Choosing the right hoof adhesive depends on the way in which you intend to use it, and finding the best option for every situation is a challenge we can help with. There are many different types of cattle hoof glue for certain roles and conditions, and understanding the difference is the best place to start.
Let’s take a look at the range of HoofCare Direct adhesives and find out which is the most suitable for your purposes.
Which Hoof Glue Do You Need?
There are two main categories of hoof glue in the HoofCare Direct range: no-heat glues and glues that require heat as part of the curing process. Within each category, the main differences are setting speed and the time available to position the hoof block.
No-Heat Hoof Glues
No-heat glues offer the advantage of removing a step from the hoof trimming process, as there is no need to heat the hoof or hoof block before application. This can be particularly beneficial for professional hoof trimmers looking to speed up their process.
1. Sticky Dicky Red
Sticky Dicky Red is a no-heat, two-component adhesive designed for farmers, hoof trimmers and vets. It has a setting time of approximately 10-20 seconds, allowing a short window for repositioning blocks during application.
It is the slowest-setting option (but still very fast) within the no-heat range, making it a suitable choice for farmers. This cow hoof glue can be used with wooden, rubber and PU hoof blocks, so may be a versatile option.
2. Sticky Dicky Turbo Black
Sticky Dicky Turbo Black is a faster setting adhesive than the Sticky Dicky Red, with a setting time of approximately 5 seconds.
This is recommended for experienced and fast hoof trimmers only, since the very fast setting time does not allow for the repositioning of blocks during the hoof trimming process. It is the fastest-setting option in the no-heat range and is best suited to very experienced trimmers who are comfortable working quickly.
3. OrangeMonkey Glue
OrangeMonkey Glue is another two-component no-heat hoof block adhesive, with a 10-14 second processing time. In terms of speed, it sits between Sticky Dicky Red and Sticky Dicky Turbo Black.
The adhesive reaches full load capacity within approximately 90 seconds, to ensure a secure and durable bond. It’s suitable for use with wooden, rubber and PU hoof blocks, and is orange in colour so that it is easily visible during the application process, making correct coverage and layer thickness easier to manage.
Important considerations when using no-heat glues
It is extremely important that no heat is used at any stage when applying these glues, as heating the hoof or hoof block can affect the bond.
During the hotter months, when temperatures rise above 22°C, it is recommended to keep the glue cool before use. This can be done by placing the tube or tubes in a cool box or in a bucket of cold water before application.
For best practice and results, no-heat glues should be used with the larger applicator tips.
Hoof Glues That Require Heat
The second category includes glues that require heat as part of the curing process. These include Inspect4 Clear Glue, Quick Green Glue and Hoof Grip Pro Glue.
These glues have similar applications, with the main difference being their setting times. Inspect4 Clear Glue is the slowest-setting option, while Quick Green Glue and Hoof Grip Pro Glue have very similar setting times.
4. Inspect 4 Glue
Inspect 4 Glue is a two-component adhesive within the HoofCare Direct range, which can be used for attaching wooden or rubber hoof blocks to the claw.
It is the slowest-setting option within the heat-required range and is the standard glue option in HoofCare Direct’s starter packs.
5. Quick Green Glue
Quick Green Glue is a heat-required adhesive designed for use as part of a hoof block application process that involves heat. It’s suitable for use with wooden and rubber hoof blocks.
Its setting time is similar to Hoof Grip Pro Glue, making both options worth considering when choosing an adhesive based on your preferred working speed.
6. Hoof Grip Pro Glue
Hoof Grip Pro is a two-part adhesive that was developed in conjunction with The Hoof GP for professional hoof-care applications.
The lime green colour ensures that this hoof trimming glue is highly visible during application, and the proven consistency makes it popular with professionals.
Its setting time is similar to Quick Green Glue, placing both products within the faster-setting options of the heat-required range.
Important considerations when using heat-required glues
Unlike no-heat adhesives, these glues require heat as part of the curing process. They can be used with either the small or large applicator tips, allowing users to choose the tip that best suits their application. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct application and curing process.
Which Hoof Glue is Right for You?
So which is the best cattle hoof glue for your circumstances? There is no single hoof block adhesive that is right for every situation, and the right choice will depend on experience, the speed you work at and whether you prefer a no-heat or heat-required application process.
If you are looking to save a step in the hoof trimming process, the no-heat range offers three options:
• Sticky Dicky Red is the slowest-setting no-heat glue and is recommended for farmers.
• OrangeMonkey Glue offers a middle ground in terms of setting speed.
• Sticky Dicky Turbo Black is the fastest-setting option and is recommended for very experienced hoof trimmers.
Remember, no-heat glues must never be heated. When temperatures exceed 22°C, keeping them cool before use is recommended. The larger applicator tips should also be used with these adhesives for best practice and results.
If you prefer a heat-required adhesive, the options include:
• Inspect4 Clear Glue, the slowest-setting option in this category.
• Quick Green Glue, with a setting time similar to Hoof Grip Pro Glue.
• Hoof Grip Pro Glue, another option with a setting time similar to Quick Green Glue.
Choose Hoof Trimming Crates And Adhesives At HoofCare Direct
Here at HoofCare Direct, you will find our full range of hoof glues and shoes on our website, as well as cattle hoof care products, and our friendly team will be happy to help you find the solutions you need.
