How to choose an electric glue gun. How to choose a glue gun: professional advice. Best Corded Glue Guns

A glue gun is a simple but very convenient tool that should definitely be present in every home workshop. It is refilled with special glue sticks (transparent or multi-colored). When the tool is turned on, the rods heat up and melt, turning into liquid glue, which flows out of the tip when the trigger is pressed.

What can you glue with a glue gun? Anything! Skirting boards, light tiles, linoleum. The connection is very strong; to separate the parts you will have to use a hair dryer.

The tool is especially popular among designers, florists and handmade lovers. Creating compositions from flowers, fabrics, paper, cardboard, beads and other things with the help of this device is more convenient than ever.

For the workshop or for a hobby?

The choice of glue gun depends on the scope of application. Here you need to take into account some nuances:

• Power - it determines how long the glue gun needs to be heated. This process takes 3-5 minutes, but some models can be ready for use in just 15 seconds.
• Productivity – from 5 to 30 g/min; depends on the diameter of the nozzle and the force of pressing the trigger.
• Power type – mains or battery; The network tool is convenient if continuous supply of a large amount of glue is required (for example, during repairs), it is mobile, and suitable for working with parts of complex shapes.
• The diameter of the glue stick is (for creativity and decoration, where spot gluing is important) or (for powerful tools used in construction work). We'll tell you how to insert glue into a gun in the next article.
• Manufacturer - the most popular are glue guns, and. Each brand has developed unique technologies. Bosch has equipped the tools with electronically controlled heating elements. This ensures quick readiness for use and maintenance of a constant operating temperature. Dremel makes some of the most versatile glue guns on the market. They have an innovative design and several temperature operating modes. Reliable and high-quality tools are produced by Hammer. They are equipped with different attachments and a convenient fixation system.

Choosing the best

It is important to pay attention to additional characteristics:

• Heating temperature adjustment – ​​maximum 170–200°C, the glue begins to melt already at 105°C, but high temperatures speed up the process;
• Ready to work indicator - built-in LED indicates that gluing can begin;
• Backlight – provides good visibility when working in hard-to-reach places;
• Protective nipple - prevents drops of glue from flowing out of the nozzle when the tool is in standby mode;
• Inspection window – you can use it to monitor the remaining charged rod;
• Disconnecting the cord – relevant for networked tools, allows you to work for up to 20 minutes. offline;
• The package includes: glue sticks, a set of nozzles, a special heat-resistant mat, and a case.

Which glue gun is better? For creativity, we can recommend a small tool called STURM! GG2470C1 at 70 W. It has a narrowed tip, so excess glue will not get onto the workpiece. For repair work - a more powerful 200 W gun BOSCH PKP 18 E. Suitable for gluing skirting boards and other parts. Designers and professional florists need a tool with an adjustment system - for example, DREMEL 930 HOBBY with the ability to change the heating temperature.

The adhesive compositions we are accustomed to have recently been replaced by hot-melt adhesive, which has recently come to the market. Along with it, thermal guns - tools for applying hot substances - went on sale. This type of glue impresses with its versatility and ease of use. Unlike ordinary ones, it does not deteriorate during storage and has no odor. Guns for applying hot-melt adhesive come in different varieties and are selected based on the specific task.

Design and principle of operation

The design of a heat gun is similar to an iron. Despite the external differences, they have the same operating principle. It consists of four main parts: heater, extruder, thermostat and feed mechanism. How the parts are located inside the case is shown in the diagram:

1. Thermostat;
2. Feeder;
3. Thermocouple;
4. Ceramic heater;
5. Extruder;
6. Nozzle;
7. Frame.

The thermostat reads the readings from the thermocouple and when the desired temperature is reached, turns off or turns on the heater, maintaining the value set by the regulator knob.

The feed mechanism, transmitting force from the trigger to the ring pusher through a rod, pushes the hot melt adhesive into the extruder.

The heater in the gun is made of conductive ceramic, a piece of which is sandwiched between two electrodes. Wires are connected to the electrodes. Ceramics have resistance and act like a resistor, allowing current to pass through it. At the same time, it releases heat that heats the extruder.

The extruder is made in the form of an aluminum blank, in which grooves for a thermocouple with a heater are cut out and a channel for hot-melt adhesive is drilled. The channel ends with a nozzle or thread onto which it is screwed.

Arrangement of elements inside the extruder:

1. Thermocouple;
2. A heating element;
3. Heating chamber (channel);
4. Thread.

The heart of the thermostat is a special microcircuit that analyzes the thermocouple readings and controls the field-effect transistor through which the heating element is connected.

The desired temperature is set by rotating a variable resistor connected to the microcircuit. The calibration of the thermal gun is carried out using trimming resistors, which are located next to the variable.

The general principle of operation of a heat gun is as follows: when you press the trigger, the glue is pushed into a heated extruder, where the melting process occurs. Liquid glue comes out of the nozzle when a new batch of glue enters the extruder.

