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Hot-melt adhesive for a gun: characteristics, application, reviews. Glue gun: application features and review of the best modern models (85 photos) Gun with liquid glue

Glue guns are suitable for bonding paper, rubber, wood, plastic, ceramics, glass, fabric and metal.

The appearance of the device resembles a weapon - this shape is convenient to use. The device is equipped with a hole for glue cartridges. This is a long translucent rod filled with glue.

The thermal unit is heated, which melts the glue. When the trigger is pressed, a small amount of adhesive mass is squeezed out. After a few minutes, the glue completely hardens, and the surfaces are securely bonded.

Glue sticks differ from each other in some characteristics. The strongest is considered to be a translucent colorless filler.

The diameter of the rods ranges from 7 to 11 mm.

Before first use, the instrument warms up for 3-5 minutes. The pressure from the spare wheel pushes the alloy to the surface.

Heating unit

The heating chamber is heated by a heating element located at the bottom of the device. Some models are equipped with several heating elements. How larger size cameras and the power of the heating element, the higher the performance of the gun.

Feed mechanism

It is represented by a ring pusher operating from a lever that is connected to a trigger. Excessive pressure may cause structural damage.

Thrust Guide Clutch

The purpose of this part is to prevent heated glue from getting back into the device. Sometimes the coupling does not cope with its purpose, since it consists of rubber, which cracks over time.

Hot melt gets on the internal parts of the tool, they fail. In the worst case, a short circuit occurs. Often, when replacing the rod, the coupling is damaged, so you should carefully insert and remove the cartridge.

The nozzle gives the glue its shape, doses the melt flow, and blocks the outgoing flow. There is a shut-off valve here to prevent alloy leakage. But the hole does not close completely to relieve pressure when heating.

How to choose a glue gun

• Working temperature. The indicator varies from 100 to 200 degrees. The parameter affects the heating rate of the glue.
• Nutrition. Usually the device operates from the mains, which limits workplace. It is much more convenient to use a device with a detachable cord that charges on a stand.

The duration of action after switching off lasts about 15 minutes.

• Rod diameter. Choose required parameter should depend on the type of work performed. Diameter 7 mm is suitable for occasional use. Repairs and work on large surfaces will require a diameter of 11 mm.
• Equipped with a trigger. More often, devices are equipped with this part, because it is inconvenient to push the rod by hand. Triggers are divided into two types: rotary and slider.
• Switchable temperature regime. If the heating degrees are adjustable, then the gun is used to various materials.

Some models have a switch from minimum to maximum mode. More advanced models are equipped with smooth controls.

• Power. This value affects the speed of operation. For amateurs, 30-150 watts of power will be enough. The professional tool reaches values ​​of up to 300 watts.

• Special indicator. Indicates that the device is ready for use.
• Flashlight. Built-in lighting makes it easier to use the tool.
• Performance. The parameter depends on the heating rate of a certain amount of glue. The range is from 5 to 30 grams per minute. Low speed is suitable for minor works. Large-scale actions or renovations will require higher rates.
• Power off button. If the gun is not equipped with automatic temperature control, then during breaks it must be unplugged from the outlet. With a button this need disappears.

• Additional nozzle. Some models are equipped with nozzles that facilitate the gluing process: narrow - hard to reach places, wide – large areas.
• Viewing window. A transparent hole alerts you to residual glue in the rod.
• Drip protection. A small ball is built inside the instrument, which prevents the free flow of the substance.

The only purpose of a glue gun is to glue two surfaces. But the areas of application are quite diverse. The tool is used by designers, florists, fashion designers, radio amateurs, and engineers.

The product has found wide application in construction and installation work Oh. The device helps you fix it at home minor problems: glue a broken vase, a broken toy, a strip on furniture, a peeling sole.

The most common materials are wood, ceramics, and plastic.

• Steinel GLUEMATIC3002 is a universal device. Bonds natural and synthetic materials. Perfect for decorating souvenirs. Weight 320 grams and temperature regulation makes the product comfortable.
• DEFORT DGG-16 N - the easiest. The weight of the product is only 120 grams. Intended for needlework. The advantages of the device are low price, long service life, low temperature conditions for delicate work.
• SPECIAL BPK-60 is the most affordable. The low cost of the product makes it popular. The device quickly glues various surfaces. A metal bracket holds the unit in a vertical position. The weight of the instrument is 200 grams.

The device for creative work is characterized the following features: precise dosage of glue, the ability to regulate the amount of substance when gluing small or fragile elements.

Characteristics

• Power 45-200 Watt.
• Productivity 8-16 grams/minute.
• Temperature adjustment.
• Mains powered.
• Heating time 7-10 minutes.
• Temperature 60-200 degrees.

pros

• High performance.
• Easy to use.
• Fast glue supply.

Minuses

• The plug sometimes leaks glue.

Rating:

• Glue gunHAMMER GN– 06 – the safest. The device fits everything technical requirements necessary to work on massive objects. The advantage of the model is that it works both from the mains and from the battery.
• DEFORT DGG-50 N– K – creative. The device glues fabric, cardboard, paper, wood, and ceramics. The removable metal spout is especially useful when working with building materials.
• BOSCH GKP 200 C.E. Professional – overcomes hard-to-reach places. The set includes an extended nozzle that allows access to narrow spaces.

The attachments expand the scope of application. They change the diameter of the glue jet.

Two removable attachments are included as standard, and sometimes they are purchased separately.

Characteristics

• Power 35-500 Watt.
• Heating temperature 200 degrees.
• Productivity 15-30 grams/minute.
• Heating time 2-4 minutes.

pros

• Convenient stand.
• Work after disconnecting from the network.
• Versatility.

Minuses

• The cost is increasing.

Using a gun, seams located in hard-to-reach areas of the crack are filled and sealed. Features of the device include a built-in stabilizer to maintain a constant operating temperature and electronic control.

