Learning to use a glue gun with sticks; main points

What is a glue gun and what is it for?

The second name of the tool in question is a heat gun. This name appeared because the tool has the appearance of a firearm, and glue sticks are used as cartridges. In order for this device to start gluing, it is necessary to expose the glue sticks to high temperature, which is why you need a heat gun.

A hot-melt gun is a tool for gluing different materials. With its help, you can connect not only homogeneous, but also dissimilar materials, namely:

Wood
Metal (such as a chipped piece of a designer piece)
Glass
Artificial and natural stone
Polymer materials
Fabrics
Concrete, gypsum and similar materials

Having such a tool in your household, you can quickly and easily solve any problem of restoring the integrity of parts and products. Most needlewomen use tools for making crafts, which not only simplifies the task, but also increases reliability. What does a heat gun consist of? The device consists of the following parts:

The body is shaped like a firearm - made of heat-resistant and impact-resistant plastic. Cheap analogues are made from ordinary plastic, so don’t be surprised if the tool breaks easily
Trigger - serves to supply the next portion of molten (liquid) glue. This trigger is also called a carousel trigger
Pusher - this part is located inside the tool. A trigger is connected to the pusher, thereby moving the glue rods to the heating chamber. On the back there is a hole of the appropriate diameter into which glue sticks are installed or charged
The guide coupling is the part of the mechanism that is connected to the heating chamber. The coupling serves to prevent displacement of the cylindrical rod when it is fed to the thermoelement
A thermoelement, heating element or heating chamber is one of the main devices of the tool in which the rod melts. The melting point depends on the power and ranges from 105 to 250 degrees. In addition to power, it is also necessary to take into account the heating rate of this chamber
Power cord - a cable through which the instrument is connected to an outlet
Nozzle - a nozzle or tip on a tool through which molten liquid glue flows out
The stand is a special design that allows you to place the device in the correct position while the thermocouple is heating up

Glue guns are produced in different qualities, and therefore they are classified into household and professional. Household appliances cost from 200 rubles and are often used for making crafts. Such a price for household heat guns is because they are made from low-quality components, so they do not last long. Professional devices cost 5 times more, but they will last a long time, even if they are used daily.

Many people don’t understand why a heat gun is needed until they try to seal different parts with it. Moreover, this tool is convenient to use not only at home, but also on the farm. The options for its use are as follows:

Bonding tiles or ceramic utensils
Provides reliable connection of linoleum to concrete and other surfaces
Adhesion of foam and wood materials when installed as skirting boards
Gluing fabric, paper, plastic and other materials for handicrafts
Joining fabrics and gluing buttons
Gluing Christmas toys or making them
Sealing connections
Joining glass, as well as gluing broken ceramic products

Everything that previously had to be disposed of if its integrity was damaged can now be glued together in a simple way and in just 5 minutes. Hot-melt adhesive is also called universal, which is due to its unlimited abilities.

This is interesting!
The instrument appeared relatively recently and has gained mass popularity, which is associated not only with its low cost, but also with its capabilities. Such a tool will be appreciated not only by housewives, needlewomen and craftsmen, but also by car enthusiasts when it is necessary to glue a fallen badge on the hood or repair cracks on a bumper.

TOP best models

DEFORT DGG-50N-K

This model is suitable for handicrafts and small household repairs. Its versatility makes it very popular. Manufacturer: Germany, but production facilities are located in China. Heating occurs in approximately 2 minutes.

Here are the main advantages of this device:

Light weight.
The small number of additional functions makes the tool reliable.
Stylish design.

The diameter of the rods is 11 mm.
Productivity 14 grams per minute.
3 year warranty.

The package includes 6 additional rods, 2 replacement nozzles and a plastic stand. Works from the mains, but the wire can be disconnected if necessary. Among the shortcomings, users note that the storage suitcase is not very convenient.

STAVR PK-11/100

This model is characterized by low cost and good technical characteristics.

The advantages include the following:

Heating time 1 minute.
Weight 390 grams.
There is a readiness indicator.

Productivity 16 grams per minute.
The diameter of the rods is 11 mm.
High reliability indicators.

Among the shortcomings is the lack of a temperature controller. However, this device is popular due to its nice design and ease of operation. The manufacturer is located in China, and the average price is only 600 rubles.

STEINEL NEO 1 334 109

This is a well-known glue gun from a reliable German manufacturer. A unique company allows you to create small seams, which is often critical during professional use.

