Nowadays, a glue gun is used not only to perform construction work, but also in everyday life. The principle of operation by which the glue gun works not only facilitates and speeds up the process of doing the work, but also allows you to significantly save material.
This gun glues almost any material very quickly, so it is used during various construction works, in warehouses, in stores, when performing various household works and even in making crafts.
In order to choose the right tool, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic characteristics, as well as how to operate the gun correctly.
What is a glue gun and what materials can be joined with it?
To learn how to work correctly glue gun, it is necessary to study the principle of its operation and main characteristics. If you look at the appearance of the said device, you will see that it really looks like a military weapon, which was the reason for receiving such a name.
In order to start using a glue gun, you need to load a special cartridge with adhesive into it. After this, the device is connected to the electrical network, and the cartridge is heated to a temperature of 100 degrees or more. All you have to do is pull the trigger and apply the required amount of adhesive to the surfaces to be glued.
Advantage of this instrument in comparison with adhesive compositions is that the glue hardens after 10 minutes, after which the repaired items can be used.
This device It also has other names: it is called a thermal gun, a hot glue gun, or a hot glue gun. These are all names of the same instrument.
Thus, it becomes clear that a glue gun is designed to join different materials using hot glue.
If we talk about materials that can be joined with a glue gun, then the list of them is very large.
It’s easier to say that such a tool can be used to join almost any materials, including wood, fabric, plastic, ceramics, glass, metal, paper, etc. In order to obtain maximum joint strength, materials such as metal, wood, rubber and similar, it is recommended to heat it with a hairdryer before starting work. Make a reliable connection with concrete surface or it won't work with plaster. For connection various materials Different glue cartridges can be used. The classic is a colorless glue that can be used to glue any materials.
Glue was previously used to connect parts, but after the invention of the glue gun, the work can be done easier, faster, and at the same time significantly saving the adhesive composition.
Return to contents
Differences between household and professional tools
There is no clear distinction between professional and household glue guns. Most often to professional equipment include a tool that has an automatic rod feed, but also a model with manual feed can be a professional tool.
Automatic rod feeding is necessary when the gun is used in a factory environment and operates continuously. This allows you to simplify and speed up work, as well as increase the service life of the tool itself. At construction sites, professional pistols with manual feed are used.
One of the main differences between professional and household tools is the speed and productivity of work. If funds allow you, and you want, even while doing housework, to use good tool, then you can purchase professional equipment.
The choice of this tool should be based on your needs and capabilities, as well as how often you plan to use it. It is worth remembering that by buying a cheap tool, you are taking a risk, as it can quickly fail, and you will have to buy a new gun, and this is an additional expense instead of saving.
Return to contents
Difference between guns by nozzle diameter and temperature
The glue gun kit includes several nozzles with different diameters nozzles
Another parameter that distinguishes a professional glue gun from a household one is the diameter of the nozzle. It comes in two main sizes, 7 and 11 mm, but other sizes are also possible.
If the gun will be used only for domestic purposes, then a nozzle with a diameter of 7 mm is sufficient. If you are engaged in repairs and often use this tool, then you need to purchase a model with a nozzle diameter of 11 mm. It will be easier and faster for them to complete large volumes of work.
You must also pay attention to the length of the cartridge inserted into the pistol, although in most modern models The longest possible cartridges can be inserted, which allows you to work longer on one refill.
The heating temperature of the adhesive mixture is one of the main parameters that you need to pay attention to when choosing a tool. Modern glue guns can have a heating temperature from 105 to 200 degrees, and in professional models it can reach 500 degrees.
For a standard rod, heating up to 105 degrees is sufficient. Increasing the temperature will speed up the work, but if you only use the gun at home, then this is not very important.
Return to contents
Tool power and speed
Although the heating temperature of the tool affects the speed of operation, when purchasing you should pay attention to the parameter specified in the instructions. It can be in the range of 5-30 grams per minute. The higher the operating speed, the better, but this will affect the cost of the tool.
