When you mention the word hot glue gun one word comes to mind and that is the “Ouch”. Because very few of us have escaped the excruciating burn when you wipe away the glue which of course is a habit in woodworking. Hot melt glue is particularly effective is in bonding soft materials. And as an alternative to tacks or staples in upholstery, it can be very useful.
People loving art and crafts know the importance of the hot melt glue gun. A glue gun is an electrical device that uses a heating element to melt the glue stick; the user pushes this liquid hot glue either by using the trigger on the gun or with finger pressure. It works quickly and delivers a flow of liquid hot glue for binding objects. This hot liquid glue, after a few seconds to a minute, solidifies without any mess on the surface.
You will find several types of hot glue guns on the market but choosing the one with the best performance, design, power, size, temperature, and other features is a bit confusing. Well, there is nothing to worry about now as we are providing you with the best five hot glue gun products, describing their designs and features in detail, which will surely be a great help to you.
Finding a decent hot glue gun that suits your needs perfectly is hard, to say the least. This article will list some of the best models available on the market as of 2020, allowing you to decide which one would be the best for you. You must know the intricate details of each product and its features so that you can make an informed decision. Hang tight as we explore these products in detail.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Choice 
| Arrow GT300 – Professional Hot Glue Gun
| Check Price |
Also Great 
| PROkleber EX-1 – Hot Glue Gun for Crafting
| Check Price |
Best for DIY 
| NEU MASTER FQ-009 – Cordless Hot Glue Gun
| Check Price |
Best Price 
| Gorilla 8401508 – Mini Hot Glue Gun
| Check Price |
Best Cordless 
| Ryobi P305 – Cordless Hot Glue Gun for Woodworking
| Check Price |
1. Arrow GT300 – Best Professional Hot Glue Gun
Arrow’s GT300 Fastener Pro, a high-temperature glue gun, has a slim body that has a red and black color combination. It has an extended long nose tip with a drip-resistant nozzle and an adjustment knob at the very back of it, which are some of the top features that this hot glue gun offers. Arrow GT300 is a lightweight device, weighing around 1.5 pounds. It comes with a sturdy base stand and wing stands, completing the overall structure of this hot glue gun.
The Arrow Fastener Pro is a durable and reliable product for professionals. At 300 watts and heating to over 400 °F, this glue gun reaches a very high temperature, perfect for various demanding jobs. The combination of its drip-resistant nozzle and precision adjustment knob are the two main features of the Arrow GT300 that help you to place small dots and smooth lines accurately and with ease.
In corners or tight areas that are hard to reach, the gun’s extended nose design is conducive as it can easily get to those areas, making it worthwhile for users in many ways. The sturdy base stand with wing attachments helps to avoid mishaps during glue application. Moreover, it has an oversized trigger that is easy to squeeze while using the gun. Other than that, it uses 12 mm sized glue sticks, and this heavy-duty tool is ideal for carpentry, upholstery, home repair, and craft projects.
Features:
- Glue Sticks Size: 0.43 inches
- Max Temperature: 410 °F
- Heating Time: 2-3 minutes
- Working Power: 300 W
- Power Source: AC Source
- Weight 1.5 pounds
Pros:
- Safety nozzle avoids burns and injuries.
- Heats up quickly.
- Durable and lightweight.
- Impressive maximum temperature.
Cons:
- Contains harmful chemicals.
- Requires an AC supply; no battery is available.
2. PROkleber EX-1 – Best Hot Glue Gun for Crafting
PROkleber’s hot melt glue gun is a universal tool that both professionals and amateurs can use. It is made up of durable materials, including plastic, aluminum, and metal. The working power that this hot melt glue gun uses is about 100 watts, and it takes 2-3 minutes to warm up. This hot melt glue gun adheres to German quality standards and comes in two colors: blue and green. It weighs about 1.5 pounds and uses a glue stick with a diameter of 0.43 inches. Moreover, the nozzle size of PROkleber is 0.07-0.11 inches in diameter, and its cable is 50 inches long.
It is a universal tool, and both professionals and amateurs can use it. With high heating temperature, PROkleber EX-1 quickly melts the glue within 2-3 minutes, and with its strong adhesive property, you can carry out smooth and reliable operations. The ergonomic structure of the glue gun, made up of durable plastic and aluminum, helps it to serve you for many years. You can use it for several materials, including wood, plastic, paper, rubber, leather, textile, fabric, metal, and glass.
