Updated: 06/16/2018 15:30:52

Glue guns become a universal assistant for builders or creative people. With the help of these compact devices, it is possible to quickly and reliably connect parts even in hard-to-reach places. The principle of operation of the device is quite simple. Special rods are installed in the gun, which, when heated, begin to melt. The user can only move the device on a given surface. The rods can be purchased at an affordable price in the distribution network. The scope of the glue gun is quite wide, it is used not only for gluing parts, but also for filling seams, sealing joints. When choosing a device, experts recommend paying attention to the following points.

Criteria for choosing a glue gun

Pistols differ in the type of power supply. One category of devices can run on battery power, other models must be connected to a household power outlet.

An important characteristic of a glue gun is productivity. For domestic purposes, a product with an indicator of 5-30 minutes is suitable. But for professional activity a more powerful device is required.

In the application process, the exact dosage of the adhesive and its fast setting are often important. It depends on the design of the tip (nozzle) and the quality of the rods.

The dimensions of the pistol can be decisive when we are talking about working in hard-to-reach places. The area of ​​application of glue depends on the size of the device and the rods.

When buying a device for a child, you should take care of safety. This concerns not only the protection of the heating parts, but also the selection of rods. Some consumables can release toxic compounds that will adversely affect the health of the young creator.

Our review includes the best glue guns. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:

the purpose of the pistol;

specifications;

expert opinion;

consumer reviews.

Rating of the best glue guns

The best professional glue gun

One of the main factors in buying a professional handgun is high performance. With the help of the rod, it is possible to reduce production costs due to the exact dosage and lower price than conventional glue. Most often, in the search engine, users are interested in Bosch devices. Experts included some models in our rating.

The Bosch PKP 3.6 LI professional glue gun has a whole range of advantages over its competitors. This compact device (0.255 kg) is powered by a 1.5 Ah lithium-ion battery. The key point of the tool is the instant adhesion of the glue. The gun can work smoothly on a full charge for 30 minutes. The heating of the rod occurs in record time (less than 15 s). The device is equipped with an indicator of the heating level, the operator can also monitor the degree of battery discharge.

The heat gun has a unique nozzle that prevents dripping. Thanks to the Auto Off function, the device automatically turns off after a five-minute inactivity. You can use the Micro-USB connector to charge the battery. The gun deservedly recognized as the winner of the rating.

Advantages

compactness;

fast heating;

charging via USB;

unique nozzle.

Flaws

• high price.

The Dremel 940 hand gun was highly appreciated by the builders. With its help, different materials are easily connected. The model runs from electrical network 220 V, so the working space is limited by the length of the supply wire. On the other hand, a powerful heater allows the use of thick rods (11 mm), heating them up to a temperature of 195°C. The device loses to the winner in heating speed (300 s) and in mobility, so the experts placed the device in second place in the rating.

The manufacturer is well equipped with a glue gun. The set includes three rods, a leg-stand, a sight glass, a leakage protection. The gun nozzles have silicon shrouds to prevent the glue from igniting.

Advantages

high performance;

rich equipment;

affordable price;

applied to different materials.

Flaws

dependence on the power grid;

prolonged heating.

The Bosch "PKP 18 E" glue gun has excellent technical parameters. The device is able to heat the rod up to a maximum temperature of 200°C and maintain it for a long time. This is achieved by supplying the device from the mains. The device is equipped with rods 11 mm thick and provides high productivity at work (20 g/min). Only the heating of the rod takes a long time (420 s), in this parameter the device is inferior to its closest competitors. And the weight of the model is quite large (350 g). The special nozzle design ensures clean gun operation.

The device perfectly copes with sealing, fixing, gluing a wide range of materials. The gun comes with one glue stick, nozzle, stand, viewing window.

Advantages

heat heating;

electronic temperature control;

leakage protection.

Flaws

prolonged heating;

great weight.

A very convenient hot glue gun is the Bosch GluePen model. The device is ergonomic and compact. Thanks to the built-in battery (capacity 1.5 Ah), the device can be used away from the household power supply. Experts included this pistol in the rating also for the smallest weight among competitors (142 g). The advantages of the device include the minimum heating time (15 s), instant gluing, and a thin nozzle. The main purpose of the product is creative work when creating crafts, as well as repairing small parts.

The manufacturer, along with the device, attached 4 glue sticks and Charger. The gun works with rods with a diameter of 7 mm. Adhesive material consumption is controlled automatically.

Advantages

compactness and convenience;

light weight;

thin nozzle.

Flaws

narrow scope;

poor performance.

