Hot glue gun that can be used for gluing. How to choose a glue gun. Glue guns for crafts. Select by additional criteria

Hot glue guns increasingly began to be used in everyday life. The tool has gained its popularity due to its lightweight design, which allows you to achieve a strong connection within a short time. Ease of use together with cheap consumables make the device indispensable.

To achieve the maximum effect from the application, you must use the glue gun correctly. This will not only ensure good performance, but will also extend the life of the tool.

How to use a glue gun - design and principle of operation

Before you start using a heat gun, you need to clearly understand how the device works and what is necessary for its operation.

• The device is shaped like a pistol, which is where it gets its name. The body is made of heat-resistant plastic, which lightens the weight of the device.
• The design includes a handle by which you need to hold the device. Depending on the size of the model, there are indentations for fingers.
• Powered by a standard 220W outlet. Connection to a generator is possible. Some brands of tools have a built-in battery.
• The glue is inserted into the device through a special hole on the back of the instrument. It is shaped like a tube different diameters, depending on the glue gun model.
• There is a heating element inside the housing that melts the rods.
• The glue heating time is different for each individual type of device, and ranges from 3 to 7 minutes.

How to use a glue gun - preparation for work

The operating principle of such devices is the same, but it would be a good idea to look at the operating instructions. Your model may have a number of features.

• Since this is an electrical device, inspect the housing for damage. Even a small crack in the plastic can lead to trouble.
• Also pay attention to the nozzle. If it is clogged or contains other contaminants, then clean it. Otherwise, the glue will not be able to pass through the channel.
• Buy now glue sticks the required size for your device. Also available in different lengths. This will not affect the operation of the device. If the tube is causing you discomfort, then cut it off.

Advice. There is glue of different colors. Choose it to match the color of the surface you intend to glue.

• Insert the adhesive into the connector on the back of the device until it stops. Add the next rod after the first one has been completely used up.
• Move the stand, which is located on the body of the instrument. Or buy separately. Be sure to check the stability of the heat gun on the table.
• Straighten the cord and plug the instrument into an outlet. If its length does not allow you to freely use the device, then use a carrier.
• Turn on the switch on the case. This element allows you to adjust the degree of heating of the glue and the time of work on different elements.

Important. The thermal chamber does not heat up the glue immediately. It will take time, which depends on the power of the heating element.

• The indicator will tell you when the device is ready to use. If your model does not have this, then lightly press the lever. The device can be used if there are droplets of glue on the nozzle.

How to use a glue gun - work process

When all preparatory steps are completed, proceed to operating the tool. Proper Use technology guarantees effective results.

• Since the glue does not heat up immediately, you should not pull the trigger when turning on the device.
• While the heat gun is heating up, prepare the items to be glued. Clean their surface from dirt and grease stains.
• Adjust the amount of glue by pressing the lever. You will find it on the handle. Squeeze out exactly the required amount. Excess glue is difficult to cut off when cured.
• When hot, the glue maintains its temperature for 10 seconds. During this time, apply it and press the parts together. The more glue there is, the longer it will take to harden.
• If you work with short breaks, then place the device on a stand. This way the glue gun will be tilted, which will prevent hot glue from flowing inside the mechanism.
• Keep track of the time when the device is turned on. Do not exceed the specified duration of continuous use. So professional models can work up to 2 hours, and creative equipment – ​​20 minutes.
• When it is necessary to fix several objects intermittently, a thin cobweb appears during gluing. It is easy to remove when frozen.
• After finishing work, wipe the tip from any remaining glue. Use paper or soft cloth for this.

Using a glue gun at home is quite easy. The main thing is to strictly follow these recommendations and take into account safety precautions.

For details on how to work with the hot glue tool, watch the video:

Hot melt adhesive for a gun is a substance that acquires a viscous structure when heated to a certain temperature regime. It becomes solid after complete cooling.

Choice

A wide area of ​​use, fast fixing time and versatility ensured the popularity of this product. Its release form can be any - pillows, blocks, granules and rods, which have become most widespread and have a variety of diameters and sizes. The main advantage is the ability to use glued elements within a few minutes. Before choosing a hot melt adhesive gun, the characteristics of which depend on the shape, you need to purchase the tool with which it is used. Of course, working with this product is possible without a special gun. For example, using heating with a candle or soldering iron. But this is at least inconvenient.

Size

Glue sticks are suitable for any material, including fabric, paper, cardboard, metal, wood, plastic and others. The exceptions are PVC, plaster and concrete. The tool provides a strong bond with all other materials. Hot melt glue gun is divided by diameter. The most common are 11 and 7 mm. There are many other sizes available. In this case, the choice of one or the other depends on the available pistol. Also, stickers can have different lengths: in the range from 4 to 20 cm.