• Bosch Glue Pen 0.603.2 A2.020 is the most compact. The device is equipped with a USB connector, thanks to which the product can be easily charged. The battery life is half an hour. Heating time 15 minutes.
• ENGY EGG-16 C.L. – multifunctional. The gun is equipped with two attachments and is powered by a charger. The built-in collector collects drops. The product works with metal, plastic and rubber.
• MILWAUKEE C18 PCG/310С – the most powerful. A special feature is high performance at low temperatures. The alloy feed rate is adjustable depending on the requirements.

Battery-powered models make the glue machine mobile and efficient.

Characteristics

• Power 5 Watt.
• Battery powered.
• Drip protection.
• Rod diameter 7 mm.

pros

• High mobility.
• Equipped with a stand.
• Ergonomic trigger.

Minuses

• Requires regular charging.
• Heavy weight.

• Dremel 910 F.013.091.0 JC - the easiest. Glue gun weighs 140 grams, which will make the process simple, and your hand will not get tired when gluing a large number of rhinestones.
• STEINEL NEO1 334109 – the most accurate. The design of the device is specially designed for spot work.
• Kolner KGG- the fittest. The device is designed to work with uneven surfaces.

The device for gluing rhinestones must have special characteristics, because the process is long and requires dosing in small drops.

Characteristics

• Power 5-5.4 Watt.
• Temperature 165 degrees.
• Power - network.
• Heating time 5 minutes.

pros

• Compact size.
• A light weight.
• Ease of use.

Minuses

• Limited application.
• There is no temperature control.

• Dremel 930-18 HOBBY – multifunctional. The device is intended for decorating and creating albums. Low temperature adhesive mode is suitable for working with delicate materials such as organza or paper.

The set includes colored rods that are used to decorate surfaces.

• FIT14330 is the lightest. Tool weight 100 grams. The compact device is ideal for working with paper. This is facilitated by a diameter of 7 mm and a temperature range of 150-200 degrees.
• UHU “ LT 110 XL” – the most sensitive. The device supports operation at low temperatures, so it is safe for delicate surfaces.

Devices that glue paper work at low temperatures. Narrow rods or attachments help with this.

Characteristics

• Power 60 Watt.
• Rod diameter – 7 mm.
• Glue consumption – 5 g/min.

pros

• A light weight.
• Compact size.
• Soft trigger.
• Precise tip.

Minuses

• Not suitable for working with massive objects.

• Professional INTERTOOL RT-1012 – the most high-performing. The gun produces 30 grams of the substance per minute. This is convenient when applying glue over a large area so that the melt does not cool down and the surfaces being glued are held together more tightly.
• STANLEY FatMax – fast heating . The device is ready for use in 60 seconds. The temperature is indicated by LEDs: green indicates heating above 170 degrees, red - below.

The power is maintained even when applying glue. The safety shutdown function will automatically turn off the device after 30 minutes of operation.

• Buhnen HB190 – the lightest . The device weighs 300 grams, so it is comfortable to use. The handle is narrow, profiled. The pistol is characterized by high performance, 12 mm rod, comfortable trigger.

The products are used not only in everyday life, but also for professional work in production. They are suitable for leather, wood, fabric. Widely used on furniture factories for processing joints.

Characteristics

• Power – 80-180 Watt.
• Mains powered.
• Automatic shutdown.

pros

• Great performance.
• Precise glue dosage.
• Switch on the body.
• Glues any materials.

Minuses

• High price.

• Buhnen HB 700 K Spray - the most accurate. The device is intended for industrial use. The gun applies polyurethane adhesive in spray form.

The device is equipped automatic control heating, which controls the temperature with an accuracy of 1 degree. The handle has a built-in digital display.

• 3 M Polygun II - a multi-purpose tool. The device is characterized by a wide temperature range, so any fusible adhesive can be applied. Air gun high power, the length of the melt strip is 4.8 m. The device weighs 860 grams.
• METABO PowerMaxx KP– practical. Designed to handle even viscous substances due to clamping pressure. The device is protected from leaks due to the automatic reverse motion of the rack. Metal gear extends service life.

A special feature of the design is the pneumatic glue supply system, which differs high pressure. Therefore, the gun copes with viscous, viscous substances.

Characteristics

• Productivity 10-30 grams per minute.
• Volume 600 ml.
• Battery powered.

pros

• Great power.
• Convenient glue supply system.
• Fastens massive objects of different textures.
• Compact and lightweight.

Minuses

• Massive dimensions.

• Metabo KE3000 618121000 – thoughtful. The gun is equipped with electronic temperature control. Therefore, it glues wood, cardboard, fabric, cork, leather.
• KRAFTOOL6840 – elegant. Stylish design makes the device fashionable and modern.
• CALIBER TKP-30 – fast gluing. The design of the device makes the application efficient and reliable. The temperature is adjustable from 150 to 190 degrees.

The devices are used in everyday life and in the professional sphere.

Characteristics

• Power 200 Watt.
• Rod diameter 11 mm.
• Power - network.
• Temperature 200 degrees

pros

• Universal devices.
• Compact, convenient.
• A large assortment.

Minuses

• Narrow application.

A glue gun will come in handy in every home, and it will be especially useful for handicraft lovers. With its help, many problems can be easily and simply solved.

A glue or heat gun is an indispensable thing for quick gluing various parts in handicrafts and everyday life. To ensure that this device serves you for many years and pleases you with excellent work, we will analyze it in detail design features and characteristics that will help amateurs and professionals choose the right tool. We will separately touch on the topic of varieties of glue sticks and their scope of application.

Why choose thermoplastic adhesive - what is its feature and where is it used?

