How to choose a glue gun and use it correctly

With the help of hot glue you can glue a variety of products in everyday life, with needlework, creativity and even in industry. When heated, this adhesive is not harmful to health, easy to use and safe. To melt, you need to purchase a glue gun - a special device that will last a long time and will be useful to a professional and an amateur.

Content:

• Application area
• The device and principle of operation of the gun for glue
• What glues a thermal gun: use cases
• How to choose a glue gun: options
• Working temperature
• Type of food
• Diameter and other parameters of the rod
• Trigger equipment
• Switchable Temperature
• Power
• Performance
• Extra options
• Choosing a glue gun
• Top Battery Devices
• The best glue guns for needlework
• The best glue guns with interchangeable nozzles
• The best glue guns for rhinestones
• The best glue guns for paper
• The best professional glue guns
• The best pneumatic glue guns
• Best Temperature Controlled Glue Guns

Application area

The glue gun is a universal device. It is designed for reliable and convenient joining of two surfaces, and is also popular with needlewomen, engineers, hams, fashion designers, florists and designers. Thermoglue composition can hold together homogeneous and dissimilar materials:

• wood;
• glass;
• ceramics;
• crystal;
• faience;
• polymers;
• concrete;
• metal;
• a rock;
• Styrofoam;
• PVC linoleum;
• paper;
• textile.

The gun glues products almost instantly. The hot glue hardens in a few minutes, but the time for adjusting the result still remains. Hot-melt adhesive is characterized by water resistance, great strength, and due to the absence of solvents it wins in environmental friendliness of two-component products, Momenta. The advantage of using a heat gun with glue is the ability to start using the product in just 30-60 minutes, when the composition has already gained strength.

The device and principle of operation of the gun for glue

Externally, the glue gun looks like a toy weapon. This is a plastic device with metal parts, in which there is a hole for adhesive cartridges. So-called translucent rods filled with hard glue. The principle of operation of the device is as follows: as the thermocouple (thermal unit) heats up, the rod melts and flows after pulling the trigger.

The body of the gun consists of hard plastic, which prevents overheating and does not make the device too heavy. Some cheap models have thin, fragile plastic, so you must follow the rules for using them very strictly. Otherwise, the gun will not last long. It is especially important not to overheat the product and not to work with it longer than the time specified in the instructions.

The main components of the device:

1. The heating unit. Inside the thermal chamber is one or more tens, and it is located in the barrel.The heated air begins to melt the glue immediately after the ten has reached the desired temperature. How much it heats up depends entirely on the power of the gun.
2. Feed mechanism. There is an annular pusher that works from a lever connected to the trigger. If you pull the trigger hard, you can break the gun. Usually only expensive branded models can be repaired, and mini-guns for creativity can no longer be repaired.
3. Thrust guide coupling. Thanks to this device, heated glue is not squeezed back into the device. The clutch is usually made of rubber, which deteriorates over time. You can replace it, and some even put a homemade part.
4. Nozzle. It gives shape to the adhesive, dispensing the melt output, and if necessary, blocks the flow. The nozzle has a shut-off valve, which is responsible for stopping the leakage of glue. But you won’t be able to completely close the hole - too high pressure will be created inside, so a couple of drops of glue will still leak from the gun. Why does glue flow out in a big stream? Perhaps the shut-off valve is not provided for at all in the model or its breakdown occurred.

You need to work with the glue gun correctly. It can not be put to one side in the on state, you can only install the device on a special stand. Under the gun you need to put cardboard, which will "catch" a drop of leaky glue. After use, you need to pull out the remnants of the rod, clean the glue inside the chamber, and clean the nozzle area. The gun must always be cleaned after work, otherwise its service life will be reduced.

It is equally important to observe safety measures when the glue gun is switched on. Battery-powered or low-power devices are unlikely to cause serious harm, but even they can cause a short circuit if you violate the instructions for use. It is forbidden to use the gun with a damaged case or cord, as well as in the presence of any breakage!

What glues a thermal gun: use cases

The glue gun is indispensable in everyday life. It will help to make the windows warmer: to seal the cracks for the winter, which is very important in the presence of old wooden windows. If a piece breaks off the tile, it can also be quickly fixed with the device. A device with glue is suitable for repairing shoes, for example, attaching insoles, closing holes. The gun will help to hook the hook on the wall, on which towels can be hung.

Thermogun is often used in hobbies, needlework. A huge number of workshops and work with a thermo gun are described step by step on the Trum-Trum channel. Using the device, creating or modifying different elements will be easy. They can be applied patterns, drawings, which then dry out and turn into original decor. It is only important to conduct a test in advance on an inconspicuous area of ​​the material - it happens that too hot a melt damages the fabric, paper. Needlewomen also use pistols for:

• gluing rhinestones, artificial pearls and other stones;
• create figures;
• joining buttons and other accessories, flowers from foamiran, clay;
• making mesh coasters;
• production of jewelry, cases for phones.

In construction and repair, glue guns are also in demand, they connect plinths, baguettes, refine various types of finishes (for example, glue detached linoleum sections).

