The invention of superglue
Witness History1 Apr 2025

The invention of superglue

In 1951, American chemist Dr Harry Coover was experimenting with a substance called cyanoacrylate but it was sticking to everything.

He realised its potential as an adhesive and it went on sale in 1958 as Eastman 910, because it only took 10 seconds to set.

But his product only became a commercial success after an appearance on a game show, I've Got a Secret, where Harry demonstrated his glue could hold the weight of the presenter.

Rachel Naylor speaks to Harry's grandson, Adam Paul.

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(Photo: Dr Harry Coover holds up items stuck together with superglue in 1986. Credit: AP / Fred Jewell)

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