Description of the device and operating principle of the glue gun

Types of heat guns

Any instrument is divided into two conditional groups:

• household for home use;
• professional to carry out work by craftsmen.

Conventionally, this division is because no one bothers to use a professional device at home, and professionals to work with a household one. Equipment for professional activities is distinguished by:

• better quality body material;
• high performance;
• power is usually higher than that of household ones;
• longer warranty, because a professional tool is designed for a greater number of work cycles.

But such reliability and performance have a downside - manufacturers save on additional functions, attractive design and other nuances that attract the buyer.

Glue guns for crafts and repairs are also divided into:

• by type of power supply of the electrical appliance;
• by power and warm-up time;
• by heating temperature (maximum value and availability of temperature adjustment);
• by the diameter of the glue rods;
• according to the presence of a stand and other amenities.

Design and principle of operation

During operation, the gun is held by the handle. On top is the barrel, which includes all the elements of the device.

When the device is turned on, the heating element located in the heating chamber is heated. A heating stick touches it, which melts at a temperature of 105-210 degrees. With its further supply, excess pressure is created, and the molten glue is pushed out through the nozzle.

Body and handle of the product

The handle is hollow. Only wires pass through it, and a trigger is installed on the side. The housing houses the entire device. It is made of plastic with a low degree of thermal conductivity. This is due to heating of internal parts.

The weight of the device is 300 g. After turning it on, the device should only be positioned vertically. You can’t lift it with its nose up and put it on its side. This is due to the presence of molten glue inside it.

There is a platform at the bottom of the handle, and a folding pad is fixed in front of the body. The gun is mounted on these support points.

Feeder

When you press the trigger, which can be carousel or slide, the force is transferred to the ring pusher. This structural element is in direct contact with the rod. The rotating ring grabs the rod and pulls it towards the heating element.

The ring pusher is the weak element of the system. If there is even a slight defect, the rod may slip through the ring.

Guide coupling

The part is made of heat-resistant rubber. One side of it is put on the heating chamber, and the other side is inserted with a glue stick.

The coupling performs 2 functions:

1. It keeps the molten mass of glue from flowing into the body of the device.
2. Creates temperature uniformity. In its absence, during downtime, the rod would begin to melt in front of the heating chamber.

This is another weak point of the pistol. If heated, the rubber may tear when trying to rotate the rod.

Heating chamber

Externally, it is a tube in which the heating element is located. Some types of devices have two heating elements built in. In this case, heating of the rod occurs not only in the end part, but also on the sides.

The performance of the equipment depends on the size of the chamber and the power of the heating elements. This design unit is the most reliable. If used correctly, the likelihood of it breaking is very small.

Nozzle

An exiting stream of glue is formed in this element. Nozzles come in direct flow and with a valve. With the first option, the heated glue moves by gravity. The dosage is ensured by the feeding mechanism. With high fluidity of the glue, it begins to come out constantly. This is a disadvantage because of its large losses.

A spring-loaded ball is built into the nozzle with a valve, blocking the hole. Opening occurs under the influence of excess pressure when the glue is heated. The channel is never completely blocked by the ball. This is so that when overheated, excess glue can leak out on its own.

A protective cap is installed on the outside to avoid burns. Depending on the type of gun, nozzles can be stationary or removable. Each nozzle has its own channel thickness. Attached with a threaded connection. Replacement is carried out only when the device is warm, otherwise the hardened glue will not allow this to be done.

According to the type of power supply of the electrical appliance

Thermal guns work on the principle of converting electrical energy into heat when the nozzle heats up, which in turn melts the glue stick. The device is powered by:

• from a 220 V socket;
• from the battery.

Some manufacturers offer a whole series of household tools that run on one type of battery. This is very convenient for making minor repairs when, for example, having bought a screwdriver with such a battery, you can use it to operate a glue gun for handicrafts or repairs./

Types of glue guns and scope of application

Depending on the scope of application, glue guns are divided into professional and household tools. The first category is characterized by massiveness and the ability to work for a long time without interruption. Construction and repair work is the main sector of active use of professional heat guns.

A glue gun for household needs can fit in the palm of your hand. The convenience and ease of use are appreciated by needlewomen, although it is often needed for minor repairs, eliminating defects and solving other household problems.

Regardless of the size and scope of use, you can choose a mechanical or automatic pistol. In the first case, the glue is supplied by pressing the trigger. In automatic models, the process is carried out by an electromagnetic starter.

