Detailed selection of hot glue gun for work

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.

Problems and their solutions

Even professional-type glue guns cannot be classified as products with a long service life. If the model is used one-time to solve a specific household problem (for example, gluing up carpet or fallen tiles), the thermal device will last a long time. When the gun is used frequently to create original works, the mechanism wears out, and the following problems may arise as to why the glue gun does not glue:

The trigger does not pull - the rod feed unit is broken or the pusher is stuck in soft glue and cannot push the sticker through. The gun is allowed to cool for a few minutes and the trigger is tried again.
The glue flows out uncontrollably - the high temperature is not suitable for a particular sticker, the rod is inserted too tightly or its diameter does not correspond to the parameters of the coupling. We need to correct the shortcomings.
The glue does not flow out of the well-heated gun - the nozzle is clogged. Turn off the device, allow it to cool, remove the tip and clean it thoroughly.
It is not possible to apply the glue pointwise, the substance is drawn behind the nozzle in a viscous stream - the rods are of poor quality. You need to put the stickers in the refrigerator for a while and repeat the work.

Household pistols are designed for continuous use within half an hour. Then the device is turned off and pauses are made. If you do not follow this recommendation, the tool will quickly fail. You cannot heat the device without the rods, or place the hot heat gun on its side - there is a stand or folding bar for it. To ensure reliable connections as a result of your work, you need to act quickly and firmly press the surfaces to be glued. Glue residues can be easily removed with a sharp knife.

A glue gun is a compact device that is very useful in everyday life and for creativity. The tools and consumables are inexpensive, and the thermal device does not consume a lot of electricity. It can be used to connect homogeneous and heterogeneous products and materials. When working, you should adhere to basic safety measures and avoid getting glue on your skin. Using a gun, you can create unique original works or use the device for household purposes.

How to use a glue gun (2 videos)

Using a glue gun (15 photos)

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./

How to use

There are no particular difficulties when working with a glue gun. First, you need to charge the polyurethane rod into the device. It is installed on the back of the instrument. Operating principle: the rod is pushed into the heating zone, and after melting, the glue flows out through the nozzle in doses. How to use a glue gun:

Install a glue rod of the required diameter.
Plug in the device and leave for 5-10 minutes.
Check the heating of the glue - a drop should appear.
Apply glue to the desired location pointwise or in seams.
After a certain time, turn off the gun.

After the device has cooled down, you can start working again. Hot glue forms a thick film on the edge of the nozzle. It must be carefully removed before using the tool again. The time it takes to heat up the adhesive depends on the specific model of the heat gun and the diameter of the rods.

Note: If the device has one low-power heating element, the glue will heat up to 105 degrees. Therefore, you need to work faster before the composition hardens.

Operating rules

You can glue a variety of fragments together with a hot glue gun. It is used in creativity, handicrafts, construction and for household purposes. It is necessary to take into account that you have to work with a heated substance - hot glue must be used carefully, avoiding contact with the skin. Basic rules for using pistols:

Load only rods of suitable diameter into the coupling, otherwise the glue will not be pushed through to the heating unit.
To ensure that hot glue flows out evenly, the nozzle of the gun must be cleaned after using the device.
The tool is equipped with a plastic body that does not overheat - you do not need to use gloves.
The device comes with a special stand. You need to install the gun on it during pauses in work.
Do not touch the glue flowing from the nozzle with your hands to avoid getting burned and do not place the heated device on its side.

Consumables are inserted into the receiver without force; the trigger is pulled smoothly, since it is the weakest feed unit of the device. The device should not be allowed to overheat; short breaks should be taken during operation so that the heating elements have time to cool down. Within five minutes, the polymer rod acquires adhesive characteristics and is ready for use.

Use in construction

Heat guns can be used not only for creativity and handicrafts. The devices help to quickly solve everyday problems; you can use guns in construction and repair work. What is glued with hot glue in construction:

Sealing gaps in window frames.
Sealing the seam between tiles.
Bonding of wooden structures.

Filling plumbing connections.
Sealing cracks in doors.

You can use melted glue to fix fallen tiles, glue border tape to the bathtub, and seal small gaps and seams. Hot glue glues metal, adheres well to tiles, ceramics, glass, wood, plastic, but it is not recommended to seal cracks in concrete bases - the strength of the composition will be significantly lower.

Application for creating decorative products

Crafts, samples of creativity, and hand-made works are now in great demand. Some needlewomen create exclusive items for sale, beautiful souvenirs, and original artistic compositions. When working with a large number of small elements, a thermal tool with glue is an irreplaceable thing. What can be glued with glue gun refills:

Natural and artificial fabrics.
Decorative pearls and rhinestones.
Corrugated cardboard, colored paper.
Flowers made of polymer clay and foamiran.
Finishing accessories, buttons, beads.

A needlewoman will be able to use a hot glue gun to create exclusive jewelry; it can be used to conveniently make mesh frames for dishes and create intricate patterns and compositions. To prevent the glue from standing out against the decorative background, dyes are added to it. It is allowed to combine materials of different structures.