The best glue gun for crafts

In our country, there are traditionally many creative people who are engaged in crafts or decor. They appreciate the compactness, lightness and the ability to apply a thin layer of glue in a glue gun. The review included inexpensive models with economical consumption of the glue stick.

A universal tool for domestic purposes is a glue gun "Micron", 60 W. It is also used in the work of people of creative professions who are engaged in decorative ornaments, crafts from cardboard, straw, paper and wood. The Chinese device has become the winner of our rating for safety and ease of use. The device is powered by a household network (220 V), it is equipped with only one power button. The power of the device (60 W) is enough to melt a rod with a diameter of 11 mm. This forms a wide band of glue.

The package contains everything you need to get started. The manufacturer, along with the gun, supplies two glue sticks and a reliable metal stand.

Advantages

affordable price;

safety at work;

ease and convenience;

wide strip of glue.

Flaws

• not found.

The German glue gun UHU CREATIV became a worthy competitor to the winner. Only in price it loses to the leader, taking deservedly the second place in the ranking. The device is considered a low-temperature model, because the melting process occurs at 110°C. This does not affect the quality of gluing in any way, but additional safety during operation can become a trump card when buying. Fragile girls will like the device's compactness and light weight.

Using a heat gun, it is recommended to glue any materials, even those sensitive to high temperatures. This quality of the device is ensured by the instant setting of the glue. As a result, a minimum amount of time is spent on the gluing operation, which reduces costs.

Users speak flatteringly about the reliability and durability of the device. He excels in the tasks assigned to him. The manufacturer has completed the product with a metal stand and two glue sticks.

Advantages

low price;

miniature sizes;

fast heating.

Flaws

unreliable case;

spontaneous leakage of glue from the nozzle.

Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Don't have a glue gun? In vain - useful thing! Let's see what it has inside, learn how to use this small but very powerful tool, figure out the technical characteristics of different models, and decide on the main selection criteria.

There is such an instrument, which, without exaggeration and any reservations, can be called folk. The glue gun is just from that series. There is no need to campaign for it, it does not need intrusive advertising and cunning marketing tricks, since many masters have long appreciated all its advantages and have prescribed this device in their arsenal. Despite the fact that it is not an essential tool, has a simple design and a relatively low price, the hot glue gun does an excellent job of performing a wide range of tasks, in most cases it cannot be replaced with something else.

With the help of a glue gun, builders fix engineering communications, fill the seams, seal, glue. Designers, florists, as well as craftsmen of the popular “hand-made” direction, who regularly make all kinds of souvenirs, piece items, and decor elements, especially fell in love with this tool. Radio amateurs, model designers, ordinary home craftsmen did not stand aside. Even by itself, polyurethane melt can be of some decorative value - artists use it to create frame mesh structures, paint with glue mass on objects, get original fractions from colored or metallized drops (balls, beads ...), form stylized seals for decorating postcards, invitations tickets and festive bottles, create three-dimensional pictures.

The main advantages of the glue gun

The glue gun allows you to glue various elements almost instantly, since the heated polymer hardens in just a few minutes (from 1 to 3), after which the seam acquires almost maximum strength. There is no need to wait for hours to set, as when working with glue such as "Liquid Nails", "Moment".

The melt interacts well with most materials - wood, plastics, PVC, glass, leather, metal, ceramics, paper, rubber, fabrics ... The hot glue gun is not friendly only with some mineral bases, for example, concrete and plaster. Certain difficulties arise when working with polyethylene parts. As with any other adhesive, when using a heat gun, the surfaces to be treated must be free of dirt, moisture, and oil stains.

The connection is very reliable, not inferior in strength to mechanical fastening. It can only be disassembled by heating, and on many surfaces it does not leave marks after removal (useful if drilling / drilling / hammering is impossible). There is an interesting technology for paintless removal of dents on a car body, when a fungus (piston) is glued to the front surface of the stamped part in the “crater”, and then a special device (mini-lifter) clings to the piston and pulls out the dent on the metal, then the fungus is removed by heating.

The temperature factor is also a kind of limitation - you should not use a gun in the manufacture of parts that will be exposed to high temperatures. If you need to glue metal elements, you will have to heat them up (for example, with a hairdryer), because due to the high thermal conductivity of the base, the melt cools too quickly and instantly solidifies.

Glue very well fills voids, seals, impregnates. Unlike most sealants, the melt, even with large layers, hardens completely, to the full depth, and in a short time (10-15 minutes), although not as quickly as small strokes (1-3 minutes).

The glue of such a gun is non-toxic even in a hot, fluid state. The only thing to be careful about is burns and damage to heat-sensitive materials.