Here are the advantages of this glue gun:

Unique shape.
Can be used for domestic purposes and professionally.
The diameter of the rods is 7 mm.
Good overview of the workspace.

The presence of a battery that lasts for 30 minutes of continuous operation.
Automatic shutdown.
Light weight - 150 grams.
Glue supply after pressing a small button.

Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that the price of the device is about 3,000 rubles, and the battery needs to be charged within three hours. However, this is one of the most budget models that can be used in the professional field.

DREMEL 910 JC

An American model with excellent quality characteristics.

Here are the main advantages of this glue gun:

Comfortable handle.
Availability of a stand.
Heats up quickly.

Light weight.
Maintains a temperature of 165 degrees.
Universal use.

However, American gadgets are expensive in Russia, since transportation costs are quite high. The average price is 1,500 rubles.

BOSCH PKP 18 E

This company provides reliable equipment using the highest quality parts. The service life of the heat gun is quite long.

The advantages include:

Maintains a temperature of 200 degrees.
Ergonomic design.
Productivity 20 grams per minute.
Availability of anti-drip system.
Fast heating.

Long power cord.
Can be used in hard to reach places.
The case does not heat up during operation.
Metal tip.
Uniform distribution of glue.

Among the shortcomings, users note only the high cost. Therefore, the tool is used only in the professional field, where you can get high quality work and operation for a long time.

HOBBY AND PRO DS-040

This model is often used for needlework. Although, it can be used in other household areas. The cost is about 700 rubles, and production is located in Russia.

The main advantages include:

Ergonomic design.
Affordable price.
Availability of a convenient stand.

Leakage protection.
High wear resistance.

The housing becomes hot during operation. After a while you will have to turn off the device, as it becomes very hot. Therefore, it is better not to use this model for repairs.

MILWAUKEE C18 PCG/310С

This is one of the most powerful professional models you can buy on the market. It is used specifically in construction; it is rarely used for domestic purposes due to the high price of the device.

The advantages include:

Availability of battery.
Anti-drip system.
Possibility to adjust the glue feed speed.
The diameter of the rods is 7 mm.

Ergonomic design.
Availability of a stand.
High mobility of the device.

But there are also several disadvantages. In particular, the device requires regular recharging. And the presence of a number of additional functions significantly increases the weight of the tool, making it difficult to use for a long time.

Kolner KGG

The device is designed to work with uneven surfaces. It is usually used to glue rhinestones, but can also be used in everyday life. Drops of glue come out in doses so as not to leave unnecessary streaks. This is especially true when working with clothing.

Here are the advantages of this model:

Heating temperature 165 degrees.
Mains powered.
Heating time is about 5 minutes.

Small size and light weight.
Easy to use.

Among the disadvantages, users note limited use and lack of temperature control. But those who are often forced to work with rhinestones, as a rule, choose this particular model.

HAMMER GN– 06

This device has several replaceable attachments and can be used at home and professionally. Often chosen to perform various tasks.

Here are the positive qualities users note:

Availability of replaceable nozzles.
Can be used in household and professional areas.
Mains and battery operation.
There are additional attachments that can be purchased separately.
Heating time is about 3 minutes.
Heating temperature 200 degrees.
Productivity 25 grams per minute.

Convenient stand.
You can continue working for a while after turning off the tool.
Versatility.
Electronic control.
Built-in stabilizer.
Convenient suitcase for storage.

However, the cost of this model is constantly increasing, given its popularity. Using a gun, seams located in hard-to-reach areas of the crack are filled and sealed. It is also purchased for construction work at home or on a professional basis.

These are the main glue guns used this year. But we must take into account that the market is constantly evolving, new tools appear. Therefore, in a couple of months this list may no longer be relevant, as something much better than the one given here will appear. It is recommended to consider how the device will be used to choose the best option. If you are not well versed in technical specifications, you can contact the specialists in the store, indicating to them your budget and task. They will select several optimal models.

On what principle does the tool work?

The operating principle of the heat gun is extremely simple and uncomplicated. Even a child can understand how the tool works, because everything is simple here. Glue sticks are useless in their solid state, so to use them for their intended purpose, you must melt them. This can be done without a special device, but using a glue gun improves not only the convenience of the work, but also the quality of the manipulations performed.

