Best 10 Hot Glue Guns

Are you a DIY hobbyist? Do you like taking on small projects or large DIY crafts? No matter your experience level, you probably already know that any craft has to have a hot glue gun. It’s the most necessary tool for any art or home decoration. 

What is there to know about the top hot glue guns? Don’t worry as you’re in the right place! With our buying guide, you’ll be able to gather all the important information to make the best purchase. We’ll give you a breakdown of the different hot glue gun types, how you can use a glue gun and the critical features to consider. Find a match to your budget and pick between wired or wireless, depending on your projects. 

Interested to find out more? Keep reading below!

What is a hot glue gun? 

A hot glue gun is a portable and high-quality device that releases high temperatures via glue gun sticks. These are filled with a heating element that makes glueing easy and very strong. Many people like to use them for arts and crafts, school projects and quick repairs or fixes around the house. Most hot glue guns produce melted glue in high temps, but their build is safe even for kids to use. That’s why you can find them even as part of a school project’s stationery. 

How do glue guns work? 

Glue guns are very simple and safe to use. All you have to do is add the glue stick in and power it on. Once the tool heats up, you just have to pull the trigger, and the glue slips out from the nozzle in seconds. The more pressure you apply to the trigger, the more glue comes out from the nozzle. The heating time could be as little as 60 seconds, but the average wait time is 3-5 minutes. 

The nice thing about glue guns is that they work well with most, if not all, materials. Many glue guns have adjustable temperatures from high to low. Dual temperatures are important depending on the material you want to glue. For example, wood, metal and plastic work better with the high-temperature setting, while cardboard, paper and fabric bond best on low temperature. 

Why should you buy a hot glue gun? 

The most obvious reason to buy a hot glue gun is for arts and crafts. But, there are many other benefits to buying a glue gun, making them a practical purchase. 

1. They have greater precision than regular glues.

The best part of glue guns is that they are very accurate and precise when glueing. You can use them for any tight space as their nozzle is small and can fit easily in nooks and crannies. Also, their trigger system gives you better control to get exactly the amount that you want out of each squeeze. Regular glues are harder to control, especially in tight spaces, whereas glue guns can reach further deep without a hassle.

2. They glue through various materials effectively.

The biggest frustration with regular glues is their inability to stick on materials properly. When you’re using them on DIY tasks, you might put some glue on a surface or material, and after a few minutes, the glued part flops open. That’s because they’re not as effective with all materials as glue guns are. Full-size glue guns can tackle anything from wood to metal and glass without stress. And, you won’t have to reapply the glue multiple times. Their strength is far superior and long-lasting.   

3. They are cost-efficient.

Many hot glue guns include melt glue sticks within their packaging. These sticks are refillable so that you don’t have to run to the supply store for new glues constantly. Regular glue has a very small capacity compared to glue guns, and once you empty it, you have to dispose of it. They are not refillable like glue sticks. With a glue gun, you can enjoy taking on more crafts without spending a fortune.

4. They dry immediately.

Another critical advantage to glue guns is that they have rapid drying times. From the moment you squirt out some glue, it almost instantaneously dries. That way, you can continue working without taking a break to let the glue dry. This benefit is also handy to avoid getting your hands sticky while crafting. We all love to remove the dry glue from our hands, but glue guns are a worthy upgrade to save time on cleanups. 

What are the different hot glue gun types? 

There’s a vast selection of glue gun types to pick from available in the market. The choice is yours as it’s a matter of personal preference. The most popular glue gun types are the standard wired, wireless, mini glue guns and multi-temperature ones. 

• Standard: The most common glue guns are the standard wired ones with an on/off switch. 
• Cordless: These glue guns are battery-operated and rechargeable without a cable.
• Mini: Mini glue guns are smaller than the standard full-size glue guns. They have their own separate glue stick size and are fit for small projects.
• Multi-Temperature Glue Gun: Some glue guns have adjustable heat settings. The most common configuration will be a switch button between high and low temp.

What to look for in a glue gun

Do you want to make the most informed decision without compromising on quality? Don’t worry, as we are here to give you all the essential considerations that a hot glue gun should have. 

1. Glue Stick Size

The most common glue stick size is either 7mm or 11mm in length. The biggest advantage of 11m sticks is that they last longer and squeeze out more glue for wider surfaces. The 7mm sticks are mostly found on mini glue guns and offer you accuracy in closer surfaces where you don’t need as much glue. 