PROkleber is often used in kids’ toys, hand-made products, jewelry, PC boards, and electronics, etc. This full-size glue gun perfectly fits in the hand along with its comfortable trigger and nozzle that make the appliance of the glue much more comfortable. The best feature of EX-1 is that it comes with a high-quality travel bag that includes a glue gun, 12 glue sticks, and three silicone finger protectors, which helps to carry it and other accessories safely.
Features:
- Glue Sticks Size: 0.43 inches
- Max Temperature: 392 °F
- Heating Time: 2-3 minutes
- Working Power: 100 W
- Power Source: AC Source
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
Pros:
- Durable product.
- Comes with a handy storage case.
- Full-sized glue gun.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Safe operation.
Cons:
- Tends to get too hot.
- No charging facility.
3. NEU MASTER FQ-009 – Best Cordless/USB Hot Glue Gun
NEU MASTER is a wireless glue gun that comes with a micro USB cable. This mini hot glue gun has a dripless design with a protective silicone cover. Unlike other hot glue guns, NEU MASTER has an ON/OFF power switch located on its handle and a battery indicator LED. Other great features of the NEU MASTER FQ-009 hot glue gun include a heat resistant nozzle, foldable stand, and two-finger trigger propulsion. This wireless glue gun, weighing about 7.2 ounces, is available in a color combination of pine green and black. Also, it comes with ten pieces of mini glue sticks of about 0.27-0.28 inches.
You can use the NEU MASTER glue gun at home and in the office and for arts and crafts, DIY projects, and quick repairs. The best feature of this glue gun is that it is cordless, which provides you with mobile and convenient operations. It charges with a standard micro USB cable for suitable cord-free operations. Once you charge this glue gun fully, you can use it for around 45 minutes. This mini hot glue gun with high-tech electronic PTC heating technology takes only 3 minutes to heat up.
The maximum temperature is 400 °F, and after reaching a certain temperature, it maintains that level accordingly. For safety purposes, it features a secure ON/OFF power switch and an LED working indicator. It has a slip-resistant grip design, ergonomic rubber-covered handles, and detachable support. The heat resistant silicone nozzle avoids accidents, and the rubber-coated handle is there for support. This mini hot glue gun is the best choice for light-duty jobs.
Features:
- Glue Sticks Size: 0.27 inches
- Max Temperature: 400 °F
- Heating Time: 3 minutes
- Working Power: 10 watts
- Power Source: Chargeable via micro USB cable
- Weight: 0.45 pounds
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight tool.
- Cordless gun with a compact design.
- Safe operation.
- Impressive maximum temperature.
Cons:
- Possible charging issues.
- Questionable battery durability.
4. Gorilla 8401508 – Best Mini Hot Glue Gun
The Gorilla dual temp mini glue gun is used with mini-sized glue sticks that are 0.27 inches in diameter. Gorilla glue gun features a dual temperature setting having 311 °F and 374 °F temperatures, which you can manage with the help of a switch located at the handle. It is a 20-watt mini glue gun with a long insulated nozzle, side fins, a built-in stand, and an extended trigger completing its overall structure. This orange and black colored mini glue gun is manufactured with materials including plastic, silicone, and rubber, weighing about 5.6 ounces. Also, it has a cord that is 4.5 ft long.
Gorilla mini glue guns are an ideal tool for crafts and repairs. This wide-based and light-weighted gun is comfortable and easy to use with its side fins with handle, trigger, and base made up of rubber for a better grip and comfort. Its structure includes side fins that help the gun to lay on its sides and a long insulated nozzle that allows you to glue with precision, while its insulation protects you from burns. Gorilla stands out because of its dual temperature setting; you can carry operations with this gun at low and high temperatures as per your need.
Its integrated stand helps you to keep the nozzle away from your work surface, desk, etc., without any hindrance, while its long trigger allows you to squeeze the trigger with ease. The cord protector at the back of the gun prevents cord shortening. This mini glue gun is worth your investment if you are looking for a multipurpose compact product.