Craftsmen, radio technicians, builders, engineers and ordinary users love this glue for its quick setting and high strength. Compared to superglue and liquid nails, which finally set on the surface and form a monolithic joint after a few hours, the gluing process is much faster. A thin layer of thermoplastic adhesive, applied in spots, will fully cure in 1-3 minutes, and thicker layers in 10-15 minutes. Hot glue can be called universal. It fits together well:

• tree;
• glass;
• skin;
• metal parts;
• paper and cardboard;
• ceramics;
• rubber;
• textile;
• plastic, PVC panels;
• Styrofoam.

And this is just the main list of materials. Hot-melt adhesive interacts weakly with concrete and plaster. However, one can argue with this statement. Numerous tests directly confirm this. For example, a metal hook fixed to the wall with hot-melt adhesive can easily support not only a coat, but also more massive objects ( wooden frames, a bunch of logs and metal pendants). Hot glue is removed from the surface by melting. Safest to use household hair dryer. Thermoplastic adhesive is not recommended for gluing objects located near fire or other heat sources close to the melting point of the adhesive (105–200 degrees). Once removed from the surface, the glue leaves no traces.

The hardened seam is not only elastic, but also has increased resistance to moisture. Therefore, thermoplastic adhesive can be used as a sealant. The savings from using such a clamp are also noticeable. Thanks to the dosed feed from the glue gun, it is possible to regulate the quantity and save up to 70% of the gluing mass compared to conventional adhesives in tubes.

Hot glue is widely used in needlework. Here you can use it to glue almost anything: buttons, paper, corrugated cardboard, flowers made of polymer clay and foamiran, all kinds of accessories, etc. Thermoplastic adhesive serves as a base for making mesh stands, where glassware can act as a base, decorative ornaments in the form of balls and beads for pendants and bracelets. The frozen mass is plastic, the workpiece can be easily removed from the mold and, if desired, painted. Among the others original ideas using hot glue to create a flexible phone case. To give the case the desired shape, place the phone in cling film, and then apply thermoplastic glue to the wrapped back of the phone and the sides in a chaotic manner or according to a pattern. After hardening, remove the flexible cover and remove the film. The device in question is widely used in the assembly and repair of radio components. They can fix microcircuits, individual wiring and other electronic parts.

We disassemble the glue gun into parts and learn how to handle them correctly

The gun consists of 6 six main parts: heating unit (heating chamber), guide coupling, trigger, feed mechanism, nozzle, power cord. The heating chamber is the main part of the entire device. It is located inside the barrel and consists of a metal tube, near which there is one or more heating elements, depends on the configuration. If there are several heating elements, heating of the rod is more uniform and faster. The size of the heating chamber affects the thickness of the rod. The larger it is, the thicker the rod. The quality indicators of the heating unit are affected by the power and melting speed of the heating element, which we will talk about a little later.

The guide sleeve is one of the most vulnerable parts of the gun. It is made of heat-resistant rubber. One end of it is connected to the heating chamber, and a rod is fixed in the second. To ensure that the part lasts for a long time, do not allow the glue gun to overheat. The slightest overheating leads to abrasion of the rubber, the coupling begins to unhindered the passage of dissolved glue, which disrupts the operation of the moving parts, the insulation of the wires and can lead to a fire.

To replace the rod, cut off the part that fits into the coupling, insert the spare tire, and squeeze out the rest through the nozzle. Attempting to pull out the remaining rod with a tool or by hand may damage the coupling.

Next, we will analyze two parts in parallel - the trigger and the feed mechanism. The trigger is a part responsible for the amount of heated glue dispensed. There are two types of triggers - slider and rotary. The second option is easier to use. The wear resistance of the feed mechanism depends on the smoothness of the trigger. If the trigger is pressed too tightly, you put a lot of force to squeeze out the required amount of glue, the feed mechanism quickly becomes unusable. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to check the smoothness of the trigger. To extend the service life of the feed mechanism, we also recommend selecting rods strictly to the factory diameter. Even small deviations of a couple of millimeters can lead to difficulties when dispensing hot glue. The spare tire may slip or clog the feed due to excess glue in the nozzle.

Heated glue flows out of the glue gun through the nozzle. Cheaper models have one nozzle. We advise you to pay attention to a gun with short and long nozzle attachments, designed for working under standard conditions and gluing in hard-to-reach places. Equally important is the presence of the “drip protection” function, for which the blocking ball is responsible; it prevents the glue from leaking out during interruptions in work. It will not be possible to completely get rid of hot glue leakage while stopping work; a few drops will still leak out. Don’t be upset, this is the norm, the leakage rate is negligible compared to models that completely lack the “drip protection” function. High-quality nozzles are made of brass. Therefore, pay attention to the material of the nozzle when choosing a tool. Remember, do not place the glue gun on its side while interrupting the gluing process. This way it quickly overheats and can damage the surface due to excessive leakage of hot mass. To avoid negative consequences, the body has a folding platform that allows you to place the glue gun level. Don’t forget to put cardboard or paper under the gun and clean the nozzles after each use.

The body of the glue gun is made of hard plastic. The use of such material allows to reduce overheating of the system and reduce the weight of the structure for more convenient operation. However, you should not give preference to models that are too light. The optimal figure is considered to be 300 g. Such a heat gun fits easily in the hand and it is more likely that hard rather than soft plastic was used for its production, which will become unusable after several cycles of operation.

Power, performance, melt temperature and additional options

The main parameters that characterize the quality of a glue gun are power and speed. Here you need to decide on the scope and frequency of use of the equipment. If you are an amateur and you need a heat gun for one-time work around the house, there is no point in purchasing expensive heat guns with a power of 300 W or higher. For one-time work, heat guns with a power of 20 to 100 W are quite suitable.

Models with automatic power control are easy to use. The device itself knows when and what power to use in each case. For example, during the melting stage it heats up to 200 W, during operation it drops to an average power of 40 W and during stopping - to 15 W. This saves energy and glue stick consumption.

