A good repair is impossible without convenient tools, so the decision to get a glue gun was taken unanimously by all family members. I am making hand-made crafts, my husband is constantly making and repairing something at home and in the country, and children love to make funny toys. I wanted to find a model that would be suitable for different jobs. I bring the results of our persistent searches together with the personal Top 3 glue guns to your attention.
CONTENT
- 1 Purpose of glue guns
- 2 Device and principle of operation
- 3 Criteria for the selection of thermo guns
- 4 Top 3 glue guns
- 5 FAQ
Purpose of glue guns
Glue guns are used by furniture makers, builders, hand-made craftsmen and children who create fun crafts. Using these tools, you can glue a wide variety of materials, including those of unequal composition. It is practiced to use glue guns for sealing joints and seams, voids in places that are hard to reach for other tools.
It is not recommended to use a gun when working with concrete and plaster, as well as some types of polyethylene. This tool is not suitable for working with materials and products that will be further exposed to thermal effects, and hence thermal expansion.
Device and principle of operation
The design of the simplest models consists of a case, inside which there is a metal tube, as well as a heating element. Part of the design is also a trigger associated with the pusher.
When you pull the trigger, a stick of glue inserted into the tube moves to the heater, where it melts. In molten form, it is squeezed out of a nozzle that has a standard or elongated shape. The glue hardens very quickly, within one to three minutes. In terms of strength, such a fixation is not inferior to a mechanical connection, and it is not afraid of the action of moisture.
For a comfortable positioning of the thermal gun, special stands are used, which can be included in the package or offered separately. In some models, the functions of stands are performed by cases with a flat platform in the lower part.
The body of the gun is usually made of plastic, the stop bracket is made of metal or plastic. Many models have anti-slip grips. The sizes and weights of glue guns may vary. A tool for use in everyday life can have a weight of 150 g, professional models resembling screwdrivers weigh more than a kilogram.
Criteria for the selection of thermo guns
Some of the main characteristics to consider when choosing include:
- Power consumption. For amateur models, it is about 30-150 W, in the category of professional tools there are pistols with 300 W or more. Manufacturers also offer variable power versions. At first, it can be about 200 W, then 40 W, during a break in work - 14-16 W.
- Melting temperature of the glue. For work in low-temperature mode with paper, some types of polymers, textiles, special models have been developed. Their heating elements create a temperature of 105 ° C. They also produce pistols that heat the glue up to 170-200 ° C. Manufacturers also offer multifunctional models, the heating mode in which can be adjusted over a wide range.
- Heating time (speed). You can heat the glue to the desired consistency in 3-7 minutes.
- Heating performance. This characteristic shows the weight of the molten glue (in grams) coming from the nozzle per minute. The parameters of the value of productivity are in the range of 5-30 g / min. It is productivity that is considered the main characteristic by which the division of glue guns into amateur and professional categories occurs.
- Type of food. The most common are network models. Tools with a detachable cord are also available. When disconnected, the gun can operate autonomously for 10-15 minutes. Semi-autonomous pistols are products that heat up while docked. Absolute freedom of action is possible when working with cordless thermo guns.
Greater comfort in work is provided by additional options: temperature control, readiness level indication, illumination of the working area. Models are also offered with a set of interchangeable nozzles, a viewing window through which the length of the glue stick is controlled.
Top 3 glue guns
Best cordless glue gun
1. RYOBI R18GLU-0 ONE
The tool is suitable for gluing cardboard, paper, leather, fabric and other materials. Compatible with all rods with a diameter of 11 mm. It can melt up to 60 sticks of glue on one charge. Convenient to use thanks to rubberized grip, two-finger trigger, wide stand. Warming up takes three minutes, which is considered a good speed for this type of instrument.
There is a viewing window, but the package contains no charger or battery. These devices will have to be purchased additionally, which will increase the cost of the glue heat gun, starting from 2.5 thousand rubles. rubles.
Price: ₽ 2 659
RYOBI R18GLU-0 ONE
The best electric gun for DIY and home use
2. BOSCH PKP 18 E
A gun with mains supply is used for handicrafts and in everyday life for gluing metal, wood, glass, leather and other materials. Suitable for sealing voids and joints, for glue sticks with a diameter of 11 mm.
The design of the nozzle is designed so that drops of molten glue cannot get inside, external leakage is also excluded. Productivity (20 g / min) is quite high for a glue tool designed for household tasks.
With a maximum power consumption of 200 W, the glue heats up in 7 minutes, which is quite a long time. The glue gun is characterized by smooth application of adhesives and high dosage accuracy. Remains operational in case of sudden power surges. With such a well-thought-out functionality, the cost of the glue tool is only 2.4 thous. rubles.
Price: ₽ 2 430
BOSCH PKP 18 E
Best professional glue gun
3. Metabo KE 3000
The thermal gun is used for gluing all kinds of materials, sealing gaps and gaps. The nozzle is equipped with a ball valve to prevent dripping out. Thanks to the electronic control system, the temperature of the glue (maximum 200 ° C) remains at the same level, which prevents its premature solidification.
Convenient storage thanks to the stand and wire brace. At a power of 200 W, the glue melts in 6 minutes. Productivity is 18 g / min, which professionals consider insufficient for efficient performance of some jobs. However, the cost is only 2.2 thousand. rubles eliminates this lack of a glue tool.
Price: ₽ 2 249
Metabo KE 3000
FAQ
Why does the glue gun heat up badly?
The glue gun may not heat up well due to an insufficient amount of incoming energy, as well as weak power or complete failure of the heating element. In an electric model, check the cord connections, its condition, in rechargeable models - the battery charge. In any case, a check of the heater is required.
Why is the glue gun badly glued?
The glue gun does not adhere well if the internal parts or the nozzle are clogged. The tool must be disassembled and all parts must be blown out, paying particular attention to the nozzle. Poor adhesion can also occur due to a weak heater, its inability to melt the glue to the desired temperature. The culprits of poor adhesion are poor-quality glue sticks, dirt on the glued surface.