The finished seam resists moisture well. Spare rods can be stored for a long time without losing their performance.

The gluing process turns out to be quite economical, since spare wheels are relatively inexpensive (50-75% less than liquid glue of a comparable volume), and the mass is dosed very accurately, with a small amount of waste.

This tool is relatively safe, easy to use and very ergonomic, it is suitable even for children's arts and crafts.

The device and principle of operation of the hot glue gun

A hot gun is a hand tool in which polyurethane glue is heated to a fluid state, visually it strongly resembles a well-known type of weapon (hence the common name). The unit is charged from the back, the “cartridges” for it are cylindrical rods of various diameters (most often 7 or 11 mm). The spare wheel passes the pusher bushing and enters the tubular rubber receiver, after which we drive the rod into the heating chamber, where the material melts, acquiring an adhesive and penetrating ability. The initial heating of the tool lasts an average of 3-5 minutes. By pressing the trigger, the reserve, acting on the principle of a piston, creates pressure in the heated reservoir and pushes the melt through the nozzle onto the surface to be treated.

Heating unit. The thermal chamber is located in the barrel - this is a metal reservoir, near which (usually from below) there is a heating element, a heating element. In some models, several heaters are used, which allows for more uniform, stepped heating (BOSCH GKP 200 CE). The amount of mass ready for work and the melting rate depend on the size of the chamber and the power of the heating element - in other words, the performance of the tool. The thermal unit, therefore, can be considered the main one, while it is the most reliable, and its resource is usually enough for the entire life of the tool.

feed mechanism. This assembly is a ring pusher (sometimes with a hooking tooth), which is actuated by a lever connected to a carousel type trigger (moves around its axis) or a slide type (moves along the barrel - STANLEY GR 90C). This is a relatively capricious design, serious breakdowns sometimes occur here, especially if you apply too much effort, wanting to get a lot of glue at the exit. Often the feed mechanism is too clearly “sharpened” for a specific rod size, and even small deviations in its diameter cause malfunctions (difficulty feeding a large one or slipping a thin spare wheel).

Separately, it is worth mentioning the thrust guide sleeve - this is a tubular receiver located directly in front of the thermal chamber. It is he who seals the "reverse direction", prevents the melt from entering the cavity of the gun. In fact, this element turns out to be the weakest - the rubber ages and cracks, with frequent overheating of the melt, material begins to pass through, which stops moving parts, destroys the insulation of the wires and causes a short circuit. Often the clutch is damaged when trying to spin the charged rod or pull it back, say, for replacement. It is better to cut off the rod and pass its rest through the nozzle.

Nozzle (nozzle, nozzle) The thermal gun serves to give the adhesive mass a certain shape, to dose the flow and to block the outgoing channel. A shut-off valve (spring-loaded ball, nipple) is usually located in the nozzle, which prevents unauthorized leakage of the melt. It is worth noting that it does not completely block the nozzle, this was done intentionally to relieve excess pressure when the mass overheats, so you need to put a piece of cardboard under the spout in any case. Direct-flow nozzles are also used, but the loss of material through them is greater.

The nozzles are made of metal (like the thermal unit), and are covered with a rubber or silicone casing on top to prevent burns. Many models are equipped with several nozzles different shapes and length. They have a thread for connecting to a thermal camera and slots for an open-end wrench, however, they can only be changed when heated, otherwise everything is firmly fixed with hardened glue.

At the end of the work, the nozzle must always be cleaned of glue by passing it several times over a piece of cardboard.

Body of the heat gun they are made of hard plastics, which allows to reduce the transfer of heat from the heating chamber, to ensure the product is light in weight - 300 grams for a network pistol is considered an average. The handle is often equipped with anti-slip inserts, as a rule, it is empty inside - wires pass there, and the carousel trigger moves. All the most important is in the trunk.

An important option of the body is the presence of a viewing window through which you can check the rest of the rod or the appearance of leakage from the side of the guide sleeve.

Almost all products have a folding stand in the front of the case, on which you can rest the tool with the spout down; a special penny is provided at the end of the handle for this purpose. During a break in work, putting the gun on its side is not recommended, since the body (and the inside) in this case overheats greatly, and the surface on which the tool was left may also be damaged.

Choosing the technical characteristics of the glue gun

The power of a glue gun is the power consumption of its heating element. It is clear that the more watts under the hood, the faster the glue melts, but speed is not the main thing for performance. You will also need to take into account the capacity of the melting tank. If the heating element can provide the required operating temperature, and there is the right amount of glue in the thermal chamber, then the issue of its power can not be considered at all. In general, pro-class pistols take 300 or more watts, while products for amateur use are content with power from 30 to 150 watts.

