The best hot glue gun. How to choose a glue gun? There are two types of glue guns

A glue gun is a simple but very handy tool that every home workshop should definitely have. 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 comes when the trigger is pressed from the tip.

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

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

Workshop or hobby?

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

• Power - it depends on how much you need to ignite the glue gun. This process takes 3-5 minutes, but some models can be ready to go in as little as 15 seconds.
• Productivity - from 5 to 30 g / min; depends on the diameter of the nozzle and the force of pulling the trigger.
• Power type - mains or battery; the network tool is convenient if a continuous supply of a large amount of glue is required (for example, during repairs), mobile, suitable for working with parts of complex shapes.
• Glue stick diameter - (for creativity and decor, where spot gluing is relevant) or (for powerful tools used in construction work). How to insert glue into the gun, we will tell in the next article.
• Manufacturer - the most popular glue guns, and. Each brand has developed unique technologies. Bosch has equipped the tools with electronically controlled heating elements. This ensures quick readiness for operation 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 modes of operation. Reliable and high-quality tools are produced by Hammer. They are equipped with different attachments and are equipped with a convenient locking system.

Choosing the best

It is important to pay attention to additional characteristics:

• Adjustment of the heating temperature - a maximum of 170–200 ° C, the glue begins to melt already at 105 ° C, but high temperatures speed up the process;
• Ready-to-work indicator - the 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;
• Viewing window - with its help you can control the rest of the charged rod;
• Cord disconnection - relevant for network tools, allows you to work up to 20 minutes. offline;
• Complete set - may include glue sticks, a set of nozzles, a special heat-resistant mat, as well as a case.

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

A hot glue gun is a very useful tool both for the work of a professional builder and in the hands of a home craftsman or a creative person. Installation work, minor repairs and restoration of broken or broken things, the creation of art objects and children's crafts - all these tasks are successfully solved with the help of such a device.

• Easy to use: no special skills are required to operate it
• Gluing speed;
• Durable moisture resistant grip;
• The substance used is non-toxic, child labor tools can be used;
• Small weight of the tool;
• Rods for a gun are cheaper than ordinary glue;
• Due to the point application, the consumption of adhesive is minimal.

Tool device

1. Heating unit. Its components are a thermal chamber, under which there is a heating element, and a heating element.
2. Nozzle. Helps to dispense the glue, giving it a shape.
3. Frame. Made from heat resistant plastic to reduce heat transfer during operation. Equipped with a special folding stand, on which you can place the tool during a pause in work.
4. Adhesive supply mechanism. Fixes the rod, directing it to the heating unit, and then to the nozzle, delivers molten glue to the surface.
5. Network cord. Included in a set of electrical network tools. Can be detached from the case on some models.
6. Switch. For some models it is located on the case. Using this feature is very convenient when you need to take a break from work: there is no need to constantly unplug the power cord from the outlet.

The glue gun is loaded with rods in the form of a cylinder. Under the action of the pusher, the rod moves towards the thermal chamber and begins to melt. Pressing the trigger increases the pressure in the chamber, the glue rises to the nozzle, flowing out of it.

Materials that can be fixed with a glue gun

• Plastic;
• Leather;
• Fabric (except fine synthetics);
• Glass;
• Paper, cardboard;
• Wood;
• Metal (preheated);
• Linoleum.

Types of glue guns

By appointment

• Professional, used for repair and construction.
• Amateur; used for needlework, creative work, domestic needs. They are distinguished by a lower price compared to models from the professional segment.

According to the carrier of energy

• Gas. They work from a gas heating system, which is refueled from a can of liquefied gas.
• Electrical. Plug into mains or run on batteries.

