The glue bottle at the back of the shelf may be nearly full, but that does not tell you how long it has been there. Before the next small box repair, give it a quick check rather than discovering a problem halfway through assembly.
Write the opening date on a piece of tape and stick it where it will not hide the product name, batch code or instructions. If you are labelling an already-open bottle and cannot remember the date, write “opening date unknown” rather than guessing. Add the purchase date if you have a record of it.
Treat that label as a reminder, not an expiry calculation. Different adhesives have different shelf lives and storage requirements, and some guidance runs from manufacture rather than first opening. Check the maker’s current instructions for the exact product; a recent opening date cannot undo years of poor storage.
For common water-based wood glues, look for unexpected lumps, separation or a change in consistency, and consider whether the bottle has been left in a freezing or overheated shop. Follow the product guidance on mixing and temperature exposure. Do not add water or another solvent just to make questionable glue pour again; replace it when its condition remains uncertain.
If the bottle is within the maker’s guidance and appears sound, a small trial joint in clean scrap can help check how it spreads and sets before a non-critical repair. Use the intended wood, joint fit and clamping method, then allow the specified cure time. A promising scrap test is not a load rating or proof that suspect glue is safe for a carrying handle or other safety-critical joint.
Practical takeaway: date the bottle when you open it, store it as directed and check it before laying out the clamps. A readable label makes the next decision easier; uncertain glue is cheaper to replace than a failed repair.
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