However, if maximum power turns out to be insufficient (for our needs), then we will have to make forced pauses for the preparation of the melt. How do you know if it's enough or not? No way! Do not choose by power, this indicator is “for a passport”. Choose by performance.

Interestingly, some companies offer tools with automatically adjustable power. For example, for the initial melting, the device consumes 200 watts, then it switches to a standard operating power of 40 watts, and in standby mode about 14-16 watts.

Operating temperature of the melt. Not all materials are equally resistant to high temperatures, some of them are very sensitive. To work with paper, textiles, some types of polymers, low-temperature glue sticks are used, with a melting point of 105 ° C, special guns have been developed for them that operate in this mode, or devices with controlled temperature. For example, the Dremel 920 produces 105 degrees, while the Dremel 930 is dual-mode (105 and 165 degrees).

Traditional, average pistols heat the glue up to 170-200 degrees. Interestingly, almost all rods flow at 105 degrees, and high temperature simply speeds up the process.

If you don't intend to work with a pistol regularly, then it may not make sense to buy an expensive model. We decided to save money - do not purchase a tool with a maximum operating temperature, because due to the high internal pressure, durability issues may arise. Give preference to the unit, designed for 165-170 degrees.

Advanced models allow you to adjust the temperature in a wide range, even a special microcircuit can monitor its maintenance.

Pistol speed is not quite the correct term, although it is quite common. It is more correct to speak of productivity, the data on which indicate the mass of the melt emanating from the nozzle per unit time. In the passport for the product, you can almost always find such information. As a rule, this parameter is in the range of 5-30 grams per minute. A lot of glue is needed for construction work, so rods with a diameter of 11 millimeters will be the most suitable, but they will also need appropriate performance. Moreover, the mass flow time is limited, and relatively large areas have to be coated. For amateur creativity, where point gluing is relevant, you can pay attention to something simpler, paying several times less. If you look at it, it is performance that will form the basis for the division of glue guns into “professional / household”.

The power supply of the glue gun is implemented in different ways. The most widely used network devices with a permanently fixed wire. Pistols have become a step forward, in which the power cable is unfastened, and the operator has the opportunity to move away from the outlet and work autonomously for 10-15 minutes (Dremel 940). Here the thermal camera works as a heat accumulator. The logical continuation of this topic was the cars that are in standby mode in a special charger, glass, dock stand, which also collects drops. For example, Steinel GLUEMATIC 5000 works according to this principle, by the way, the cord can be connected to it directly.

Almost complete freedom of action will give a rechargeable thermal gun. Steinel Neo 3 has the following characteristics: 45 minutes on a single charge of a compact lithium-ion battery, which is restored in an hour and a half, heats up a 7 mm rod to 190 degrees in 15 seconds, and at the same time weighs only 786 grams (including battery). The BOSCH PKP 7.2 Li pistol has almost identical performance - only it has a two-hour charger. Interestingly, the price of such (wireless) devices has dropped significantly, it is no longer exorbitant - it is in the region of $100.

Select by additional criteria

If you have decided on the appropriate technical characteristics of the glue gun, then it makes sense to look at additional options that make our work more comfortable and productive:

1. Switchable temperature mode allows you to use the tool to work with materials with special properties, including heat-sensitive ones. If the preset is carried out not only “minimum and maximum”, but in a wide range, then you have the most versatile device in front of you.
2. There is electronic temperature control in automatic mode, which means that you do not have to be afraid of overheating of the tool, large losses of the melt. The machine itself goes into various heating phases - initial melting / working phase / standby mode. Many experienced users have noticed that if there is no smart electronics, then during breaks in work it is better to turn off the device from the network in order to avoid premature failure of the gun.
3. Ready state indication. The LED indicates that the chamber has reached the desired temperature, and the user can safely press the trigger without fear for the integrity of the feed mechanism and the receiving sleeve.
4. A push-button switch on the housing serves to conveniently turn off the power during long breaks in operation (especially important in the absence of control electronics).
5. Illumination of the working area with the help of a LED - built-in flashlight. It seems to be a trifle, but in some cases our brother helps out a lot, especially when we work "in place", in hard-to-reach places.
6. Replaceable nozzles. Significantly expand the capabilities of the tool, as they allow you to get a different amount of melt at the outlet, change the size of the adhesive strip, and reach blind areas with long nozzles.
7. The presence of a nipple in the nozzle - significantly reduces the number of drops of glue released in standby mode (Metabo KE 3000).
8. Viewing window - allows you to control the balance of the charged rod, helps to monitor the integrity of the receiving sleeve.
9. Leg-stand. It is not always sufficiently stable and practical, it is not always securely fixed in the assembled state. The best examples of hot glue guns have a very wide footprint, which can include a hoof on the handle, and even a trigger (Dremel F0131200KA).
10. The construction of the cock. The vast majority of users note that the swivel trigger mechanism is the most convenient option, as it is easier for them to control dosing and less effort needs to be applied. It is very difficult to work with a pistol without a trigger, where the rod is fed by hand, but such a system is already a rarity. Some models have a screw-type trigger stop that is designed to adjust the maximum dose of material (ELMOS EGG 400).
11. Cord detachment function - significantly improves the ergonomics of the product, makes it possible to work offline for 10-20 minutes.
12. The complete set of the device may include a case, a set of rods for various purposes, a heat-resistant mat that can be easily cleaned from glue.