Transparent glue

Hot melt adhesive guns, whose specifications may vary, are suitable for certain materials. It comes in many shades. All types of this substance differ in properties and component composition. The white transparent sticker has become most widespread due to its versatility. It can be found in any relevant store. It is suitable for working with any base. Therefore, this option is optimal for household use and creating crafts. The transparent yellow compound is used on cardboard, paper and wood.

Colored rods

The universal category also includes options with any shades, with the exception of black. A wide range of colors allows you to choose hot melt adhesive for the gun that matches the palette of parts. For example, when working with a red vase, in order to get invisible joints, you need to take a scarlet cartridge. Opaque white stickers are suitable for gluing a white base and elements stylized as metal or glass. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the properties. But, as a rule, the shade performs only decorative functions, and the adhesive mass is universal. Hot-melt adhesive for the 11 mm "Bison" gun, gray and black, can act as insulating material and sealant. It is ideal for sealing joints and insulation.

Temperature

Is no less important characteristic. For some rods it is 150 degrees. For others, a lower temperature is enough to work. It is worth noting that for places characterized by slight heating, less fusible glue should be selected. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the heat gun and the materials used for the work. Hot melt adhesive for a gun can be applied using various tools:

• Glue roller or head.
• With a special machine or applicator.
• Foot pedal used for equipment of professional devices.
• Household glue gun.

Compound

Ethylene vinyl acetate compounds have become most widespread. They allow you to work with a variety of substrates, including fabrics, ceramics, certain types of metals, plastics, wood and paper. There is also a polyophinol hot melt adhesive for the gun, the use of which is necessary for items exposed to a wide range of temperatures. Chemical formula ensures cleaning of the bath, nozzle and the entire instrument system from the composition that was previously used. Products based on this type are more stable, which is why they have become widespread in the electronics, packaging and automotive industries. They can be used on light metal, foil, leather, hardwood and other materials characterized by the presence of synthetic and hard resins.

Classified as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the adhesive maintains tack. The scope of application is wide. It includes difficult-to-glue planes. It is used in the construction, automotive and large surface areas. Hot glue gun (black or any other color) with medium pressure sensitivity provides a sticky surface for 5 minutes. This best option for connecting elements that are not resistant to heat and large surfaces.

What do you need to know?

There are many different characteristics. But, first of all, it is necessary to build on the intended materials. It can be polypropylene with the addition of aluminum, spunbond, plastic, laminated surface, paper and cardboard coated with ultraviolet varnish. The subsequent impact on the material must also be taken into account. For example, transportation, contact with food products and water, temperature conditions.

To obtain reliable bonding, characteristics such as shade, hardening time, and structure viscosity play a special role. The feed rate of the mass can be different. The application method is divided into automatic and manual. Moreover, it is suitable for each type of base different shape composition: tablets, pads, blocks, pins. The speed of preparation of the mass and its fluidity directly depend on the melting rate of the rod. As a rule, a tool is designed to work with a certain type of composition. Some professional options have a temperature change function.

Features of application

Hot-melt adhesive for the gun, the photo of which is presented above, can have different viscosity, depending on the distribution method. Compositions with a dense structure are applied using a disk or roller method, and a nozzle or nozzle is suitable for low-viscosity material. Compliance with the operating cycle of the equipment and the setting time is required. Also, if there is a need to replace the gluing base, you need to make sure that you do not need to replace the glue itself. Rods from different manufacturers may have different component compositions. Therefore they should not be mixed. Otherwise, the structure and characteristics may change.

Safety precautions

Hot-melt adhesive for a gun, the melting point of which depends on the composition, belongs to the category of substances with a medium degree of danger. It is characterized by low toxicity. But vapor entering the respiratory tract can contribute to short-term central depression. nervous system. Short-term use does not require equipment with protective tools. In this case, it is advisable to ensure ventilation of the room. It is also worth noting the damage that the working method can lead to. In particular, these are burns that occur when the molten composition gets on the skin.

Gun

What can you glue with a glue gun? At home, it can be useful for gluing a broken vase, a broken children's toy, or repairing shoes. You can glue wallpaper or torn furniture trim. Often used in handicrafts, a glue gun can be used to glue parts made of wood, ceramics, plastic, and fabric.