However, power is not a decisive indicator when choosing, performance plays a much larger role. If you need a high melting rate and mass flow out, pay attention to this indicator. Typically it varies from 5 to 30 g of glue per minute. This indicator is especially important when performing volumetric repair work. For example, gluing plywood or PVC. It will not be possible to quickly apply glue over the entire area and press the material at low productivity. At this time, some of the glue will already begin to dry out and it will not be possible to achieve good adhesion to the surface. Therefore, speed (high performance) is important here. When working with small parts, purchasing a glue gun with high productivity is impractical.

The range of work with materials depends on the melt temperature of the glue gun. For example, paper, cardboard and textiles do not tolerate too high temperatures. To work with them, low-temperature rods and special guns with a melting point of 105°C are used. The average melting temperature of a hot-melt gun is 165–170°C. We do not recommend purchasing a device with a melting point above 200°C. This leads to increased pressure inside the barrel and rapid wear of parts.

The power supply of an electric heat gun also plays an important role. If you are an amateur and purchase a heat gun for a small amount of work, you regular one will do device with mains power from a cord. Professionals may want to look at more expensive battery-powered or semi-autonomous models. The battery allows the heat gun to operate autonomously from 45 minutes to 2 hours without being connected to the network. Semi-autonomous heat guns are detached from the cord and can work for 10–15 minutes without being connected to the network, maintaining the original heating temperature. An improved version of the cordless glue gun is a model with a docking station, which performs two functions simultaneously - it heats the rod autonomously and, together with an additional container, prevents drops from falling onto the surface during heating.

The German company Steinel has proven itself well in the market for high-quality glue guns. Among its varieties you can find all the listed power options for the device. The company produces both household and professional glue guns.

These were the main parameters. Among additional options that can help you in your final choice include:

• temperature adjustment, allows you to set the optimal heating level for different materials;
• automatic temperature control, responsible for changing three modes of the glue gun (warm-up, operating temperature, standby mode);
• heating indicator, the readiness of the device for operation is indicated by an LED that lights up when it warms up to operating temperature;
• a viewing window, provided in expensive and more budget series, allows you to control the degree of insertion of the rod into the coupling and its length;
• backlight, useful feature, if you often have to work with a heat gun in the dark and in a room with poor visibility;
• storage case, set of spare rods, heat-resistant work mat.

Glue sticks – choice by diameter, color and working materials

Thermal gun rods or stickers differ in diameter, length, color, melting point and nature of use. Standard diameters rods for household glue guns - 7 and 11 mm. The diameter is selected according to the configuration of your glue gun. Professional models can be equipped with rods with a larger diameter of about 45 mm. When choosing heat guns with non-standard diameters, be sure to inquire about the availability and availability of spare parts. There are no strict parameters for the length of the rod. It affects the duration of use of one refill of thermoplastic adhesive, varies from 4 to 20 cm.

The color of the rod characterizes not only the variety of shades, but also the purpose of the sticker. The transparent rod is considered universal and is suitable for gluing various materials. Colored rods are used to mask seams and create a uniform tone. They are also considered universal, with the exception of black, which is used for sealing and yellow for glass. If you need to use a black or transparent rod at the same time, we recommend purchasing two heat guns. Colored rods with sparkles are used for decoration in needlework.

The rods also differ in melt temperature. Low-temperature stickers begin to melt at a temperature of 105°C, and high-temperature ones - at 150°C. When choosing suitable spare parts, you should take into account the maximum melt temperature that your heat gun can provide.

When a woman appears in the tool department and asks for a heat gun, it’s immediately clear: this is a purchase for needlework. A beautiful lady wants to create. It doesn’t matter what exactly - luxurious bouquets of flowers, elegant decorations using the kanzashi technique or simple craft from cones to kindergarten. This will definitely be done with love and putting a piece of your soul into it. And in order not to make a mistake and make the right choice of a glue gun, as well as understand how to use it skillfully, it is worth knowing some details.

What is glued with a hot-melt gun?

The main function of the hot-melt gun is quick connection with hot glue. Final hardening occurs within 5 minutes, and not after 24 hours, as with most analogues in tubes. Compared to instantaneous, the probability of “making friends” with your fingers is reduced to zero. You can glue almost any natural and synthetic materials:

• tree;
• metal;
• stone;
• cardboard;
• glass;
• ceramics;
• cork;
• skin;
• plastic.

How does this miracle work? The gun contains a thermal heater. A round glue stick - a rod - touches it through the feeding device. Another name is cartridge: after all, it is with them that pistols are loaded. When the device is plugged into a 220 W network, a temperature of 105 o –210 o C is created in the thermal heater. The glue melts and flows through the nozzle when the trigger is pressed.

Components of a hot glue gun

What are the differences between glue sticks?

The rods come in different colors. It’s not always just pretty - they have differences in chemical composition and melting point. The color determines which material the adhesive is best suited for:

• transparent - glass, fabrics, PVC plastic, metal, cable, electrical equipment, any types of paper. Perfect option for needlework;
• white - tiles, ceramics, plastic, cable;
• black - leather and carpeting;
• yellow - wood, cardboard, paper, finishing materials.

Glue sticks for hot-melt guns come in different colors depending on their melting temperature

Table: color relationship between glue stick and material

Pink, blue, green, red are produced in the form of assorted sets of 10–12 pieces and are intended for needlework. Craftswomen use them when they want to hide marks on the working material as much as possible or for crafts using the papier-mâché technique. Less commonly, they are used for gluing stamps and making seals.

But the rods, which are intended specifically for decoration, may contain interesting fillings, for example, shiny elements.

Hot-melt adhesive rods for decoration are filled with shiny elements

Round rods vary in size. The most commonly used diameters are 7 and 11 mm with a length of 40–200 mm. These data are indicated in technical specifications specific model.