How to use the tool correctly

1. Be sure to read the instructions.
2. Before starting work, you need to install a glue stick in the device. This element must strictly correspond to the dimensions of the pistol. Standard diameters are 7 and 11 mm. In cases where the manufacturer recommends using only branded rods, this rule should not be neglected.
3. After turning on the gun, you need to leave it for 7-8 minutes: during this time, the thermal chamber will heat up and melt the glue.
4. The nozzle heats up very strongly, so protective gloves will not be superfluous.
5. If you need to take a long break in work, the tool must be turned off and placed on a stand.
6. When it is required to change the glue rod, the melting chamber is released from the mass accumulated in it by pressing the trigger. It is impossible to remove the cartridge manually, so as not to damage the tool.
7. At the end of the work, the gun is turned off and the nozzle is cleaned of glue residue with paper or cardboard. The case also needs periodic cleaning without the use of aggressive compounds such as solvents.
8. Melted glue hardens very quickly, so before starting work for the first time, it is worth practicing gluing simple objects (for example, cardboard boxes), and then moving on to more complex work that requires accurate and accurate application of adhesive.
9. If you need to glue surfaces made of plastic, wood or ceramics, they must first be degreased, due to this the glue will lie better. Metal parts need to be heated a little so that the bonding is better.

How to choose a glue gun

Main selection criteria

1. Power. The rate of melting of the glue directly depends on this indicator. For professional tools, it varies in the range of 300-500 W, for semi-professionals - 150-200 W, for household ones - 30-150 W.
2. Performance. The parameter denotes the mass of glue that flows out of the nozzle per unit time. It is determined by the power of the heating element and the diameter of the rod. Professional models have higher performance than household ones.
3. Working temperature. It can vary from 100 to 200˚С. If it is intended to process materials sensitive to high temperatures, it is necessary to select special glue sticks (melt at 105˚ C), and the tool must operate in this mode. For other materials, rods that melt at 170-200˚ C are suitable. Guns that operate in several temperature conditions are convenient.
4. Temperature regulation. This option is useful for those who use the tool for a long time. The switch puts the gun in standby mode or turns it off altogether during long breaks in work. There are models that have this function in automatic mode.
5. Type of power supply: rechargeable, from the mains or semi-autonomous (the power cord can be removed after heating the thermal camera and work for another 10-15 minutes. This is convenient when you need to perform tasks at a distance from the power source).
6. Glue stick diameter. For serious repairs, it is better to use a diameter of 11 mm, for periodic operation - 7 mm.

Additional functions

• Off button;
• Torch;
• The indicator indicating that the tool is ready to work;
• A set of additional nozzles;
• A viewing window showing how much glue is left;
• Stand;
• Protection against leakage of glue droplets.

When choosing a tool, you need to determine the range of tasks for which it will be used. For repair and construction, professional models, including battery-powered ones, are suitable. For creative work with paper or thin fabric, a low-temperature gun is designed. Also for delicate or foam materials, a pneumatic heat gun is suitable. The peculiarity of such models is that the glue is applied in the form of a spray due to pneumatic supply: small droplets of glue do not melt and do not deform the surface.

How much a hot glue gun costs depends on its technical characteristics, functionality, manufacturer and brand. The price range is wide: you can purchase both a budget model for 300 rubles and a professional tool worth more than 5 thousand rubles.

Top Producers

Which brand of thermal gun is better to buy

• Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany);
• Dremel (USA);
• Kolner (Development - Russia, production - China);
• Steinel (Germany);
• "Zubr OVK" (Russia).

Rating of high-quality glue guns

The best professional tools

This model has excellent features. The high temperature (200˚ C) tool heats up quickly and evenly applies glue to the surface. Suitable for sealing and bonding various materials (wood, plastic, metal, fabric).

Advantages:

• Long power cord;
• The case does not heat up;
• Little weight;
• Metal tip.

Flaws:

• High price.

Average price: 2100 rubles.

Steinel Gluematic 3002

The model is distinguished by high power (220 W), its advantage is electronic temperature control. Compact and lightweight (320 g) plastic case is convenient for long-term use.

Advantages:

• Good performance - 16 g / min;
• There is a window to control the presence of glue;
• Glue flow valve;
• The kit includes three glue sticks.

Flaws:

• The trigger is large, not very convenient for small work;
• It heats up for a long time - 7-10 minutes.

