Crafts are a fantastic way to express your creativity and have fun. There are so many different things that you can do with crafts, from painting to woodworking. One of the most important supplies for any craft is glue guns. They’re versatile, convenient, easy to store – all good qualities in a crafting supply! To find the best glue gun for your needs, you need to know what types of crafts you want to use it for and how much money you are willing to spend. We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on hot glue guns so that no matter which one you choose, it will be perfect for your needs!
Table of Contents
Ryobi P305 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Hot Glue Gun
Looking for a powerful and reliable hot glue gun? Look no further than the Ryobi P305 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Hot Glue Gun. This tool is designed with your comfort and safety in mind, featuring a large trigger that gives you full control of the glue stream, along with handy LED indicators so you always know when the tool is active. With up to three and a half hours of run time from a single charge, this hot glue gun is perfect for any job big or small. The micro hex texture rubber grips also provide extra comfort and control while you work.
AdTech 0453 2-Temp Dual Temperature Hot Glue Gun Full Size, White
With the AdTech Dual Temp Hot Glue Gun, you can quickly and easily change between high and low-temperature applications, making it perfect for a variety of bonding needs. The UL certification ensures your safety while using this gun, and the 5ft cord lets you work in a variety of spaces.
Hot Glue Gun Full Size (Not Mini) Dual Power
This Hot Glue Gun Full Size (Not Mini) Dual Power is perfect for your arts and crafts, decorations, dioramas, upholstery, and general use cases. It has two power settings – 60 watts and 100 watts – to give you the best results for your project.The glue gun heats up quickly so you can start gluing right away, and it comes with an internal safety fuse to keep you safe.
HOT Glue Gun – Safety Certified for The USA – Professional, Dual Temperature, Heavy Duty Glue Gun for Small Hands
Looking for a quality hot glue gun that’s easy to use? Look no further than this HOT Glue Gun! This USA-certified, dual-temperature glue gun is perfect for crafters of all levels. Plus, its full-size features make it a breeze to use even with small hands. Don’t miss out on this must-have crafting tool – order your HOT Glue Gun today!
L-270 Essentials Series 40 Watt Full Size Low Temperature Hot Glue Gun
The L-270 Essentials Series 40 watt Full Size Low Temperature Hot Glue Gun is perfect for small craft projects and quick repairs! It has a trigger-fed glue system, so you can easily apply the adhesive where you need it. This gun uses full-size glue sticks, so you have plenty of adhesives to get the job done. Plus, it has a variety of convenient features like adjustable temperature control and a lightweight design for easy use.
Buyer’s Guide
Features to look for
Hot glue guns for crafts are not all created equal. There are various features you will want to look for when purchasing one of these tools.
Temperature control
The first feature to consider is temperature control. This will help you to get the precise heat that you need for your project.
For delicate projects, a low-temperature gun is ideal. It heats up quickly and has a consistent flow of glue so that you can apply it precisely. Low-temperature guns are also safe to use on fabrics and other sensitive materials.
If you’re working with heavier materials, like wood or metal, then you’ll need a hotter gun with more power. High-temperature guns reach temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making them perfect for bonding tougher materials together.
Temperature can be controlled in a few ways:
- By the number of watts it uses. The more watts, the higher the temperature will be
- With a thermostat. This is a great feature if you’re using different types of glue or working on different materials, as it allows you to set the desired heat for each project
- With a pilot light. The pilot light glows when the gun is turned on, letting you know that it’s heating up correctly
Usually, the temperature varies between 356-428 degrees Fahrenheit.
Choose a gun with the control method that works best for you.
However, be careful not to use high-temp guns on delicate surfaces as they can damage them. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for your particular glue gun before using it.
Size of the Gun
The second factor to consider is the size of the gun. There are three sizes of glue guns: small, medium, and large.
Small glue guns typically have a heating element that is less than 20 watts and are best for projects that require a small amount of glue.
Medium glue guns typically have a heating element that is 20-40 watts and are good for most crafting projects.