Power when choosing an electric heat gun

An important quantity is the power of the device, which ranges from 15–500 W. It determines how quickly the gun heats up and how many grams of glue it dispenses per minute. If you use it occasionally, a weak model up to 40 W is enough. The same power is chosen for very small jobs like kanzashi or gluing rhinestones. Small models are compact, heat up quickly and have a thin nozzle for tiny drops. For those who work with a pistol a lot, it is better to invest once in a device with a power of 300–500 W, so as not to be nervous about low performance and rapid breakdown in the future. In addition, such models accept any rods. If universal transparent ones begin to melt at a temperature of 80 0 C and are suitable for any gun, then black and yellow ones require a minimum of 150 0 C. Miniature devices simply cannot handle such loads. The heating temperature must be indicated on the packaging of the heat gun.

To work with small parts you need a thin nozzle. Otherwise, the drop of glue will be too large, and the work will turn out sloppy.

For precise gluing of small elements you need a heat gun with a thin nozzle

A good heat gun reaches operating temperature in 15–20 seconds and maintains it stably. It is desirable to have several operating modes. Then, by simply switching the regulator, you can switch to low or high temperature rods.

It is worth looking for a device with replaceable nozzles to adjust the diameter of the droplet. As a rule, there are three of them:

1. Universal.
2. Extra long.
3. Wide slot.

Thanks to the removable nozzles, it is easy to regulate the flow of glue in the hot-melt gun

There are mains-powered models with a cord 1.0–3.5 m long. Battery-powered heat guns are convenient, but so far their price is much higher than network ones.

A big plus of a glue gun is the low cost and availability of consumables. Rods are sold in almost any tool, craft and office supply store. They are much cheaper than good adhesives, and are in no way inferior to them in connection strength.

How to use: charge, warm up, replace the rod

The small device is made according to modern technologies and very easy to use. To avoid interruptions in work, the points for applying glue are planned in advance and everything is prepared necessary materials. The viscous mass cools quickly, especially in low-power models. The sooner you apply little things like beads, rhinestones or sequins, the stronger they hold on. The operating procedure is as follows:

1. Connect the device to the network. If there is a power button, put it in operating mode.

   To start working with the heat gun, plug the device into the network

2. Insert the rod into the special rear hole until it stops. Leave to heat for the time specified in the instructions, ranging from 2-10 minutes. The plastic body of the heat gun also gets hot. By touching it, you can check the operating status of the device if there is no power indicator.

   The hole for inserting the glue stick is located at the back of the hot-melt gun

3. Press the feed control button. A drop of hot substance will appear - the device is ready for use.

   If a drop of glue is released when the trigger is pressed smoothly, the heat gun is ready for use.

4. Apply glue to one of the parts and immediately press the surfaces to be glued together. Can be applied spotwise or in a stream. The glue releases as long as the trigger is pulled.

   The glue is applied pointwise or in a stream while the trigger of the heat gun is pressed

5. If any remaining glue appears, remove it after cooling. sharp knife. The hardening area can withstand mechanical loads after 5 minutes.

During a break in work, the gun is placed on a stand. The nozzle should point downwards; it is advisable to place some kind of substrate under it. Silicone is better because the glue does not stick to it. Then no hot residue will get onto the work surface.

A special stand for the heat gun protects the working surface from hot drops and fixes the device

In the window of the gun you can see when the rod ends. To continue work, insert the next one, which will push through the remains of the old one.

Materials that cause the glue to cool quickly (for example, metals) are preheated with a hairdryer before joining. On flexible materials(for example, fabrics) the adhesive solution is applied using a “caterpillar method”.

Bonding points can be separated by heating.

How to use a glue gun - video

Safety instructions for use

To ensure that needlework brings only joy, it is important to adhere to safety rules:

• carefully read the instructions, which indicate the permissible time continuous operation. In household models this is usually 30 minutes. After this, turn off the device and let it cool down;
• do not heat the device without the glue stick;
• Always keep the work cable behind the heat gun;
• The glue and nozzle tip become hot and cause burns upon contact with skin. You can't touch them;
• Do not use the gun when it is wet or in a humid environment, such as a bathroom. Wet hands during work are also unacceptable;
• during breaks between working phases, place the device with emphasis on the folding stand. You can’t lay it horizontally - the glue will flood the insides, and the gun will soon have to be thrown away.

During work breaks, the heat gun is placed with emphasis on the stand

Problems and their solutions

The most common problem when working with a hot-melt gun is that the glue flows uncontrollably, without pressing the trigger. There may be several reasons:

• The temperature is too high for a particular rod. It is optimal when the heat gun has a heating regulator to set the required melting degrees. Otherwise you will have to replace the rods. In a good gun, the nozzle has a ball valve - the so-called drip protection;
• The rod is inserted too tightly. Sometimes it helps to move it back a little;
• rod diameter mismatch. Some models require decimal sizes. For example, Sigma - 11.2 mm. If you put an 11 mm rod into such a device, a pressure difference occurs inside the heater, and the glue flows back. Using rods of the correct diameter solves the issue;
• low quality pistol. You can insert a toothpick into the nozzle during a pause in work. Or accept it and try to finish the work as quickly as possible: the contents flow out very quickly.

If the glue stops coming out, the gun may be clogged. It is disassembled and cleaned. To avoid this, do not allow glue to stick around the nozzle.

You can get excellent results and joy from work only with a working hot glue gun

For battery-powered models, the glue sometimes becomes viscous and has difficulty passing through the nozzle. You need to reheat the device in the charging station.

In cheap models, when there is a break in use for several minutes, the pusher gets stuck in the soft rod and cannot move it. You need to turn off the gun and let it cool.

If the glue stretches like a thread and you can’t apply a dot, craftswomen advise keeping the rods in the refrigerator. Most likely they are of low quality.

