Good idea! I've seen a 2 oz Titebond bottle before. 



    ------------------------------
    Elisha Katamura RPT
    Katamura Piano Service
    Fresno, CA
    (559)765-7373
    https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Glue Containers

    Posted 08-20-2026 11:49
    My problem with glue containers and stuff like Protex and CBL, CA glue, etc, is I live at 3500 ft on the west slope of the Sierras. My elevations range from 7,000 ft to 1200. If the glue falls over it's not good. Good containers will leak.
    I like the idea of washing out the small elmers containers, they seem to seal nice. 

    I love the thick and quick, especially for hammers because it has a higher hardness factor. 
    The problem with that glue is it's permanent so if you use it on felt you are not doing the next tech any favors. 
    Most often if you wet the felt it comes off easily and you want to do the same on your replacement. If hide glue was used, some cold hide glue is the best. Otherwise the school glue is fine but it's best to leave it open and let it thicken slightly so the felt doesn't suck it up. Waterproof glues are not needed on felt.
    It's the CA glue that's the worst. 
    So how many bottles do we need? 
    The container to keep them upright has been my biggest problem
    Keith Roberts



    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 07:59
      |   view attached
    I use a recycled shampoo/conditioner bottle from a hotel stay that I fill with fish glue. I carry some coffee stir sticks readily available from many locations to dip into the glue and apply where needed. If fish glue freezes (not lately in Oklahoma) it retains its strength which is not the case with Titebond.





  • 10.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 09:21

    Love the eco-friendly approach! Another great idea! Being here in Fresno, California, freezing isn't much of a concern for me, but that's a good point to keep in mind about Titebond. I keep the big glue bottle indoors.

    Really enjoying learning about everyone's practices!



    ------------------------------
    Elisha Katamura RPT
    Katamura Piano Service
    Fresno, CA
    (559)765-7373
    https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-21-2026 00:40

    I mostly use Titebond and I repackage it into 2 oz squirt bottles with small caps I get from a hobby store (Michaels)..  This resides in my tool bag and I seldom have trouble.

    In the shop I use all sorts of glues and different bottles, though the 2 oz squirt bottles are convienent.



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    Blaine Hebert RPT
    Duarte CA
    (626) 390-0512
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    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 09:54
    I use a smallish camera bag that fits all my glues snugly, and try my best to keep it upright.  I've had far fewer leaks and spills since.  A small drink cooler might be even better.





  • 13.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 10:21

    Thanks Nathan! Great tip. I definitely need to start treating my glues with a little more respect like you do 😅



    ------------------------------
    Elisha Katamura RPT
    Katamura Piano Service
    Fresno, CA
    (559)765-7373
    https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 11:11

    I don't know if you have a Daiso in your area or if you go back to Japan once in awhile but I always find good containers there. I have a small rectangular case where I keep a small bottle of Quick & Thick glue, Protek and alcohol. Also, I keep a long nose syringe/pipette and a hammer shank. Photo shows a small bottle of metal polish instead of Protek. 

    image


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    Kayoko Forrest, RPT
    Los Angeles Chapter
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  • 15.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 19:17

    Daiso! 😂 Yes! I go back to Japan every year and my next trip is coming up soon, so I'll definitely check out a Daiso store while I'm there.



    ------------------------------
    Elisha Katamura RPT
    Katamura Piano Service
    Fresno, CA
    (559)765-7373
    https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 13:40
    Elisha,
    I buy Crayola Washable School Glue (white glue, like Elmer’s), empty the bottle, and refill it with Titebond.
    The cap seals well and won’t clog.
    Thanks to Isaac Sadigursky for this tip. (Miss you, Isaac!)
    ~ jeannie

    Jeannie Grassi
    Registered Piano Technician
    Island Piano Service
    206-200-0279
    grassipianos@gmail.com




  • 17.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 13:44
    I'm glad you resist the temptation to eat the school glue, you're a stronger person than me.

    Rest in peace, Isaac.



    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-20-2026 19:21

    Another great idea :) Thanks, Jeannie, and of course, to Isaac as well!

    This thread is turning into the ultimate guide for glue containers.

    Glue really brings us together.. 



    ------------------------------
    Elisha Katamura RPT
    Katamura Piano Service
    Fresno, CA
    (559)765-7373
    https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: Glue Containers

    Posted 08-21-2026 00:45

    Some super great ideas here!  We've been really loving these 1oz bottles for refilling with different types of glue like wood glue and roo glue.  Super small for fitting into kits and easy on the bank.

    Bekith 40 Pack 1oz Dispensing... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KZK6JRW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share



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    Matthew Walworth
    A.M.O. Pianos
    Lebanon, TN 37087

    https://www.nashvillepianotuning.com
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-25-2026 17:29
    I was so close to buying them! 

    ------------------------------
    Elisha Katamura RPT
    Katamura Piano Service
    Fresno, CA
    (559)765-7373
    https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
    ------------------------------

    Original Message

    Some super great ideas here!  We've been really loving these 1oz bottles for refilling with different types of glue like wood glue and roo glue.  Super small for fitting into kits and easy on the bank.

    Bekith 40 Pack 1oz Dispensing... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KZK6JRW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share



    ------------------------------
    Matthew Walworth
    A.M.O. Pianos
    Lebanon, TN 37087

    https://www.nashvillepianotuning.com
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2026 00:46

    I bought the same ones 3-4 years ago. I'm still using the first one in my main tuning kit. Made a lot of friends giving away most of the rest. They hold more than the little Elmer's small one, and the twist cap really holds the glue in well. Highly recommended. 



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    David Stocker, RPT
    Olympia WA
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    Original Message


  • 22.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2026 19:43

    Bekith 40-pack of 1oz bottles it is! I'm hosting a hands-on Grand Regulation Overview workshop in a few weeks and plan to give away many of them. At $0.32 per bottle to make a new friend, what a deal!



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    Elisha Katamura RPT
    Katamura Piano Service
    Fresno, CA
    (559)765-7373
    https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 23.  RE: Glue Containers

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2026 17:08

    I had actually just gotten some of these!  They are great, they're skinny/tall which fits in my toolbag slots perfectly



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    A.J. Allulli, RPT
    701 - New Orleans Chapter President
    AJ@AllulliPianoService.com
    504-517-4079
    ------------------------------

    Original Message