The best hot glue guns in 2022

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.

Benefits of using a glue gun

• 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 gun. 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 precise 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.

Errors when choosing

A manufacturing application requires a high power adhesive tool with a lower threshold of 200W. The operating temperature ranges from 160 to 300 degrees Celsius and the output is at least 20 grams per minute.

You should not buy a very cheap device for needlework, it is preferable to make a purchase in a specialized store for creativity with a starting bar of 500 rubles. The very low price of the glue gun is the reason for the glue to flow in the work and quickly burn out. The operating temperature fluctuates around 105°C.

The stand plays a big role in organizing the process. If the tool is left without the vertical bracket, the adhesive will flow out, which guarantees a high consumption and disorder in the workspace.
There must be a switch on the handle of the device - a toggle switch. A break in work and a pause will not require you to turn off the tool from the network.

Thick rods will not allow you to perform small decor and work with small details, such as rhinestones, buttons, beads, stones.

Short rods bring more inconvenience when inserted into the device and wear out quickly. It is advantageous to take long rods.

Power cords should be chosen long enough for free movement in the workspace, they should be flexible and well insulated.

For family use, mixed household and purpose work and crafts, it is convenient to have an adhesive tool with manual heat control.

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

BOSCH PKP 18 E

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).

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

• 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.

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

• There is no switch button on the case;
• The trigger is large, not very convenient for small work;
• It heats up for a long time - 7-10 minutes.

Average price: 1200 rubles.

Dremel 910 JC

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.

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

• Heavy cable;
• Branded rods are expensive.

Average price: 1100 rubles.

ELITECH PKL 5015K

Powerful and easy to use tool, indispensable for long-term work and meets the requirements for heating speed.

• Several nozzles;
• No glue leakage
• High performance;
• With the possibility of manipulation without a cord;
• With protection against burns;
• Quality assembly;
• Convenient functional storage case;
• With 6 rods included;
• The presence of a stand leg.

• Complaints from users on the material of manufacture of the saucer for collecting drops, when touched, melting is possible

The average price is 1200 rubles.

Metabo KE 3000

The Romanian power tool is designed for 11 mm rods with a maximum processing temperature of 200 °C.

• The set includes a metal stand;
• Sample tube of adhesive;
• With viewing window;
• Anti-drip function;
• A good cord length is almost 2 meters;
• Excellent performance.

• Not found.

With an average sales price of 2500 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

Average price: 2400 rubles.

Pro'sKit GK-368

A light and high-quality device is brought into active mode by means of batteries or AA batteries.

• Very short warm-up period;
• Mobility;
• Ergonomic;
• Safe;
• Long non-stop work;
• Good warranty period;
• Stylish design.

• Users note that not all batteries hold a charge for a long time.

The average cost is 1200 rubles.

RYOBI R18GLU-0 ONE+

The adhesive device is powered by a Li-ion battery with a voltage of 18 V.

• It is allowed to work with any cores with a diameter of 11 mm;
• The capacity of one recharge is capable of melting up to 60 thermoplastic rods;
• With a quick 3-minute warm-up;
• The presence of a wide trigger;
• Ergonomic rubberized handle;
• With viewing window.

• The need for additional battery costs.

The best models for needlework

For gluing fabrics, patches of natural and artificial leather, as well as for applying rhinestones and jewelry, you need a glue gun.

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

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.

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

• The body heats up during operation.

Average price: 700 rubles.

Micron GL-01

The universal model is suitable for needlework and household needs.

• High security;
• Provides comfortable work;
• With ergonomic metal stand;
• Equipped with two rods;
• The presence of a transparent guide;
• Democratic price.

• Not found.

DeFort DGG-16N

A real lady's gadget with an elegant and light form perfectly performs the tasks of gluing paper fragments, ribbons, applying beads and fixing decorative stones.

• Continuous faultless operation;
• Profitable price;
• Suitable for delicate master manipulations;
• With low temperature conditions;
• Heats up in 5 minutes;
• Replaceable nozzles available.

• Not intended for household chores.

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.

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

• The glue stick runs out quickly.

Average price: 830 rubles.

Kolner KGG

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

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

• Glue may leak from the spout.

Average price: 400 rubles.

Rapid EG 320

A novelty for needlework and fastening rhinestones is a glue gun with the function of maintaining the temperature in automatic mode.

• Control of the heating process through the viewing window;
• With a maximum temperature of 195°C;
• With comfortable leg stand;
• Works from mains voltage;
• Stylish design.

• None.

The best thermal guns for paper handling

UHU Creative

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.

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

• 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.

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

• Short cord;
• Thick nose.

Average price: 1500 rubles.

SPEC BPK-60

On the shelves of markets for needlework, this model is always in a conspicuous place.

The priority task for the gadget is the task of reliable gluing of all kinds of surfaces, including paper, cardboard, which solves a lot of problems for craftswomen.

• Metal bracket-holder;
• Heats up quickly in 5 minutes;
• Mains power;
• The presence of a viewing window;
• With a maximum temperature of 195°C;
• Indispensable for creating crafts.

• Not found.

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.

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

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

Average price: 7000 rubles.

The best tool for home use

Stavr PK-11/200

A tool with a comfortable handle and a quick warm-up function is popular among DIY enthusiasts. Simple repairs with such a gadget are quite doable.

• Easy to clean rubber spout after use
• Good performance 15g/minute;
• Equipped with glue sticks;
• The presence of a stand leg;
• Democratic price;
• Temperature adjustable;
• With mains supply;
• Can be used for gluing shoes;
• Functional in children's creativity.

• The switch does not provide information about the active mode.

Average price: 900 rubles.

REXANT 12-0111

The model is recognized by customers in the "convenient and reliable" category for its ergonomic design and excellent technical parameters.

• Wide temperature range 120-240°C;
• With reliable protection against leakage;
• The presence of a viewing window;
• Stylish and convenient capacious case;
• Stable stand for vertical position made of metal;
• 6 rods included.

• Not identified.

DEKO DKGG150

It is difficult for lovers of arts and crafts and minor household repairs to choose a more suitable version of the adhesive device.

• Fast warming up to the optimum temperature;
• Large set of rods included;
• Bonds materials of any composition;
• Suitable for fabric, stone, metal, plastic surfaces.

• Mains power only.

ZUBR EXPERT 06851-120-12-Z02

Serious electrical appliance with ultra-fast heating ensures high performance.

• Mains power;
• With viewing window;
• The presence of a feed regulator;
• High maximum temperature of 193°C;
• With a rod length of 300 mm.

• The price is above average.

The average cost is 3200 rubles.

Conclusion

Glue guns have become an integral part of everyday life and needlework. A lot of life hacks prolong the life of things and make life easier, but for this you need to be smart and put your hands on it. not in all cases professional adhesive devices are required, it is enough to have an average and reliable version of the tool at home. Quick bringing the device to working readiness and high-quality gluing will save time, money and bring aesthetic pleasure.
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.