Average price: 1200 rubles.

A versatile device that can cope with both construction work and domestic tasks. Ergonomic due to its lightweight body and comfortable handle. Operating temperature - 165˚ C. Suitable for gluing many types of materials.

Advantages:

• Lightness (weight - 200 g);
• Stand available;
• With electronic temperature control;
• Heats up quickly.

Flaws:

• Heavy cable;
• Branded rods are expensive.

Average price: 1100 rubles.

Top Battery Models

Bosch Glue Pen 0.603.2A2.020

This tool has a comfortable flat body, equipped with rubber pads to prevent slipping. Useful options are a light indication and a power button on the case.

Advantages:

• Battery and charger included;
• The USB connector is matched with the mobile phone adapter;
• Drip protection;
• Up to 6 rods can be melted in one charge.

Flaws:

• High price.

Average price: 2,500 rubles.

Steinel NEO 1 334 109

The tool is suitable for sealing thin joints: its body shape tapering towards the nozzle allows for the most accurate application of glue. One battery charge is enough for half an hour of work.

Advantages:

• The presence of a power button;
• Suitable for spot work;
• Good overview of the working area;
• Compactness;
• Light weight (150 g);
• There is protection against drops;
• Automatic shutdown.

Flaws:

• High price;
• Works only with rods with a diameter of 7 mm;
• The battery is charged within 3 hours.

Average price: 2400 rubles.

The best models for needlework

Such thermal guns are distinguished by their small body size and rod diameter, lower cost compared to professional models, and economical glue consumption.

The most inexpensive tool in this segment, has good quality and copes with the tasks. Its operating temperature is 120˚ C, heating occurs within 3-5 minutes. The compact device makes it much easier to work with the smallest materials.

Advantages:

• Affordable;
• Two rods included;
• Ease of use;
• Fast heating.

Flaws:

• The plastic case is not of the highest quality;
• Glue may leak out.

Average price: 240 rubles.

Hobby and pro DS-040

A versatile model that is suitable for any kind of creative work: floristry, scrapbooking, jewelry making, decorative trimming and many others. Strongly glues almost all materials: wood and fabric, cardboard and paper.

Advantages:

• Protection against leakage of glue;
• Case stand;
• Ergonomic shape;
• Glue application accuracy;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws:

• The body heats up during operation.

Average price: 700 rubles.

The best tools for gluing rhinestones

Dremel 910 F.013.091.0JC

The thermal gun weighs 140 g, which allows hands not to get tired during long work and stick a large number of rhinestones.

Advantages:

• Compactness;
• Long power cord;
• Easy to use.

Flaws:

• The glue stick runs out quickly.

Average price: 830 rubles.

The device is suitable for working with uneven surfaces. It can be used both for creativity and for repair.

Advantages:

• Light body;
• Two sticks with glue and a spare nozzle included;
• Long cord;
• Switch and illumination on the handle;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• Glue may leak from the spout.

Average price: 400 rubles.

The best thermal guns for paper handling

The model belongs to low-temperature guns: its working temperature reaches 110˚ C. This indicator is optimal for heat-sensitive and delicate materials, but it does not negatively affect the bonding strength.

Advantages:

• Heats up within 3 minutes;
• Dries quickly;
• Glues securely;
• Easy to work with small details.

Flaws:

• So far not discovered.

Average price: 900 rubles.

Dremel 930-18 HOBBY

It has two temperature settings, one of which is suitable for working with paper or organza, decorating and other creative activities.

Advantages:

• Colored rods included;
• The case is not heated;
• Lightweight and easy to use.

Flaws:

• Short cord;
• Thick nose.

Average price: 1500 rubles.

The best heat guns with interchangeable nozzles

Bosch GKP 200 CE Professional

The kit includes an extended nozzle that helps to work in narrow spaces.

Advantages:

• Quick warm up;
• Protection against spontaneous leakage of glue;
• Stand on the case;
• Wide push button.

Flaws:

• There is no switch button on the case;
• High price.

