There are several ways to connect various objects and materials, but the simplest and most effective method is adhesive fixation. To use a glue gun, you need to know the general operating rules. The principle of operation is simple - the device heats up a polymer rod, which becomes plastic under the influence of temperature. Using a gun, the adhesive mass is applied to the desired area. Then the gluing itself is done.
How to use
Thermal guns are used at large furniture manufacturing enterprises, where they are used to install finishing elements on cabinets, upholstery of sofas, and armchairs. They are used in construction and the production of decorative items. When purchasing for home use, the list of operations increases. Hobbies, children's crafts, interior decoration, minor repairs are the area of application for a glue gun. You need to know the rules for using the device at home. Additional information will make the gun more effective where it can be used, and put it aside where it is inappropriate.
How to charge
Manufacturers have tried to make the operation of the device simple. The design of the pistol allows it to be loaded without additional devices, disassembly, or other operations. The simplest charge is the first one. The rod inlet and nozzle are clean. There are no traces of past work, signs of physical impact, or damage. For work, take the glue of the required brand. When purchasing, you need to know the characteristics of the rod. Products include the following types:
- Transparent. Universal rods with low melting point.
- Black. Designed for sealing joints, like sealant. They have a high melting point.
- Colored. The polymer is painted over the entire mass and the glue on the parts is not visible. Widely used in handicrafts.
- Decorative. They are used when the glue itself becomes a finishing element. May contain glitter, mother-of-pearl, and fibers.
- High temperature. Special types of glue for fixing elements that are subject to increased loads.
When purchasing, pay attention to the diameter of the rod. The most popular brands have values of 7 and 11 mm. However, products of other standards are also available for sale, for example, 8, 12 mm. The rod size specified in the instructions cannot be replaced.
As a rule, charging the glue gun itself is not difficult. The rod is inserted into the hole in the back of the device until it stops. In some models, it is necessary to advance it by repeatedly pressing the trigger until it rests on the heating chamber. Guns with a temperature indicator are convenient. A glowing diode indicates that the device continues to heat up. When the indicator goes out, you can start working.
Warm-up rules
The melting point is indicated on the packaging with the rods. If you purchased a low-power gun, then not every type of glue will work. There are models designed to work with low-temperature rods that melt at 105 °C. It is not recommended to insert consumables with a higher melting point into them. Even if the glue begins to soften, the work will be very difficult and long. Excessive pressure on the mechanical parts of the gun may cause them to break.
Features of the structure and functioning of nozzles
Damage to the coupling can be caused by trying to remove the rod after work by twisting it. Then the glue will spoil the rubber; in this case, it is better to cut off the tip of the rod to avoid such effects.
What is the name of the part of the hot glue gun through which the substance comes out? The answer is the name - the nozzle. It is necessary to regulate the size of the glue seam, determine the dosage of supply and closing the outlet of the substance. There is also a shut-off valve here, which is responsible for holding the solution so that it does not flow out excessively.
To avoid increased pressure due to overheating of the glue, the channel is not completely blocked, for this reason it is better to place some material under the tip.
There are direct-flow nozzles, but with them the glue consumption increases. It happens that different types of nozzles are attached to the device; their replacement can only be done in a heated state, when the glue is in an uncured state.
Many devices have a special window through which you can monitor the glue consumption, the condition of the rod and coupling; this addition may increase the cost. You should not place the gun on its side while heating, otherwise the temperature may damage the product on which the device rests.
The nozzle is necessary to regulate the size of the glue seam, determine the dosage of supply and close the outlet of the substance.
Safety instructions for use
The device operates on mains power, and electric current always poses a health hazard. A gun is, first and foremost, a heating device. Temperatures can reach up to 200 °C. Glue is also an energy-intensive substance. It cannot cool down instantly. In case of contact with skin, burns are inevitable. When performing certain operations where contact with heated polymer is possible, it is necessary to wear gloves, ensuring the safety of your hands.