Types of glue guns

Thermal guns are available in different capacities and fit different diameters of glue sticks. Each type is designed for some purposes and completely unsuitable for others. It is worth understanding that there are no universal pistols.

Pistols are produced for 7 and 11 mm rods. The power of household heat guns varies from 20 to 150 watts.

First of all, decide what you need the gun for. If you need to glue small parts and you won't be doing it for a long time, take a 20-watt gun for 7 mm rods.

For large volumes of work, pistols for 11 mm with a power of 60 to 150 watts are suitable. If you are constantly engaged in decorating, crafts or gluing massive parts, take this option.

If you haven’t had this tool before, don’t even buy cheap pistols “for testing.” By doing this, you will not only ruin your work experience, but also expose yourself to serious danger.

Such products are simplified as much as possible in order to reduce the cost. They do not have a thermostat, the feeding mechanism is very flimsy and cannot withstand even a month of operation.

First of all, the rod connecting the pusher to the trigger breaks. For some time it will be possible to fix it with screws. But then the fastenings on the trigger and pusher break. Such a breakdown can no longer be repaired, and the tool is sent to the trash.

Since the heating element is connected directly to the network, the temperature on it is not controlled by anything. It can grow to such values ​​that the thermal tape melts. In this case, the electrodes are short-circuited to the extruder, and a high voltage, dangerous to life, is supplied to the nozzle. It is also possible that the electrodes are shorted to each other, which will lead to a short circuit and fire.

The price of a good glue gun on Aliexpress starts from $11. In the nearest store it will cost from $18. If you don’t have that kind of money, it’s better to postpone the purchase until you have the required amount.

This is what a glue gun looks like, which is not scary to pick up.

It is equipped with a thermostat, which makes it safe to use. This gun comes with a variety of replacement nozzles, which significantly expand its capabilities. Each nozzle is designed for its own tasks. The long one is suitable for applying hot-melt adhesive in hard-to-reach places, and the short one is suitable for work where accuracy is important.

There is a valve built into the nozzle that prevents the glue from leaking. There is a grate in front of the nozzle in the extruder, which helps melt the hot melt adhesive faster, distributing heat evenly. The glue, passing through the grid, is mixed and its consistency becomes homogeneous. This helps the gun operate smoothly, without lumps of hot melt glue or bubbles in it. The rod is made of thick wire and can last more than two years with intensive use.

All this is missing from a cheap hot glue gun. Remember: to work in comfort and safety, always buy high-quality tools and consumables. High-quality does not mean the most expensive.

Rods and their purpose

After choosing a tool, you need to decide on the glue. “Cartridges” for thermal guns are available in various colors and sizes. Their length varies from 5 to 30 centimeters, and their diameter can be 7 and 11 millimeters. Ethylene vinyl acetate is most often used as a base for hot-melt adhesive, and polyamide is less often used.

The exact characteristics of a hot melt glue gun are determined by its color:

Such a variety of consumables for a glue gun allows you to get rid of a lot of different adhesives, often smelling unpleasant, and replace them with one tool.

Features of application and safety precautions

A heat gun, like any other tool, is not a toy, and should be treated as such. Before you start, read how to use a hot glue gun: safety precautions are very important. Remember that the temperature of the glue can reach 170 degrees, and due to its viscosity, it sticks to the skin no worse than napalm. When hot hot melt adhesive comes into contact with the skin, it leaves deep, long-lasting burns.

Never swing a heat gun while it is on. It must be used carefully, smoothly bringing it to the part to be glued. Turn off the tool when you leave it. Keep it at home out of the reach of children.

Don't confuse the colors of the hot melt adhesive. The result of your work depends on the correct color.

If you need to fix a leak in the water tank, take a black stick. If a wooden chair breaks, seal it with yellow hot glue. The nut keeps coming loose - lubricate the bolt with white glue and tighten the nut.

Hot-melt adhesive is great for all kinds of repair work, but don’t forget about its decorative function. A variety of crafts are made from this glue. A glass bowl acted as a form for them. You can use hot melt glue to create relief designs. Make phone cases out of it.

Hot-melt adhesive has literally become the people's lifesaver. It is very difficult to list all its capabilities; it is easier to say what it cannot do. Hot glue does not stick to bare concrete, as well as to plastered and whitewashed surfaces.

Don't have a glue gun? In vain - a useful thing! Let's see what's inside, learn how to use this small but very powerful tool, understand the technical characteristics of different models, and decide on the main selection criteria.

There is such an instrument that, without exaggeration and any reservations, can be called folk. The glue gun is just from that series. There is no need to campaign for it, it does not need intrusive advertising and cunning marketing tricks, since many masters have long appreciated all its advantages and have registered this device in their arsenal. Despite the fact that it is not an essential tool, has a simple design and a relatively low price, a hot glue gun does an excellent job of performing a wide range of tasks, and in most cases it cannot be replaced with something else.

