A hot glue gun is an essential tool for any DIYer or crafter. But with all the different types of hot glue gun on the market, it can be hard to know which one you should buy. This guide will help you choose the perfect hot glue gun for your needs, so you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your purchase.
Types of Hot Glue Guns
The first step in choosing a hot glue gun is determining what type of glue gun is best for your project. There are three main types of hot glue guns—low-temperature, high-temperature, and dual temperature—each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Low-Temperature Hot Glue Guns Low-temperature hot glue guns are designed to apply low-viscosity glues such as EVA and other non-toxic adhesives. These types of glue guns generally have lower wattage (10 watts or less) and operate at temperatures between 130°F and 250°F. The low heat levels make them safe to use around children and make them great for delicate projects that require precise application, such as creating small objects out of paper or fabric. However, because they require lower temperatures, they do not work well with materials that need more heat or pressure to bond properly, such as certain plastics and metals.
High-Temperature Hot Glue Guns High-temperature hot glue guns are designed to apply higher viscosity glues such as polyurethane and cyanoacrylate adhesives. These types of glue guns typically have higher wattage (20 watts or more) and operate at temperatures between 350°F and 500°F. Their higher heat levels make them great for bonding materials that require more heat or pressure such as wood, plastic, glass, metal, ceramic, stone, foam board, etc., making them ideal for many craft projects. However, due to their higher heat output these types of glue guns can cause burns if used improperly so they should be kept away from children at all times.
Dual Temperature Hot Glue Guns Dual temperature hot glue guns are a combination of both low-temperature and high-temperature models offering both low temperature (130°F -250°F) and high temperature (350°F -500°F) settings in one model allowing you to switch between both settings depending on the material being bonded together. This makes dual temperature models the most versatile type of hot glue gun available but it also means they tend to be more expensive than their single temperature counterparts.
No matter which type of hot glue gun you choose there are a few things that all quality models should have in common including an adjustable stand to keep your hands free when not in use; a trigger switch for easy on/off operation; an LED indicator light; an insulated nozzle tip; an ergonomic handle design; a safety fuse; and a long cord length for added convenience when using multiple tools at once. Taking these features into consideration along with your budget and intended applications will help ensure that you choose the perfect hot glue gun every time! With this complete guide in hand now you’ll never have trouble picking out just the right hot glue gun again!