A little about glue sticks

A spare for a glue gun is also called stickers. They differ in diameter (usually 7 and 11 mm), length, color, operating temperature.

With the cross-sectional indicators, everything is more or less clear, it is difficult to get under the regrading, however, some pistols are very sensitive to the diameter, therefore it is recommended to use only "native" rods. By the way, there are pistols that work on oval rods.

As for the length of the spare wheel, there can be options from 4 to 20 cm, this will not affect the workflow in any way, just if you use longer stickers, you will have to change them less often.

The color of the rod may vary for various reasons. Firstly, a colored sticker can be used to mask the seam (for a blue object, we take blue glue, for a yellow object, yellow), or for a decorative effect (sticks with sequins, multi-color). Secondly, tinting manufacturers indicate the different purpose of the rods, for example, a transparent sticker is universal, black is for sealing, and yellow is for glass. Note that there are no uniform standards, each company marks rods with different chemical composition Therefore, before buying, you should carefully study the instructions.

The melting temperature for most stickers is approximately the same and equals 100-105 degrees, do not worry that your thermal gun heats up to two hundred - the glue does not lose its characteristics, it just melts faster. True, there are also high-temperature rods that will need 150 ° C and above. Obviously, not every pistol will pull such a spare.

The range of glue guns is huge, but now we are well versed in theory and can easily make the right choice. As you noticed, this tool has a fairly simple design, so even for little money ($7-10) you can buy a fully combat-ready device, just not burdened with optional options. This is the rare case when even a purely Chinese product will be worth its money, the main thing is to learn how to correctly use a glue gun. For $40-50, you can become the owner of an already branded tool from European manufacturers with advanced features and a good margin of safety.

Reading time: 10 minutes

If you are gluing fabric, natural or artificial leather, or gluing rhinestones and various jewelry, then you need a glue gun.

It is especially important to choose the right gun so that it is convenient and practical, as it can also be used for various repair and construction work.

Our rating of the best glue guns, which is compiled according to the opinions and reviews of customers, will help you make the right choice.

TOP 20 glue guns for needlework in 2019

1.

The gun for gluing paper, plastic, beads and other trifles is famous for its high performance, decent equipment, as well as the presence of a special stand that does not slip on the surface of the table.

Among the shortcomings, consumers note only long heating.

In the first place is the glue gun, which is actively purchased not only for needlework, but also for household chores.

It is universal, and therefore in demand among residents of large houses. This model is considered completely safe, as it does not cause harm even with strong heating.

In addition, working with her is quite easy and comfortable. And the set includes additional rods and a good metal stand.

A tool from a German manufacturer is one of the low-temperature models, because in it the sticky contents begin to melt at a temperature of 110 degrees.

This absolutely does not affect the quality of gluing the elements. For needlework, this option is ideal, as it has a low weight and compact dimensions.

Moreover, its safety has been proven by repeated tests, as well as reviews by real owners.

The tool, which has an ergonomic shape and comes with a comfortable stand, differs from competitors in reliable protection against the flow of sticky glue.

In addition, this model attracts the attention of needlewomen with increased wear resistance and the ability to firmly glue absolutely any materials.

As for the negative sides, among them, as a rule, only the heating of the structure during operation is noted.

The Chinese device, designed to work with small parts, is equipped with a small spout that feeds a thin strip of glue. This model is very popular among fans of needlework, as it works at sufficient power, heats up quickly and glues any materials.

Moreover, outwardly the design looks quite stylish.

The option with multi-colored cartridges in the kit copes with gluing parts of any size, can heat the sticky composition up to 60 or 165 degrees, and also allows the user to independently adjust the power. In addition, here the manufacturer has provided protection against leakage. People buy such a gun not only for gluing objects, but also for simple decoration. At the same time, the short cable for connecting to the network is considered a disadvantage.