Using a glue gun, builders fix utility lines, fill seams, seal, and glue. This tool is especially loved by designers, florists, as well as craftsmen of the popular “hand-made” trend, who regularly produce all kinds of souvenirs, one-piece items, and decorative elements. Radio amateurs, model designers, and ordinary home craftsmen were not left out. Even by itself, the polyurethane melt can have some decorative value - artists use it to create frame mesh structures, paint with adhesive mixture on objects, obtain original shot (balls, beads...) from colored or metallized drops, form stylized seals for the design of cards, invitations tickets and festive bottles, create three-dimensional pictures.

Main advantages of a glue gun

A glue gun allows you to almost instantly glue various elements, since the heated polymer hardens within just a few minutes (from 1 to 3), after which the seam acquires almost maximum strength. There is no need to wait for hours for it to set, as when working with glue such as “Liquid Nails” or “Moment”.

The melt interacts well with most materials - wood, plastics, PVC, glass, leather, metal, ceramics, paper, rubber, fabrics... The hot glue gun is not friendly only with some mineral bases, for example, concrete and plaster. Certain difficulties arise when working with polyethylene parts. As with any other glue, when using a heat gun, the surfaces to be treated must be cleaned of dirt, moisture, and oil stains.

The connection is very reliable, not inferior in strength to mechanical fastening. It can only be disassembled by heating, and on many surfaces it does not leave marks after removal (useful if drilling/drilling/hammering is not possible). There is an interesting technology for painting-free removal of dents on a car body, when a fungus (piston) is glued to the front surface of a stamped part in a “crater”, and then a special device (minilifter) clings to the piston and pulls out the dent on the metal, then the fungus is removed by heating.

The temperature factor is also a kind of limitation - you should not use a gun when making parts that will be exposed to high temperatures. If you need to glue metal elements, you will have to heat them up (for example, with a hairdryer), since due to the high thermal conductivity of the base, the melt cools too quickly and instantly hardens.

The glue fills voids very well, seals, and impregnates. Unlike most sealants, the melt, even with large layers, hardens completely, to the entire depth, and in a short time (10-15 minutes), although not as quickly as small strokes (1-3 minutes).

The glue of such a gun is non-toxic even in a hot, fluid state. The only thing you need to be careful of is burns and damage to heat-sensitive materials.

The finished seam resists moisture well. Spare rods can be stored for a long time without losing their performance characteristics.

The gluing process turns out to be quite economical, since spare parts are relatively inexpensive (50-75% less than liquid glue of a comparable volume), and the mass is dosed very accurately, with a small amount of waste.

This tool is relatively safe, easy to use and very ergonomic; it is suitable even for children's arts and crafts.

The design and principle of operation of a hot glue gun

A hot gun is a hand-held tool in which polyurethane glue is heated to a fluid state, visually it strongly resembles a well-known type of weapon (hence the common name). The unit is charged from the rear; the “cartridges” for it are cylindrical rods of various diameters (most often 7 or 11 mm). The spare passes the pusher bushing and enters a tubular rubber receiver, after which we drive the rod into the heating chamber, where the material melts, acquiring adhesive and penetrating properties. The initial heating of the instrument lasts on average 3-5 minutes. When the trigger is pressed, the spare wheel, acting on the principle of a piston, creates pressure in the heated reservoir and pushes the melt through the nozzle onto the surface being treated.

Heating unit. The thermal chamber is located in the barrel - this is a metal reservoir, near which (usually at the bottom) there is a heating element, a heating element. Some models use several heaters, which allows for more uniform, stepped heating (BOSCH GKP 200 CE). The size of the chamber and the power of the heating element determine the amount of mass ready for use and the melting speed - in other words, the productivity of the tool. The thermal unit, therefore, can be considered the main one, while it is the most reliable, and its resource is usually enough for the entire service life of the tool.

Feeding mechanism. This unit is a ring pusher (sometimes with an engaging tooth), which is activated by a lever connected to a carousel-type trigger (moves around its axis) or a slider type (moves along the barrel - STANLEY GR 90C). This is a relatively capricious design; serious breakdowns sometimes occur here, especially if you apply too much effort, wanting to get a lot of glue at the output. Often the feed mechanism is too clearly “tailored” to a specific rod size, and even small deviations in its diameter cause malfunctions (difficulty feeding a large one or slipping of a thin spare wheel).

Separately, it is worth mentioning the thrust guide coupling - this is a tubular receiver located directly in front of the thermal chamber. It is this that seals the “reverse direction” and prevents the melt from entering the cavity of the gun. In fact, this element turns out to be the weakest - the rubber ages and cracks, and with frequent overheating of the melt, it begins to leak material that stops the moving parts, destroys the insulation of the wires and causes a short circuit. Often the coupling is damaged when trying to rotate the charged rod or pull it back, say, for replacement. It is better to cut off the rod and pass the rest through the nozzle.