If glue gets on things, you should not be upset. It can be removed from clothing after heating with an ordinary household hairdryer. How to dissolve the composition? For this purpose, acetone, gasoline, and other organic solvents are suitable.

How to choose a glue gun: options

A hot melt glue gun is not complicated, and yet, for different models, technical specifications and parameters can vary significantly. To purchase the right device, it is important to familiarize yourself with the options in advance.

Working temperature

The scope of application depends on the temperature that the device is able to maintain. For example, cardboard, paper, fabric can not stand too hot glue - they may leave traces of tan. Usually, to work with such materials it is enough to buy a low-temperature gun (from + 105 ... + 110 degrees). In other thermal guns, temperatures reach + 165 ... 170 degrees, and professional installation models can heat glue to +200. This parameter also affects the glue heating rate.

Type of food

Most often, hot glue guns operate from the network, but such devices are more convenient for performing a small amount of work. Professionals usually choose battery powered pistols. The battery can be charged from the mains, after which the device will work 30-180 minutes without a glitch. There are also semi-autonomous pistols included in the network with the possibility of further work without a cord for 15 minutes.

Diameter and other parameters of the rod

Hardened glue sticks vary in length, diameter, color, and melting point. The standard sizes of the rods are 7 and 11 mm, they must be selected depending on the type of gun. Some professional models have a larger nozzle diameter of 45 mm, so the rods need to be selected accordingly. Their length is 4-20 cm.

The colors of the sticks are also varied. Transparent glue is universal - it is usually used for gluing objects in everyday life, needlework. Colored rods are used to mask seams, create crafts. There are even spangled rods on sale. The melting temperature of the adhesive can also be different - from +105 to +200 degrees, it should not conflict with the heating temperature of the gun. The best brands of glue sticks are as follows:

• Stayer ("Stayer");
• Sparta ("Sparta");
• Sigma ("Sigma");
• Rexant ("Rexant");
• Master Hand ("Master Hand");
• Topex ("Topeks");
• Dexter ("Dexter");
• Matrix ("Matrix");
• "Storm";
• Brauberg.

Trigger equipment

To refuel and push the rod, the trigger is required - a small piston that moves the glue. In his absence, working with a gun will be inconvenient, but inexpensive models are still smokeless. Triggers are rotary and slide, and experts more value the first option for convenience and accurate dosing.

Switchable Temperature

Inexpensive models of thermoguns operate at the same temperature, which cannot be changed. Others have an off / on button for different modes, with which you can change the heating temperature of the glue stick. Why is this needed? Adjusting the degrees allows you to use the device for a wide variety of materials.

Power

The speed of operation depends on the power of the glue gun. If you need to glue a crack once, collect the crafts, 30-100 watts is enough. For needlework on a regular basis, it is better to choose models with a power of 80-150 watts. Masters performing complex tasks prefer pistols with an indicator of up to 300 watts. Especially convenient devices with automatic power control. The device itself heats the adhesive to 200 watts during melting, and when applying the composition reduces the power to 40-60 watts. The advantage is lower energy costs.

Performance

This indicator plays an even greater role than the power of the gun. The productivity of the devices is 5-30 g / min and reflects the amount of glue applied over the specified time. For small jobs, a speed of 5-10 g / min is permissible; for bulky work, it is advisable to buy a gun with greater productivity.

Extra options

What else should be considered when buying a glue gun? Here are the auxiliary parameters that can also affect the quality and usability of the device:

• viewing window - allows you to see the length of the remaining rod;
• backlight - helps to work in poor lighting;
• case for storage - there will be a gun in it without the risk of damage;
• heating indicator - lights up when the gun is ready for operation;
• additional nozzles - used for hard-to-reach spots (narrow and long), processing of large areas (wide).

Choosing a glue gun

You can buy a glue gun, as well as a set of rods for it in a variety of stores, for example, such as in Lenta, Auchan, Fix Price, 220 Volt, DNS, Citylink, in children’s and floristic departments, in online stores "Ozone", "MaxiDom", "Leonardo", etc. The purchase of a certified product will protect against counterfeiting. For beginners, it is better to choose a simpler model to practice.

What is the best thermo gun to buy? Below is an overview of the most popular products.

Top Battery Devices

One of the highest quality devices is considered Bosch GluePen. This is a rechargeable electric gun that charges easily through a USB port. You can work with a cordless gun for about 30 minutes. Such devices are no less popular in everyday life for repair work:

• Engy EGG-16CL;
• Milwaukee C18 PCG / 310C.

Due to the lack of a cord, the products are mobile, you can even take them with you on the road. Many models have protection against drops and a small diameter of the container for glue - 7 mm.