An attractive outwardly versatile tool, suitable for both needlework and household purposes, cannot but attract the attention of economic family men and women who prefer to spend their free time creating masterpieces with their own hands.

This gun is capable of firmly bonding synthetic and natural materials. It is also great for decorating any surface, which includes small souvenirs and even walls.

The weight of the structure is minimal, so when working with the tool for a long time, the hand is unlikely to get tired.

One of the lightest needlework devices cannot be used for domestic purposes, but it will do just fine for connecting pieces of paper, beads, decorative stones and ribbons.

The main advantages of this model include long operation, favorable cost, as well as low temperature conditions, which is very good for delicate work.

This device primarily attracts the attention of needlewomen with its availability, because it is present on the shelves of all specialized stores. It perfectly copes with its main task - gluing surfaces, regardless of their density.

In addition, a significant advantage is the metal bracket, which securely holds the entire structure vertically, making it convenient to take and place the gun.

Light in weight and ergonomic device like all needlewomen working at home. It is usually purchased to work with paper products, although it does an excellent job of connecting other materials.

Customers are delighted with the main characteristics of the device: tip diameter - 7 mm, temperature - 150-200 degrees.

A sensitive device capable of working at low temperatures, making it completely safe for delicate materials.

Included with it is an additional thin rod, which can be used to glue small parts, distributing the sticky composition pointwise.

The only drawback is the inability to work with such a pistol with massive objects, although this is not required for needlework.

A fairly light model is unpretentious in care and easy to operate. It is famous for its narrow profile handle, which is comfortable to hold.

What's more, this hot glue gun attracts the attention of buyers with its high productivity, sufficiently long rod and smooth trigger pull.

One of the most thoughtful devices differs from the competitor by electronically controlled heating temperature, which makes it truly modern and convenient.

It perfectly glues the surfaces of fabric, wood, thick cardboard, leather and even cork.

The ultimate glue gun is considered elegant by many people because it looks like it is. Here, the main advantage, along with a chic design solution, is high-quality gluing of objects.

With this device it is possible to connect both large and small objects, while maintaining their integrity.

A model for experienced needlewomen accurately doses the adhesive composition. It is easy to use and quite effective.

Such a gun glues paper, plastic, wooden surfaces and even electronics.

The device, working with high power, passes a sufficient amount of glue (20g per minute) and works with temperatures up to 200 degrees. G

The main advantage is its cordless operation, so there is no need to constantly pull the cord.

In addition, fast warm-up is considered a plus.

An effective needlework tool doses the adhesive mass well and distributes it depending on the selected nozzle - dotted or striped. The operating temperature here is 140-220 degrees.

The only drawback is the lengthy preparation for work, which takes about 15 minutes.

A great choice for people who are into hand-crafting children's toys. It qualitatively connects fabric elements and plastic, so this model will be indispensable for such purposes. In addition, this gun is suitable for processing wires and frames.

In general, the tool is famous for its increased safety, stylish appearance and innovative approach of the manufacturer.

A small and handy glue gun is a good solution for decorating or minor repairs. It well connects materials such as: cardboard, thin paper, fabric, cork, leather, plastic, glass, ceramics, metal. This device is ready to work in just 15 seconds, which is many times faster than its direct competitors. And the maximum accuracy of the distribution of the adhesive composition is ensured due to the small dimensions of the structure.

The last in the ranking is a glue gun equipped with a ceramic heater. It runs at high power and warms up quickly for work. After half an hour of inactivity, the instrument automatically goes into sleep mode. The temperature indicator is also considered a positive side.

Criterias of choice

Reliability. In the description of a glue gun for needlework, in no case should there be information that it is capable of melting or exploding due to prolonged use and for other reasons.

melting glue. Each instrument has its own heating temperature. It is best to select models with a high adhesive melting force so that it is not too thick at the exit.

Duration of work. Over time, the switched on gun begins to heat up. If this happens already in the first 20 minutes of work, this option is hardly suitable for needlework. Hardworking and diligent people will need to find the model that will be able to withstand about 50-60 minutes of glue supply.

Anti-drip system. Many modern instruments are equipped with it. This system will save glue and keep your work area clean.

Quick shutdown. Most pistols have a toggle switch, thanks to which there is no need to take a break from work to pull the plug from the socket, since you just need to press the button on the device, after which it will immediately begin to cool.

