A method of applying liquid adhesive to surfaces of components of an electrochemical cell employing a needle valve applicator. The liquid adhesive is applied by dispensing it through a tubular tip connected to a pneumatically actuated needle valve applicator. The method is effective in applying adhesive to narrow width or difficult to reach surfaces of cell components in a precise, consistent and reproducible manner. In a specific application the adhesive can be applied to the narrow recessed step surrounding the terminal portion of the cathode casing of a zinc/air button cell. In such application the cathode casing may typically be rotated at speeds of between about 50 and 1000 revolutions per minute as adhesive is applied thereto from the applicator. The adhesive provides a tight seal between the cathode casing and cathode assembly, thereby preventing leakage of electrolyte from the cell.