Thin crate slats do not need a heavy rope of glue. Too much glue makes parts skate around under clamp pressure, leaves squeeze-out in the corners, and turns a quick repair into a cleanup job.
A glue comb can be as simple as a scrap of stiff cardboard, veneer offcut or thin plastic with a few shallow notches cut along one edge. Keep the notches small. The goal is to pull a light film across the wood, not to rake deep grooves into the surface.
Put a small bead of glue on the repair strip or slat, then drag the comb once or twice with steady pressure. If the comb leaves dry gaps, add a little more. If glue builds up in front of the comb, there is already plenty on the part.
This works especially well when the pieces are narrow, slightly flexible or awkward to hold. The spreader keeps fingers cleaner, helps the part sit flatter, and makes it easier to clamp without chasing a slippery strip across the bench.
After the glue-up, wipe the comb before it hardens or toss it if it was only cardboard. If a particular notch pattern feels right for crate repairs, label that spreader and keep it near the glue bottle for the next small batch.
Practical takeaway: before gluing thin crate slats or small repair strips, make a notched scrap spreader and aim for an even film. Less glue, spread consistently, usually gives a neater joint than a thick bead squeezed into place.
Glue-upShop HabitsCrate Repairs