Nozzle (nozzle, nozzle) The heat gun is used to give the adhesive mass a certain shape, to dose the flow and to block the outgoing channel. The nozzle usually contains a shut-off valve (spring-loaded ball, nipple), which prevents unauthorized leakage of the melt. It is worth noting that it does not completely block the nozzle, this was done deliberately to relieve excess pressure when the mass overheats, so you need to place cardboard under the nozzle in any case. Direct-flow nozzles are also used, but the loss of material through them is greater.

The nozzles are made of metal (like the thermal unit), and are covered with a rubber or silicone casing on top to prevent burns. Many models are equipped with several nozzles of different shapes and lengths. They have threads for connecting to the thermal chamber and slots for an open-end wrench, however, they can only be changed in a heated state, otherwise everything is firmly fixed with hardened glue.

At the end of the work, the nozzle should always be cleaned of glue by running it over a piece of cardboard several times.

Thermal gun body made of hard plastics, which reduces heat transfer from the heating chamber and ensures low weight for the product - 300 grams for a corded gun is considered an average figure. The handle is often equipped with anti-slip inserts; as a rule, it is empty inside - wires pass there and the carousel trigger moves. All the most important things are in the trunk.

An important option of the housing is the presence of an inspection window through which you can monitor the remainder of the rod or the appearance of leakage from the side of the guide sleeve.

Almost all products have a folding stand in the front part of the body, on which you can rest the tool with its nose down; at the end of the handle there is a special penny for these purposes. During a break in work, it is not recommended to put the gun on its side, since the body (and the inside) in this case overheats greatly, and the surface on which the tool was left may also suffer.

Choosing the technical characteristics of a glue gun

The power of a glue gun is the power consumption of its heating element. It is clear that the more watts under the hood, the faster the glue “melts”, but speed is not the main thing for performance. You will also need to take into account the capacity of the melting tank. If the heating element can provide the required operating temperature, and there is the required amount of glue in the thermal chamber, then the issue of its power can not be considered at all. In general, “pro” class pistols use 300 watts or more, while products for amateur use are content with power from 30 to 150 watts.

However, if the maximum power turns out to be insufficient (for our needs), then we will have to make forced pauses to prepare the melt. How to understand whether it is enough or not? No way! Do not choose by power, this indicator is “for the passport”. Choose by performance.

Interestingly, some companies offer tools with automatically adjustable power. For example, for the initial melting, the device consumes 200 W, then switches to a standard operating power of 40 W, and in standby mode about 14-16 W.

Working temperature of the melt. Not all materials are equally resistant to high temperatures, some of them are very sensitive. To work with paper, textiles, and some types of polymers, low-temperature glue sticks with a melting point of 105 ° C are used; special guns operating in this mode or devices with controlled temperatures have been developed for them. For example, the Dremel 920 produces 105 degrees, and the Dremel 930 has dual modes (105 and 165 degrees).

Traditional, average guns heat the glue to 170-200 degrees. Interestingly, almost all rods flow at 105 degrees, and high temperature simply speeds up the process.

If you don't intend to use the gun regularly, then it may not make sense to buy an expensive model. We decided to save money - do not purchase a tool with a maximum operating temperature, since due to the high internal pressure, issues with durability may arise. Give preference to a unit designed for 165-170 degrees.

Advanced models allow you to regulate the temperature over a wide range; its maintenance can even be monitored by a special microcircuit.

Pistol speed is not a completely correct term, although it is quite common. It is more correct to talk about productivity, data about which indicates the mass of the melt emanating from the nozzle per unit of time. You can almost always find similar information in the product passport. As a rule, this parameter is in the range of 5-30 grams per minute. For construction work, a lot of glue is needed, so rods with a diameter of 11 millimeters will be the most suitable, but they will also require appropriate performance. Moreover, the fluidity time of the mass is limited, and relatively large areas have to be coated. For amateur creativity, where point gluing is important, you can pay attention to something simpler, paying several times less. If you look at it, it is performance that will form the basis for dividing glue guns into “professional/household”.

The glue gun is powered in different ways. The most widely used network devices are those with a permanently attached wire. A step forward has become guns in which the power cable is unfastened, and the operator has the opportunity to move away from the outlet and work autonomously for 10-15 minutes (Dremel 940). Here the thermal chamber works as a heat accumulator. A logical continuation of this theme are machines that are in standby mode in a special charger, glass, or docking stand, which also collects drops. For example, Steinel GLUEMATIC 5000 works on this principle; by the way, the cord can be connected to it directly.

A cordless heat gun will give you almost complete freedom of action. Steinel Neo 3 has the following characteristics: 45 minutes of operation on a single charge of a compact lithium-ion battery, which is restored in an hour and a half, heats up a 7 mm rod to 190 degrees in 15 seconds and weighs only 786 grams (including battery). The BOSCH PKP 7.2 Li pistol has almost identical performance - only it has a two-hour charger. It’s interesting that the price of such (wireless) devices has noticeably decreased; it is no longer prohibitive - it’s around $100.