Features:
- Glue Sticks Size: 0.27 inches
- Max Temperature: 374 °F
- Heating Time: 3 minutes
- Working Power: 20 W
- Power Source: AC Source
- Weight: 0.35 pounds
Pros:
- Dual temperature settings.
- Enhanced safety features.
- Integrated safety fuse.
- Silicon rubber for feeding the glue stick.
Cons:
- Glue sometimes backs up and comes out of the middle – a burn hazard.
- It is not chargeable.
5. Ryobi P305 – Best Cordless Hot Glue Gun for Woodworking
Ryobi P305 comes with a P118 dual chemistry charger, an operator manual, and a lithium-ion battery P163. This heavy-duty gluing tool is made up of plastic available in a color combination of green and black. Ryobi P305, which weighs about 3.8 pounds, has a short length trigger, LED indicator, and wide stand attached to its handle.
P305 is a heavy-duty glue gun that is designed to work for all kinds of purposes. It has about 3.5 hours of runtime, which is quite long, helping you to carry your operations without worrying about the charging of the gun. You will know when to use it or not with the help of an LED indicator on the glue gun.
The Ryobi P305 introduces a dual chemistry charger and 18 Volt ONE+ lithium-ion battery upgrade kit. In this kit, the battery’s cells have lithium-ion, providing you with 50% extra runtime. The charger works with all Ryobi ONE+ lithium-ion batteries and maximizes the durability of the product. If you are a professional worker and your work demands heavy-duty gluing applications, you should go for the Ryobi P305 Hot Glue Gun.
Features:
- Glue Sticks Size: 0.43 inches
- Max Temperature: 400 °F
- Heating Time: 2-3 minutes
- Working Power: 600 W
- Power Source: Battery
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion 2.0 Ah
- Battery Timing: 3.5 hours
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
Pros:
- Heats up quickly in 2-3 minutes.
- Battery and dual chemistry charger upgrade kit.
- Impressive battery timing.
- Safe operation.
Cons:
- Occasional battery issues.
- Not as powerful as some corded models.
Buyer’s Guide: How To Pick a Hot Glue Gun?
Before you enter the market to get a hot glue gun for yourself, you should be aware of the factors that you need to consider before buying so that you can make the best decision.
Temperature Range
The first and most important thing to consider before buying a hot glue gun is its working temperature. A high-temperature glue gun heats glue to about 350 Fahrenheit while low-temperature ones heat it to approximately 250 Fahrenheit. Whether you buy a glue gun with either high or low temperature depends on the material which you are working with.
If you are going to work with heavy material like wood, glass, stone, metal, etc., then you should buy a high-temperature glue gun; however, if the material is soft like fabric, foam, ribbons, etc., then you should go for a glue gun with low temperature. Also, some glue guns come with dual temperature features in which you can adjust the temperature as per your wish, offering the best option for the user who needs to work with a variety of materials.
Gun Size
The hot glue gun offers both mini and full-sized models. The full-sized glue gun is considered to be best for heavy-duty work. However, it does not provide the precise application of glue, but it delivers more volume of glue, helping in-home repairs and significant operations. Unlike the full-sized glue gun, the mini glue gun helps you with detailed work that demands glue application with precision as it is lightweight and with a compact design. This is the reason that mini glue guns are the choice of lots of craftsmen involved in handy work.
Wattage Factor
The next important factor to consider while buying a glue gun is its power. The wattage of the glue gun is vital as the speed that the gun melts the glue at depends on its power. Glue guns with high wattage take a short time to melt the adhesive while glue guns with low power take more time to warm up.
Power Source
Along with this, another factor to consider the power supply of the glue gun. Some glue guns use an electrical cord for power, while some are cordless, using rechargeable chargers for power. If you work on the roadside or at any place where glue guns with cables are hard to use, then you should go for cordless glue guns.
Nozzle Tips
If you are willing to work with several materials, then you might need multiple tips. You will require small nozzle tips for detailed work, offering less amount of glue, while large nozzle tips provide high amounts of glue, helping you to carry out extensive operations. For your convenience, you should look for glue guns with interchangeable tips.
Sleeved Tip
Glue guns providing safety measures feature heat-resistant sleep that covers most of the metal tip, protecting you from any mishaps or burns that might happen.