For household use You should not buy high-velocity pistols, as they will not pay for themselves. If you plan to carry out large-scale work and glue large objects, then you need to purchase a high-speed gun. If its speed is low, then you simply will not have time to apply glue to the entire surface, and it will begin to harden even before gluing.
If we talk about power, it is clear that power and operating speed are directly proportional quantities. The greater the power, the faster the glue will heat up. The best option An instrument is considered to warm up in 4-5 minutes.
Home craftsmen and professionals have long appreciated the benefits of a glue gun. Thanks to this device, the gluing process is much more comfortable, and it takes much less time. Plus, the glue itself is saved significantly. In addition, this technology allows you to work with any surfaces and materials. There are no restrictions.
Where we use it
The scope of application of thermal guns is extensive. For example, they are used by builders. They will be useful for installation work, repairs. Designers and florists love these devices. They can connect any surfaces. A convenient shape and replaceable attachments make it possible to reach the most difficult places.
A glue gun will come in very handy for solving small problems. everyday problems: a child’s toy is broken, a cup is broken, a dresser drawer needs to be repaired.
And how many opportunities a heat gun gives in creativity. The most different kinds handicrafts: scrapbooking, making souvenirs, creating designer dolls, and you never know what other areas of hand-made work there are. And they all take full advantage of the gluing fixtures.
Professional or household
It is clear that it is better to purchase a household model for your home. But for production various works You need a reliable professional tool. What are the differences?
It is generally accepted that products home use much lighter, more compact and characterized by simpler equipment. Although the last point is worth arguing about. There are very complete household heat guns that are not inferior in functionality to professional models.
Perhaps the most significant difference is the presence of automatic feeding of glue sticks. It is necessary in cases where the device is operated in industrial mode, and being distracted by replacing the rod is ineffective.
It should be noted that craftswomen, especially those who are intensively involved in creative work, prefer to buy a semi-professional model hot glue gun. It certainly won’t let you down in the process, completely paying for its not-so-low cost.
For creative people
Let's take a little closer look at the models of adhesive devices designed for creativity. So what qualities will be appreciated by craftswomen?
A glue gun for crafts should be small and light. It is unlikely that you will like to operate a heavy, bulky device. It is better to choose a unit that is not very “high-speed”. Otherwise, the glue will melt very quickly and you will not be able to apply it carefully. Moreover, sloppy streaks may appear if the liquid composition is applied too quickly.
Unlikely to be needed large diameter rod. Only if you intend to create something large-scale, select the maximum size of the rod. For normal work, the most optimal diameter is 7 millimeters.
But select the number of attachments based on the tasks you face. So, like the color of the glue, the most common option is a transparent adhesive composition. However, craftswomen who design know that amazing convex patterns are obtained by using multi-colored or shiny rods.
It should be noted that the adhesive composition used in pistols is not as toxic as the well-known “Moment”. And there is almost no smell from it.
Principle of operation
The hot glue gun works on the basis of a very simple mechanism. A special rod is inserted into the device body. The device connected to the energy source begins to heat and melt a kind of adhesive “cartridge”. The liquid composition is fed into the tip, and by pressing the trigger, you begin to squeeze the glue out. As soon as you stop pulling the trigger, the glue stops flowing into the tip.
It is necessary to additionally purchase a special stand for the device. The molten composition tends to leak slightly from the device. There are models on sale that are equipped with a blocking ball in the tip, but they do not completely eliminate such a defect.
What materials can be glued
The hot-melt gun is suitable for various materials. It doesn’t matter what you need: cardboard, fabric, ceramics, rubber, glass, metal, foam, flowers, the main thing is to choose the right glue for the gun. Under different types works, specialized rods are available for sale. Before purchasing, you just need to clarify what specific material you are purchasing the composition for. There are even two-component adhesive mixtures.