Let's find out step by step how the heat gun works:

The glue stick is fed into the chamber
The chamber is heated by the heating element to the appropriate temperature limits
In the heated chamber, the glue stick gradually melts, and liquid glue flows out of the nozzle, which is applied to the surface

Everything is extremely simple and easy. The tool must be used exclusively with special glue sticks, which are as inexpensive as the tool itself. Manufacturers produce not only corded glue guns, but also battery-powered ones, which are not only convenient to use away from electricity, but also safe. Cordless heat guns operate from autonomous power sources, which are lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium cells.

This is interesting!
Portable glue guns are more expensive than networked ones, which is due to the use of an autonomous power source. In addition, they are additionally equipped with chargers.

Decoration of interior items

Using hot glue you can make exclusive New Year's toys.

Christmas ball

To complete this craft you will need:

Christmas tree decorations of different sizes;
glue gun;
paints of different colors.

A pattern is applied in random order to the surface of the Christmas tree decoration using a glue gun. To add maximum originality, you can draw a flower, a bird or any other ornament on the toy. It will turn out very beautiful if you tint the toy. The base will be one color, and the convex pattern will be another.

Case for phone

Young fashionistas can decorate their phone.

You will need:

glue gun;
acrylic paint;
rhinestones.

A random pattern is applied to the back panel with hot glue. You can give it a certain color using acrylic paint. This procedure must be carried out with a very thin brush.

While the glue is still wet, you can attach rhinestones for decoration.

When making this decoration, be careful not to allow a drop of hot glue to get on the camera or speaker.

A huge number of photographs of various decoration options can be found on the Internet.

How to use a glue gun correctly according to the instructions

Having an idea of what a heat gun is and what it is needed for, you need to take time to study the features of its use. After all, many people immediately after purchasing a new tool do not read the instructions, but start using it. And only after the device begins to malfunction, do they grab the instructions and try to find out what is the cause of the breakdown.

Before using the glue gun, you need to check its integrity. To do this, you do not need to disassemble it, but carry out an external visual inspection. Devices are produced by many manufacturers, so each manufacturer gives its own recommendations for use. It will not be superfluous to read the instructions, which will prevent damage to the tool or injury to a person. If you purchased a tool that you have not used before, then the instructions for using the heat gun are as follows:

Insert the glue stick into the special hole on the back of the gun. Please keep in mind that sticks come in different diameters, and you need to choose them specifically for your instrument.
Place the device on the stand
Plug in and wait 5 minutes. The waiting time depends on the power of the device, since professional models warm up in 2-3 minutes, while low-power household models warm up longer
After five minutes, you can pick up the device and, pressing the trigger, apply liquid glue to the surface

If ordinary household appliances do not have any indication, then professional ones are usually supplemented with the following elements:

Power button in the form of a toggle switch
The red indicator indicates that the device is connected to the network
Green indicator - lights up when the tool is ready for use
Temperature regulator - this device changes the power, through which the melting speed of the glue increases or decreases
Replaceable nozzles. They differ in the diameter of the conical hole. A large hole increases the consumption of glue, while a small hole, on the contrary, is used, for example, when applying glue and then gluing decorative elements, buttons, rhinestones, etc.

What type of tool is best to buy for your home depends on how often you plan to use it and for what purposes. If periodically, to restore the integrity of damaged products, then a household tool will do, but for needlewomen it is better to buy a professional-type glue gun, since it not only lasts longer, but also allows you to adjust the melting temperature of the glue, which is important when making various crafts.

This is interesting!
Using glue guns is not difficult, and regardless of whether it is household or professional, the principle of their use is the same.
Despite the ease of use of the devices, they can only be given to children under the supervision of parents, and in no case should they be left unsupervised. The video below shows how reliable connections with a glue gun are.

How to use a hot glue gun correctly

First, insert the rod, and then connect the device to power. Approximately you need to wait about 5 minutes: the heating time is affected by the brand of the model, the diameter of the rod, and power. All this can be learned from the instructions included in the kit.

As soon as the first drop appears, you can try to quietly press the trigger - the glue that appears on the cut of the nozzle notifies you that the device is ready for use.

Advice! Everything that needs to be glued should already be at hand, since the operating time of the unit is about 20 minutes. If the power is weak, then the work needs to be done faster.

About glue sticks or sticks - what they are and how to use them without guns

A glue stick is a cylindrical oblong stick, which today is sold not only in specialized stores. These sticks consist of an adhesive composition, but in order to prevent them from sticking together prematurely, they contain a hardener. This hardener loses its properties when exposed to high temperatures, which is very convenient to use. The rods have different lengths, thicknesses and even colors, which is done specifically so that everyone can choose the necessary material depending on the technological task.