Among the ideas related to the selection of hand tools for working at home, there are no big discrepancies among home craftsmen - a standard drill, puncher, planer and hand tools, but as for what will be glued, there are different opinions from a welding machine to a syringe for standard cartridges . But for some reason, such a device as a glue gun is not often remembered, but in vain. And here, in many respects, the problem is not so much that such tools are not very common, but that very little is known about what a thermal gun is, what glues a glue gun, and what characteristics it has.

What is a thermal gun

Before moving on to the question of which glue gun to buy, you need to figure out what kind of tool it is, how it works, modifications and differences between models and principles of operation different types thermal guns.

Common to all types of glue guns is the method of preparing a working adhesive composition - thermal heating of a polyurethane adhesive rod, and pushing the heated mass through a narrow nozzle onto the surfaces to be glued. This is a general classification of this kind of instrument. The shape of the tool is similar for all thermal guns - in the form of a working unit and a pistol grip, in which a lever is mounted that regulates the supply of adhesive mass.

On this, in fact, general characteristics and end, but the differences allow you to choose the characteristics that will allow you to answer the question of which glue gun is better to buy. For thermal guns, special adhesive cartridges are used - rods, cylindrical in shape, of various lengths and diameters, usually 7 and 11 mm. Accordingly, for those who select a tool, the question of which glue gun is better to choose for creativity, this moment is very important, since pistols with 11 mm rods are more suitable for professional use, but 7 mm thermal guns will be better applicable in creativity.

The glue is heated in a tubular heating chamber, where the glue is heated to a temperature of 140-170 degrees, making the mass more fluid, although heating up to 105 degrees is sufficient to overcome the melting point of polyurethane. Heating is carried out within 3-5 minutes, using an electric heating element, which is powered from the mains or battery.

The cartridge is loaded into the tool from the back - the cartridge is inserted and by pressing the lever, similar to a trigger, it is gradually sent to the heat chamber. At the same time, by pressing the lever, the glue rod is not easily pushed through the sealing rings of the back side of the heating chamber, it gradually displaces the heated mass of polyurethane through the nozzle outward, acting as a piston.

Glue gun design

The design of the heating unit, and, accordingly, the characteristics of the thermal gun largely depend on the power of the electric heating element and their number. For some guns, for example, for BOSCH, more advanced thermocouples with a gradual heating system are used, which allow not only to gradually heat the glue, but also to maintain the optimum temperature of the adhesive mass, preventing the polyurethane from sticking to the walls of the heating chamber. The heating unit is the most critical part of the glue gun and the service life of the tool depends on its reliability. The heating chamber for all models is made of metal, this is the most optimal design, the metal conducts heat perfectly, it is easier to install a heating element on the metal, it does an excellent job of maintaining the required temperature for quite a long time even after the heater is turned off.

In addition to the thermal chamber, before choosing a glue gun for domestic use, you need to study the characteristics of the rod feed mechanism. As a rule, this is a simple mechanism, an annular pusher, which sets the glue rod in motion when the pistol grip lever is pressed. By itself, this method of supplying the glue rod into the heat chamber is optimal as a design, however, when excessive force is applied, the lever made of plastic simply fails. Especially often such a unit breaks down if you want to start working as soon as possible, when the adhesive mass is not yet warm enough, or when a rod is used that does not match the size of the inlet of the heat chamber.

This is a disease of almost all branded glue guns that accept only standard, branded rods.

Reviews of the best thermal guns that are often found on the net do not always indicate this tool assembly, however, during long-term operation, problems often arise in it, because for the guide sleeve, the assembly that seals the supply of the rod to the thermal chamber, it is very important to keep working as long as possible. The role of this node is to rigid, but at the same time elastic crimping of the rod, and passing it only in the water direction from the inlet to the thermal chamber, while blocking the possibility of reverse movement. This is perhaps the most vulnerable element among the glue gun assemblies, because it consists of rubber, which, as you know, loses its properties and crumbles due to constant exposure to high temperature conditions.

Glue guns are available in different price ranges.

The supply of ready-made molten glue is carried out through a nozzle or, as it is commonly called, a nozzle or nozzle. Professional glue gun with interchangeable nozzles different diameter more suitable, because such a solution significantly expands the scope of the tool. Regardless of the number of interchangeable nozzles and the diameter of the outlet, a good glue gun is equipped with a dosing unit or nipple that serves to stop the spontaneous flow of glue. In most cases, this is a small spring and a metal ball that closes the outlet of the heating chamber. Cheap models of glue guns are not equipped with such a unit, which is why the molten glue flows out unhindered.

For all types of heat guns, the body material is heat-resistant plastic. Still, heating the glue to almost 200 degrees requires reliable protection of the hands, so a good glue gun for needlework must necessarily have a high-quality body with rubberized grips on the handle.