Which glue gun to choose depends on the intensity of use. Professional tools are characterized by greater reliability. Their cost is significantly higher than household copies and is formed from several components:

• the presence of certain functions;
• modifications;
• manufacturer's brands.

The use of a household glue gun in handicrafts is extensive; they cannot do without it:

• floristry, quilling, scrapbooking classes;
• making bouquets of sweets;
• design of topiary;
• production of designer dolls;
• decorating objects with rhinestones and other small objects.

It is craftsmen who most often ask the question: how to choose a heat gun in order to be satisfied with the purchase.

By power and warm-up time

The more powerful the heat gun, the less time it needs to warm up the nozzle and start working. Professional devices are usually more powerful than household ones. Pistols with 11mm rods are also more powerful than pistols with 7mm components. The power of the tool ranges from 10 to 100 W and higher for some professional glue guns.

The average heating time for the metal nose of the gun takes 5 minutes. There are models that heat up faster, in a maximum of 1 minute. Low-power household budget machines can start dispensing glue no earlier than 8-10 minutes. If speed is important, then such a tool will not work. For example, in needlework, floristry or working with polyurethane foam ceiling decor.

How to use a hot glue gun

As a rule, a glue gun does not cause much difficulty during use, even for a beginner. If you follow the instructions, you will initially need to charge the polyurethane rod. It is installed on the back of the pistol. After installation, the device must be connected to the network and wait until it warms up for at least five minutes. It's very easy to check how hot the glue is. If a drop appears, the gun is ready for use. After use, you need to disconnect it from the network.

By heating temperature

Depending on the nozzle heating temperature, pistols are classified as follows:

• with adjustable temperature modes (from 80 to 500 ℃ and above);
• with one maximum set temperature (around 180-200 ℃).

Adjustment is absolutely necessary in handmade and needlework, when the master works with various materials. The more optimal the heating mode is selected, the stronger the adhesive joint. To glue cardboard and craft paper or glass and stone, you need different heating of the glue supply spout to ensure the optimal temperature of the glue itself.

By diameter of glue sticks

Based on the diameter of the component rods, the most popular ones are distinguished:

• 11 mm models (11.2 mm, 11.5 mm);
• 7 mm pistols.

The advantage of the former is that you need to change rods less often and be distracted from the process. And the plus of the 7 mm heat gun is that the device weighs less and your hand doesn’t get so tired, which is important for needlework. The quality of glue in such sizes depends on the manufacturer, and not on the diameter of the rod. The length of the rods is already a matter of economy. It happens that standard glue sticks are shorter than store-bought ones, which can be purchased as consumables. The maximum comfortable length is 30 mm. The components are not only transparent, but also colored, with glitter, etc.

How does a glue gun work and what does it consist of?

The appearance may resemble a weapon, as it looks just like a pistol. Special translucent rods are inserted inside and filled with glue. When the button is pressed, the mechanism begins to heat the glue and it flows out, and over the next few minutes it hardens, which holds the material together.

The diameter of the rods can be different and varies from 7 to 11 mm, and the most reliable glue is considered translucent. Before the very first use, the device must be warmed up for five minutes. If you have not seen this device, then look at our photos of glue guns.

According to the availability of additional functions

Modern glue guns have a number of thoughtful features:

• convenient stand for vertical position of the device;
• a metal bracket under the spout so that its heat does not damage the working surface of the table;
• drop protection;
• temperature control to adjust the heating of the adhesive to the characteristics of the gluing materials;
• indication of the start of work so that you can immediately start gluing as soon as the spout warms up;
• ergonomic start button with smooth rod feed;
• the ability to visually assess the remainder of the rod used;
• protective functions (automatic shutdown, nozzle burnout protection).

Choosing the right device for yourself for the first time is difficult, because it is difficult to predict which functions will be superfluous and which ones will be missing. Reviews of models on the market and reviews from owners from trusted sites will help. These could be online stores, where only those who actually bought the product can leave a review, or thematic forums. On the forum of needlewomen it’s easy to figure out which glue gun to choose for needlework, and repairmen will tell you about convenient hot-melt guns for work.