First, let's figure out what colors glue sticks are and what materials they are used for:

Transparent - the most popular, allowing you to glue glass, metal, tiles, paper, etc. Their main advantage is that after use, they leave virtually no traces. Transparent sticks are popular for needlework
White - used for connecting plastic, cables, tiles, tiles and other white products
Black - used for bonding leather and carpeting
Yellow - allows you to glue wood, cardboard, paper, and other similar materials

In addition to standard colors, there are also sticks consisting of several colors or with glitter. They are usually used for drawing various figures when making crafts. If the tool is used only for gluing around the house, then ordinary transparent rods will do, but for needlework you will have to stock up on sticks of different colors.

The length of the glue sticks affects how long the tool will last. If you do handicrafts or glue linoleum, then it is recommended to choose long rods. In cases where you need to glue or grease, it is better to buy short rods. Manufacturers produce them in lengths from 40 mm to 200 mm. The shorter the rod, the more often you have to install new ones, which is inconvenient, for example, when making crafts.

When purchasing, the seller will ask a question about what diameter of the rods are needed? All household appliances have a mounting hole of 7 mm, and professional ones have 7 mm and 11 mm. There are others, for example 9 mm, 12 mm, but they are rare. Typically, the diameter of the rods that can be installed in a specific device model is indicated in the instructions. It is impossible to install a rod with a diameter of 7 mm into an 11 mm hole, since the pusher will not be able to push it forward.

This is interesting!
Manufacturers produce tools with different hole sizes for installing glue sticks. Thermal guns of 7 mm and 11 mm are popular, which must be taken into account when purchasing consumables.

What materials can be glued

The glue gun is widely used, which is explained by the versatility of the polyurethane from which the glue sticks are made. The adhesive composition begins to melt at a temperature of +105 degrees Celsius and is suitable for gluing any materials that can withstand such heat.

Let us separately highlight the features of high-temperature polyurethane rods, the melting point of which is +150 degrees. They are used if the parts being processed will subsequently experience elevated temperatures, for example, if they are located near a heater or battery.

Polyurethane adhesive is suitable for joining the following materials:

textile. Leather, silk, linen, cotton fabric and others. The exception is synthetics that are susceptible to high temperatures;
tree. Almost any wood is suitable, even wood waste;
rubber;
cork;
plastic. You can work with polymers: polyethylene (with or without reinforcement), polypropylene and so on;
ceramics;
faience;
glass;
metal;
paper;
cardboard;
stone. Both artificial and natural.

Each material has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account. For example, when working with metal parts, the gluing area will have to be additionally heated with a hairdryer, otherwise the glue will not stick to the cold surface. This is explained by the high thermal conductivity of the base, due to which the applied glue immediately polymerizes.

There are also subtleties when processing ceramics - the area to be glued is processed with sandpaper, which will allow you to remove the top layer of glaze, after which it is cleaned of dust.

Features of choosing glue sticks

Glue sticks come in several colors. The color of the rod determines what material it is suitable for:

transparent - universal, suitable for any materials;
white opaque - glass and metal;
yellow transparent - wood, cardboard, paper;
black or gray - used as sealant and insulation, they have a high melting point.

The exception is decorative glue sticks of different colors and textures. They are universal and their color is purely decorative - to make the craft beautiful or to match the color of the glue to the color of the parts being glued.

Subtleties of work

As an example, let's look at how to glue linoleum with a heat gun. This flooring material is popular due to its availability, practicality and abrasion resistance. But when laying it, you should achieve high-quality tightness and invisibility of the joints, which cannot be done with ordinary glue. Here, a glue gun is useful for sealing the joints.

Gluing the floor covering with a hot glue gun

The work is carried out as follows:

We cut through to the base of the edge of the material.
We clean the linoleum from dust and dirt.
Fill the gun with adhesive.
We connect the tool to the network and fill the joints with hot glue.
Remove excess glue before it hardens.

The glue gun also finds other uses in everyday life, thanks to its valuable quality - the glue sets quickly. It takes about 3 minutes to dry, whereas liquid nails and sealants take hours.