Even if you cannot decide on a specific type of glue, then take a universal transparent “cartridge”. He copes well in all situations.
Another subtlety that must be taken into account when choosing a model. Please note that the range of application of various adhesive compositions depends on the heating temperature of the gun. The higher the device mode, the more options of rods you can work with.
Power supply
Usually the glue gun is supplied with an electrical cord. This allows the device to be powered from a standard 220 Volt outlet.
However, sometimes you have to work in conditions where it is impossible to connect to via a cord. For example, you are forced to do repairs at your dacha. Then a battery-powered tool will come in handy. All you have to do is take care of recharging the batteries in time and you can start gluing.
There is also a minus in this case. The duration of operation will directly depend on the capacity of the batteries.
To be able to work autonomously, but not completely abandon the standard power supply from the network, select models with a detachable cord. It is quite possible to find such devices on sale.
Two-component glue gun
Sometimes gluing technology involves the use of special two-component adhesive compositions. A natural question arises: is it possible to find a pistol-type device for working with such substances?
There are such devices on sale. Their operating principle is the same as that of Only when joining materials from the device, the binder and hardener are uniformly supplied in equal proportions.
How to choose the right model
We have discussed the basic principles of the device. Now let's return to the problem of choice. Now on the shelves are the most various designs with all sorts of features and prices.
When buying, should you base your purchase on how much the glue gun costs? And here the run-up can start from the cheapest models at 200 or 300 rubles. The average price category varies approximately around 1000 rubles. And the upper limit generally goes beyond several hundred thousand (though we are already talking about professional devices).
It is clear that the more expensive the model, the more functionality it has. However, sometimes craftswomen have enough of the opportunities provided by inexpensive Chinese devices.
When purchasing a gun, think in advance about the tasks for which you will use it, and also decide on the expected intensity of use. And, of course, make a list of materials that will have to be glued.
Based on this, the power of the model is selected; do not chase the maximum performance. In everyday life, the most average values of 30 or 150 watts will be sufficient. A power level of 300 watts or more indicates that this is professional or semi-professional equipment.
Pay attention to reliability This is perhaps the most important design element.
The glue gun must have a folding stand. It allows you to hold the device in the desired position.
Another indicator that plays an important role is the melt temperature. To work with textiles, paper and some polymers that are sensitive to high temperatures, it is necessary to select devices with a temperature of 105 degrees Celsius.
If you intend to use the equipment in a variety of situations, then take designs with adjustable mode melting. Dremel has such models.
Dremel, according to consumer reviews, is reliable and practically universal machine. The most durable models are those with a melting point of 165 or 170 degrees. And most of all, buyers are interested in devices with a mechanism for adjusting this technical indicator.
As for the glue feed speed, you need to know that Dremel has attachments with high speed supply of adhesive mass. However, these models are not suitable for creativity. In this case, it is difficult for craftswomen to control the accuracy of application and the accuracy of gluing. Therefore, for them there will be more convenient tools simpler.
Based on the type of power supply, Dremel products are divided into standard devices with a fixed fixed cord and designs with a detachable power cord. They allow you to work autonomously for 10 or 15 minutes.
Safety precautions
It must be remembered that during operation the adhesive composition is supplied hot. Therefore, the glue gun must be installed on a stand during breaks, strictly observing safety precautions. Also, strictly follow all the provisions in the operating instructions to avoid burns or injuries.
What to look for when choosing hot glue gun
The hot glue gun is a relatively new device, but it has rapidly gained popularity due to its versatility, simplicity and ease of use.
Hot glue gun device
The body of the glue gun is made of durable heat-resistant plastic, its handle (1) has anti-slip inserts or a relief pattern, and inside the handle there is a carousel mechanism for feeding the rod with a trigger protruding outward (2). For a stable position during a break in work, the device is equipped with a folding stand (3).