What to look for when choosing a glue gun for crafts

The criteria for choosing a gun for needlework are simple:

1. high frequency and duration of operation determines the choice of more powerful and reliable models so that the heat gun lasts a long time and heats up quickly;
2. for home use, to glue small parts of products that are assembled on a table, it is better to take a device powered from an outlet, and for gluing parts located in hard-to-reach places, it is worth taking a battery model;
3. productivity (amount of glue supplied in grams per 1 min): from 10-12 g/min to 20-30 g/min;
4. protection against burnout of the nozzle in the form of a special spraying on the metal or an additional replaceable spout included in the kit;
5. Thermal insulation of the body is important, namely, heat-resistant plastic or a rubberized handle, because if during prolonged use the plastic of the handle overheats, then it will be impossible to use such a gun for handicrafts and long-term work;
6. the presence of a stand or bracket and a protective nozzle from drops is very important in order to calmly place a working tool next to it, without fear that it will glue something wrong on the table with workpieces;
7. when constantly working with various materials, it is better to buy a heat gun with temperature control (from 80 to almost 600 ℃ with a heating selection option and about 180-200 ℃ at one maximum temperature);
8. pay attention to the length of the cord: the longer it is, the more convenient it is to glue, optimally from 1.5 m;
9. Study in advance what diameter and types of rods are suitable for the desired model, how easy it is to buy them, because... Sometimes you come across glue guns for crafts and repairs with an increased diameter (7.5, 11.2 or 11.5 mm), then store-bought replacement components will dangle inside and leak, get stuck, etc.

Glue gun for crafts

Modern creativity requires modern ideas. Hot-melt guns for handicrafts are no longer an innovation, but a completely used tool. It must have a number of special properties: have a high heating temperature, a long power cord or autonomous power supply, a thin working nozzle, the possibility of long continuous operation, and an anti-drip glue supply system. This is necessary to perform delicate work, which can take more than one hour.

Particular attention should be paid to the melting temperature of the glue. Some materials will become deformed or melt when glued with too hot glue. An electric gun for creativity must have fine-tuned temperature settings, or you will have to buy several tools, one for each material.

The best craft tools are:

• Dremel 930-18 HOBBY;
• Kolner KGG;
• MasterHand;
• UHU Creative;
• Hobby and Pro DS-040.

Dremel 930-18 HOBBY

This is a universal glue gun that is suitable for repairs and for creativity. Power is supplied from a 220V network, the shape is standard “pistol”, has 2 temperature settings. The kit includes colored glue sticks with a diameter of 7mm. The maximum operating temperature is 1650 C and 1050 C for the first and second modes, respectively.

Kolner KGG

The compact tool with an ergonomic handle and low weight is designed for long-term continuous work, and a convenient 2-meter long cord makes it mobile. Kolner KGG heats up to a maximum temperature of 1650 C in just one and a half minutes. The set includes 2 attachments for different types of work. 11 mm glue sticks are used, which are included in the kit in the amount of 2 pieces. Despite all the advantages, Kolner KGG has a low price.

Master Hand

This is the most budget representative of the class of such instruments. Distributed through the Fix Price chain of stores. Master Hand will be an excellent choice for beginning needlewomen. Despite its extremely low price, it copes with its functions well. Supplied in a transparent blister, only the gun itself is included. Rods for it can also be purchased at the Fix Price store.

UHU Creative

This device makes it easy to bond heat-sensitive surfaces. The operating temperature is 110 0 C, this allows it to be used for working with rubber, thin plastic and other heat-sensitive materials.

Hobby and Pro DS-040

An inexpensive model that is also suitable for beginners. A special feature of the Hobby and Pro DS-040 is the increased wear resistance of its heating element; the gun will serve faithfully for a long time.

Tool selection criteria for minor repair work

For minor repairs, the parameters for choosing a heat gun are similar, but there are some nuances:

• weight of the product: if you have to glue something for a long time, holding the gun suspended, then the weight of a professional or battery-powered tool is not always justified;
• it is important to think about how convenient a glue gun will be for a certain type of work: for decorating ceilings, battery-powered ones are simply irreplaceable, and for rare gluing, you can buy a regular one with a cord;
• type of rods: it is better to buy specialized ones, suitable for gluing certain materials, than simple universal ones;
• A glue gun with a long spout or replaceable nozzles will help you get into hard-to-reach places.

Rating of the best models

There is no ideal glue gun for crafts or a professional repair tool. Almost all worthy branded and reliable Chinese models have drawbacks. Some are easy to fix, for example, replacing a short cord with a long one or equipping it with a power button on the plug. Not a single manufacturer has been able to solve the problem of glue leakage 100%.