Hot glue is suitable for connecting utility elements. It also acts as a good sealant, where the seams completely harden within 10 - 15 minutes. To dismantle the structure, you will have to reheat the glue. The connection receives a strong structure that does not change after years. The heat gun is also popular for outdoor work, since the mass used will not deteriorate under the influence of the sun, frost or precipitation.

Hot glue can be used to firmly fix the baseboard or door casing. But, if you need to connect the ends of a long polyurethane molding, it will not be the best choice. The fact is that if you slightly change the humidity and temperature parameters of the molding, its structure will change - it will shrink, which can lead to peeling of the glue. Therefore, it is important not only to be able to use a glue gun, but also to know for which structures it is suitable.

Gluing the baseboard with a glue gun

The tool is also popular in the furniture industry. Using hot glue, fabric and decor are fixed, finishing elements are attached, and much more. You can even glue shoes with a hot glue gun.

How to use a glue stick without a heat gun

It often happens that you urgently need to use glue, but you don’t want to turn on the heat gun. It happens that there is no electricity, the glue gun is broken, it is difficult to reach the place where the glue is glued, or the sticks were purchased without a device. It is quite possible to use them without using a specialized tool, and there are different ways to do this. Consider these methods:

The easiest option is to take a regular candle. Place the glue stick over the fire and hold it for 2-3 minutes until liquid glue begins to drip. Point it in the desired direction to ensure further gluing of parts
Construction hair dryer - they have a high temperature, so they will melt the rod quite quickly. To do this, you should place the stick on the surface and point the barrel of the hair dryer at it, and it is not at all necessary to turn on the tool at maximum power
A soldering iron or torch is another way to melt glue stick without using a gun.

There are enough ways, and if there is a need to use a glue stick without special tools, then it is not at all difficult to do.

How to use a rod without a device

If the consumables remain, but the device is broken, then you can still try to glue it together. You can achieve the required melting temperature of the polymer by heating it with a gas burner, electric stove, or using a hair dryer, candle, or soldering iron.

You can apply glue to the part with any suitable object, for example, an awl or a screwdriver. A metal tool is best because it won't melt.

The rod needs to be brought, for example, to a candle. Then take the required amount of glue with an awl, heat it again and apply it to the prepared element. Of course, a pistol cannot compare with this method, but if you urgently need it, you can try it.

How to choose the right glue gun and what influences power

In addition to cost and appearance, which must be taken into account when choosing a heat gun, it is advisable to pay attention to one more main parameter - power. The higher the indicator, the more electricity the gun consumes. This is a drawback, however, the higher this indicator, the faster the rod will melt, which means you won’t have to wait long for the heating element to warm up. Before choosing a glue gun for your home or household, you should find out what power they come with and which one is best to buy.

From 30 W to 150 W - these are cheap household guns, the warm-up time of which reaches 5 minutes. Household devices also do not have built-in regulators, so after connecting them to the network, you must wait until the heating chamber warms up
From 150 W to 500 W - usually such heat guns on the market are presented in professional versions. In addition to built-in regulators, such devices have the ability to quickly warm up. This is a separate option that works according to the following scheme - after turning on the device, its power briefly increases to the maximum value, which allows you to warm up the camera in up to 1 minute. After the chamber warms up, the power is reduced to the set or specified value

The presence of a regulator allows you not only to use the tool for connecting different materials from paper to tiles, but also eliminates the rapid melting of the rod when a break or pause is made. To do this, you need to set the regulator to the minimum mode and install the device on a special stand.

This is interesting!
The higher the power of the equipment, the higher the melting temperature, respectively. On professional models, the melting temperature reaches 300 degrees.

Scope of application of the glue gun

The hot-melt gun connects different manufacturing materials, from paper to glass and wood.

The scope of application of the product expands to synthetic, plastic materials and metal. It is difficult to find a material that would not succumb to the effects of a glue gun.

Important! The heat gun and its operating principle provide 100% protection of the main product from moisture and the negative effects of UV rays, which automatically increases its service life.

