How to choose a glue gun for crafts and household needs

As an independent tool, the glue gun is now well known. With its help, you can solve a huge number of various everyday and industrial problems, and also those who are engaged in needlework are very fond of it – with the help of hot glue, you can glue even those items that the well-known cyanoacryl does not take, aka 'superglue'. In order to get all the advantages of such a device in everyday life, the choice should be approached with special care.

The best manufacturers of heat guns. Which company to choose?

Currently, there is a huge variety of glue guns on the market, from the Chinese “no-name” to professional devices from well-known European manufacturers. In order to be guaranteed to get a functional and working device, preference should be given exclusively to those brands that are heard.

1. Steinel

2. Makita

3. Bosch

4. Kolner

In the catalogs of these manufacturers, you can find not only professional models designed to perform specific operations, but also household devices designed for everyday use.

The device of a hot glue gun and how it works

Any thermal gun consists of four main components that ensure its functioning:

1. Housing. Made of plastic and insulated from the mechanical and heating parts. Its shape resembles a pistol (hence the name) for the most comfortable grip during work;

2. Heating unit. It is a cylindrical metal insert, to which a heating element is attached – a heating element that melts a glue stick;

3. Feed unit. A special mechanism that feeds the melted hot melt glue through the nozzle;

4. Metal nozzle. Unit designed for dispensing hot melt glue to the glued surfaces. The best models are equipped with a special shut-off valve that eliminates the possibility of glue spreading when the trigger is released;

5. Glue stick. The same glue that underlies any heat gun. It is a soft cylindrical 'stick' that, when melted, turns into an adhesive composition. Its color can be different – transparent, black, white, red;

Types of hot melt glue guns

All devices of this class on the market can be divided into several main types depending on their functional purpose.

Professional grade glue guns

Devices that have become widespread during construction and installation work, especially where other methods of fixing surfaces are not available. Hot glue is widely used instead of traditional dowels and self-tapping screws, it allows you to do the job as accurately and efficiently as possible.

Advantages

• High power. The best models are capable of delivering up to 500-600 W and allow you to perform labor-intensive work in a short period of time;

• A large number of nozzle attachments included in the kit with key models;

• High-quality performance and an increase in the period of trouble-free work as a result;

disadvantages

• High price;

Pneumatic glue guns

Devices, the principle of which is different from all other models. The heating element in such models is completely isolated from the body, as a result of which the body itself and the nozzle remain cold. The supply is carried out using pneumatics, which makes it possible to use such a gun with materials that are afraid of exposure to high temperatures (polyurethane foam, foam).

Advantages

• Reliable construction;

• Ability to work with all types of materials without exception;

disadvantages

• High price;

• General bulkiness of the structure;

Handicraft glue guns

And also for performing various household operations and routine work. Compact dimensions, reduced functionality, low temperature conditions and low power – these are its main characteristics.

Advantages

• Small size, minimum weight;

• Low cost;

• Low temperature mode of operation, which allows gluing materials that are afraid of heating;

disadvantages

• Low power of the heating element;

• Mediocre workmanship for cheap models;

• Lack of nozzles on the nozzle;

Cordless glue gun

A device that is sourced from a removable battery. You can find such models both among household and professional devices, and therefore the price tag for them varies quite a lot. Convenient in the absence of a cord, which allows you to use it away from the outlet.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;

• Wide functionality;

• No need for a constant power supply;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Requires battery health monitoring;

Glue Gun Selection Options

Having decided on a specific type of glue gun, it's time to pay attention to specific features and specifications.

Power

An indicator that directly affects the melting rate of the glue stick, as well as the overall performance of the gun. The weakest in this regard are household pistols: the rated power of such devices rarely exceeds 100-150 W. Advanced, semi-professional devices show themselves somewhat better in this regard: they are capable of delivering up to 250-300 W, which is more than enough for most situations. The most powerful are professional construction devices, the rated power of which can be 500-600 W.

Feed efficiency

Reflects the amount of glue that the gun nozzle releases at a given time. Professional models can boast of high productivity – up to 25-35 grams of glue per minute, while the performance of household models is more modest and rarely exceeds 10-15 grams.

The melting temperature

A parameter showing the possibility of using a particular pistol in certain operating conditions. Standard glue sticks melt at a temperature of about 180 degrees (the output is glue with a temperature of about 145-150 degrees), but there are also models on sale designed for operation in a lower range – about 95-100 degrees. To work with them, use the appropriate glue sticks. Professional models are very often equipped with an additional thermostat, which allows you to change the melting temperature depending on the tasks.

Thickness of used glue sticks

As a rule, all glue heat guns on sale have a unified diameter of the rods used – either 7 or 11 mm. This parameter may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer of a particular glue stick;

Which glue gun to choose?

1. A compact glue gun will be enough for a number of routine and household tasks, as well as for needlework;

2. In the case when you have to work for a long time away from a power source or there is a regular need to glue certain parts 'on the knee', you should prefer a cordless glue gun;

3. For those buyers looking for a versatile model that allows you to work with different types of materials, it is best to prefer thermo guns equipped with power control;

4. Professional models are an excellent choice for builders, installers, as well as all those who regularly need such a device for their work;

Hot glue gun cost

1. Most household glue guns and handicraft models cost from 300 to 2000 rubles;

2. Semi-professional devices, the power of which does not exceed 350 W, have a price tag from 4000 to 7000 rubles;

3. Professional models with a large number of functions and a rich bundle are the most expensive devices. Their price can vary from 4500 to 9000 rubles.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.