Dremel Glue Gun 930

The penultimate model in terms of rated power and size (910, 920, 930, 940) from the line of glue guns for handicrafts from the manufacturer of small household appliances. Assembly Taiwan. This heat gun has earned the top spot in the ranking thanks to a number of advantages. Convenient primarily for heat gluing small parts, because Low output of 5 g/min allows very small, neat droplets to be delivered through the nozzle. But it is also quite suitable for repair work.

Advantages:

• adjustment of nozzle heating in 2 modes (low temperature 105 ℃ produces glue in thick drops, and high temperature 165 ℃ practically pours a molten rod);
• warming up faster than stated 5 minutes;
• The set includes 12 rods with a diameter of 7 mm and a maximum length of 10 cm (3 for mode 1, 3 for mode two, and 6 colored or with glitter);
• no glue drips;
• light weight, i.e. ideal glue gun for crafts;
• there is a bracket for installation on a table;
• viewing window;
• high-quality assembly;
• The handle does not heat up.

Flaws:

• small rods;
• the cord overhangs, and the gun falls on its side.

Metabo KE 3000

A professional tool, which is chosen for repair work and for handicrafts. But be sure to pay attention to the assembly: Hungary is better, because... There are a lot of complaints about the Turkish assembly. A very powerful 200 W, accordingly, warms up instantly, and not in 6 minutes. You can use larger 30 cm rods, not just the standard 20 cm.

Advantages:

• large maximum temperature 200℃;
• the handle does not overheat;
• the nozzle heats up quickly;
• drip protection;
• there is a bracket for installation on a table;
• long cord 1.9 m;
• control over glue residue.

Flaws:

• the diameter of standard components is slightly more than 11 mm;
• there is no long spout and nozzles for repair work;
• no start indication.

Hammer GN-05

An inexpensive glue gun that can be used for work and is suitable for handicrafts and home repairs. For the money, this is an excellent, powerful tool with a high output of 20 g/min. With a power of 80 W it really produces heating up to 170-190 ℃. It is very convenient that there are replaceable nozzles. If the glue leaks and hardens, a replaceable nozzle will save the device.

Advantages:

• powerful and with good performance;
• there are 2 replaceable nozzles (additional spout);
• bracket-stand;
• 11.2 mm rods 10 cm long can be replaced with 11 mm 30 cm analogues;
• non-return valve for anti-drip protection;
• the handle does not overheat;
• viewing window;

Flaws:

• turning off only from the socket;
• control is necessary to ensure that the nozzle does not flood during breaks in work;
• short cord 1 m.

ELITECH PCL 5015K

A reliable device that is worth the money. The Chinese factory build quality of the tool allows even craftsmen to work with its parameters and components. The main advantage is the ability to charge from the stand. Everything is folded into a convenient storage case, which contains:

• the glue gun itself for needlework;
• a stand with a glue collection, to which the power cord is also connected;
• adhesive components 11.2 mm long 10 cm 6 pcs;
• 2 replaceable attachments for different types of work (flattened and beveled);
• instructions.

Advantages:

• reliable, up to 4 years warranty;
• powerful 500 W;
• temperature adjustment from 150℃ to 200℃;
• good performance 15 g/min;
• can work without a power cord;
• viewing window;
• very fast heating 2-3 minutes;
• the handle does not overheat.

Flaws:

• glue leaks during downtime;
• there is no power button, start only from the plug;
• heavy, it’s inconvenient to put it on and take it off the stand with one hand.

BOSCH PKP 18 E

Branded glue gun from a famous German manufacturer. Very comfortable and ergonomic, thought out to the smallest detail. Small disadvantages common to all heat guns and the price are its only disadvantages, because... This is still not a professional device. Ideal for repairs due to its long spout, and you can choose it for needlework because... produces neat drops.

Advantages:

• quality of workmanship and materials;
• assembly Romania;
• guarantee from a well-known brand;
• high productivity 20 g/min;
• The set includes 11 mm rods 20 cm long (they can be replaced with 30 cm) and an additional nozzle;
• long nose;
• powerful 200 W, therefore it produces the declared heating up to 200 ℃;
• does not flow intermittently, except for drops from glue residue in the nozzle;
• rod length control through the window;
• bracket-stand;
• the handle does not heat up.

Flaws:

• no power button;
• glue leaks slightly from the long spout;
• the price is too high compared to full analogues assembled at the same plant;
• no case;
• short stiff cord.

BLACK+DECKER BDCGG12N-XJ

A well-known company has released a series of household power tools that operate on a 12V battery, suitable for all devices in the series. This heat gun also runs on this battery. But the manufacturer does not provide it in the kit; the battery and charger will have to be purchased separately.