Select by additional criteria

If you have decided on the appropriate technical characteristics of a glue gun, then it makes sense to look at additional options that make our work more comfortable and productive:

1. The switchable temperature mode allows the tool to be used for working with materials with special properties, including heat-sensitive ones. If the preset is carried out not only “minimum and maximum”, but in a wide range, then you have the most versatile device.
2. There is electronic temperature control in automatic mode, which means you don’t have to worry about overheating of the tool or large melt losses. The machine itself goes into various heating phases - initial melting / working phase / standby mode. Many experienced users have noticed that if there is no smart electronics, then during breaks in work it is better to disconnect the device from the network in order to avoid premature failure of the gun.
3. Ready status indication. The LED indicates that the camera has reached the desired temperature, and the user can safely press the trigger without fear for the integrity of the feed mechanism and take-up clutch.
4. A push-button switch on the housing serves to conveniently turn off the power during long breaks in operation (especially important in the absence of control electronics).
5. Illumination of the work area using LEDs - built-in flashlight. It seems like a small thing, but in some cases it really helps our brother out, especially when we work “on the spot”, in hard-to-reach places.
6. Replaceable nozzles. They significantly expand the capabilities of the tool, as they allow you to obtain different amounts of melt at the output, change the size of the adhesive strip, and reach blind spots with long nozzles.
7. The presence of a nipple in the nozzle significantly reduces the number of drops of glue released in standby mode (Metabo KE 3000).
8. Inspection window - allows you to control the remainder of the charged rod, helps to monitor the integrity of the receiving coupling.
9. Leg stand. It is not always quite stable and practical, and is not always securely fixed when assembled. The best examples of hot glue guns have a very wide support area, which can include the claw on the handle, and even the trigger (Dremel F0131200KA).
10. Trigger design. The vast majority of users note that the most convenient option is a rotary trigger mechanism, as it is easier for them to control the dosage and less effort is required. It is very difficult to operate a pistol without a trigger, where the rod is fed by hand, but such a system is already very rare. Some models have a screw trigger travel limiter, which is designed to adjust the maximum dose of material (ELMOS EGG 400).
11. The cord disconnect function significantly improves the ergonomics of the product and makes it possible to work in autonomous mode for 10-20 minutes.
12. The equipment may include a case, a set of rods for various purposes, and a heat-resistant mat that can be easily cleaned from glue.

A little about glue sticks

A glue gun spare is also called stickers. They differ in diameter (usually 7 and 11 mm), length, color, and operating temperature.

With cross-sectional indicators, everything is more or less clear; it is difficult to get mis-graded, however, some pistols are very sensitive to diameter, so it is recommended to use only “original” rods. By the way, there are pistols that work on oval rods.

As for the length of the spare tire, there can be options from 4 to 20 cm, this will not affect the workflow in any way, just if you use longer stickers, you will have to change them less often.

The color of the rod may vary for various reasons. Firstly, a colored sticker can be intended to mask a seam (for a blue object we take blue glue, for a yellow object - yellow), or for a decorative effect (sticks with glitter, multi-colored). Secondly, manufacturers indicate by coloring the different purposes of the rods, for example, a transparent sticker is universal, black is for sealing, yellow is for glass. Please note that there are no uniform standards; each company labels rods with different chemical compositions in its own way, so you should carefully study the instructions before purchasing.

The melting point for most stickers is approximately the same and equals 100-105 degrees, do not worry that your heat gun heats up to two hundred - the glue does not lose its characteristics, it just melts faster. True, there are also high-temperature rods that will need 150 °C and higher. Obviously, not every pistol can handle such a reserve.

The range of glue guns is huge, but we are now well versed in theory and can easily make the right choice. As you noticed, this tool has a fairly simple design, so even for little money ($7-10) you can buy a completely combat-ready device, just not burdened with optional options. This is a rare case when even a purely Chinese product will be worth the money, the main thing is to learn how to use a glue gun correctly. For $40-50 you can become the owner of a branded tool from European manufacturers with advanced capabilities and a good margin of safety.

Among permanent connections, the most common in our daily life is gluing. Every person has probably performed this procedure at least once. The need to glue all kinds of things at home arises quite often, and causes additional troubles associated with finding the most suitable glue. A universal tool in this regard is a hot glue gun, which makes it possible to facilitate and automate the gluing procedure. This small-sized device, powered by an electrical network, will help in many situations when you need to glue different materials.

Design and principle of operation of a hot glue gun

Of the wide variety of electric tools presented on the modern construction market, the hot glue gun stands out for its originality. With a rather simple and uncomplicated design, it helps to cope with gluing a wide variety of materials using an adhesive composition melted to a liquid state.