Large glue guns typically have a heating element that is more than 40 watts and are great for bonding large surfaces or when high heat is needed.
The size of the glue gun you will need depends on the projects that you are making. If you’re doing a lot of smaller crafts, like holiday decorations or kids’ crafts then the small glue guns may be best for your needs.
If you’re doing more serious crafting and/or working with bigger materials, medium-sized guns provide good heat output while still being compact enough to handle easily.
If you’re working with big surfaces or want a gun that can deliver extra heat, then large glue guns will be what you need.
Just be sure not to get too carried away with the size of the gun – if it’s too big, it can be difficult to hold and control.
Stand
The stand is another important factor to consider. You can get a hot glue gun that comes with an adjustable stand, or you could buy one separately if your budget allows it. The biggest advantage of having a dedicated stand is the ease of using the device on large projects without making too much effort and time.
Stands can be displayed in different forms. There are large stands that can hold up to five glue guns at a time, and there are smaller ones too depending on the number of hot glue guns you need to use simultaneously. Some stands also include an extra table or clamp for added convenience.
The stand should be stable enough so it doesn’t fall over while holding heavy objects like vases and other DIY projects which require gluing elements together. The last thing you want is for your expensive hot gun and project to end up crashing because of an unstable stand!
So this factor definitely needs consideration when buying a new device, even though most models come with stable bases these days except for some exceptions such as battery-operated units which do always feature adjustable joints since they work on smaller projects where stability is not as important.
Weight
The most important factor is the weight of the device. The best hot glue gun for crafts weighs very little, which makes it easy to handle and work with them on large projects without getting tired or irritated all throughout. Some models also come with a stand that has adjustable height levels according to convenience so you don’t have to bend down constantly while working with a heavy machine in your hands!
A light-weighted tool allows you to use more pressure as compared to those bulky ones where new users often struggle because they are not strong enough yet. Light-weighted devices usually contain rechargeable batteries so there is no need of using power adapters separately anymore, however, some people prefer buying separate corded versions for their homes instead of going through the hassle of recharging.
Normally, light-weighted devices are not as powerful and long-lasting compared to heavy ones, but it does depend on your usage! The lightest gun can weigh less than 0.35 pounds, while the heaviest one can go up to a couple of pounds!
If you are an expert who has been using hot glue guns for years then heavy ones could be your best choice because you will have better control and precision in your work. However, if this is going to be your first time working with such tools, it is best to go for the lightest options available in the market!
Some devices are heavy because they contain a metal casing which makes them even more sturdy, while some other models use plastic materials. Metal casings are better since you don’t have to worry about getting electrocuted when using wet glue sticks unlike with those that have a plastic exterior.
The best hot glue gun for crafts is not the most popular one on the market, it’s the lightest one!
Power Source
The next aspect to consider when purchasing a hot glue gun is the power source. There are three main types of power sources: electric, battery-operated, and manual.
Electric hot glue guns plug into an outlet and run on electricity. This type of glue gun is the most powerful and can reach higher temperatures than other options. However, they also require more caution to use, as they can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Battery-operated hot glue guns are powered by batteries and tend to be less powerful than electric options. However, they are portable and easy to use, making them a good choice for crafting on the go.
Manual hot glue guns require you to apply pressure to the gun in order to heat up the glue stick and release the adhesive. This type of gun is the least powerful but also the cheapest and simplest option.
Which power source is best for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you need a lot of power or plan to do a lot of crafting away from an outlet, then an electric hot glue gun is a good choice. If you want something that is easy to use and portable, a battery-operated glue gun is a good choice. If you want something cheap that can still get the job done, then a manual hot glue gun is the right pick for you.
If you choose an electric one, you need to consider the length of the cord. If it is not long enough, you may not be able to use the gun where you need it. For example, you may want to add upholstery buttons or appliqués to a piece of furniture. If the cord is too short, it will be very difficult and frustrating to use.
Consider battery type if you choose a battery-operated glue gun. For cordless operation, you will need to purchase special batteries that fit the model of your particular gun. Also consider whether or not you can use rechargeable batteries and if so, what type?
