Can glue go out of date?

Answer 1

Yes. Typically a hot melt glue, either in bulk or stick form, will maintain their adhesive properties forever. Glue manufacturers will typically only warranty hot melt glues for one year however to reduce their liability. But from a performance standpoint they are good forever.

Cold glues however are typically only under warranty for 3-6 months. Due to cold glues typically being waterbased, the longer they sit the more chance for the water to evaporate/escape from the product and it will thicken or even dry out completely. Even if the product is old and has possibly thickened the bonding characteristics usually remain intact. Be sure to give the product a good shake or stir to redistribute the components evenly back into the water that they possibly separated from.

Answer 2

Yes, glue can go out of date. Over time, the chemicals in the glue can break down and lose their effectiveness, resulting in weaker adhesion. It's best to check the expiration date on the glue before using it for optimal results.