There is an inspection window (4) at the top of the gun, which allows you to visually monitor the remaining glue stick. Inside the barrel of the hot-melt glue gun there is a thermal chamber (5), in which the rod melts and the adhesive mass is then discharged out through the nozzle (6). Many gun models are equipped with a temperature regulator (7) for the heat chamber.
Professional and amateur
The choice between a professional and an amateur tool should be made based on the frequency of its use and the amount of work it performs.
Professional pistols are more durable, but also more expensive. The price of an amateur instrument is more affordable, however, their service life is significantly less.
Professional glue guns are capable of melting and dispensing up to 30 grams of melt in one minute, while for amateur tools this figure rarely reaches 10 g/min.
If a hot glue gun is needed to perform construction or repair work with a significant amount of glue use, it is better to choose it from the professional line of tools. In the case when the pistol is used in creative activity To apply glue in the form of small dots, opt for amateur devices.
Glue stick diameter
Currently, glue sticks are widely used in 2 sizes, having a diameter of 7.3 mm and 11.3 mm. In everyday life, for simplicity, tenths of millimeters are omitted, calling the rods 7- and 11-mm.
It is clear that hot glue guns are designed to work with rods of a certain diameter, so the guns, in turn, are also divided into devices for 7- and 11-mm glue sticks.
7 mm rods, due to their smaller diameter (and volume), heat up faster and do not require much effort to apply glue. 11mm rods require more time to heat up, but they have more glue yield, and they will have to be recharged less often than 7mm ones.
Thermal chamber heating temperature
Depending on the heating temperature of the thermal chamber, low-temperature (from 1050 C) and high-temperature (from 1650 C) hot-melt glue guns are distinguished.
Low-temperature guns melt the rod into glue more slowly and cool faster, but you cannot do without them if you have to work with heat-sensitive materials such as polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam. These materials, if a high-temperature gun is used, will simply be melted by glue heated to temperatures above 1650 C.
To work with other materials, you can safely use a high-temperature gun, which quickly prepares the adhesive mixture and cools slowly.
Nutrition method
The most common devices for thermal preparation of adhesive mixtures today are guns with electric cable, powered from a 220 V household network.
There are hot glue guns on the tool market, which, after heating the thermal chamber to desired temperature You can unfasten the power cord and then use it for about 10 minutes. glue works without being tied to an electrical outlet.
More advanced models are instruments equipped with a special base unit in the form of a stand. The heat gun installed in such a unit receives power from the electrical network through contact group, and its thermal chamber remains heated all this time.
And they are completely independent of the source alternating current and hot-melt devices equipped with batteries that last for 40-45 minutes of operation, after which they need an hour and a half recharging.
How to choose a glue gun? Thermal guns of different power and with temperature regulator.
Nozzle attachments
Inexpensive amateur models are usually equipped with one non-removable nozzle. The kit with a professional gun usually includes a set of nozzle attachments of various configurations.
By changing the nozzles, you can change the diameter of the glue strip, and using a long nozzle will make it possible to supply glue even to hard-to-reach places.
Useful options
Vybrat-kleevoy-pistolet07 Presence of switch temperature conditions will make the tool universal, suitable for working with heat-sensitive materials.
Very useful is the automatic temperature control function, which automatically switches the gun from heating mode to standby mode and back.
The readiness indicator, which lights up when the thermal chamber reaches operating temperature, will help to avoid damage to the take-up coupling and the rod feed mechanism due to premature pressure on the trigger.
How to use a hot glue gun correctly. To make the glue gun last a long time
The service life of a hot glue gun directly depends on the quality of the tool and the correct use of it. Let's talk about the last factor in more detail.
Advantages of a glue gun
Due to the fact that it takes 1 to 2 minutes for the heated polymer to harden, a hot glue gun allows you to quickly glue a wide variety of materials: wood, metal, all types of plastics, rubber, ceramics, fabrics and paper. It is not suitable for working with plaster and concrete; there may be problems when gluing polyethylene.