Untimely filling with a cartridge will not cause big problems, but the glue in the heat chamber can burn, especially in inexpensive guns that are not equipped with a thermostat. In the future practical work it is important that the gun is in a vertical state during work breaks, with the nozzle tilted down, therefore, before choosing a glue gun, it is better to make sure that there is a special stand or a metal stop near the nozzle.

Criteria for choosing a heat gun

Before choosing a thermal gun, it is necessary to clearly understand for what purposes and how often such a tool is planned to be used. In many ways, such a target setting will help you choose the right model that meets the most demanding requirements. In many ways, the right choice will help reviews of glue guns, and reviews posted on the network by users about thermal guns. The study of such information will also determine the need for special additional functions - for example, for installation work in construction, the presence of a heating element power switch will not always be justified. But before choosing a glue gun for creativity, you should think about the presence of such a function, because you often have to glue fabric, plastic, natural material, where heating the glue to 200 degrees will not be entirely justified.

You should decide in advance how work will be carried out in stationary conditions, when you can have a gun at hand, plugged into the network, or choose a portable, battery-connected tool. Or a compromise option is suitable, for example, the Dremel 930 glue gun, which has the ability to disconnect the power cord and work offline for a short time.

When deciding which glue gun to choose, you need to pay attention to the power of the heating element - this is one of important indicators for professionals working with large volumes of bonded surfaces. For such needs, more powerful models are suitable, from 150 to 300 watts. But for those who are constantly busy with decorating, where you have to decorate large volumes, the best choice would be a 60w glue gun. For home creativity, 40 watt glue gun models are better suited.

For those who are engaged in needlework or children's creativity, for a glue gun, what power to choose a thermoelement does not play a big role, it is important here that the tool fits in the child's hand, is light and small in size, and a rechargeable glue gun with a massive battery is definitely not fit.

Thus, considering all the characteristics and technical features of the tools, one should not forget about how convenient it will be to use such a thermal gun.

Considering all the models, evaluating which glue gun is better to choose for creativity, you can finally make sure of the choice only by taking it in your hands, to feel how comfortable it is to hold and work with it.

The most popular market models

Which glue gun is better to choose for permanent use, as a result, a comparison of the most popular models and a critical analysis of owner reviews on the results of their use will help.

Among the best thermal guns, the Dremel hot glue gun occupies a special place of honor not only due to its quality parameters, but also due to the fact that Dremel often acts as a trendsetter for certain technical innovations that eventually become a mandatory option. The Dremel 940 is in a class of instrument that has an excellent reputation for its excellent performance. Thermal gun reviews, which, in 100% of cases, are positive, really deserve attention. Lightweight, with several interchangeable nozzles, with a nipple and a detachable power cable, the heat gun is perfect for delicate and demanding jobs. It is not whimsical in terms of power, both rods with a diameter of 11 and 12 mm are suitable for it, and heating up to 214 degrees at a power of 60 watts ensures uniform heating of the adhesive mass.

In the question of which thermal gun to choose for simple home work, for creativity and needlework, you definitely need to pay attention to the Kolner kgg 11/60 glue gun. Universal in purpose, simple and reliable tool provides the preparation of ready-made glue in 1.5 minutes from the moment it is turned on. Hot glue gun Kolner kgg 11/60 consumer reviews, which allow us to talk about it as a fairly successful model for using 11 mm rods.

Without a doubt, the best cordless hot glue gun today is the Bosch cordless hot glue gun. Fast heat-up time, just 15 seconds is enough to get started, a capacious battery that provides a guaranteed continuous work time of 30 minutes, during which you can use up to 6 replacement cartridges, makes this tool a must-have for both the home DIYer and the professional. However, due to the peculiarities of the battery-powered method, the glue gun consumes 7 mm glue sticks, which must be taken into account when purchasing.

In the ranking of hot glue guns, where reliability and power play a big role, the Metabo ke 3000 glue gun and Steinel gluematic are likely to be close to each other. These glue guns, designed for professional use, not only live up to their brand name, but also fully meet the needs of professionals. The Steinel gluematic glue gun, like the metabo, although it has a somewhat brutal look, is very reliable and durable models. Like the Bosch glue gun, the Steinel is equipped with an electronically adjustable heating power, so it consumes 14 to 25 watts when heated.

Among the household tools in the most affordable price range, you need to pay attention to the Soyuz glue gun and Sigma glue gun models. The models of these manufacturers will fully satisfy all the needs of home use, from children's creativity to simple furniture repair.