Advantages:

• There is a heating temperature adjustment, maximum up to 150 ℃;
• instant heating;
• You can work for 45 minutes on one battery charge;
• long nose;
• 4 rods 7 mm 30 cm included;
• stands upright;
• viewing window;
• there is protection against overheating;
• there is an on/off button;
• readiness indication;
• the handle does not overheat;
• high-quality assembly.

Flaws:

• Expensive;
• you need to purchase an additional battery and charger from the “12 GoPack” series;
• no protection against dripping;
• leaks from the spout;
• big.

RYOBI R18GLU-0 ONE+

High quality cordless craft glue gun. Not suitable for repair because the spout leaks. Apart from this drawback and the absence of a battery and charger in the kit, everything else is standard.

Advantages:

• high-quality assembly;
• battery life 2 hours;
• warms up very quickly (1 min);
• 3 rods 11 mm 20 cm included;
• maximum heating up to 195 ℃;
• viewing window;
• Replaceable attachments from other pistols are suitable;
• the handle does not overheat.

Flaws:

• you need to buy a 18V Ryobi One+ battery and charger separately;
• flows;
• no protection against drops;
• no temperature adjustment;
• no power button;
• no start indication;
• Expensive.

STAYER MASTER 2-06801-10-07_z01

A budget Chinese device, but it doesn’t burn out after the first use. This glue gun is convenient for needlework, crafts and minor repairs. Not suitable for large volumes of work. The functions and parameters are stated to be decent, but the quality of execution does not correspond to them.

Advantages:

• the body and handle do not overheat;
• there is a bracket for stability on the table;
• Includes two 7 mm rods;
• 2 years warranty from the manufacturer.

Flaws:

• the maximum temperature of 180 ℃ with insufficient power of 10 W does not heat the nozzle well, and the glue does not set as it should;
• You cannot stop working, only unplug;
• flows if there are interruptions in work.

Bort BEK-40

Budget Chinese model of glue gun. It works, it sticks, but the quality matches the price. Suitable for home minor repairs, crafts, etc.

Advantages:

• a light weight;
• 40 W power allows the nozzle to warm up to the stated 180 ℃;
• there is a bracket for stable installation;
• rods 11 mm 2 pcs per set;
• viewing window.

Flaws:

• low productivity 8 g/min;
• glue leaks;
• no power button;
• sometimes the trigger does not push the rods, then you have to push them with your fingers;
• poor assembly;
• short cord.

Professional glue gun

The main areas of use of the tool are repair work and creativity. A hot glue gun can be more effective than using two-component mixtures or Titan glue. A professional glue gun can be used as a sealant for fastening and gluing skirting boards, plastic and foam plastic cladding panels.

Rating of glue guns for repairs:

• DeFort DGG-50N-K;
• Stavr PK-11/100;
• Steinel NEO 1 334 109;
• Dremel 910 JC;
• Bosch PKP 18 E.

Now let's look at each of them.

DeFort DGG-50N-K

A universal glue gun that is used for both construction and handicrafts. The gun is easy to use; the set includes a stand on which to place the tool during breaks during long work. DeFort DGG-50N-K heats up to maximum temperature in 2 minutes.

Stavr PK-11/100

Stavr PK-11/100 does not have temperature settings; it is also powered from the electrical network. The diameter of the glue sticks is 11 mm, the device heats up to 1800 C in about a minute. For comfortable operation, the power cord is 2 meters long. The kit includes 2 glue sticks.

Steinel NEO 1 334 109

A special feature of this electric pistol is its shape. Made in the form of a cylinder, which has a positive effect on certain types of work. It heats up to a maximum temperature of 1700 C in 15 seconds. It has a built-in battery designed for 30 minutes of continuous operation, with charging from a micro USB port. The set includes 3 rods with a diameter of 7 mm.

Dremel 910 JC

A simple compact tool, the diameter of the rods used is 7 mm. Heating time to maximum temperature, which is 1650 C, is 5 minutes. Includes 3 rods. Dremel has long been known to customers for its compact engravers. The word “dremel” has even become a common noun when referring to electric engravers. The pistol has a low price.

Bosch PKP 18

Powerful heat gun with heating up to 2000 C in 7 minutes. Rods with a diameter of 11 mm are used. Thanks to the long nozzle, it allows you to do fine work or pour hot glue into small cracks and gaps, using it as a sealant. Bosch is known on the Russian market as a supplier of reliable tools.