The Best Hot Glue Guns

Buying Guide for Hot Glue Guns

Why buy a hot glue gun?

Do you love crafting? Are you obsessed with DIY projects? Is Pinterest in the center of your home screen? If so, you may want to add a hot glue gun to your collection of supplies. Unlike other forms of glue that require a significant amount of time to dry down and form a bond, glue guns dispense hot glue that forms a bond as it cools. Because of its versatile and convenient nature, a glue gun is sure to enhance your work on various projects.

What should you consider in a hot glue gun?

• Materials: To get the most bang for your buck, you should invest in a glue gun constructed with high-quality materials. Because you’ll be working with hot glue, you need to make sure that your glue gun is made with a heat- and fire-resistant plastic shell. If you’re working on a project that requires precision, consider looking for a glue gun that comes with rubber grips that allow you to firmly grasp the tool to give you full control of the gun’s glue stream.
• Features: The glue gun you’ll need depends on the type of project you’re working on. If you are working with wood, metal, or other industrial-grade materials, consider looking for a glue gun equipped with a heavy-duty heating system. To give your child a safe arts and crafts experience, you should look for a glue gun with a lower-operating temperature.
• Glue Type and Size: Not all glue is made the same. There are different strengths, lengths, and sizes of hot glue gun glue. Some glues are made to withstand very high temperatures and are used by professional decorators and car detailers. Others are made for crafting projects and don’t get quite as hot, and these are more common for household projects and fit into most makes of glue guns.

How long does hot glue last?

Hot glue can last indefinitely on porous surfaces (glass, plastic, fabric, wood, ceramic, organic matter). It has the same hardening qualities as an epoxy adhesive. However, it does not work as well on smooth surfaces (silicone, metal, vinyl) as epoxy. If you need to remove hot glue once it’s cured, you can slowly remove it with treatments of isopropyl alcohol. The higher the percentage, the better the alcohol works. You can also use other high-octane alcohols such as Everclear to remove hot glue.

Our Picks for the Best Hot Glue Guns

Pros: This glue gun does the job for large, seemingly impossible projects like gluing car parts or furniture back together. It has an excellent grip to it, and it heats up quickly. The trigger can be squeezed easily, and the nozzle provides precise glue application. Included is one 45-count pack of gorilla glue sticks that measure four inches long. They are weather-resistant and can be used with both high- and low-temperature guns, and should be able to bond within 45 seconds once applied. Best of all, the glue should not leave any residue or strings.

Cons: The glue gun may jam from time to time without proper cleaning between uses.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for the heavy-duty papa of hot glue guns, this is it. It comes with enough hot glue to handle your biggest projects in a safe, low-temperature setting.

 

Pros: This hot glue gun does the trick quickly and efficiently for at-home crafting projects. It can be used on all materials, and the hot glue sticks can be with high-, low-, dual-, and multi-temperature glue guns. The gun itself is made out of high-quality plastic that is durable for any project you take on.

Cons: Because it’s lightweight, it can tip over easily.

Bottom Line: If you don’t need a hot glue gun every day, this compact option may be a great choice for your smaller projects. It comes with glue sticks so you can get started right away.

 

Pros: This design for a hot glue gun is genius. It retains the heat from the base to use without restrictions for up to three minutes without the cord. The A/C adapter plugs into the base or the gun so that you can use it two ways. The base is designed to prevent the glue from dripping on your furniture, floors, or other surfaces. It uses larger glue sticks that don’t have to be changed as often. The ergonomic trigger is easy for your future projects, big or small.

Cons: The glue gun may stick to the base a little, making it tricky to remove when needed.

Bottom Line: Consider this cordless option if you’re looking for a hot glue gun that can be ported anywhere between projects.

 

Pros: For your protection, there is a protective silicone tip and a power switch on this hot glue gun to prevent burns and unnecessary leakage. Its case is sturdy, and it has three sections to hold three bundles of glue sticks for all your projects. It takes around three to five minutes for the glue to warm up, and once it’s ready, the gun delivers precise application. Last but not least, this hot glue gun comes in a hot-pink color, making it more fun for crafters.

Cons: This hot glue gun doesn’t have a very hot temperature setting, so it may not work for all projects.

Bottom Line: If you’re in the market for a travel hot glue gun or a giftable hot glue gun, this may be an excellent purchase. It heats up quickly and comes with everything you need to get your next project started.

 

Pros: This hot glue gun is made specifically for smaller hands and has a perfect grip for kids. The 60-pack of colored glue sticks includes bright and vivid colors and 12 sparkly ones. It also comes with three silicone finger caps for extra protection against burns. The gun features an off/on switch, a no-drip nozzle, and an LED light indicator. Once plugged in, it takes about five minutes to be ready for use.

Cons: The trigger may stop working.

Bottom Line: This glue gun is made with an easy trigger and a child’s grip in mind for comfort and ease of use.

Final Thoughts

Hot glue guns are a staple in the crafting community. They can make your projects quickly come to life without the worry of getting sticky or consuming too much time. Keep our options in mind as you begin your crafting journey.