The strength of the adhesive joint obtained using this tool is practically not inferior to mechanical fastening, and it can be dismantled only after heating the glued parts.
The hot glue gun also impresses with its efficiency: waste adhesive composition are minimized through the use of a dosing device, and the cost of glue sticks is several times lower than the cost of the same volume of traditional liquid glue.
Preparing the tool for work
Select glue stick the desired diameter (7 or 11 mm) and insert it into the special hole in the rear of the gun body until it stops. Don’t be confused by the fact that some part of the rod will remain protruding from the gun; this is completely normal and does not affect the workflow in any way.
Place the tool on a stand (folding or stationary), check the stability of its position and, by inserting the power cable plug into electrical outlet, turn on the power button.
For the thermal chamber to warm up to operating temperature, it will take from 4 to 8 minutes depending on the power heating element.
A special indicator on the tool body will indicate that the glue gun is ready for use. If there is no such indicator on your gun, you can check the readiness of the thermal chamber by lightly pressing the trigger of the feed mechanism. A drop of glue emerging from the nozzle will unmistakably indicate that the tool can be used.
If the gun nozzle is not equipped with an anti-drip system, a drop of glue appearing from its nose will indicate the readiness of the tool.
Working with a hot glue gun
The volume of glue coming out of the tool is regulated by the depth and number of times the trigger of the feed mechanism is pressed.
Press the trigger, squeezing the required amount of glue out of the gun nozzle, apply glue to the surfaces to be glued. The penetrating ability of heated glue is maintained for approximately ten seconds after leaving the nozzle. It is during this time that you need to have time to press the parts to be glued together and fix them within a minute.
If a large volume of glue is applied, its hardening time increases several times, and the required fixation time for the parts to be glued increases accordingly. Sometimes it can reach 5-10 minutes.
During even short breaks in work, place the tool on the stand with the nozzle down. This is necessary so that the molten adhesive mass does not flow into the feed mechanism and damage it.
During operation, the glue stick runs out sooner or later. The signal that it is necessary to insert a new rod into the gun will be the cessation of the supply of adhesive from the nozzle simultaneously with the weakening of the resistance of the trigger when it is pressed.
Sometimes it becomes necessary to replace an unused glue stick with another one. In this case, clasping the old rod with two fingers, carefully rotate it back and forth around its axis, and then remove it from the thermal chamber.
Having inserted a new rod into the gun, press the trigger to remove the remnants of the old adhesive composition and only then continue working.
Attention! To avoid damage to the thermal chamber and feed mechanism, all work on removing and replacing rods must be done with the gun turned on and warmed up to operating temperature.
Keep track of the time you use the tool. It is not recommended to keep amateur hot glue guns on for more than 20 minutes. For a professional instrument, this time range is from 1 to 2 hours.
When working with a glue gun, thin glue threads often stretch behind the nozzle, reminiscent of a cobweb. Don't worry, let them cool and then remove them by peeling them off or wrapping them around your hand.
How to use a glue gun
In today's article we will look at a tool that makes it possible to quickly and efficiently glue together objects from different materials. This device is in great demand in many areas of the national economy. Thanks to the low cost Consumables, ease of use and simple design, the hot glue gun has become quite popular among craftsmen. The tool makes it possible not only to easily solve many practical problems, but also use it in interior design.
Features of hot glue gun
The use of hot glue guns is becoming more and more popular from year to year when carrying out repairs and design tasks. This is explained by the fact that compounds produced using heated polymers have many advantages:
- The cost of consumables is noticeably lower, and therefore a glue gun allows you to glue necessary elements at lower costs. In addition, taking into account numerous reviews from craftsmen, the finished connection is reliable and durable;
- They are used as consumables, which harden literally within 3 minutes. Based on this, maximum fixation strength is achieved in minimal time;
- The fixing seam is not susceptible to moisture;
- The hot glue gun does an excellent job of fastening dissimilar materials, for example, ceramics, wood, metal, polymers, etc. The only thing is that the surfaces to be glued must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased!