Lifehack. During a break, between individual operations, the glue gun is left on the stand with the nozzle down, under which you can put a piece of paper, a piece of fabric, which after work can be thrown away with the remaining glue. The working surface of the stand will remain clean. The glue will not get on the floor or table.
During operation, do not reach into the body with metal objects to remove glue or correct the position of the rod. Do not touch the nozzle during operation. The very same safety precautions when working with glue are not regulated, with the exception of the heating period. When cooled, it is completely harmless, therefore it is allowed for the manufacture of interior elements and children's toys.
What threatens children and pregnant women
Synthetic adhesives pose the greatest danger. The reason for this is the content of phenol, gasoline, acetone, dichloroethane and many other toxic solvents. These include epoxy adhesives. Their use is impossible in rooms where there are children and pregnant women.
Epoxy adhesives differ from others in packaging - it always contains two tubes. Substances that make up epoxy glue cause irritation to the skin, respiratory tract and eye membranes, and negatively affect the liver and nervous system.
Polyurethane-based adhesives are no less harmful, such as Moment glue. Due to the high popularity of this brand, counterfeits containing toluene and toxic solvents are often found on store shelves. The danger of Moment glue lies in the presence of a quick-drying solvent in its composition, which negatively affects the nervous system and mucous membranes.
If you use Moment glue during pregnancy, follow safety precautions: use a petal filter, protective gloves, and thoroughly ventilate the room.
Children love to make a variety of crafts, and one of the first things they learn about is making a cone for gluing. For these purposes, in most cases, a glue stick is used. IT is made on the basis of PVA or PVP, glycerin and water. This composition is non-toxic and even with direct contact with the skin there will be no reaction. But what to do if a child bites off a glue stick? The composition of the glue does not pose a danger if it enters the stomach. The only precaution is to take an absorbent drug, for example, activated carbon and drink plenty of water. If a child has eaten the entire glue stick, gastric lavage should be done.
What the pencil consists of is not so important; it is better to pay attention to the manufacturer and the price of the product. High-quality products are produced only by well-known time-tested brands.
Problems and their solutions
Over time, some parts wear out. Most often this is the plastic from which the trigger, the advance mechanism and the o-rings in the feed coupling are made. Being in close proximity to the heating chamber, over time they lose elasticity, crack, and crumble. You can replace them yourself by cutting new seals from silicone or heat-resistant rubber. Then the glue under the pressure of the rod will again come out through the nozzles, and not through the resulting gaps or cracks into the gun body.
The nozzles need to be cleaned regularly. If the glue cannot be removed in a cold state, then the device is heated and excess polymer is removed using rags, thick paper, or cardboard. The device is inexpensive, so repairing it with replacement parts is unprofitable. The most vulnerable parts of the device are the trigger and the rod feed mechanism. During operation, the hot glue in the gun is quite mobile, so you should not press too hard on the trigger. You can damage it, or create excessive pressure in the heating chamber, which will lead to accelerated wear of the seals.
What can be glued
Hot-melt adhesive can successfully cope with various tasks of gluing objects. It is becoming an alternative option to replace many adhesives, for example, Moment. A reliable layer is created that neatly and firmly glues the elements together. The seam withstands moisture and does not emit harmful substances.
Hot glue gun that can be glued:
- Wood can replace polyurethane foam;
- Metal;
- Ceramics;
- Leather/textile;
- Paper/cardboard;
- Stone;
- MDF;
- Chipboard.
Such a variety of options for using the product makes it possible to practice different types of needlework at home; children love to create different fakes with their parents. Any parts will be securely glued together.
The adhesive is suitable for working with elements that do not require active use. Gluing shoes with a glue stick will work permanently, but this option is not suitable for quick repairs. Working with gypsum, cement, and concrete does not give a lasting result, but you can first apply a primer solution to the base or paint it, then the reliability of the adhesion will increase.
Hot-melt adhesive can successfully cope with various tasks of gluing objects.