Average price: 7000 rubles.

DeFort DGG-50N-K

A versatile tool that can be used for both construction work and for children's creativity. The heating time of the device is 2-3 minutes. The kit includes two additional replacement nozzles. It is possible to work with the cable disconnected.

Advantages:

• Good quality;
• Plastic stand and 6 glue sticks included.

Flaws:

• Not a very convenient suitcase for storage;
• Not cheap.

Average price: 1900 rubles.

The best tool for home use

Stavr PK-11/100

The advantages of this model for home use are its price (about 600 rubles) and ease of use. Its power is 100 watts. The technical characteristics are enough to perform simple repairs in the house, children's creativity, and shoe gluing.

Advantages:

• Power button on the case;
• Metal stand;
• Light weight (400 gr);
• 2 rods and nozzle included;
• Heats up in 1 minute.

Flaws:

• No protection against drops of glue;
• A large body is not always convenient for small work;
• There is no temperature control function.

Average price: 580 rubles.

The rating presents popular models of hot glue guns and their main parameters. Focusing on the tasks that need to be completed, you can choose a functional tool for yourself at a price that suits you.

Which thermometer do you like?

Updated: 06/16/2018 15:30:52

Glue guns become a universal assistant for builders or creative people. With the help of these compact devices, it is possible to quickly and reliably connect parts even in hard-to-reach places. The principle of operation of the device is quite simple. Special rods are installed in the gun, which, when heated, begin to melt. The user can only move the device on a given surface. The rods can be purchased at an affordable price in the distribution network. The scope of the glue gun is quite wide, it is used not only for gluing parts, but also for filling seams, sealing joints. When choosing a device, experts recommend paying attention to the following points.

Criteria for choosing a glue gun

Pistols differ in the type of power supply. One category of devices can operate on battery power, other models must be connected to a household power outlet.

An important characteristic of a glue gun is productivity. For domestic purposes, a product with an indicator of 5-30 minutes is suitable. But for professional activity a more powerful device is required.

In the application process, the exact dosage of the adhesive and its fast setting are often important. It depends on the design of the tip (nozzle) and the quality of the rods.

The dimensions of the pistol can be decisive when we are talking about working in hard-to-reach places. The area of ​​application of glue depends on the size of the device and the rods.

When buying a device for a child, you should take care of safety. This concerns not only the protection of the heating parts, but also the selection of rods. Some consumables can release toxic compounds that will adversely affect the health of the young creator.

Our review includes the best glue guns. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:

the purpose of the pistol;

specifications;

expert opinion;

consumer reviews.

Rating of the best glue guns

The best professional glue gun

One of the main factors in buying a professional handgun is high performance. With the help of the rod, it is possible to reduce production costs due to the exact dosage and lower price than conventional glue. Most often, in the search engine, users are interested in Bosch devices. Experts included some models in our rating.

The Bosch PKP 3.6 LI professional glue gun has a whole range of advantages over its competitors. This compact device (0.255 kg) is powered by a 1.5 Ah lithium-ion battery. The key point of the tool is the instant adhesion of the glue. The gun can work smoothly on a full charge for 30 minutes. The heating of the rod occurs in record time (less than 15 s). The device is equipped with an indicator of the heating level, the operator can also monitor the degree of battery discharge.

The heat gun has a unique nozzle that prevents dripping. Thanks to the Auto Off function, the device automatically turns off after a five-minute inactivity. You can use the Micro-USB connector to charge the battery. The gun deservedly recognized as the winner of the rating.

Advantages

compactness;

fast heating;

charging via USB;

unique nozzle.

Flaws

• high price.

The Dremel 940 hand gun was highly appreciated by the builders. With its help, different materials are easily connected. The model is powered by a 220 V electrical network, so the working space is limited by the length of the power cable. On the other hand, a powerful heater allows the use of thick rods (11 mm), heating them up to a temperature of 195°C. The device loses to the winner in heating speed (300 s) and in mobility, so the experts placed the device in second place in the rating.

