What to look for in a hot glue gun?

[e9999]

may get one for basic stuff around the house and crafts with the kids. Something that would work with metal and wood, maybe some plastics if possible.


Anything specific to look for? As in in type, specs, size, type of sticks?

Specific recommendations as to brand or model?

TIA

 

[EricG]

They're pretty basic. The only thing I would suggest is a trigger feed unit - I had one that you fed by pushing on the end of the glue stick with your thumb - PITA!

 

[EdsCruisin]

Bigger is better. That way you are not constantly reloading sticks. Some bigger models also have different heat settings which can be useful with some products.

 

[stayalert]

my daughter came home from school the other day with a couple of nice blisters from being burnt by one of those. start out with some supervision maybe...

edit: also stikes me as a potential source of igntion for fires....

 

[EdsCruisin]

my daughter came home from school the other day with a couple of nice blisters from being burnt by one of those. start out with some supervision maybe...

edit: also stikes me as a potential source of igntion for fires....

Good point. I haven't done it yet, but you should make a stand or use some type of heat resistant rest for it. The little paper clip like stands that they come with don't work and the tip is hot enough to light a fire.

 

[wfd175]

Low and high heat settings is a nice feature. I purchased mine at Lowe's. It's a Arrow Brand.

Dual Temp Glue Gun, Arrow

 

[Waorani]

I use a glue gun extensively and can tell you that a blob of 350F glue anywhere on your hands/etc is probably going to be a 2nd/3rd degree burn. Bad thing is I seem not to feel it for the first couple of seconds and then it just doesn't wipe off quicky.

I also use the cheap Arrows from Lowes/HD because I can buy 10 of those for the cost of a serious gun.

 

[e9999]

thanks all for the info. I realize this is not a very critical nor expensive purchase, but I hate to have unsatisfactory tools around.
Are there several stick diameters readily available? and if so, is there one preferred one for choice of materials etc?

 

[EdsCruisin]

thanks all for the info. I realize this is not a very critical nor expensive purchase, but I hate to have unsatisfactory tools around.
Are there several stick diameters readily available? and if so, is there one preferred one for choice of materials etc?

There are different sizes and qualities, but still in standards, like staples. In other words, not specific glue for specific brand guns. You should go to a craft store like Michael's or Joanne Fabrics and check them out. You can buy the glue sticks in bulk too, which is the cheapest method. They last forever.

 

[reffug]

I'd definately rather have a glue gun than a nice tool box..........................

 

[e9999]

Had a look at Sears. They had both .44" and .28" sticks IIRC. May have been more choice in glue sticks with the 44s (not sure) and likely more satisfactory for big jobs.

These things are dirt cheap. Of course, there is not much to them. But I'd like to be able to glue difficult plastics, if possible at all, so I may do some research on what sticks do what.

 

[rjcruiser]

Are you an engineer?

Just seems like your over analyzing a $20 purchase. No offense, but just get a basic one. I've got one that has a high and low setting. The low melts the glue, but it doesn't stay melted for a long enough time to set the item in the glue...if that makes sense. Both of them will burn the @$%^ out of your skin.

The bad thing about hot glue is you get it on your skin or fingers and your pretty much screwed. If you try and wipe it off, you end up just spreading it around. Best thing to do is just grin and bear it.

 

[EdsCruisin]

But I'd like to be able to glue difficult plastics, if possible at all, so I may do some research on what sticks do what.

Actually, most plastics do not glue. There are special chemical compounds for bonding plastics. Check out Rideout Plastics for specialty applications.

Plexiglass sheet, Plastic Sheet, Acrylic Sheet, Fiberglass Panels, OnLine Store, Teflon, Lexan 1-800-4-RIDOUT

 

[e9999]

Actually, most plastics do not glue. There are special chemical compounds for bonding plastics. Check out Rideout Plastics for specialty applications.

Plexiglass sheet, Plastic Sheet, Acrylic Sheet, Fiberglass Panels, OnLine Store, Teflon, Lexan 1-800-4-RIDOUT

yes indeed. I had to go through some conniptions to glue some broken hard plastic once. I think it was polyethylene. Similar to the inexpensive sea kayaks. Finally found some glue that worked, it basically melted the plastic and "rewelded" it. Was some sort of clear liquid, though. I imagine no such thing in a stick.

 

[2020 Rocks]

Hot glue.

 

[LukeZero]

Are you an engineer?

Actually he is. How did you know?

 

[rjcruiser]

Actually he is. How did you know?

I've got several buddies that are engineers and they tend to over analyze things. Now don't get me wrong and no offense to anyone.....in many applications, it is a very good trait to have. Just when it comes to buying a $10 hot glue gun from wal-mart, I think trial and error is a better use of one's time.

 

[e9999]

I've got several buddies that are engineers and they tend to over analyze things. Now don't get me wrong and no offense to anyone.....in many applications, it is a very good trait to have. Just when it comes to buying a $10 hot glue gun from wal-mart, I think trial and error is a better use of one's time.

well, no offense taken, of course and thanks for the suggestion, but I'd rather not buy several $10 ones from WM to do trial and error if there is a better one out there that can do all that I need it to do.
(Plus it'll take me 1 hr drive each way to get to the nearest WM anyway )

anyway, it's starting to look like there things are not very sophisticated altogether so it may not matter that much which to choose unless I can get one to handle fancy plastics