In appearance, the hot glue gun resembles its prototype - a hand weapon, from the similarity with which it received its name. It consists of the following main elements:

• housing made of heat-resistant plastic with a pistol grip and viewing window;
• a thermoelement that serves to heat up the adhesive composition;
• a thermal chamber into which the adhesive cartridge enters and melts it;
• nozzle serving for dosed supply of molten glue;
• guide coupling;
• hinged rod feed mechanism with trigger and pusher;
• stands for installing tools in a vertical plane during technological breaks or for cooling.

Some modern models of glue guns can be additionally equipped with a switch and operation indicator, built-in lighting and temperature control. They can be powered either from a 220 V household electrical network via a power cord or from batteries.

This model of glue gun is convenient for working in places where it is not possible to connect to an electrical outlet.

Naturally, battery-powered models will cost much more.

The operating principle of the heat gun is also quite simple:

A stick of polymer hot glue is inserted into the hole on the back of the glue gun, entering the heating chamber through the pusher and guide sleeve.

When electricity is supplied from the network or battery, the thermoelement heats up and the rod melts. In different models of glue guns, this will take 5 - 8 minutes;

When you press the trigger, the pusher presses on the rod and delivers the adhesive melt into the nozzle, which simply needs to be directed onto the surfaces to be glued. They should first be cleaned of dirt and degreased, as is always done when gluing.

How to choose a device for needlework and other needs

A hot glue gun may be needed for gluing a variety of materials. To choose the most suitable model of such a device, you need to know what operating parameters and other characteristics you should pay attention to when purchasing a heat gun. The main criteria for choosing this tool are:

In addition to the main ones, there are also a number of additional criteria that may influence the choice of a suitable glue gun model. Among these parameters are:

• the presence of a mechanism for smoothly adjusting the heating temperature, allowing precise adjustment of this parameter, which makes it possible to glue almost any materials;
• automatic power adjustment, although it increases the cost of the tool, prevents overheating and thereby extends the service life of the device;
• the presence of built-in illumination of the work area will not be superfluous if you plan to glue parts in hard-to-reach places in poor lighting conditions;
• The presence of replaceable nozzles in the heat gun kit allows you to change the performance of the device by adjusting the thickness of the applied glue;
• An important part of the glue gun is the stand; it is advisable to choose a device with a more solid plastic stand that has a groove for receiving dripping glue;

  When glue leaks, it remains in the groove of the stand, and the gun itself is held more stable in it.

• The presence of an indication signaling the heating of the thermal chamber to operating temperature allows you to accurately determine the moment when you can start working.

On sale you can find many different models of hot glue guns, from inexpensive Chinese-made devices of the simplest design, to sophisticated devices produced by well-known manufacturers of electric tools such as Metabo, Steinel or Bosch. According to customer reviews, the rating of hot glue guns can be represented by the following models.

Bosch PKP 18 E

Power 100 W and productivity 20 g/min. Equipped with a thin and long nozzle and a valve to prevent glue from leaking. Ideal for gluing any materials and sealing voids.

Personally, I have known him for almost 4 years, but the heat gun itself is already about 7 years old... because it is working and, accordingly, was purchased before my appearance in this company. The gripping and feeding of the glue stick is organized very firmly and reliably. There are no backlashes or meetings. The main thing is to use out the old rod completely before you “load” the new one... The gun has a fairly strong stop-stand, fixed in two positions, which provides fairly good stability. I think that during its history of existence, this glue gun has worked for more than one hundred glue sticks 😉

Iluxa1988

1. http://otzovik.com/review_4243054.html

Steinel Gluematic 3002

Model power 200 W and productivity 16 g/min. Designed to work with rods with a diameter of 11 mm, it can be used for construction and repair work, as well as for applied arts.

My daughter is an artist and can no longer do without it in her applied arts (gluing rhinestones onto fabric, etc.). I resort to its help when I need to glue the joints of linoleum, glue fallen tiles (quickly and reliably), seal a hole in a metal or plastic dish, glue a broken ceramic vase, etc., etc. In general, the scope of application This tool is very wide, it would take a long time to list it...

seniorforeman

http://otzovik.com/review_4559773.html

Metabo KE 3000

It has a heating temperature of up to 200 degrees and a glue supply speed of 18 g/min, designed for the use of rods with a diameter of 11 mm. This heat gun is ideal for minor home repairs that require gluing various materials, as well as for handicrafts.

An irreplaceable thing! The parquet floor is falling out, the jewelry on your sandal has come off, the handle of your favorite cup has broken off, the water connection is leaking - a gun can help you. It will seal tightly, you can’t tear it off with your teeth. It costs about 1000 rubles, “cartridges” (plastic rods) - 200 rubles... By the way, when you buy, pay attention to the shape of the spout - sometimes it’s elongated, sometimes it’s short.

http://otzovik.com/review_232529.html

Dremel Glue Gun 910

The ideal tool for simple crafts, designed for rods with a diameter of 7 mm and a heating temperature of up to 165 degrees, has two operating temperature settings, anti-drip control and a removable cord, which is convenient when you need to seal something away from an electrical outlet.