The manufacturer is well equipped with a glue gun. The set includes three rods, a leg-stand, a sight glass, a leakage protection. The gun nozzles have silicon shrouds to prevent the glue from igniting.

Advantages

high performance;

rich equipment;

affordable price;

applied to different materials.

Flaws

dependence on the power grid;

prolonged heating.

The Bosch "PKP 18 E" glue gun has excellent technical parameters. The device is able to heat the rod up to a maximum temperature of 200°C and maintain it for a long time. This is achieved by supplying the device from the mains. The device is equipped with rods 11 mm thick and provides high productivity at work (20 g/min). Only the heating of the rod takes a long time (420 s), in this parameter the device is inferior to its closest competitors. And the weight of the model is quite large (350 g). The special nozzle design ensures clean gun operation.

The device perfectly copes with sealing, fixing, gluing a wide range of materials. The gun comes with one glue stick, nozzle, stand, viewing window.

Advantages

high heating temperature;

electronic temperature control;

leakage protection.

Flaws

prolonged heating;

great weight.

A very convenient hot glue gun is the Bosch GluePen model. The device is ergonomic and compact. Thanks to the built-in battery (capacity 1.5 Ah), the device can be used away from the household power supply. Experts included this pistol in the rating also for the smallest weight among competitors (142 g). The advantages of the device include the minimum heating time (15 s), instant gluing, and a thin nozzle. The main purpose of the product is creative work when creating crafts, as well as repairing small parts.

The manufacturer, along with the device, attached 4 glue sticks and a charger. The gun works with rods with a diameter of 7 mm. Adhesive material consumption is controlled automatically.

Advantages

compactness and convenience;

light weight;

thin nozzle.

Flaws

narrow scope;

poor performance.

The best glue gun for crafts

In our country, there are traditionally many creative people who are engaged in crafts or decor. They appreciate the compactness, lightness and the ability to apply a thin layer of glue in a glue gun. The review included inexpensive models with economical consumption of the glue stick.

A universal tool for domestic purposes is a glue gun "Micron", 60 W. It is also used in the work of people of creative professions who are engaged in decorative ornaments, crafts from cardboard, straw, paper and wood. The Chinese device has become the winner of our rating for safety and ease of use. The device is powered by a household network (220 V), it is equipped with only one power button. The power of the device (60 W) is enough to melt a rod with a diameter of 11 mm. This forms a wide band of glue.

The package contains everything you need to get started. The manufacturer, along with the gun, supplies two glue sticks and a reliable metal stand.

Advantages

affordable price;

safety at work;

ease and convenience;

wide strip of glue.

Flaws

• not detected.

The German glue gun UHU CREATIV became a worthy competitor to the winner. Only in price it loses to the leader, taking deservedly the second place in the ranking. The device is considered a low-temperature model, because the melting process occurs at 110°C. This does not affect the quality of gluing in any way, but additional safety during operation can become a trump card when buying. Fragile girls will like the device's compactness and light weight.

Using a heat gun, it is recommended to glue any materials, even those sensitive to high temperatures. This quality of the device is ensured by the instant setting of the glue. As a result, a minimum amount of time is spent on the gluing operation, which reduces costs.

Users speak flatteringly about the reliability and durability of the device. He excels in the tasks assigned to him. The manufacturer has completed the product with a metal stand and two glue sticks.

Advantages

low price;

miniature sizes;

fast heating.

Flaws

unreliable body;

spontaneous leakage of glue from the nozzle.

Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Don't have a glue gun? In vain - a useful thing! Let's see what's inside it, learn how to use this small but very powerful tool, figure out the technical characteristics different models, we will determine the main selection criteria.

There is such an instrument, which, 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 prescribed this device in their arsenal. Despite the fact that it is not an essential tool, has a simple design and a relatively low price, the hot glue gun does an excellent job of performing a wide range of tasks, in most cases it cannot be replaced with something else.

