The lap shear strengths of stell joints bonded with ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate adhesive containing various amounts of acetic acid have been determined, and an optimum adhesion promoting effect was found at an acetic acid content of 0.25% by weight. Further tests showed that adhesion promotion with acetic acid was dependent on the nature and surface treatment of various metal adherends, with selectivity being shown towards steel, stainless steel and duraluminium.