Another important point ! A glue gun is not suitable for fixing concrete and plaster surfaces.
- Even heated polymer glue will not cause the formation of toxic fumes;
- Using hot-melt adhesive, you can efficiently seal cracks and grooves on the working surface;
- In terms of its strength characteristics, polymer fastening can be compared to metal fastening. An additional advantage is that when separated, no traces of glue remain on the surface.
In addition to the listed advantages, the tool is great for children's creativity, while remaining simple and safe to use.
Function and design of the tool
In my own way appearance the device strongly resembles a pistol, which played a role in the choice of name. For operation, the glue gun is refilled special polyurethane rods, which melt, turning into a fluid consistency. The latter hardens quickly, fixing it together different materials.
The rods are installed into the gun from the back. Today, there are models capable of working with rods 7-11 mm in diameter. The glue sticks are placed in a special receptacle where the tip of the material ends up in the heating module.
As already noted, when heated, the rod melts, turning into a viscous state, at which time the material acquires penetrating and adhesive properties, but not for long - about 5 minutes! When you press the trigger, the adhesive mass pours out of the nozzle, falling on the work surface.
Already for a long time The design of the hot glue gun does not change, offering the same 4 main elements:
- Nozzle , called a nozzle or nozzle. Using it, you can adjust the dosage of the adhesive composition squeezed onto the surface. A shut-off valve located inside the nozzle prevents accidental leakage of the solution. The nozzle itself is made of a metal alloy and is coated on the outside thermal insulation material. For preventive purposes, the nozzle should be thoroughly cleaned after work;
- Next no less important element in the design of the glue gun acts coupling . It is placed directly in front of the heating chamber and looks like a tubular receiver. The coupling provides a tight seal, preventing the molten composition from penetrating into the structure. It is worth noting that a broken coupling often renders the tool unusable;
- Feeding unit manufactured in the form ring pusher, which begins to move when the trigger is pulled. It is made mechanically, and therefore its design can hardly be called a reliable part of the mechanism, since if pressed hard, the trigger may break. At the same time, each type of hot glue gun must use its own rods - with the required diameter! In extreme cases, working with the tool will be difficult; in the worst case, the gun will break;
- Heating module is located inside the barrel, in the form metal container. The heating unit is located at the bottom of the chamber. In models higher price category there may be several heating elements at once. The performance of a glue gun largely depends on the volume of the chamber and the power of the heating elements.
The heating unit is considered the most reliable element in the design of the tool, since it is capable of functioning properly throughout the entire period of operation.
As for the body, it is made of durable and hard polymers, which not only withstand high temperatures well, but also prevent this heat from being transferred through itself to the master’s hand. Some products in their design provide special windows through which you can observe the rest of the rod.
For better grip of the handle, its surface is equipped with an anti-slip insert. Manufacturers often supplement the package special stand, with the help of which working with the tool becomes much more convenient.
Hot melt adhesive guns are widely used both in construction and in everyday life, making it possible to glue different materials as simply, quickly and efficiently as possible.
What can you glue with a glue gun?
The great popularity of the device is explained by the good reliability of the glued elements and the simple design of the device itself. Hot glue guns are often used not only by builders and craftsmen during repairs, but also by children at school. Using it, you can quickly and efficiently pack various types of cargo without spending a lot of money and time on it. A a large number of positive feedback gives you the opportunity to form your own opinion about the ease of working with this tool. Low cost glue sticks also protrudes big advantage devices.
But what exactly can you glue with a glue gun? Today, the use of hot-melt adhesive is permitted when working with wood, glass, plastic and rubber products. In addition, cardboard, fabric, metal and ceramic materials, as well as polystyrene foam. It will not be possible to glue only plaster and concrete.