With the help of a glue gun, builders fix engineering communications, fill the seams, seal, glue. This tool was especially loved by designers, florists, as well as craftsmen. popular destination"hand-made", which are regularly engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of souvenirs, piece items, decor elements. Radio amateurs, model designers, ordinary home craftsmen did not stand aside. Even by itself, polyurethane melt can be of some decorative value - artists use it to create frame mesh structures, paint with glue mass on objects, get original fractions from colored or metallized drops (balls, beads ...), form stylized seals for decorating postcards, invitations tickets and festive bottles, create three-dimensional pictures.

The main advantages of the glue gun

The glue gun allows you to glue various elements almost instantly, since the heated polymer hardens in just a few minutes (from 1 to 3), after which the seam acquires almost maximum strength. There is no need to wait for hours to set, as when working with glue such as "Liquid Nails", "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 adhesive, when using a heat gun, the surfaces to be treated must be free 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 impossible). There is an interesting technology for paintless removal of dents on a car body, when a fungus (piston) is glued to the front surface of the stamped part in the “crater”, and then a special device (mini-lifter) 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 in the manufacture of 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), because due to the high thermal conductivity of the base, the melt cools too quickly and instantly solidifies.

Glue very well fills voids, seals, impregnates. Unlike most sealants, the melt, even with large layers, hardens completely, to the full 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 to be careful about 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.

The gluing process turns out to be quite economical, since spare wheels 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 device and principle of operation of the hot glue gun

A hot gun is a hand 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 back, the “cartridges” for it are cylindrical rods of various diameters (most often 7 or 11 mm). The spare wheel passes the pusher bushing and enters the tubular rubber receiver, after which we drive the rod into the heating chamber, where the material melts, acquiring an adhesive and penetrating ability. The initial heating of the tool lasts an average of 3-5 minutes. By pressing the trigger, the reserve, acting on the principle of a piston, creates pressure in the heated reservoir and pushes the melt through the nozzle onto the surface to be treated.

Heating unit. The thermal chamber is located in the barrel - this is a metal reservoir, near which (usually from below) there is a heating element, a heating element. In some models, several heaters are used, which allows for more uniform, stepped heating (BOSCH GKP 200 CE). The amount of mass ready for work and the melting rate depend on the size of the chamber and the power of the heating element - in other words, the performance 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 life of the tool.

feed mechanism. This assembly is a ring pusher (sometimes with a hooking tooth), which is actuated by a lever connected to a carousel type trigger (moves around its axis) or a slide 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 exit. Often the feed mechanism is too clearly “sharpened” for a specific rod size, and even small deviations in its diameter cause malfunctions (difficulty feeding a large one or slipping a thin spare wheel).

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

Nozzle (nozzle, nozzle) The thermal gun serves to give the adhesive mass a certain shape, to dose the flow and to block the outgoing channel. A shut-off valve (spring-loaded ball, nipple) is usually located in the nozzle, which prevents unauthorized leakage of the melt. It is worth noting that it does not completely block the nozzle, this was done intentionally to relieve excess pressure when the mass overheats, so you need to put a piece of cardboard under the spout 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 different shapes and length. They have a thread for connecting to a thermal camera and slots for an open-end wrench, however, they can only be changed when heated, otherwise everything is firmly fixed with hardened glue.

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

Body of the heat gun they are made of hard plastics, which allows to reduce the transfer of heat from the heating chamber, to ensure the product is light in weight - 300 grams for a network pistol is considered an average. 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 is in the trunk.

An important option of the body is the presence of a viewing window through which you can check the rest 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 of the case, on which you can rest the tool with the spout down; a special penny is provided at the end of the handle for this purpose. During a break in work, putting the gun on its side is not recommended, since the body (and the inside) in this case overheats greatly, and the surface on which the tool was left may also be damaged.

Choosing the technical characteristics of the 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 right amount of glue in the thermal chamber, then the issue of its power can not be considered at all. In general, pro-class pistols take 300 or more watts, 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 for the preparation of the melt. How do you know if it's enough or not? No way! Do not choose by power, this indicator is “for a passport”. Choose by performance.