How to change the color of the rod correctly
Often during operation it becomes necessary to replace the rod. For example, to change the color of glue for decorative finishing. To do this, turn on the device. After heating, carefully remove the rod. Insert the desired one. After the time recommended to achieve the required temperature has been maintained, the remnants of the old rod are squeezed out of the nozzle until new glue appears. It is advisable to refill with a rod of a similar brand. Then the operating mode will remain the same, and there will be no noticeable difference in texture on the finished product. You can change not only the color of the glue. You can install a rod with filler to create an original design.
Safety rules with needle, pins and scissors
In everyday life and at work, people have to use piercing and cutting tools, which can easily cause injury. To avoid injury, you must carefully and diligently adhere to established safety rules. In classes with children and adolescents, working with sharp and piercing objects becomes a special concern for adults.
Household scissors
Safety with a needle
The rules for storing and using a needle are as follows:
- the storage place for sharp objects (needles and pins) should be a special pad and box;
- the needle is wrapped in thread and stored stuck in a cushion or needle case;
- when getting down to business, take a certain number of needles and pins. After completing the lesson, you must make sure that they are available;
- during work, piercing specimens must be pierced into a prepared needle bed or secured in a pad;
- a special box should be prepared for broken needles;
- It is not recommended to use a rusty needle. The reasons are simple: it does not penetrate the fabric, rust stains remain on the work product, there is a possibility of breakage;
- Point the pointed ends of the pins away from you. When securing a pattern with material with pins, you need to remember this so as not to accidentally bump into the point of the needle while moving;
- Begin fitting by checking whether there are any sharp objects in the product.
Sewing tools
Prohibited:
- putting sharp objects in your mouth;
- fasten them to clothes, to curtains, stick them into sofas, chairs, walls, forget them in a work product.
Direct operation of the glue gun
In fact, the rod does not contain adhesives. Adhesive qualities appear only when heated. It is a waterproof polymer that, in its liquid state, can adhere to almost any surface. This is achieved with the help of a pistol. The inserted rod is brought to the melting temperature in the heating chamber and extruded through the nozzle onto the part. The mode depends on the power of the device and the brand of glue.
Preparation time for low temperature rods is about 2 minutes. Then the glue is applied to the surface. The second part is pressed and held in this position until it sets. The time may increase if a significant amount of glue is used. If it is a small drop, then a few seconds are enough. If several grams are applied, then the structure needs to be kept for up to 2 minutes. Complete cooling and set of operational characteristics occurs in approximately 5 minutes.
Power when choosing an electric heat gun
When choosing a glue gun, it is advisable to be guided by its power characteristics. You must understand that the higher the power of the heating element, the faster the glue will reach working condition.
Equipment used by professionals consumes from 300 W, devices intended for home use consume from 30 to 150 W.
There are often cases when the power developed by the device is not enough to solve the assigned tasks. In this case, there is a need for pauses necessary to create the required amount of melt. Based on the above, we can draw a simple conclusion: power consumption is an important parameter, but it is advisable to choose a device based on performance.
Some manufacturers are promoting variable power equipment on the market. That is, to obtain a melt, the heater mounted in the gun consumes 200 W, and as it reaches operating mode, it reduces it and consumes, for example, 35-40 W. The device consumes only 10-16 W in standby mode.
Professional heat gun MS200
Another subtlety regarding the technical parameters of glue guns is the operating temperature of the adhesive composition. We must always remember that it is not materials that withstand high temperatures. For example, to work with fabrics, paper and a number of polymers, it is necessary to use low-temperature compounds. Or the equipment must be equipped with the ability to select the temperature. On the market you can find equipment that can operate in two ranges of 105-165 °C. This engineering solution allows us to expand the scope of application of the hot glue gun.
What is a hot glue gun used for and how does it work?
A glue gun is a compact-sized electrical device that looks like a gun. Glue for it is used in the form of rods, different in size, markings and colors. The principle of operation is that the tool heats the glue rod located inside it, melts it and dispenses it in doses through a narrow tip.
Before you buy a hot glue gun, you should familiarize yourself with the useful information about them, which can be found below.
Thermal guns are used in everyday life for repairs and handicrafts.