How to change the color of the rod correctly

To prime the gun, the rod is simply inserted into special hole behind. After finishing work, you don’t have to remove it. Then the next time you turn on the device will be immediately ready for use.

A little trick. Short glue sticks have to be added frequently during the process. Using a heat gun, glue 2-4 sticks together - you will get one large one, which will last for a long time.

Sometimes it is necessary to change the color of the coming out glue, for example, blue to transparent. If the gun has cooled down, turn it on for about 1 minute, then carefully unscrew the rod. Charge a new one, press the trigger to squeeze out the remnants of the old one until the desired color appears.

The new rod, after insertion, by smoothly pressing the trigger, completely pushes out the remnants of the old one

How to use glue sticks without a gun

What to do if you don’t have a hot-melt gun or it’s broken, but you really want to use hot-melt adhesive because of its remarkable properties? Creative lovers find a way out of any situation. True, it is better not to count on cleanliness and accuracy of application:

• you can insert a piece of glue stick into the body of the ballpoint pen suitable diameter and melt the candles from the fire. This is quite inconvenient, because the quickly cooling glue needs to be constantly reheated;
• Travel enthusiasts will benefit from a method that requires a minimum of preliminary effort. Using a gun, apply a hot drop of glue to the match next to the sulfur head. Or they put circles several millimeters thick on it, which are cut off from the rod and trimmed to the middle. To melt the glue, simply light a match. This option works great in emergency situations.

The rod without the gun can be used as an eraser. For convenience, cut off a 0.5 cm piece and glue it to the end of the pencil.

Video: how to use hot melt glue without a gun

Examples of handicrafts with hot glue in the photo

Coffee beans, hot glue and imagination create a masterpiece Shells and stones can be easily glued using a heat gun Glue gun is used in scrapbooking techniques Hot glue gun works great with natural materials

It's time for needlework present era Renaissance. Materials and techniques have appeared that were never even dreamed of before. So many activities provide an outlet for creative energy, relieve stress and bring income to craftsmen. To keep up with the latest trends in the world of craftswomen and stay in trend, you have to keep up. So good tool there is never too much here.

A glue gun, the use of which in various areas of our lives proves its versatility, is a device used for gluing different materials. It is used in cases where extreme accuracy and precision of connection is required. How to use a glue gun? This tool is ideal for assembling various products that are not too large in size, since it does not require large expenses. It is also indispensable for making a variety of crafts and carrying out some repair work.

General information about the tool

What is this device? It should be noted that today you can find both mechanical and semi-automatic tools on sale. They differ from each other in several parameters: work productivity; availability additional functions(replaceable nozzles, LED indicator, temperature adjustment); method of applying heated mass (linear, spray). Various types of special adhesives are used for work. They differ not only in shape, but also in color and size. So, among them there are: rods for a glue gun (their diameter is 7-11.5 mm and 43 mm; length - 200-300 mm); tubes; granules; pads.

Tool structure

Reviews of the use of which indicate its popularity, it is distinguished by its versatility and practicality. Modern models of this tool are safe and easy to use, and the principle of operation is extremely simple. In the body of such a gun (as a rule, in its upper part) it heats special rods, pads, and granules inserted into the tool to the required temperature. The movement of the molten glue is carried out using a trigger device. Thanks to it and the metal screw, the dosage of the supply of plastic mass is adjusted. comes out through the nozzle-nozzle. To prevent burns during operation, it is equipped with a special rubber protector.

Some models are available with a rubber bushing and a viewing window. These devices help control the movement of the glue stick. Most glue gun models have a stand at the front, which ensures stability of the tool while working. They also differ in the power sources used. How to use a glue gun in different conditions? If there is a need to work in an apartment or production premises, it is better to give preference to models powered by stationary power. When working in a variety of conditions, you can use a tool powered by a rechargeable battery. Such pistols often have a removable power cord.

Bonding materials

After the rods are heated, the molten mass comes out of the nozzle and is evenly distributed on the surface. How to use it correctly? Do not forget that such work should be done quickly. This is due to the fact that almost after a few seconds the process of hardening of the adhesive mass and its cooling begins. After all processes are completed, a very durable seam is obtained. At the same time, the finished product has a neat appearance. If you need to perform a significant amount of work and obtain a large number of finished products, you should definitely use a glue gun. How to use it for gluing different materials? In addition to industrial applications, this tool is also used in everyday life. It can easily glue together a broken children's toy, ceramics, wood, plastic, metal, stucco, and shoes.

Glue gun models

Models of this tool come in different sizes. As a rule, their power depends on the size of the gun. It affects the melting rate of the glue. To make handicrafts, bouquets and other handicrafts, you should choose small guns, the power of which will be quite enough for such work. Larger models are designed for car and home repair professionals. They have higher heating power, which can be adjusted for different types of material used.

Depending on the dimensions of the tool, different rods for the glue gun are selected. They can be different colors, which is very convenient for working with a variety of shades of materials. Their composition varies. The packaging of the rods indicates what materials they are intended for gluing, so you should not use them for other purposes. The wrong choice does not guarantee a strong seam.

This tool has a special hole for gluing material. It is usually slightly shorter than the shaft. The glue gun is installed on a special stand and the power is turned on. As a rule, the device heats up in about 5-10 minutes. A sign that the tool is ready for use is glue dripping from the nozzle. When you pull the trigger of a gun, a small dose of molten mass is released from it. It is very hot, so be careful when working. The volume of glue released depends on the force of pressing the trigger. Despite the fact that most models of this tool are designed for spot application of heated mass, there are devices capable of applying it in strips.

