Serious question, did you ever try to glue a paperback back together instead of rebinding it?

Had a 1970s sci-fi novel with a cracked spine, and I tried book glue from the craft store first. It held for about two weeks before it split again, right along the old fold. Anyone have a better fix for a quick repair that actually lasts?

3 comments

3 Comments

lindab4919d ago

What brand of book glue did you use? Some of those craft store formulas are basically just thick white glue, which dries too brittle for a flexible spine.

riverthompson11d ago

Oh man, was it the cheap stuff in the white bottle? I basically used Elmer's for grown-ups and now my book sounds like it's cracking its knuckles every time I open it.

drewsullivan18d ago

Honestly I fixed a beat up copy of Dune with that exact craft store glue like five years ago and it's still fine. Sometimes you just get a bad batch or the pages weren't clean, lindab49 might be onto something with the brand thing. A proper rebind is a huge pain for a cheap paperback, a little glue can work if you clamp it right and let it dry fully. I'd try it again before giving up on the whole idea.