What the hot glue gun glues:
- tree,
- plastic,
- metal (it is advisable to warm it up before doing this),
- glass,
- textile,
- ceramics,
- carpets,
- rubber,
- cardboard,
- paper,
- some types of plastics and others.
Thermal guns are not used for:
- polyethylene,
- foam plastic,
- thin synthetic fabrics,
- concrete,
- plaster.
The advantages of a glue gun are as follows:
- The gluing of the elements occurs instantly (1–3 minutes).
- Great for most materials.
- The connection is highly durable (the parts can only be separated by heating).
- Leaves almost no traces when removed.
- It fills voids well, impregnates, and seals seams.
- Hardens completely to the full depth (useful for sealing).
- The glue is non-toxic even in the molten state.
- The seam at the gluing site resists moisture well.
- Glue sticks have a long shelf life.
- Economical gluing (the glue is supplied from the gun very thinly, and spare glue gun refills are relatively inexpensive).
- The gun is quite safe and ergonomic (suitable even for children's creativity).
Hot glue bracelet
For an adorable hot melt glue bracelet, making glue is quick and easy. This craft will not leave your daughter indifferent and will be a wonderful gift even for an adult girl. Prepare:
- empty tin for drink;
- hot glue;
- materials for decoration - stones, sequins, sparkles, bouillons, rhinestones, beads, liquid pearls to choose from.
Follow the complete manufacturing instructions to ensure the craft is a success. First, heat the glue in the gun. Lubricate the surface of the jar with sunflower oil to prevent the glue from sticking, then apply several horizontal rings parallel to each other. Don't overdo it: the number of strips and the gap between them determine the width of the finished product. Use a heat gun to fasten the horizontal rings together by drawing vertical or zigzag lines, and additionally wrap a colored thread around the can. While the craft is still warm, decorate it with the prepared decorations. You can also use a can of spray paint to give your decoration the color you want.
When the work is finished, wait until the glue cools and hardens, then very carefully remove the craft from the container. This product will be one of the first places in the list of your best crafts.
Which model of a good heat gun should I choose?
Perhaps the best model for home needs, having balanced all the key qualities and parameters, is the Stayer Master - a budget option for working with both small details and covering large-scale surfaces.
The tool is designed for leisurely use, so you will have to wait about five minutes to reach the maximum permissible temperature. The main advantage of the device is its weight of 150 grams, so the user will not experience any inconvenience during operation and his hand will not become overtired.
What else is worth knowing about safety at home?
Sometimes it happens that people find themselves in extreme conditions at home. Danger may come from household appliances:
- electrical;
- gas;
- cold or hot water.
Fire safety
To avoid troubles you need to:
- exercise caution with electrical appliances;
- If you smell gas, you should immediately call the emergency service at number 04 and provide the address;
- It is necessary to notify neighbors and not light a fire in the building.
It is difficult to foresee the possibility of non-standard situations, but knowing the basic requirements, you can navigate safety according to the circumstances.
Fire safety rules
Curious children are drawn to the fire, they are attracted to the unknown. The task of adults is to prevent the possible consequences of such addiction. Persistently, consistently tell, convince, teach fire safety rules.
The best means of promoting cognition is a didactic game with immersion in the features of the firefighter profession, a visit to the fire station for educational purposes. Poetic works and role-playing games will help to cultivate the right attitude towards matches.
As a reinforcement, you can use the method of in-depth analysis of problematic circumstances during a fire. Sample topics:
- something caught fire, quickly dial 101 and give the address;
- a small fire - throw a blanket, cover it with earth, fill it with water (if there is no electrical wiring nearby);
- in case of strong burning, you need to run away from the room, take away all children and weak adults;
- you need to breathe in the smoke through a wet cloth;
- If your clothes catch fire, you need to plunge into water and, rolling on the ground, put out the fire.
Profession firefighter
Prohibited:
- hide in a burning room, use an elevator;
- jump out of the window, panic;
- Run in clothes that are on fire so that they don’t flare up any more.