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

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

Traditional, average pistols heat the glue up 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 work with a pistol 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, because due to the high internal pressure, durability issues may arise. Give preference to the unit, designed for 165-170 degrees.

Advanced models allow you to adjust the temperature in a wide range, even a special microcircuit can monitor its maintenance.

Pistol speed is not quite the correct term, although it is quite common. It is more correct to speak of productivity, the data on which indicate the mass of the melt emanating from the nozzle per unit time. In the passport for the product, you can almost always find such information. As a rule, this parameter is in the range of 5-30 grams per minute. A lot of glue is needed for construction work, so rods with a diameter of 11 millimeters will be the most suitable, but they will also need appropriate performance. Moreover, the mass flow time is limited, and relatively large areas have to be coated. For amateur creativity, where point gluing is relevant, 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 the division of glue guns into “professional / household”.

The power supply of the glue gun is implemented in different ways. The most widely used network devices with a permanently fixed wire. Pistols have become a step forward, 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 camera works as a heat accumulator. The logical continuation of this topic was the cars that are in standby mode in a special charger, glass, dock stand, which also collects drops. For example, Steinel GLUEMATIC 5000 works according to this principle, by the way, the cord can be connected to it directly.

Almost complete freedom of action will give a rechargeable thermal gun. Steinel Neo 3 has the following characteristics: 45 minutes 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 at the same time weighs only 786 grams (including battery). The BOSCH PKP 7.2 Li pistol has almost identical performance - only it has a two-hour charger. Interestingly, the price of such (wireless) devices has dropped significantly, it is no longer exorbitant - it is in the region of $100.

Select by additional criteria

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

1. Switchable temperature mode allows you to use the tool to work 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 an electronic temperature control in automatic mode, which means that you do not have to be afraid of overheating of the tool, large losses of the melt. 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 turn off the device from the network in order to avoid premature failure of the gun.
3. Ready state 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 the receiving sleeve.
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 working area with the help of a LED - built-in flashlight. It seems to be a trifle, but in some cases it helps our brother out a lot, especially when we work "in place", in hard-to-reach places.
6. Replaceable nozzles. Significantly expand the capabilities of the tool, as they allow you to get a different amount of melt at the outlet, change the size of the adhesive strip, and reach blind areas 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. Viewing window - allows you to control the balance of the charged rod, helps to monitor the integrity of the receiving sleeve.
9. Leg-stand. It is not always sufficiently stable and practical, it is not always securely fixed in the assembled state. The best examples of hot glue guns have a very wide footprint, which can include a hoof on the handle, and even a trigger (Dremel F0131200KA).
10. The construction of the cock. The vast majority of users note that the swivel trigger mechanism is the most convenient option, as it is easier for them to control dosing and less effort needs to be applied. It is very difficult to work with a pistol without a trigger, where the rod is fed by hand, but such a system is already a rarity. Some models have a screw-type trigger stop that is designed to adjust the maximum dose of material (ELMOS EGG 400).
11. Cord disconnect function - significantly improves the ergonomics of the product, makes it possible to work offline for 10-20 minutes.
12. The complete set of the device may include a case, a set of rods for various purposes, a heat-resistant mat that can be easily cleaned from glue.

A little about glue sticks

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

With the cross-sectional indicators, everything is more or less clear, it is difficult to get under the regrading, however, some pistols are very sensitive to the diameter, therefore it is recommended to use only "native" 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 designed to mask the seam (for a blue object, we take blue glue, for a yellow object, yellow), or for a decorative effect (split rods, multi-colored). Secondly, tinting manufacturers indicate different purposes for the rods, for example, a transparent sticker is universal, black is for sealing, and yellow is for glass. Note that there are no uniform standards, each company marks rods with different chemical composition Therefore, before buying, you should carefully study the instructions.

The melting temperature for most stickers is approximately the same and equals 100-105 degrees, do not worry that your thermal 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 above. Obviously, not every pistol will pull such a spare.

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