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Glue guns are used in a variety of trades, from crafting to manufacturing, making them a uniquely diverse tool. No matter your task, a good glue gun can make a difference in your projects, crafting, or any other task where fastening materials is necessary.
When looking for glue guns, the options available can be overwhelming. This guide is here to help you understand and navigate the options, so you can pick the best glue gun for your specific needs.
Understanding Glue Guns
What is a Glue Gun?
A glue gun is a handheld device often used in a wide range of applications, including home DIY projects, crafting, and light to heavy-duty industrial tasks. This device melts glue sticks and then extrudes the adhesive through a nozzle.
Most glue guns offer different temperature settings, allowing users to choose between high and low temperatures based on their needs. High-temperature glue guns are perfect for bonding more substantial materials, while low-temperature glue guns are ideal for delicate materials potentially damaging by high heat.
Different Types of Glue Guns
You’ll encounter various types of glue guns, including hot glue guns, cordless glue guns, and mini hot glue guns. Let’s take a closer look at these:
- Hot Glue Gun: A hot glue gun, or hot melt glue gun, heats glue sticks to a high temperature, creating a more durable bond perfect for heavy-duty projects. These glue guns tested by professionals have proven to be an excellent choice for a wide range of materials.
- Cordless Glue Gun: As the name implies, a cordless glue gun operates without a power cord. These cordless models offer more freedom of movement, making them ideal for tasks that require mobility. A battery powers them, and the battery life is a crucial consideration when choosing one.
- Mini Hot Glue Gun: These are compact, lightweight, and great for intricate work or small-scale projects. They typically use mini glue sticks, smaller than full-size glue sticks used by other glue guns.
What to Look For in a Glue Gun
When shopping for the best glue gun, look for these important features:
- Temperature Settings: Most glue guns have either dual or single heat settings. Dual-temp glue guns let you switch between high and low-temperature settings.
- Nozzle Type: Look for a glue gun with a precision tip to get more precise control over the glue flowing. A no-drip nozzle is even better as it prevents unwanted glue drips.
- Ergonomic Design: The best glue guns have an ergonomic trigger and grip for comfortable use, especially for extended periods.
- Stand and Base: A stand-up or flip-down stand allows the glue gun to be set down safely when not used.
- Corded or Cordless: A cordless hot glue gun offers more mobility, while a corded model guarantees unlimited use as long as there’s power.
Price vs. Quality
While going for the cheapest option is tempting, remember the adage, “you get what you pay for.” Higher-end models like the pro glue gun or a heavy-duty glue gun often offer more power, better durability, and additional features such as a LED indicator light or an on-off switch.
Best Hot Glue Guns: Our Top Picks
| Features | Top Pick: Surebonder Cordless Glue Gun | Runner Up: Arrow Fastener Heavy Duty Professional Electric Hot Melt Glue Gun | Best Value: Gorilla Dual Temp Full-Size Hot Glue Gun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 60 Watts | 300 Watts | Not specified |
| Temperature Settings | High temperature | High temp | Dual temperature settings |
| Precision & Control | Integrated heating base and built-in non-stick glue pad | Drip-resistant insulated safety nozzle, precision adjustment knob, and extended nose design | Precision nozzle, easy-squeeze trigger, and long insulated nozzle |
| Cordless Operation | Can be used continuously with cord or up to 3 minutes without cord | No | No |
| Material Compatibility | Bonds metal, wood, ceramics, leather, and other materials | Not specified | Not specified |
| Safety & Storage | Integrated heating base for secure storage | Solid base stand and wing attachments | Built-in stand and wide base |
| Design & Ergonomics | Lightweight at 0.85 pounds | Ergonomically designed, lightweight with an oversized trigger | Lightweight design with a comfortable grip |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 3.5 x 6.25 inches | 7.5 x 2.2 x 10.5 inches | 2.5 x 7.9 x 10 inches |
Surebonder Cordless Glue Gun
Top Pick: Designed for precision and power, the full-sized Surebonder glue gun offers cordless convenience for all your crafting needs. It delivers 60 Watts of power to ensure firm adhesion across a variety of materials such as metal, wood, ceramics, and leather.