Every power source has its own benefits and drawbacks, but ultimately it’s up to your preferences which will be best suited for your needs. If budget is your primary concern and functionality isn’t as important to you, then a manual hot glue gun might be best for you. These are typically inexpensive options with few extra bells and whistles but they get the job done!
Glue Sticks
Glue Sticks are essential for any Hot Glue Gun. The higher the wattage of the gun, the larger the stick you need. Most guns will use a standard .44-inch diameter glue stick.
It is really important to use the right size of glue stick with your gun. If you use a too small or too large diameter glue stick in your gun, it can not only damage the gun but also be dangerous.
There are three main types of glue sticks: high temp, low temp, and dual temp.
High Temp Glue Sticks – These sticks are designed for high-temp guns and should only be used in those guns. They will work in low-temp guns, but they may not bond as well.
Low Temp Glue Sticks – These sticks are designed for low-temp guns and should only be used in those guns. They will work in high-temp guns, but they may not bond as well and could potentially melt the gun.
Dual Temp Glue Sticks – These sticks will work in both high-temp and low-temp guns. They typically have a high-temp side and a low-temp side.
There are many different types of glue sticks available on the market, but not all sticks are created equal. Here are some things to look for when choosing a glue stick:
- Type of adhesive: Make sure the adhesive is compatible with your project materials. Some glues work better with plastic or metal than others.
- Temperature range: Not all adhesives work well at high temperatures; make sure to choose one that will work with your project needs.
- Strength: Choose a glue stick that offers a good initial tack and long-term strength.
- Shelf life: Choose a glue stick with an extended shelf life in order to avoid dry out or premature curing issues that can reduce the adhesive strength. A good rule of thumb is about 12 months for glues stored in temperatures under 70 degrees Fahrenheit and six months when stored at higher temps.
Purchasing Hot Glue Gun Sticks is essential to get started with using your hot glue gun, so you want to make sure to buy the best glue sticks available on today’s market!
Wattage
One more thing to consider when purchasing a hot glue gun is the wattage. The higher the wattage, the faster the glue will heat up and be ready to use. Most guns range from 20-watts to 100-watts, so select the one that’s best for your needs.
If you plan on using your hot glue gun frequently or need it to quickly bond large projects together, then go for a model with a higher wattage. If you don’t need such power, there are plenty of low-wattage models available that will still do the job just fine.
The best way to find out which wattage is right for you is to think about what types of crafts you typically use a hot glue gun for. If you just use a hot glue gun from time to time, then go with one that has lower wattage since it’s going to have the same result as a high-wattage model but at a much slower rate.
If your projects often require large amounts of bonding or you need something more powerful than an average hot glue gun, consider buying one with 100 watts or higher so you can get started without having to wait around forever for it to heat up. The only downside is they tend to be larger and heavier than models with lower wattages which could make them difficult if not impossible to hold over long periods of time. So keep this in mind when making your decision!
Safety Features
Another important consideration is safety. It is never a good idea to use an unsafe appliance for purposes that involve your safety or health, and hot glue guns are no exception.
The first thing you want to look at with any hot glue gun is the temperature control setting on it because this determines how hot the nozzle can get and what types of materials it will be suitable for gluing together. A high-temperature glue gun may not necessarily be better than one with lower settings as those who only need low temperatures should opt for those instead so they do not have to deal with excess heat in their workspace.
Some way of indicating whether or not there has been proper contact between the heating element and the internal components such as metal sensors would also ensure safer usage since if these are not making contact, the gun will not heat up.
Some hot glue guns also come with an automatic shut-off timer that turns the gun off after a certain amount of time has passed (usually around 30 minutes). This is beneficial because it prevents the gun from overheating if you forget to turn it off yourself. However, some people find this feature annoying because they have to wait for the timer to expire before they can start using the gun again. If this is something that bothers you then be sure to choose a model without this function.
It would also be ideal if there was some kind of safety lock so nobody could accidentally turn on the device when not in use or while carrying it around as this may cause harm.