What you need to know when choosing heat guns for creativity

First, you need to decide for what purpose you plan to use the device - constant use or periodically from time to time. Based on this, you can decide what type of tool to choose - household or professional. Professional ones are more expensive, but at the same time they have wide functionality and great capabilities. When choosing any type of heat gun, you need to pay attention to the following factors:

Power - the more the better, but it makes no sense to buy high-power devices that you plan to use to glue paper or other similar materials
The speed of reaching operating temperature - in professional devices this time is 15-40 seconds, and in household devices up to 5 minutes. When doing needlework, it is not always necessary for the glue to melt quickly, since it takes time to arrange the decorative elements
The presence of a power regulator - the most primitive regulator looks like a switch. The need for such a regulator arises when work is carried out with dissimilar materials from paper to concrete
Availability of replacement nozzles - if they are not included with the device, you can buy them separately. The need to use different nozzles almost always arises, since a nozzle with a thick hole applies glue when gluing large surfaces, and a nozzle with a thin hole is used for working with small parts
Nozzle type - choose models with nozzles that are coated with a silicone base
Power type: mains or battery. The latter option is more effective, but has one drawback. When the battery is low, you need to take a break to charge it
Cable length - inexpensive device models have short cords, the length of which does not exceed 50 cm, which is very short. Professional models have cords from 1 to 2 meters long
The diameter of the hole for glue sticks - if this is a low-power tool, then it is better to choose it with a 7 mm hole. A low-power device will take a long time to melt a thick rod, so the power and diameter of the glue sticks must be appropriate

Knowing the main points, choosing a heat gun for your home is not difficult. Having the device at home, it will also not be difficult to master its use, especially if you read the instructions.

What can be glued with a hot glue gun?

A hot gun is an excellent alternative to PVA glue, stationery glue, carpentry glue, and even instant glue. It glues reliably, allows you to assemble the structure quickly and, if necessary, correct defects. In addition to convenience and practicality, the use of a heat gun differs favorably from other methods in the absence of harmful evaporation and the resistance of the adhesive layer to water.

The device can be used to connect the following types of surfaces:

Wooden.
Metal.
Ceramic.
Leather.
Textile.
Plastic.
Paper ones.
Cardboard ones.
Stone.
MDF.
Chipboard.

An extensive list of materials makes it possible to implement the most daring solutions for arranging the home interior, handmade items, and crafts for children. You can glue small elements such as rhinestones, glitter, beads to any base.

The strength of the glue will not be enough if you need to fix a surface that will be used intensively. For example, the toes of sneakers that have come off. You can try to glue it on urgently if you can’t go to a workshop or buy new ones. But such shoe repairs will not last long.

A hot gun is not suitable for gluing high-traffic surfaces Source pixabay.com

Using the tool on gypsum, concrete, and cement surfaces is not very effective. If necessary, it should be primed or painted. Then gluing will be more effective.

Important points when using a heat gun - charging, heating and replacing rods

Learning to use the device is not difficult, but in the process of using it, additional questions almost always arise, such as when to insert a new stick, how to understand that the device is ready for use, or how to hold it correctly during a break. These questions need to be sorted out so that during the work process you don’t have to look for answers in the instructions or in search engines all over the Internet. When using a glue gun, the following important factors must be taken into account:

Some models of guns do not have a switch, so immediately after plugging the plug into the socket, they begin to work
Plug the plug into the socket or switch the toggle switch to operating mode only after the device has been charged with a glue stick. If you turn on the device without a glue stick, the heating element will overheat and fail. The exception is professional pistols, which have a built-in overheat protection option.
If the device does not have a light indication, then you can understand that it is ready for use by touching the plastic case near the barrel
You can monitor the consumption of glue sticks using a special window, which is available on all models of the devices in question.
The amount of liquid glue to be squeezed out depends on the degree to which the trigger is pressed.
After applying the glue to the surface, its hardening time is 2-3 minutes. During this time, you can adjust the position of the parts to be glued as necessary
When taking breaks, the gun should be placed on a stand. All models have a stand that differs in design. The nozzle is directed downwards
During a break, it is necessary to place a substrate on the nozzle of the gun on which the glue will drip
During a break, it is also necessary to reduce the power to the minimum value
When gluing, it is recommended to preheat metal parts with a hairdryer
When the glue stick is no longer pushed by the trigger, you need to insert the next one, which will push the previous one
When the work comes to an end, you should unplug the device from the network, and then squeeze out the glue until it still melts. As soon as the glue stops leaking, the gun can be placed on the stand. There is no need to remove the wand from the gun
If during operation it is necessary to replace the rod (by color), then you should remove the installed one and install another one in its place

All these recommendations will help eliminate the occurrence of errors during the operation of the device in question. Only after the user learns how to use the gun can it be used to perform any type of work. It is recommended to practice beforehand.

Independent products

3D printers have become very popular lately. The process of making the simplest and most complex products with them is equally exciting. But there are also disadvantages, for example, high cost.