This Surebonder glue gun is cordless; however, you can use it continuously with its cord, or opt for up to three minutes of untethered operation. The integrated heating base serves a dual function – offering a secure place to rest the glue gun and keeping it warm in cordless mode. A built-in non-stick glue pad attached to the base catches any stray glue drips for a clean and fuss-free crafting experience.
Product Features:
- High temperature, full-size glue gun
- Cordless for versatile use
- 60W power for strong adhesion
- Capable of bonding metal, wood, ceramics, leather, and other materials
- Use continuously with cord or up to 3 minutes without cord
- Integrated heating base for secure storage and maintaining warmth in cordless mode
- Built-in non-stick glue pad to catch stray drips
- Lightweight at 0.85 pounds, with dimensions of 10.5 x 3.5 x 6.25 inches.
Surebonder Cordless Glue Gun
Buy on Amazon
Arrow Fastener Heavy Duty Professional Electric Hot Melt Glue Gun
Runner Up: Arrow’s robust 300-Watt tool warms up quickly, providing superior adhesion for various projects ranging from professional installations to extensive home repair tasks. It ensures precision with its drip-resistant insulated safety nozzle and an adjustment knob, enabling the accurate application of small dots or smooth lines. Its extended nose design facilitates access to hard-to-reach corners, enhancing its versatility.
The durability of this professional-grade hot glue gun is reinforced with a solid base stand and wing attachments, mitigating the risk of hot glue backflow or mishaps during application. Ergonomically designed for comfort and control, the lightweight construction and oversized trigger make it easy and enjoyable.
Product Features:
- 300-Watt high temp heavy duty glue gun
- Fast heating with superior bonding
- Drip-resistant insulated safety nozzle and precision adjustment knob
- Extended nose design for hard-to-reach areas
- Uses Arrow All-Purpose Glue Sticks in 10″ x 1/2″ and 4″ x 1/2″
- Durable, with sturdy base stand and wing attachments
- Ergonomically designed, lightweight with an oversized trigger
- Item dimensions: 7.5 x 2.2 x 10.5 inches.
Arrow Fastener Heavy Duty Professional Electric Hot Melt Glue Gun
Buy on Amazon
Gorilla Dual Temp Full-Size Hot Glue Gun
Best Value: The Gorilla Dual Temp Full-Size Hot Glue Gun features a blend of functionality and convenience. Its distinct orange color adds a vibrant touch to your toolbox, while its dual temperature settings accommodate many project requirements.
Equipped with a precision nozzle, this tool allows accurate glue dispensing, while its lightweight construction and comfortable grip ensures easy and fatigue-free usage. For meticulous glue application, the glue gun has an easy-squeeze trigger and a long insulated nozzle.
Product Features:
- Full-size hot glue gun with dual temperature settings
- Precision nozzle for accurate glue dispensing
- Lightweight design with a comfortable grip
- Easy-squeeze trigger and long insulated nozzle for precision
- Enhanced safety with a built-in stand and wide base
- Ideal for crafts and home projects requiring increased glue output and volume
- Item dimensions: 2.5 x 7.9 x 10 inches.
Gorilla Dual Temp Full-Size Hot Glue Gun
Buy on Amazon
Surebonder Professional Heavy-Duty Hot Glue Gun
The PRO2-220HT is a professional-grade, high-temperature hot glue gun from Surebonder designed to handle heavy-duty tasks. Powered by a 220-Watt, 120-Volt system, it reaches a temperature of 380 degrees, melting full-size, 7/16″ glue sticks to cater to your diverse project needs.
This tool is designed with an ergonomic finger trigger, reducing the effort required during operation. The PRO2-220HT also features an integrated gun balancer mount hole, adding an extra layer of safety and balance during use.