There are also other small things such as rubberized grips so users can avoid getting burned during operation, but these features apply more towards comfort than they do toward safety. All said and done, ensuring proper insulation between body parts and heating elements goes a long way toward protecting those who work with them.
Ease of use
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a hot glue gun is how easy it is to use. Some models have complicated features that can be difficult to operate, while others are very simple and straightforward. It’s important to find a model that is easy for you to use so that you can get the most out of it.
For instance, hot glue guns that are cordless can be difficult to handle. They tend to have a very short heating time and the trigger is easy to accidentally squeeze while you’re working with it. For this reason, these models might not work well for someone who has arthritis or limited dexterity in their hands. In addition, some of these guns don’t produce sufficient heat which means they take longer to set your craft materials into place.
In contrast, corded hot glue guns will provide reliable performance without requiring any downtime between projects since they won’t lose power from being low on battery life. The only downside is that using them may require an outlet nearby so make sure there’s one available before you buy.
Ease of use also depends on the design of the gun itself. Some models are very lightweight and compact which can make them easy to handle while others are more bulky, weighing up to a pound or more. If you need an especially light model for your work then it’s important that you choose one with ergonomic features like padding on its body so that it doesn’t cause strain on your hands when working over time.
The power switch is another significant feature in terms of ease-of-use. Some hot glue guns require you to hold down their trigger button continuously while also pressing down the power switch at the same time before they begin heating up properly.
This style isn’t ideal because it requires both hands just be move back and forth between each side of the gun. Other models have a separate power switch which you can turn on and off without having to hold down any buttons, making it much easier to use.
FAQ
What is the strongest type of hot glue?
Standard hot glue is warm and relatively weak, but industrial-strength glues are strong.
Are glue guns worth it?
Glue guns are definitely worth the investment for crafters, DIYers, or even homeowners.
Which glue is best for crafts?
There is no definitive answer, as different crafts require different types of glue. However, hot glue is often a good option for many projects.
Are some hot glue sticks better than others?
Yes, high-quality glue sticks will often produce better results than cheaper options.
Crafting is such a broad term. Both my girlfriend and I love crafting, though our projects are very different. However, sometimes we use the same tools. In this particular case, I would like to tell how I usually pick hot glue guns for crafting projects.
How did I choose hot glue guns for crafting?
As always, my criteria were quite straightforward: versatility, the temperature range, the availability of glue sticks and the tip size. I ought to say that the bigger tools are good for complicated, multipurpose tasks. While smaller glue guns (I’ve also reviewed them) should be applied for short projects, like crafting or art. If you aim for the occasional use, stick to the smaller gadgets.
Also, I need to mention the materials used for the work – aim for the versatile guns capable of gluing wood, metal, plastic, fabric due to the melting tech. These handheld devices are more powerful than you think, so do not neglect their power. I would also recommend looking for a budget-friendly model that is capable of pushing a large volume of glue.
Top 5 hot glue guns according to GlueGunWiki:
- TopElek contains 30 glue sticks;
- CCBETTER pre-heats during 3 minutes, the maximum temperature of 500°F;
- Blusmart pre-heats even faster, for 2 minutes, the maximum level of temperature is 392°F;
- Ryobi P305 is a very multi-purpose gun;
- Tacklife GGO20AC is an eco-friendly gun that works fine, not perfect, just fine;
Other brands that I would recommend to all users of glue guns: Surebonder, Tuff Togs, Impact Tools. The description of each instrument is also given in the detailed review. What do you think about this opinion – please share your feedback! If you have any questions or comments, also feel free to post under this review. Thanks!
Video Tutorial: Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Glue Gun
Final Thoughts
The best hot glue guns all have their own unique set of features. You always need to consider your specific needs and how they’ll be applied before picking one out for yourself.
We hope that this guide has helped you to better understand the different types of hot glue guns available on the market and which might be best for your individual needs. If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us or leave a comment below! We’ll do our best to help.
Happy crafting! 🙂