Glue Stick Size
Along with the glue gun, glue sticks are an essential tool for its usage. Alongside buying the glue gun, you must purchase the glue stick with the correct size, ranging from the thinner one at 12 mm to thicker ones with a 15 mm size. Before purchasing the glue stick, carefully check the size that is compatible with your glue gun, so you don’t make a mistake by buying an incorrect size.
Price
The price depends on the features of these glue guns. The more the features, the higher the price, and vice versa. Hot melt glue guns are quite affordable, and they are worth the investment if you’re doing something where they would come in handy.
FAQ
You can use glue guns on a variety of materials. These materials include both soft and sturdy surfaces. Soft materials include foam, fabric, ribbon, plastic, paper, rubber, etc. At the same time, you can use it on hard surfaces like stone, metal, wood, glass, and many others. This is a specialty of hot melt glue guns; craftsmen, professionals, and amateurs use it due to its ability to stick to a wide range of materials.
The time it takes to warm up the glue depends on the power of the glue gun you are going to buy. If you choose a hot glue gun with high wattage, then it can take around 1-2 minutes to heat the glue while one with low power usually takes 3-5 minutes to warm up. The wattage plays a huge role in the warming up of the hot melt glue gun.
You should avoid the combination of glue and water as much as possible as water suppresses the adhesive property of glue, making it hard for the glue to bond. So, the answer to this question is no; the glue is not waterproof.
The two best alternatives to hot glue guns are adhesive spray, fabric glue, double-sided tape, and liquid glue. The adhesive spray is a type of glue that you spray on the surface in the form of droplets, while liquid glue has the same texture as hot glue, but you can use it at room temperature. Fabric glue and double-sided tape are the substitutes of hot glue, particularly when making crafts and dealing with delicate items like jewelry and papers.
Cyanoacrylate adhesive, known as super glue, bonds quickly and with a variety of substrates, but generally, super glue is not suitable for foamed plastic and is a terrible filler. Unlike super glue, hot glue is way better as it tolerates more flexing. You will find varieties of super glue with different viscosities which provide little help in gap-filling performances; however, hot glue, with its high viscosity, can bond uneven surfaces together and is excellent at filling gaps.
All of us, including all professionals and amateurs in our jobs or daily routine, need glue either for fixing or repairing things or making new projects of art and crafts. But everyday glue does not firmly stick objects, or if it does, it only lasts for some time.
In contrast with other forms of glue, hot glue guns hold and bond materials together, and with the help of this device, you can put the glue with efficiency without making any mess. With the compact design and safety measures of the glue gun, you can apply the glue safely without making any kind of contact with the skin, avoiding mishaps, and protecting you from burns.
Yes! I think the one I find invaluable and unique to the hot glue gun is for temporary fixing of wood frameworks. In other words, using it as an extra pair of hands. It’s straightforward: a small blob of glue, push the pieces of wood together, check the surfaces of flush, hold for a few seconds and you can then build an entire framework. Now the whole framework can be quickly joined together with screws.
In my experience using a hot glue gun for permanent bonds is not advisable. What happens after a couple of years or so and especially in a damp environment is that the hot melt glue will peel away. It is little fiber penetration than conventional wood glues have.
Final Thoughts
In a short amount of time, these handheld devices tackle several tasks related to arts, crafts, DIY projects, and home repairs. The hot melt glue gun works on a variety of materials like wood, plastic, rubber, fabric, stone, metal, glass, etc., but if you are looking for a hot glue gun, first focus on which materials you will be working with.
Secondly, focus on the work that your job demands, whether it requires detailed work or needs heavy-duty work. By analyzing these factors, you will be able to choose the glue gun with the desired power, performance, and design. Remember, always give priority to the product which you are comfortable with.
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Contents
- 1. Arrow GT300 – Best Professional Hot Glue Gun
- 2. PROkleber EX-1 – Best Hot Glue Gun for Crafting
- 3. NEU MASTER FQ-009 – Best Cordless/USB Hot Glue Gun
- 4. Gorilla 8401508 – Best Mini Hot Glue Gun
- 5. Ryobi P305 – Best Cordless Hot Glue Gun for Woodworking
- Buyer’s Guide: How To Pick a Hot Glue Gun?
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
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