Product Features:
- Professional heavy-duty hot glue gun
- 220-Watt, 120-Volt power system
- High-temperature setting of 380 degrees
- Utilizes standard diameter (1/2″, 7/16″, 0.43″) glue sticks
- Ergonomic finger trigger design for reduced effort
- Integrated gun balancer mount hole for enhanced safety
- Item dimensions: 11 x 3 x 9 inches.
Surebonder Professional Heavy-Duty Hot Glue Gun
Buy on Amazon
AdTech 2-Temp Dual Temp Glue Gun
The AdTech Dual Temperature Hot Glue Gun is a versatile tool designed to cater to a range of crafting and repair needs. The dual-temperature feature allows you to adjust the heat level to match the task at hand: use the low-temp setting for delicate materials like fabric, paper, and Styrofoam, and switch to high-temp for stronger bonding and continuous glue flow.
Product Features:
- Dual-temperature hot glue gun
- Protective low-temp option for delicate materials
- High-temp option for strong bonding
- Paired with AdTech hot melt glue sticks for lasting bonds
- Includes stand to prevent glue drips
- Compatible with full-size (0.44″ diameter) AdTech glue sticks
- Energy-conscious 40-Watt design
- 5-Foot cord for flexible workspace setup
- Item dimensions: 7.75 x 2.25 x 10.5 inches.
AdTech 2-Temp Dual Temp Glue Gun
Buy on Amazon
WORKPRO 7.2V Cordless Hot Melt Glue Gun
The WORKPRO cordless hot melt glue gun can heat up in just 40 seconds, delivering stable glue output and reducing energy consumption by 20-30% compared to traditional PTC heating systems. A high-capacity built-in battery powers the glue gun, allowing for up to 45 minutes of continuous use, reducing the need for frequent recharging.
Product Features:
- Quick heating in 40 seconds
- High-capacity battery for up to 45 minutes of continuous use
- Convenient Type-C USB charging
- Fast glue output speed of 0.18oz/5g per minute
- Low-leakage nozzle design to reduce glue spillage
- Automatic power-off feature for safety and energy efficiency
- Includes a vertical stand and 20 premium glue sticks
- Made from flame-retardant materials for added safety
- Ideal for crafts, DIY projects, office, home repairs, gifts, and decorations.
WORKPRO 7.2V Cordless Hot Melt Glue Gun
Buy on Amazon
Magicfly 60/100W Hot Glue Gun with 15 Pcs Hot Glue Sticks
The Magicfly Hot Glue Gun brings versatility and convenience to your DIY and repair tasks. With its double-mode feature, you can switch between 60W and 100W depending on your project’s requirements. Use the 60W mode for small projects requiring quick drying, and switch to the 100W mode for larger or delicate projects requiring a slow operation.
Product Features:
- Dual power modes (60W/100W)
- Unique off-switch design
- Includes 15 full-size glue sticks, a carrying bag, three finger caps, and a silicone working mat
- Safe and easy to use with a quality copper nozzle
- Ergonomically designed handle and trigger
- Ideal for various DIY projects and repairs
- Color: Green
- Weight: 2.03 Pounds
- Power Source: 100W
Magicfly 60/100W Hot Glue Gun with 15 Pcs Hot Glue Sticks
Buy on Amazon
Krightlink Mini hot glue gun Kit with 30 Glue Sticks
The Krightlink Mini Hot Glue Gun is a handy tool for crafts, DIY arts, and quick home repairs. Operating at 20 watts, this glue gun heats up quickly, reaching optimal temperature within 1 minute, thanks to its PTC ceramic heating system. The specialized precision nozzle prevents glue leakage and ensures accurate application for a cleaner work environment.