At the same time, you can make many planar and even three-dimensional figures of similar properties and quality using a much more affordable hot glue gun. With him, this process will become not only spectacular, but also quite creative!

Here are some simple but very interesting glue gun crafts for beginners.

Snowflakes

If you do handicrafts with your child, start with something very simple, for example, a snowflake. This craft is unlikely to disappoint, and if you like it, you can make them as much as you like!

Materials:

smooth paper or cellophane;
gun and glue sticks;
acrylic varnish or paint;
glitter or artificial snow.

Process:

sketch the future fluffy beauty on paper;
carefully draw its outline with glue;
wait a few minutes for the snowflake to dry and start decorating;
take varnish or paint and lubricate the surface of the workpiece;
without waiting for it to dry, sprinkle it with glitter, then you can fix the result with a building compound or nail polish;
if you use snow in a can, the process is even simpler: spray and dry;
After completing all the work and drying, peel the finished snowflake from the paper or cellophane.

New Year decoration

Various New Year's decorations are another option for creative leisure in making crafts with a glue gun for beginners. Here are some options for inspiration:

Flat “balls” for the Christmas tree. They are made using the same principle as snowflakes, and the process is also very exciting!
Icicles and garlands of them. You can do it without a diagram, letting your imagination run wild. Where to use it? Decorate a window or windowsill, make a garland for the Christmas tree, or use it to decorate another craft!.. We are sure that you will come up with several more great options!
Details of a carnival costume. A crown or decorations for little princesses and brave knights for a New Year's party costume and more can be made using a glue gun. They may not be very durable, but they will do their job perfectly and will not require significant investment.

Perhaps this budget idea will be useful not only for mothers, but also for creative individuals preparing for a corporate event or presenting an image for a creative exhibition!

Shapes by layouts

If you are a fan of easy-to-make decor, easy crafts using a glue gun and a ready-made three-dimensional layout will definitely suit your taste! Here's what you can do!

Phone case or bumper. Use a silicone case as a base; you can put a stencil in it or let your imagination take flight! The result will definitely please you, and the process will bring a lot of positive emotions. By the way, multi-colored or shiny glue sticks will come in handy for this idea. If you get good at making it, this craft is also an excellent individual gift!
Decoration for the cover of a notebook or notepad. The principle is the same: you can draw a template, or you can create without restrictions. The final result can be painted with acrylic compounds. Then no one will ever guess how you managed to achieve such beauty!
Sophisticated crafters will love decorating a bottle, jar or any other plastic object with hot glue. The main thing here is not to overdo it! Neat and delicate patterns will look stylish, but an overabundance of chaotic lines and crosshairs will only ruin everything.

Vase

Have you practiced a little and want to create a more complex creative craft? Then start with a vase! Naturally, you can’t put fresh flowers in such a vessel, but dried or artificial flowers in it will be even more pleasing to the eye. This is also an excellent and budget-friendly craft option for school and garden!

Manufacturing:

you will need a vase for the base of a simple and smooth shape, preferably glass, lubricate it with cream, so your product will better lag behind the template;
apply glue to the bottom, completely covering it, this will be more stable;
then, moving from bottom to top, cover the entire surface of the vase with intersecting patterns, do not forget to make a rim on top;
when everything has frozen well, carefully and slowly separate the vase from the base;
You can decorate it with sparkles or paints, it will only be better.

Candlestick

Following the same principle as with the vase, you can make a candlestick from glue. It will be purely decorative, because the flame of a candle can melt it no worse than wax. But you can put a battery-powered candle in it. It will turn out very beautiful!

Or you can decorate a finished candlestick made of glass, clay or other material, for example, by creating the effect of wax smudges along its edge or by drawing mysterious patterns... Everything is in your hands!

Each person, if he gets a little creative, can come up with at least several dozen hot-melt adhesive products that will delight him and his loved ones and make life easier in some way!

Safety precautions when operating the device

It is necessary to observe safety precautions when working not only with electric, but also with hand tools. Here are a few rules that must be followed when working with a heat gun:

The instructions indicate the time of continuous operation. You especially need to know this time for household pistols so that they do not fail prematurely. Professionals are capable of working for hours, but they also have their limits.
Heating a gun without a rod is contraindicated, especially if it is a household tool that does not have built-in protection.
Always keep the network cable behind you
When working with a gun, avoid touching the nozzle, since it is the nozzle that gets very hot, since the heated glue comes into direct contact
Do not operate power tools in a damp area as there is a high risk of electric shock.
Do not pour third-party liquids inside the gun, otherwise it will break and may harm a person.
If you need to change the nozzle, you can do this after the device has cooled down.