Using a glue gun in design

Using such a gun, you can beautifully decorate any gift, create various compositions from branches, flowers, pine cones and other natural and artificial materials. It can be used for creating or collages. This tool is capable of joining materials of a wide variety of textures in a matter of minutes. Using a glue gun with rods of different colors, you can mount, fix, and model any structure. It also perfectly fills various seams. This gun can be used indoors and outdoors. outdoors. Remaining glue should be removed after the instrument has cooled.

Gun

What can you glue with a glue gun? At home it can be useful for gluing broken vase, a broken children's toy or shoe repair. You can glue wallpaper or torn furniture trim. Often used in handicrafts, a glue gun can be used to glue parts made of wood, ceramics, plastic, and fabric.

Using a glue gun

A glue gun will be a good helper for a florist when arranging bouquets. In construction, the gun can be useful for various installation and repair work. Advantages and disadvantages of a glue gun Various options tools have their own characteristics, here are the general properties:

The disadvantages include poor adhesion of the glue to concrete or cement coatings, including plasters; also, the glue gun is not used for parts or surfaces that will heat up during operation. That is, before use, it is necessary to clarify what can be glued with a glue gun, and only then use it.

The principle of operation of the glue gun in any glue gun, regardless of the mains or battery, heating of the glue sticks is provided. Externally, the gun looks like a drill or screwdriver; it has a cylindrical body with a handle (photo). At the rear there is a receptacle for installing a polyurethane glue stick. The rod enters a receiving chamber made of plastic or tubular rubber. To put it into operation, the rod must be sent to the heating chamber, where it is heated to a plastic state under the influence of electricity, and squeezed onto the parts to be glued. The duration of heating the rod is 3 – 5 minutes, after which you can press the feed piston. The pressure on the rod is adjustable, the thickness of the applied layer can also be adjusted using special nozzles (video).

In order to properly use a hot glue gun and maintain its functionality for a long time, let’s look at how this tool works. The gun consists of several components:

Pistol selection

The possibility of using a pistol and the correct choice depends on its characteristics. Main characteristics:

For household work, you can purchase a household appliance; it is believed that it is simpler, lighter and has simple equipment. But this is not so, there are household models with almost professional equipment and having an appropriate cost. The most important feature is automatic feeding, which greatly facilitates work with large volumes. What materials can be glued? A glue gun can be used for gluing various materials; you just need to choose the right glue.

For different types materials, glue for the gluing gun is offered, in the form of special rods, including two-component mixtures. If you plan to work with various materials, you can choose a universal rod (photo). It is also necessary to take into account the operating temperature of the device, because... heating of various rods occurs when different temperatures The higher the operating mode, the greater the choice of rods possible.

Glue gun: where to use?

A hot glue gun is a tool for gluing various materials using hot glue. Suitable for most materials, but most often, of course, it is used for wooden parts, paper, plastic materials and ceramics. How does gluing happen with its help, why is the fastening so reliable? Gluing is done with hot glue, which is formed by heating the glue stick to a liquid state.

Hot glue is very viscous, it is also a filler for various microcracks, it is perfectly absorbed into the material, which is why the connection is so strong. In this article we will look at a household model from Stayer, which is optimal in terms of price and quality and is recommended specifically for home use. Its cost is only 270 rubles, which is several times less than the well-known professional models from Bosch and Metabo, the price of which starts from 1,300 rubles. Why should you overpay if you are not going to work professionally?

In addition, when choosing a gun, pay attention to the presence of additional nozzles in the kit. After all, each type of work requires a different thickness of the nozzle; for fine work, a thinner nozzle with a diameter of less than a millimeter is needed, and for large-scale work, where there is a large consumption of glue, a nozzle of a thicker diameter is needed. If you are seriously interested in modeling (assembling models of ships and other vehicles), then of course you need a more “pumped up” model with attachments and other bells and whistles that make your work easier. Well, if you are buying a heat gun solely for general use (so to speak), you can ignore this.

Most often, such inexpensive models are used for handicrafts; for example, many fans of sawing with a jigsaw buy a hot-melt glue gun for working with small parts made of wood (when they assemble any structure from pre-cut parts). If you like to do appliqué and make compositions from dried flowers, then the gun will also help you; with its help, doing everything is much easier. If you are making crafts from plastic, a stayer glue gun will also help out. In addition to all this, hot glue can be used to seal seams in tiles and
combine decorative elements made of tiles and ceramics. As you can see, the scope of application of household models is quite extensive, but most often they are still used for handicrafts and modeling.

The glue is sold in the form of rods (tubes), which, by the way, come in various diameters and length. Therefore, when buying a hot glue gun, remember the diameter of the rods for it, so that in the future you don’t screw up when buying tubes for it.

How to use it:

• 1. Insert the glue stick from the back into the gun and plug it in.

• 2. Then you need to press the trigger of the gun several times so that the tube falls into place (refilled).

• 3. Wait a little (5 minutes) for the gun to heat up. To check whether the device is ready for use, press the start button until liquid glue begins to emerge from the nozzle. If the glue drips, it means you can work.

• 4. In order for the connection to be reliable, it is necessary to properly clean the surfaces from all kinds of dirt and degrease the parts.

  What is a glue gun and how to use it?

  Only then will the quality of the bonding be at its best.

• 5. Apply a few drops of liquid hot glue to the parts and press the surfaces for 10-15 seconds, press harder.

It is important to follow safety precautions when working with this tool. Remember that the tip of the glue gun is very hot during operation, its temperature reaches 170 degrees.

Inexpensive model for 250 rubles

The model in question from Stayer has a power of 60 Watts and a glue stick diameter of 11 mm. Made from heat-resistant plastic. The kit does not include additional nozzles, this is probably its only drawback. With its help you can glue wood, paper, cardboard, plastic and ceramics (I personally tried gluing wood - the result is just super, something akin to liquid nails, really sticks tightly).