Thanks to the dosed supply, the consumption of rods is much more economical than using PVA, silicate or construction glue. Guns are convenient to use for repairing shoes (a buckle has come off, a bow on a shoe has come off), to use when assembling radio parts, and to fix microcircuits with glue.

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.

Electric or battery gun?

The vast majority of devices operate on the network. You can use these guns all day long, and they are more powerful than battery-powered ones. However, they are limited by the length of the cord. It is worth noting that glue guns are most often used for serial work in one place, so the presence of a cord does not particularly affect the comfort of use.

A battery-powered device is worth purchasing only when you need to frequently work in conditions without electricity. However, it is worth noting that, all other things being equal, they are more expensive than network ones, and due to the battery they are a little heavier. If you need a gun for work around the house or garage, then we recommend buying an electric model. If you have special circumstances and require a cordless model, then take the Bosch Gluey, which works with rods up to 7 mm.

Bosch Gluey

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 ℃).

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. The larger the chamber size 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 heated.

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.

Purpose and functions

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. The device helps fix minor problems at home: fixing a broken vase, a broken toy, a strip on furniture, a peeling sole.

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

What to look for when choosing a glue gun for crafts

The criteria for choosing a gun for needlework are simple:

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;
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;
productivity (amount of glue supplied in grams per 1 min): from 10-12 g/min to 20-30 g/min;
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;
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;
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;
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);
pay attention to the length of the cord: the longer it is, the more convenient it is to glue, optimally from 1.5 m;
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.

Using a pistol

Initially, a glue gun was created for gluing furniture parts. The device was large, the work was carried out using liquid glue. Thanks to the technology, it was possible to achieve neat and even seams, an elastic and durable surface.

The modern version of the hot-melt gun is lightweight, small in size, and glues parts together thanks to a special rod. The device is widely used in various fields, and it is easier to indicate situations where the tool cannot be used:

for gluing parts that are subject to heat during operation or soften the glue,
for fixing concrete, plaster and certain types of polyethylene.

In other cases, the device is used almost everywhere. The thermal gun has found its main application in the following areas:

furniture making,
construction (for gluing communications),
constructor modeling,
floristics,
radio business,
design.

In addition to gluing, the tool can be used to make paintings, figures and other decorative objects. A glue gun is a universal device that does not create an unpleasant glue smell, but can bond any surface. Setting time up to 3 minutes.

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.

What a hot glue gun glues: options for use

A glue gun is indispensable in everyday life. It will help make the windows warmer: seal the cracks for winter, which is very important if you have old wooden windows. If a piece breaks off from the tile, it can also be quickly fixed using the device. The device with glue is suitable for repairing shoes, for example, attaching an insole or filling a hole. The gun will help glue a hook to the wall where you can hang towels.

Thermal gun is often used in hobbies and handicrafts. A huge number of master classes and works with a thermal gun are described step by step on the Trum-Trum channel. Using the device, creating or remaking various elements will be easy. They can be used to apply patterns and drawings, which then dry and turn into original decor. It is only important to carry out a test in advance on an inconspicuous area of the material - it happens that too hot a melt damages the fabric or paper. Also, needlewomen use pistols for:

gluing rhinestones, artificial pearls and other stones;
creating figures;
attaching buttons and other accessories, flowers from foamiran, clay;
production of mesh stands;
production of jewelry, phone cases.

In construction and repair, glue guns are also in demand; they are used to connect skirting boards, baguettes, and make improvements to various types of finishes (for example, they glue detached sections of linoleum).

If glue gets on things, you should not be upset. You can remove it from clothes after heating it with a regular household hairdryer. How to dissolve the composition? Acetone, gasoline, and other organic solvents are suitable for this purpose.

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.

Features to choose from

To choose the right gluing equipment, it is important to choose a model not by cost and size, but by its main characteristics. This determines where, how much and when the gun will be used. Based on your needs, you can decide whether a simple and cheap model will be enough, or whether a more expensive option is needed.

Power

The more powerful the device, the faster the rod melts and turns it into a liquid form of glue. In addition to this indicator, it is important to consider efficiency and productivity. For example, a volumetric heating chamber and a weak heating element consumes less energy than a powerful heating element and a small chamber. In addition, the likelihood of overheating is reduced, so the life of the equipment is increased.

Professional equipment consumes about 300 W/hour, but the guns are suitable for rods up to 4.5 cm in diameter. At home, adhesive parts of 7–11 mm are more often used, so a power of 50–150 watts is sufficient.

If the power is not enough, then after using one glue stick it will take time for a new one to melt. There are manufacturers that offer devices with an additional temperature sensor. With its help, it is possible to achieve automatic power control. At the beginning, the equipment operates at maximum parameters, consuming, for example, 200 W, and after heating it switches to an economical mode, with an energy consumption of 15–40 W.

If there is no difference in how long it takes the device to heat up to the desired temperature, then there is no point in buying powerful devices. With frequent use and long hours of work, it is not the power that needs to be considered, but the performance. The power regulator is recommended to be used when there is a need for rapid heating of the device.