The best glue guns for needlework

Among the needlework devices, different models of the Dremel brand (“Dremel”) are leading. Here are the most famous:

1. Dremel 910 JC. A high-quality pistol having only one high-temperature mode, therefore it is not equipped with a regulator. The glue stick warms up to +195 degrees. The product can work in this mode for several hours without loss of glue, which almost does not flow from the nozzle without pressure.
2. Dremel 930 JC. This device has two temperature conditions: low temperature, high temperature. The gun is very light, with it you can easily perform a large amount of work. Equipped with anti-drip system.
3. Dremel 940 JC. Professional pistol, has the highest level of performance. Suitable for needlework in plastic, ceramics, wood, heated in 5 minutes, its dimensions are quite large. In the kit there are 2 nozzles on the nose. The cord of the device is removable, it can be stored unassembled.
4. Ryobi ONE +. The gun has anti-slip protection, a two-finger key that improves glue control. Powered by 18 V.

Also, for needlework and creativity, buyers often opt for the following devices:

1. Steinel GLUE MATIC 3002. The universal device capable to stick any synthetic and natural materials with hot glue. Ideal for decorating souvenirs, they can be drawn on fabric.
2. Defort DGG 16N. This electric hot melt glue gun is the lightest among analogues - it weighs only 120 g. It is inexpensive, designed for delicate work.

The best glue guns with interchangeable nozzles

In the top of devices that are equipped with interchangeable devices, the following models are in the lead:

1. Hammer Flex ("Hammer Flex") GN– 06. A large size glue gun, considered industrial, but can also be used at home. The device works on the mains and on the battery, has the ability to adjust the temperature, is great for sealing joints.
2. Bosch ("Bosch") GKP-200 CE Professional. Due to the presence of an elongated nozzle, the application of glue with this device is very convenient, especially in hard-to-reach places. After the end of the glue stick, the gun itself turns off.

The best glue guns for rhinestones

With the help of hot glue guns it’s easy to beautifully decorate clothes, shoes, crafts with rhinestones with your own hands. The downside is the limited use: devices are not suitable for bulk work. The following models are in the lead:

• Steinel Neo 1-334109 - differs in exact drawing of hot glue thanks to a special design, melting temperature makes 165 degrees;
• Kolner KGG - it is good to use this gun for work on uneven surfaces, its heating time is 5 minutes.

The best glue guns for paper

Pistol FIT 14330 - very light, small in size, perfect for gluing paper with molten glue without any restrictions on appearance. The diameter of the rod suitable for this device is 7 mm. The temperature regime of the device is 110-150 degrees. Analogs in size, quality and price (within 300-600 rubles) are the following glue guns:

• Proconnect
• "Sparta" 80 watts;
• Falco
• "Ermak";
• Hot Melt Gun;
• "Micron".

Uhu Creativ thermal gun can also act as a “clerical”, as it has a reduced operating temperature. You can use it for other purposes - for gluing and decorating any materials used in the work (leather, textile, felt, plastic, stones). It is also suitable for compositions sensitive to heat, including polyethylene, balloons.

The best professional glue guns

Experienced craftsmen for construction and domestic needs, carrying out repairs prefer to use such pistols:

1. STANLEY. Among the characteristics of the thermal gun are the speed of heating (60 seconds), the presence of LEDs that indicate the readiness of the device for operation. High power is noted not only during heating, but also the supply of hot-melt adhesive. There is a function of safe shutdown.
2. Buhnen HB-Comfortable weight (300 g) allows you to use the gun for a long time, in addition, it has a very comfortable handle. The performance of the device is high, the trigger is convenient. For this model, 12 mm adhesive tubes are suitable. Especially often, the thermal gun is used in furniture factories for processing joints.
3. "Bison Expert". An expensive pistol with excellent performance. It melts the glue in just 30 seconds, can hold rods up to 30 cm long, heating them to +193 degrees.
4. Makita ("Makita"). The cordless gun is designed to melt and apply silicone sealant. In addition to silicone, it allows you to apply other types of compounds. It features a very high performance.
5. "Stavr VK-11." It can heat glue up to +200 degrees, it works from the mains, it additionally has a support-stop. The glue becomes liquid in just a few seconds. A convenient nozzle makes it easy to seal even the narrowest seams.

The best pneumatic glue guns

Such guns have a pneumatic supply of glue under high pressure. Buhnen HB 700 K Spray is notable for its precise application. Hot polyurethane adhesive comes out like a spray spray. The device has a valve against leakage of the melt, a powerful heating element, automatic heating control, an integrated display that reflects the temperature.

A practical and high-quality pistol is considered Metabo PowerMaxx ("Metabo PowerMax"). Even the most viscous glue easily melts in it thanks to the pressing pressure. The device has an automatic reverse gear rack, which eliminates the possibility of smudges.

Best Temperature Controlled Glue Guns

The device of the brand KRAFTOOL 6840 is characterized by high power, is powered from the network, supports a pencil diameter of 11 mm. Stylish design and ease of use makes it comfortable for the user. Another good glue gun with a temperature regulator is the TKP-30 caliber. The temperature of its heating changes, if necessary, from +150 to +190 degrees. It is possible to use such devices in everyday life and in production.

Glue guns greatly facilitate the work of the master, besides they are indispensable for needlewomen and have long been adopted by builders. They will not harm even the most delicate materials, they are diverse in characteristics and price, so everyone can choose the right device!