IN included 2 tubes 10 cm long. If desired, you can find longer glue sticks on sale. Since the model is for household use, try not to work with it for several hours without a break; after all, household tools need to be given a break, unlike professional ones. That's why they cost less. Work for 20-30 minutes, then smoke for about 10 minutes. By following these simple rules, you will significantly extend the life of this wonderful device.

More articles on the topic:

The glue gun is a modern alternative to conventional PVA. The tool, which is often called “hot glue,” delivers the composition in molten form, that is, it literally “shoots” liquid droplets. The speed and speed of gluing have made the device in demand in many areas, therefore, faced with the need to glue any elements and parts, many are interested in the question of whether it is possible to use a glue gun for these purposes.

Glue gun device

The external design of the instrument really resembles a weapon. The body, equipped with a nozzle for supplying the molten composition, smoothly transitions into a comfortable handle with a large button in the form of a trigger. The latter operates the device, connected to a pusher that moves the rods towards the heating element.
To ensure a long service life, refractory plastic is most often used for the production of the housing, which does not deteriorate when constantly exposed to high temperatures of the heating element. There are no harmful fumes at all. This is due to the fact that polyurethane is used in the rods.

Consumables have variable diameters. The specific size depends on the glue gun model. The minimum is 7 and the maximum is 11 millimeters. There is a special hole in the tool for consumables. It is located at the back.
The heating element is usually located in the barrel and is shaped to allow the consumable to fit completely inside. Heating is carried out from below and is evenly distributed over the entire area.

Professional and household hot glue guns

They differ in size. The production involves exclusively bulky devices. There is no point in mastering the basics of working with professional models for the average user, since an ordinary compact device is sufficient to solve many problems of gluing individual elements.
However, no matter what model of glue gun is used, the result is consistently highly effective. Both household and professional hot glue guns have the following characteristics:

• contribute to more economical consumption of hot glue;
• connect surfaces and elements of places inaccessible to brushes;
• glue materials of dissimilar composition.

You can glue ceramics, glass, wood, and other elements. Thanks to additional nozzles that differ in configuration, you can do both “coarse” and “fine” work.

Application area

According to professionals, you can glue absolutely anything with a glue gun. The material being fixed is determined by the composition of the specific solution used in the instrument. You can use not only ordinary glue, but even polyurethane foam and sealants. This makes the device universal. Heated liquid sealant or glue, if you use a glue gun, can be poured into hard-to-reach places, as well as treat areas or voids of any size. The consumption of the composition is quite economical. There is no need to dilute the glue in large or small portions. It is enough to take either a long or short rod.

Sealing and insulation of seams

A glue gun is simply indispensable in everyday life. It allows you to prepare your apartment or house for the winter. Old wooden window structures often let cold air flow through, and the use of insulation does not always pay off. This is where a glue gun comes to the rescue. Hot glue can be used to seal absolutely any gaps, including small ones, both in the structure itself and between the frame and the opening. You can do the same with door leaf, threshold, as well as other surfaces to prepare for winter cold. There are no restrictions here. You can use both glue and sealant. Condensation does not form on such seams, since the compositions have water-repellent properties. You can even plant floor and ceiling skirting boards, which makes the tool indispensable when carrying out repairs.

Tile

Using a hot glue gun for tiling a bathroom or kitchen is impractical and expensive. However, if one or more tiles come loose, there is no need to remix the solution. Elements can be attached with hot glue. This minimizes time and effort. Broken pieces of tiles are also subject to repair. An element can simply be connected to a whole part. The main thing is to first clean and degrease the surface of the joined elements. Similarly, you can glue broken ceramics, for example, a vase and so on.

Furniture

Until relatively recently, some furniture parts were glued together using PVA glue. The disadvantage of this approach was not the low quality, but the speed with which the composition gained strength. In other words, we had to wait a long time until the elements being connected were securely fixed. Today, instead of the usual, they apply hot glue. The rod, melted to the desired consistency, quickly fills the necessary holes, connects and fixes the required parts.

What can you glue with a hot glue gun?

A tool used in everyday life, repair, and construction does an excellent job of joining almost all materials, but cannot create a connection with some of them.
The list of bonded surfaces is quite impressive and includes:

• tree;
• glass;
• alloys;
• ceramics;
• polymers;
• plastic;
• rubber.

This is not a complete list, so it is much easier to immediately identify what cannot be glued with a glue gun:

This list can also include some types of paper that have a glossy surface.

The lack of roughness does not allow for good adhesion.

Using hot glue in crafts

The connection of elements and parts in fakes requires quick and reliable fixation of components and workpieces. This can be achieved with a glue gun, which every modern needlewoman has. Its use makes it possible to create patterns and figures of intricate shapes that do not stick when traditional glue is used.
Molten glue stick allows you to reliably glue the following materials together:

• Fabrics.

  What glue gun glues: use cases

  The tool copes well with both artificial and natural materials. You can even glue transparent organza and heavier velvet.

• Pebbles. Artificial pearls, rhinestones, beads, shells and much more are easily fixed both among themselves and on the surface of various workpieces.

The main advantage of using a glue gun for arts and crafts is the ability to choose different shades of dye. By choosing the appropriate color, the craftswoman can create crafts in which the joints and gluing become almost invisible even with a detailed and thorough examination of the finished product.

Features of choosing a tool

To make the glue gun as convenient and efficient to use as possible, you need to pay attention to three main points:

1. Absence or presence of battery. The latter option allows you to use the device absolutely anywhere. The model with a battery works even when there is no possibility of connecting to the electrical network.
2. Feeding mechanism type. It can be slider or carousel. The latter option involves turning rather than pulling the trigger, which is not always convenient.
3. Number of heaters. The more there are, the better. They can duplicate each other or connect when one fails. Models with multiple heaters are much more expensive than conventional devices.

You should always focus not only on functionality, but also on the brand. Top manufacturers provide a guarantee on their devices, and also use exclusively best materials and design solutions.