The adhesive “melt” does not flow out spontaneously. The glue is supplied by pressing the trigger and dispenses as much as needed. The glue hardens very quickly, which makes it possible to continue working and not have to wait several hours to continue. I used a gun to glue glass, wood...

Gennady R

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Bison 06850–60–12 ZO1

A heat gun with an operating temperature of 195 degrees and a power of 60 W is a good helper for needlework. Uses 11mm diameter glue sticks.

I liked everything about this device: light, easy to hold, small, stable, heats up and cools down quickly. Heats up for 5 minutes to a temperature of 193 degrees. I figured it out right away and started using it right away. I can say that it is safe. Even if it falls from the handle on which it stands, it will not leave any burn on the surface, since the spout is located higher and does not come into contact with the work surface.

berezaPK

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Glue sticks for hot-melt guns, selection criteria

To work with a glue gun, a special thermoplastic glue is used, which is available in the form of rods (sticks) of various colors. As a rule, such adhesive includes polymer materials that are capable of repeatedly transitioning from a liquid to a solid state and back. The basis of most adhesive sticks is a substance such as ethylene vinyl acetate. Hardening in 40 - 120 seconds, this glue ensures almost instantaneous adhesion of the bonded surfaces to each other. It can bond a wide variety of materials, except plaster, concrete, PVC and some fabrics.

The main criteria for choosing glue sticks for a hot-melt gun are:

1. Rod diameter. Most glue guns produced today are designed to use sticks with a diameter of 7 and 11 mm, but there are models of this tool for slightly different sizes, rods - 8 and 12 mm. You should choose glue cartridges whose diameter your gun is designed for;
2. Stick length. It can be from 4 to 20 cm, and does not matter much when choosing. The main thing is that it is not less than the minimum length recommended by the glue gun manufacturer.
3. Melting temperature. This is one of the important parameters that you need to pay attention to first. The composition of the glue stick can be different, and it can melt at a higher or lower temperature. You should choose sticks whose melting point is no higher than the operating temperature of your glue gun.
4. Color of glue sticks. This parameter is not strictly regulated, but a certain pattern in the dependence of the color of the rod on the type of materials for which it is intended for gluing still exists.

Very often, a glue stick of its own color corresponds to a certain type of work. This does not mean that other materials cannot be glued with sticks of this tonality. Simply, the parts will have better quality and adhesive strength if they are glued together with sticks of the appropriate color. The most common glue sticks are the following colors:

• white transparent sticks are universal, they can be used to glue a variety of materials - glass and porcelain, ceramic tiles and metal, leather and plastic, fabrics, rubber and other materials in any combination with each other;
• white opaque rods can be of universal use, and also designed for gluing white parts or glass and metal;
• colored rods of an opaque structure, in addition to black and gray, most often also contain universal hot-melt adhesive, intended for gluing parts of the corresponding color or creating crafts (for decorative and applied works, glitter can be added to the glue);
• opaque black and gray rods are used to fill voids, seal joints and electrically insulate conductive elements; they are used in electrical, construction and plumbing work;
• Yellow transparent hot melt adhesive is designed for gluing wood, paper and cardboard.

Among the wide variety of glue sticks, the most popular are products from brands such as Matrix, Master Hand, Fit or Best Price. Of course, it is best to use cartridges of the same brand as the heat gun. But it is not always possible and time to look for sticks on sale. Hot-melt adhesive of the listed brands, according to consumer reviews, is in no way inferior to branded cartridges.

Naturally, when purchasing a pistol, they immediately began looking on the shelves for suitable rods. We bought Matrix glue sticks. There are 12 of them in a package, diameter 11 mm. Just what we needed. They themselves are quite long - 20 cm. You can glue a lot of things with them - fabric, wood, plastic, glass, leather, paper and probably what else you can think of yourself. My daughter used them to glue coffee beans and cotton pads to cardboard. Everything is holding up fine.

SvetlankaS

http://otzovik.com/review_2731189.html

These rods quickly begin to melt, stick well, and therefore are used sparingly. I recommend purchasing a set of Master Hand glue sticks and give them a solid A, they have never let me down.

KaterinaLis

http://otzovik.com/review_4316420.html

How to set up a hot glue gun

Typically, more sophisticated models of glue guns already have a switch that allows you to turn off the electricity supply to the heating element after the glue stick has completely warmed up, a temperature regulator, and even the ability to automatically turn off the tool if the heat chamber overheats above a certain temperature. You will not find any such excesses in the simplest and cheapest models.

It is quite possible to configure some of the functions and operating parameters of an inexpensive model of a glue gun with your own hands by slightly modifying the design of this power tool, especially since it has enough free space inside.