Consumables and gun sizes may vary depending on the purpose of use. So, for example, for working at home it is best to use small-sized models with 7 mm rods. For repair and construction work, you will need a more powerful tool with 11 mm rods.
The length of the glue rods can vary in the region of 40-200 mm. The adhesive composition is not sorted by color. Based on the purpose of the consumable, the melting point can vary between 100 and 200 degrees.
Today, transparent whitish-colored rods are considered a more universal material for a glue gun - they make it easy to glue together surfaces made of different materials. Similar white opaque rods are often used by craftsmen to fix metal and glass surfaces. Black adhesives are generally used for insulation and sealing. Yellow blanks cope better with gluing cardboard, paper, and wooden surfaces.
Varieties
Today in the store you can find several types of hot glue guns, differing in some design features. In models with a carousel trigger, the glue is squeezed out when the trigger is turned along its axis. Other versions offer slider-style triggers that, when pulled, release adhesive into the chamber parallel to the barrel.
There are also versions on the market that allow you to change the heating temperature. Such devices allow you to work with rods with different melting temperatures.
Small models are equipped with a long nozzle. In most cases, such devices are purchased for children, because they do not require much force to pull the trigger, and the power of the device is minimal.
A hot glue gun is a great repair tool! In addition, it often finds its application in construction. A wide variety of models on the market makes it possible, without much difficulty, to choose the version that best suits your work requirements, and a considerable range of power and design types allows you to use the device when performing both household and industrial tasks.
There are many ways to connect parts and assemblies made of different materials. Often there is a need to connect metal and rubber or wood and glass. In this case, gluing comes to the rescue. One method is to use a glue gun.
By the way, this method of connecting parts to each other provides a higher quality of connection in terms of strength and tightness.
What is glued with a hot-melt gun?
The main task that this tool must solve is connecting parts using heated glue. Hardening of this material occurs within a few minutes. Its advantage with instant adhesive joints is that the worker has a small margin of time to correct mistakes. The use of a glue gun and compounds specially produced for these devices allows you to connect different materials together, for example:
- wood;
- metal materials;
- concrete;
- polymers;
- glass;
- natural and fake diamond and many others.
Using a glue gun
Before using a glue gun in practice, it is advisable to understand how it works and what needs to be prepared for it to work effectively.
This device resembles a real combat pistol. In its manufacture, heat-resistant polymer materials– this allows us to reduce the weight of this equipment and the strength of the housing. The product is equipped with a handle by which a person holds the device during operation. Some models have indentations for fingers. Most models of heat guns operate on AC power, with a voltage of 220 V. There are also models that operate on a replaceable battery.
The glue, made in the form of a rod, is installed in a hole located in the rear part of the device. To melt the glue stick, a heater is used, which heats it to the required condition. The time it takes to bring the rod into working condition can range from three to seven minutes.
Of course, before starting work, you must carefully study the operating instructions and safety rules for working with electric tools of this class.
The heat gun operates on electricity and is a high-risk device. That is, it is necessary to follow some rules, for example, there should be no cracks or damage on the body. In addition, you need to make sure that the gun nozzle is not clogged with glue residue. If this happens, then it needs to be cleaned. Otherwise, the passage of the melt will be difficult and gluing will require more time.
By the way, when choosing a glue stick, you must be guided by the capabilities of the heat gun. In addition, when choosing an adhesive material, it is necessary to focus on the color of the parts being glued.
Direct operation of the glue gun
The glue stick is inserted into the hole, which is located in the back of the device. After this, the device can be turned on. Typically, you can use a switch to adjust the heating temperature of the glue. Before the glue comes into working condition, you need to wait some time, depending on the model, it can take from 3 to minutes. As soon as the device enters operating mode, the signal lamp on the housing will light up. In addition, as soon as the glue is ready to be applied to the prepared surface, droplets of molten glue will form at the end of the nozzle.