Melting temperature

The heat gun is suitable for working with various materials that can withstand a certain temperature. Based on this, selection is carried out depending on the need for a pistol. For fabric and paper, devices with temperatures up to 105 degrees are sufficient. For wood and other materials, you can use a technique with a temperature of 165–200 degrees.

Many rods melt at 105 degrees, and a high heat chamber results in a faster process. For everyday, household tasks, you don’t have to buy guns with maximum temperature conditions. The optimal value would be 165 degrees. For frequent and professional use, you need to purchase equipment with a regulator, which can be automatic or manual.

Performance

The speed of the heat gun depends on the value. This is one of the main characteristics when choosing; it indicates the volume of glue that can be squeezed out in a specific time. Indicators range from 5–30 g/min. The value is written in the passport and depends on the manufacturer and model.

Along with productivity, it is necessary to take into account the flow time of the liquid substance, especially if the work is voluminous and the gluing area is large. Without taking this information into account, the glue at point A will harden before it is applied to point B. For use for small purposes or for decoration, crafts, the performance of the tool can be ignored.

Power supply

The hot glue gun has several power sources:

from the mains - the most common models with a cord,
from a battery - the gun can be operated for up to 2 hours, the general characteristics are acceptable, you can use 7 mm rods, which heat up to 200 degrees in a quarter of a minute,
semi-automatic - there is a cord that can be disconnected, but the temperature in the heating chamber is maintained for up to 15 minutes,
wireless - include a station for recharging and warming up. The device is equipped with a container for collecting liquid glue.

Based on the information presented, you can already choose the best option for household purposes, but you still need to understand the additional capabilities and functions and characteristics of the rod.

Glue stick

Often, heat guns are designed for rods of 7 and 11 mm in diameter. Professional devices are used for large-scale work; accordingly, the amount of glue coming out of the nozzle at a time is large, and the thickness of the rod will be up to 45 mm.

There are oval types of consumables. There is not much difference in them, but when buying you need to know that the gun can work with this type. The standard length ranges from 4–20 cm. To save all the work, it is better to use long rods that will be used until they are completely used up.

In addition, there are different colors:

blue,
yellow,
black,
with sparkles.

They are suitable for decoration, but some manufacturers use color for marking and specific purposes. Yellow allows you to glue the glass, black seals the seams. There is no single standard, so companies can paint elements in any color just like that.

When purchasing a pistol and consumables for it, you need to consider the scope of use. For small crafts and decor, equipment for a 7 mm rod is sufficient, but productive work requires 11 mm materials.

Glue supply

The main difference in the guns and the glue delivery mechanism is the trigger. It may be present or absent - in the second case, the rod must be fed into the heating part by hand, which is not always convenient. This technique is almost never used; it can only be found in cheap options. The only advantage is that the broach will not break, but the likelihood of damage to the coupling increases.

The trigger is much easier and faster to work with. It can be rotary and extended. The first one is easier to use, more convenient, you need to apply a minimum of effort, and the volume of glue at the exit is more accurate.

Nozzles

Regardless of the purpose of the heat gun, it is better to use a device with removable nozzles, and the more of them, the higher the capabilities. Additionally, it is worth focusing on their shape, since it is not always round. There are flat attachments that help squeeze out the glue in the form of a track.

When choosing nozzles, you need to look at their threaded connection. It should be of high quality, and the nozzles should be easy to put on and take off. Some features and selection rules can be learned from the video:

Additional features

Auxiliary functions and capabilities simplify work and increase the comfort of using the tool. The options are not required, but when choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to them, especially if frequent work is required:

temperature regulator – makes the gun universal, with which you can work with delicate and rough materials,
automatic temperature control - eliminates the possibility of overheating during pauses. Thanks to electronics, the tool itself regulates when to turn off, go into economy mode,
Ready indicator - indicates the temperature is sufficient for operation. This option helps to increase the service life of the tool, since a person is in no hurry to squeeze out glue that has not yet melted,
backlight is not a required feature, but sometimes it becomes very useful,
inspection window - available in almost any device, it makes it possible to monitor the rod, the need for its replacement and the condition of the coupling,
a stand is a useful thing when the pistol is awaiting further work. At this time, the device should be facing down. As a rule, many models have a stand on the case, but it is often unstable, which is important to pay attention to
equipment - depends on the company; the heat gun can be supplemented with a case, attachments, and a mat for collecting glue.

A hot-melt gun, in fact, is almost no different from a soldering iron in terms of design, so with careful and proper use, even a cheap model will serve for a long time.

conclusions

When choosing a glue gun for minor repairs or creating accessories, you need to consider the following nuances:

First of all, you need to decide on the type of device - you can find advanced battery-powered devices and mains-powered models on sale;
the key selection criteria should be such parameters as the power of the tool, its performance and a reliable security system;
It’s worth taking a closer look at the consumable material (its length and diameter), maximum temperature, heating time and the presence of additional functions;
You should ask your consultant about the number of rods in the set and the duration of the warranty period.