Following safety precautions when working with a heat gun will protect you from serious injury.

How does a heat gun work?

The latest developments in tools are easy to use and maintain, the same can be said about the design of glue guns. The heat gun is represented by a body, in the inner part of which there is a hollow tube with a heating element.

Pushing the stick with polyurethane glue installed inside occurs as a result of pressing the trigger and its impact on the pushing piston mechanism. After passing through the heating element, the glue enters the nozzle, which in everyday life is called a spout.

Modern models of tools may have non-standard elongated noses, which make it possible to work in problematic, inaccessible places.
The glue is supplied under pressure, under the influence of a pneumatic system. It is this that allows you to push the viscous and viscous consistency onto the working surfaces.
For comfortable use of the heat gun and to minimize burns, manufacturers have provided a stand. It is usually purchased separately. The stand under the gun allows you to install the tool in a vertical position, making work convenient.

How to change the rod in a gun after it has cooled down

When work is completed with a glue gun, it is not necessary to remove the rod from it. The next time you need to use the device, you need to connect it to the network, and wait until it warms up, continue working. But what about the situation when the next time you need to insert a new rod of a different color? Removing the old one without preheating is strictly contraindicated, since the melted glue has frozen in the chamber, and attempts to remove it will lead to breakdown of the mechanism.

To change the glue stick, you will need to first turn on the device and, after waiting for the installed stick to warm up, you can remove it and install another one. It is not difficult to find out that you can remove an installed glue stick, since to do this you need to pull it towards you with a slight force.

This is interesting!
In order not to buy long rods, you can glue 3-4 sticks together and use the resulting structure as an elongated adhesive base.

What can you glue with a hot glue gun?

The steadily growing popularity of the device is due to its ease of use and availability of consumables. You can find out what can be glued with a glue gun with sticks by reading the list of materials that can be worked with with this tool:

paper, cardboard;

metal;

leather;

plastics;

textile;

ceramics;

stone;

tree.

The manufacturer usually indicates that it can be glued with a glue gun. In addition to the list of materials, the instruction manual offers optimal operating modes for the device when performing certain operations.

Which model of a good heat gun to choose

Today, many manufacturers are engaged in the production of the instruments in question. Some manufacturers are improving devices, expanding their functionality, while others are making devices much simpler, which affects their cost. It is almost impossible to list all the names of manufacturers of glue guns, so the material contains several models of professional-type guns that are really worth paying attention to when choosing.

The Dremel 930 is a powerful tool with a warm-up temperature of 195 degrees. This device is designed to work with rods with a diameter of 12 mm. This model is designed for use not only indoors, but also outdoors. Estimated cost 3000 rubles
Bosch PKP18E - designed for high loads, and designed to work with rods with a diameter of 12 mm. The price of this model is 3500 rubles
Zubr - Russian pistols, not inferior in quality to European ones. At the same time, their cost is 2 times less.

Knowing the main selection criteria, buying a new glue gun will not be difficult. With such a tool you will forever forget about all types of adhesives such as Moment, Elephant, Strength, etc.

Consumer Reviews

Reviews of craftsmen who are already working with certain models of heat guns can help with your choice.

Review of the Master Hand pistol:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_2911179.html

Another review about the Master Hand pistol:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_8238500.html

Review of the Dremel Glue Gun 910:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_3306370.html

Another review of the Dremel Glue Gun 910:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_6039634.html

Dremel Glue Gun 910

Review of the Hobby Pro DS 040 pistol:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/reviews/kleevoy_pistolet_hobby_pro_ds-040/

A good tool is always the key to quality work!

Specifications

The heat gun is made of heat-resistant plastic. The handle is made using non-slip inserts. The thrust bracket is made of plastic and metal.

The size and weight of the tool depends on the type and purpose of the product, which can be household or industrial. The average weight of a heat gun is 250 g, household ones weigh 150 g, industrial ones can weigh up to 1 kg or more.

According to power parameters, thermal guns are:

Low-power – up to 180 W;
Medium power – up to 300 W;
High-power - over 300 W.

Knowing these parameters, it is easy to determine the performance of the product and the expected result.