The surface to be bonded must be properly prepared. In particular, dirt, traces of oils and grease must be removed from the surface.
The volume of glue can be adjusted by pressing the trigger with different force. For gluing, it is necessary to use a measured amount of molten glue.
It should be remembered that excess adhesive will be difficult to remove after it has cooled. When heated, the glue retains its plasticity for about 10 seconds.
After applying the glue, you need to press the parts together. By the way, the more glue, the longer it will take to harden.
If you have to take breaks during work, then it is advisable to install the gun on a special stand. It is designed in such a way that the gun is in an inclined position.
Another. Professional devices can be operated for no more than 2-2 hours continuously, and household devices for no more than 20 minutes, after which the device must rest for some time.
Upon completion of work, it is necessary to clean the nozzle from traces of glue. To do this, you can use paper or soft material.
In fact, using a heat gun is quite simple; you just need to carefully follow the instructions in the instruction manual and follow the safety rules.
How to use glue sticks without a gun
How to use a glue gun correctly is described in detail in the instruction manual. But sometimes, there is a need to glue parts in places where a gun simply cannot be reached. In this case, you can use a glue stick without a gun.
The melting point of the glue is within 80 °C. This temperature can be obtained using a soldering iron, construction hair dryer, candles, etc.
Power when choosing an electric heat gun
When choosing a glue gun, it is advisable to be guided by its power characteristics. You must understand that the higher the power of the heating element, the faster the glue will reach working condition.
Equipment used by professionals consumes from 300 W, devices intended for home use consume from 30 to 150 W.
There are often cases when the power developed by the device is not enough to solve the assigned tasks. In this case, there is a need for pauses necessary to create required quantity melt. Based on the above, we can draw a simple conclusion that power consumption is important parameter, but it is advisable to choose a device based on performance.
Some manufacturers market equipment with adjustable power. That is, to obtain a melt, the heater mounted in the gun consumes 200 W, and as it reaches operating mode, it reduces it and consumes, for example, 35-40 W. The device consumes only 10-16 W in standby mode.
Another subtlety regarding technical parameters glue guns - working temperature adhesive composition. We must always remember that it is not the materials that withstand the action high temperatures. For example, to work with fabrics, paper and a number of polymers, it is necessary to use low-temperature compounds. Or the equipment must be equipped with the ability to select the temperature. On the market you can find equipment that can operate in two ranges of 105-165 °C. This engineering solution allows us to expand the scope of application of the hot glue gun.
Operating principle of a glue gun
Gluing with a heat gun is quite simple. It includes a heating device. A rod made of adhesive material enters the zone of its action. Sometimes it is called a cartridge. The gun works from electric current at 220 V.
When the device is turned on, the heater is activated. The heating temperature reaches 100-210 °C. The glue melts and flows to the joint of the parts. To this place hot glue comes through the nozzle.
Problems and their solutions
Important: some difficulties may arise when gluing foam plastic, various substances containing polyethylene, and any objects with concrete or plaster.
How to change the color of the rod correctly
The use of a glue gun that works with polymer rods is in demand in many areas of activity. The gun is universal tool, capable of reliably securing various objects and parts.
Glue gun refills are consumable items. As a rule, the most popular polymer rods are 11 mm and 7 mm thick. The length is determined by the technical capabilities of the device.
Parts may be damaged by gluing different color. Therefore, rods can be purchased on the market different colors. For example, black is used to achieve extreme similarity between the seam and the bonded surface.
As usual, opaque compositions are classified as universal, and they are used most often. By the way, in companies that supply such materials, you can select rods made of translucent materials with the addition of certain color pigments.
The rods used in the operation of the glue gun are made different colors not only so that one could pick up optimal color seam Color also shows for what purposes a particular composition can be used. Yes, an opaque rod white can be used to work with metal or glass. The yellow rod can be used for gluing paper and cardboard. Black rods are used to eliminate cracks and voids.