Product Features:
- Fast preheating with a PTC ceramic heating system
- Anti-drip precision nozzle for accurate application
- Ergonomic and compact design for comfortable use
- Versatile application on a variety of materials
- Includes 30 mini strong adhesive hot glue sticks
- White color with corded electric power source
- 20-watt power for efficient operation
- Foldable bracket for easy storage
Krightlink Mini hot glue gun Kit with 30 Glue Sticks
Buy on Amazon
Surebonder Ultra Low-Temperature Cool Shot Mini Glue Gun
The Surebonder Ultra Low-Temperature Cool Shot Mini Glue Gun is a superb choice for individuals working with delicate materials. It operates at a safety-focused 10 watts, making it a suitable tool for novices. This glue gun is optimal for bonding sensitive materials such as paper, fabric, foam, or flowers, which higher temperatures could damage. Despite its low temperature, it still allows for a typical working time due to its specially designed formula.
Product Features:
- Low 10-watt capacity for safety, especially for inexperienced users
- Ideal for bonding delicate materials without damage
- Typical working time maintained despite the low temperature
- Safety features include an insulated nozzle, kickstand, side fins, and safety fuse
- Includes 12 Surebonder Cool Shot Mini Glue Sticks
- Compact size for easy handling and storage
Surebonder Ultra Low-Temperature Cool Shot Mini Glue Gun
Buy on Amazon
Chandler Tools Full Size Hot Glue Gun
The Chandler Tool Full Size Hot Glue Gun is a high-performing tool for handling construction, DIY projects, and crafts. Equipped with 60 watts of power, it can tackle your biggest tasks. It’s designed with a stand built right into the handle, allowing the gun to be upright and ready for use, preventing any unwanted glue mess on your workspace.
Product Features:
- 60 watts of power for heavy-duty tasks
- Stand-Up Base integrated into the handle for ready use
- Drip-free technology for a clean workspace
- Comes with 12 high-quality 8” long clear full-size (7/16”) glue sticks
- Sturdy construction for long-term use
- Ideal for construction, DIY projects, and crafts.
Chandler Tools Full Size Hot Glue Gun
Buy on Amazon
Best Practices for Using Glue Guns
Safety Tips
While most glue guns come equipped with safety features, observing some basic safety measures is essential. Always keep your glue gun in a stand when not in use to prevent accidental burns. Ensure the glue gun preheats fully before using it to ensure the glue stick melts properly. And remember, hot glue can burn your skin, so consider using silicone finger protectors for added safety.
Maintenance and Longevity
To maintain the longevity of your glue gun, always use the right glue stick size for your model. For instance, a mini hot glue gun requires mini glue sticks, while others may require full-size glue sticks. Avoid using colored or glitter glue sticks in high-end models, as they can sometimes clog the nozzle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hot Glue Guns Safe to Use?
Yes, hot glue guns are safe to use when handled properly. The temperature of the glue from high temperature glue guns can cause burns if not handled carefully. Make sure you use a stand to prevent the hot nozzle from touching surfaces and always use silicone finger protectors when handling hot glue.
Corded vs Cordless Glue Guns: Which is Better?
This depends on your needs. A cordless glue gun offers more mobility and is great for tasks that require moving around. On the other hand, a corded model provides constant power, which is beneficial for long projects.
What Materials Can You Use a Glue Gun With?
You can use a glue gun with a variety of materials such as paper, plastic, wood, ceramics, and some metals. A low temperature glue gun is best for delicate materials like foam, lace, and soft fabric, while a high temperature glue gun is best for harder materials.
How Long Do Glue Guns Last?
With proper care, a good quality glue gun can last for several years. It’s important to clean the nozzle after use and use the right size and type of glue stick for your model.
Are Expensive Glue Guns Worth It?
While you don’t need to break the bank to get a good glue gun, pricier models often come with useful additional features like dual temperature settings, a more ergonomic grip, better battery life for cordless models, and a more durable build for heavy duty use.
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Image: Amazon
This article, "Best Glue Gun: Optimal Choices for Your Work" was first published on Small Business Trends
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By: Liane Lonergan
Title: Best Glue Gun: Optimal Choices for Your Work
Sourced From: smallbiztrends.com/2023/07/best-glue-gun.html
Published Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:00:34 +0000