2. Heating Time

Heating time is very important as you want to find a glue gun that heats up quickly so that you can take on craft projects as soon as possible. The highest quality ones can reach their full heating potential in as little as 60 seconds, but the average heating time is between 3-5 minutes. 

Another thing to consider is the heating power by looking at the glue gun’s wattage. For starter glue guns, the average heating power is 20 watts. These are best for small home improvement projects. The higher the wattage, the more versatile your glue gun will be. Higher wattages can range from 60 to 220 W. These are perfect for multiple difficult projects. For the best output, check for PTC thermal heating systems. These have the most excellent wattage power.

3. Temperature Setting 

Some glue guns have a single heat output, whereas others have dual temperature settings, high and low. The low temperature is best for non-porous materials, including cardboard, paper and fabric. The high heat temperatures are better for heavy-duty materials that are hard to glue on, including wood and metals. It’s also critical that your glue gun has smart temperature control not to overheat the glue gun.

4. Ease of Use

Nobody wants a product that is hard to use. The best products are the ones that are very straightforward and make your life easier. A good indicator of a top-notch glue gun is a controlled glue distribution. Controlled glue distribution is the glue gun’s ability to release just the right amount of glue that you want at any given moment. 

Other ways to know if your glue gun is simple to use include how lightweight it is. A lightweight and compact glue gun has better portability, whether through a long cable or if it’s wireless. Also, the best glue guns are the ones that offer mess-free cleanups with detachable parts. There’s nothing better than cleaning up your workstation in as little as 5 minutes.

5. Accessories

Do you want to save money and make the most out of your purchase? By purchasing a complete package with some accessories, you can find great deals instead of buying these items separately. For example, many hot glue guns come with a carry bag, multiple glue sticks, extra nozzles, or chargers (wireless ones).  

Corded or Cordless Hot Glue Gun: Which one is better?

So, you’re ready to make a purchase but have one last step to decide on: wired or wireless. Which one do you go for? Well, one is not necessarily better than the other. Each has its pros and cons, but your pick will matter depending on the use you want out of the glue gun. Let’s look at each and compare their strengths and drawbacks.

Corded

The biggest pro to these glue guns is that they connect to a mains supply for constant electricity and higher power output. The negative to them is that they have a cable which is usually no more than 1.5m. That way, you are limited to work near the cable unless you continuously change positions and outlets. 

Cordless

On the other hand, these hot guns offer enhanced portability like the cordless screwdrivers and give you more freedom to move around the house and at any different angle you want. There is no limitation to your hand gestures, but the biggest drawback is that you have to charge them after some time. That’s because they run on batteries. Also, the battery costs more in the long run unless you find a rechargeable model with a charger.

How can you use a glue gun? 

Do you want to get some ideas of how you can use your glue gun? There are many practical uses for home improvement, arts and crafts, and DIY projects. Whatever your experience level, you can find a fun and creative way to include glue guns in your stationery kit. Here are some pro tips and recommendations.

• Arts and crafts
• Furniture repairs
• Upholstery
• Footwear fixes
• Bonding and sealing metals in electronics
• Glueing picture frames

These are just a few of the ideas; the functionalities and uses are endless. All you need is some creative thinking, and anything is possible. 

How much do hot glue guns cost? 

Hot glue guns are very affordable stationery tools that anyone can include in their crafting kit. There are budget-friendly options that won’t break your bank and high-end alternatives that cost a bit more. But, whatever your price point, you will find an excellent glue gun.

Affordable 

If you really want to spend as little as possible on a glue gun, the most affordable choices start as little as £8.49 up to £19.99. Most corded glue guns are within this price range, and they also come with a few glue sticks, from 10pcs to 30pcs. These might not have as many heat settings as the more expensive ones.

High-End

The more premium glue guns have more temperature control adjustments from high to low, and you can find some excellent wireless options. These will start from £25 to £40. These glue guns will have more glue sticks for an upped price, too, from 40 to 70pcs. 

Closure

Any crafter and DIYer will agree that the best hot glue guns are life-savers when it comes to glueing parts together faster. A hot glue gun is a versatile, multi-purpose tool that anyone can use as they are safe to operate. Adults and children love to play with them when crafting to make delightful creations. 

We’re optimistic that our buying guide has helped you better understand all the necessary features to look for before purchasing your glue gun. Now’s your chance to start up a new hobby! What type of craft are you making first?