Extending the power cord and installing a switch

Most often, cheap models of glue guns are produced with a short cord (about 80 cm) and do not have a switch. This creates inconvenience in work and often leads to overheating of the tool. To correct this manufacturer's defect you need to:

1. Disassemble the heat gun by unscrewing several screws.
2. Cut off the power cord wires and strip their ends.
3. Take a new cord of the required length, which you can make yourself by purchasing a cable of the required diameter and a plug on the market, or use a cord from another non-working electrical device.
4. Solder one of the wires in the heat gun with one core of the new power cord. The remaining free ends of the wires must be connected through a switch. First you need to select a compact and convenient switch that could easily fit in the handle of the heat gun.
5. Drill a neat hole in the handle of the tool for the switch output, and install it with glue. You can use hot glue sticks for this.
6. Assemble the glue gun by placing the trigger and pusher in the desired position and tightening both parts with screws.

Installing a switch on a heat gun (video)

How to increase the power of a heat gun

It often happens with inexpensive and simple-design glue guns, especially from unknown manufacturers, that the declared power of the tool does not correspond to reality. As a result, the rod takes a long time to warm up, and a lot of extra time is spent preparing for work. The situation can be corrected by increasing the power of the pistol.

Hot glue guns use a ceramic heating element (3) to heat the heat chamber, similar to what is used in modern soldering irons. The ceramic plate is located between two conductive plates (1 and 2), to which electricity is supplied. This entire structure is wrapped in heat-resistant film (5) and held under the heat chamber using a clamp.

The main elements of the heat gun heater: 1 and 2 - conductive plates, 3 - ceramic heater, 4 - 4 and 6 - aluminum plates, which are a radiator, 5 - heat-resistant film

You can increase the power of a heat gun in two ways - by replacing the ceramic thermoelement with a new one of higher power, or by installing a nichrome spiral instead of a ceramic heater. In the first case, everything is solved quite simply. You only need:

To replace a ceramic thermoelement with a nichrome spiral, you must:

1. Remove the gun cover by unscrewing the screws.
2. Disconnect the ceramic heater with current-carrying plates;
3. Use a file to file down the seat for the ceramic heater so that only the heat chamber tube remains;
4. Wrap the tube with heat-resistant film from the baking sleeve, and wind a nichrome spiral around it. You can take it from an old soldering iron or buy it.
5. Attach one lead of the supply wire to one end of the nichrome thread, and the other to the second, sequentially soldering into the circuit a capacitor with a capacity of 1 microfarad, designed for a voltage of at least 250 volts. The capacitor will protect the coil and the heat gun from overheating.
6. Having placed the capacitor in the gun body, assemble the entire device in the reverse order.

Replacing a ceramic thermoelement with a spiral to increase the power of a glue gun (video)

The hot glue gun has a fairly simple design and a minimal number of parts, which makes it a fairly reliable device. And yet, as a tool operating in a high-temperature zone, it is subject to some characteristic failures. The main ones are the following:

• burnout of current-carrying wires;
• failure of the mechanism that feeds the glue stick;
• burning of thermoelement contacts.

The weakest part of this tool is the pusher plate in the hinge mechanism for feeding the glue stick. It is located between the trigger and the pusher itself, and transmits force from the first to the second. To fix such a malfunction, it is not at all necessary to contact a workshop, since, as a rule, such a breakdown is inherent in cheap models of pistols, and it will be much more profitable to buy a new one of the same type than to pay money for its repair. But you can repair such a breakdown yourself for free. To do this you need:

1. Disassemble the heat gun by unscrewing all the screws on it.
2. Disconnect the broken plate from the hinge mechanism.
3. There are two options to restore the functionality of the stick feeding mechanism - make a similar part from durable material, or glue the broken plate together with glue.
4. Having put the plate in place, you need to assemble the heat gun.

Repairing the pusher plate in the hinge mechanism of the glue gun (video)

In the case of burnt wires and burnt contacts of the thermoelement, it will be necessary to restore the integrity of the network by stripping the contacts and soldering.

Restoring burnt thermoelement contacts (video)

Caring for the device

A hot glue gun is a very necessary and useful tool for home use. In order for it to work without failures, it requires certain care, which is as follows. During operation, you need to ensure that the gun body does not overheat. It is ideal to install a switch for this purpose if it is not provided for in the design.

Gluing must be carried out in accordance with the instructions supplied with the gun, maintaining the recommended temperature conditions. After use, allow the tool to cool and wipe it with a dry cloth. If there are frozen drops of glue on the body of the hot-melt gun, you need to carefully remove them by heating them with a soldering iron through the foil. It is not recommended to clean the nozzle from hardened glue. When reheated, it will melt and flow out on its own..

Today, an increasing number of people are coming to understand the need to have a glue gun at home. Such a device will not be superfluous in a household where there is a constant need for repairs that require gluing something together. With the help of a hot-melt gun, any gluing is easy and done neatly. This tool will be useful for both men and women who love to do needlework.