Using a glue gun

A glue gun will be a good helper for a florist when arranging bouquets. In construction, a gun can be useful for various installation work and repairs. Advantages and disadvantages of a glue gun Various options tools have their own characteristics, here are the general properties:

The disadvantages include poor adhesion of the glue to concrete or cement coatings, including plasters; also, the glue gun is not used for parts or surfaces that will heat up during operation. That is, before use, it is necessary to clarify what can be glued with a glue gun, and only then use it.

The principle of operation of the glue gun in any glue gun, regardless of the mains or battery, heating of the glue sticks is provided. Externally, the gun looks like a drill or screwdriver; it has a cylindrical body with a handle (photo). At the rear there is a receptacle for installing a polyurethane glue stick. The rod enters a receiving chamber made of plastic or tubular rubber. To put it into operation, the rod must be sent to the heating chamber, where it is heated to a plastic state under the influence of electricity, and squeezed onto the parts to be glued. The duration of heating the rod is 3 – 5 minutes, after which you can press the feed piston. The pressure on the rod is adjustable, the thickness of the applied layer can also be adjusted using special nozzles (video).

In order to properly use a hot glue gun and maintain its functionality for a long time, let’s look at how this tool works. The gun consists of several components:

Pistol selection

The possibility of using a pistol and the correct choice depends on its characteristics. Main characteristics:

For home use you can purchase household appliance, it is believed that it is simpler, lighter and has simple equipment. But this is not so, there are household models with almost professional equipment and having an appropriate cost. The most important feature is automatic feeding, which greatly facilitates work with large volumes. What materials can be glued? A glue gun can be used for gluing various materials; you just need to choose the right glue.

For different types materials, glue for the gluing gun is offered, in the form of special rods, including two-component mixtures. If you plan to work with various materials, you can choose a universal rod (photo). It is also necessary to take into account the operating temperature of the device, because... Heating of different rods occurs at different temperatures; the higher the operating mode, the greater the choice of rods is possible.

Glue gun: where to use?

Hot glue gun - gluing tool various materials using hot glue. Suitable for most materials, but most often, of course, it is used for wooden parts, paper, plastic materials and ceramics. How does gluing happen with its help, why is the fastening so reliable? Gluing is done with hot glue, which is formed by heating the glue stick to a liquid state.

Hot glue is very viscous, it is also a filler for various microcracks, it is perfectly absorbed into the material, which is why the connection is so strong. In this article we will look at the stayer household model, which is optimal in terms of price and quality and is recommended specifically for home use. Its cost is only 270 rubles, which is several times less than well-known professional Bosch models and Metabo, the price of which starts from 1300 rubles. Why should you overpay if you are not going to work professionally?

In addition, when choosing a gun, pay attention to the presence of additional nozzles in the kit. After all, each type of work requires different thickness nozzles, for fine work a thinner nozzle is needed, with a diameter of less than a millimeter, and for extensive work Where there is a large consumption of glue, you need a nozzle of a thicker diameter. If you are seriously interested in modeling (assembling models of ships and other vehicles), then of course you need a more “pumped up” model with attachments and other bells and whistles that make your work easier. Well, if you are buying a heat gun solely for general use (so to speak), you can ignore this.

Most often these inexpensive models used for handicrafts, for example, many lovers of cutting with a jigsaw buy a hot-melt glue gun for working with small parts made of wood (when they assemble any structure from pre-cut parts). If you like to do appliqué and make compositions from dried flowers, then the gun will also help you; with its help, doing everything is much easier. If you are doing plastic crafts, a stayer glue gun will also help out. In addition to all this, hot glue can be used to seal seams in tiles and
combine decorative elements made of tiles and ceramics. As you can see, the scope of application of household models is quite extensive, but most often they are still used for handicrafts and modeling.

The glue is sold in the form of rods (tubes), which, by the way, come in various diameters and length. Therefore, when buying a hot glue gun, remember the diameter of the rods for it, so that in the future you don’t screw up when buying tubes for it.

How to use it:

• 1. Insert the glue stick from the back into the gun and plug it in.

• 2. Then you need to press the trigger of the gun several times so that the tube falls into place (refilled).

• 3. Wait a little (5 minutes) for the gun to heat up. To check whether the device is ready for use, press the start button until liquid glue begins to emerge from the nozzle. If the glue drips, it means you can work.

• 4. In order for the connection to be reliable, it is necessary to properly clean the surfaces from all kinds of dirt and degrease the parts.

  What is a glue gun and how to use it?

  Only then will the quality of bonding be at its best.

• 5. Apply a few drops of liquid hot glue to the parts and press the surfaces for 10-15 seconds, press harder.

It is important to follow safety precautions when working with this tool. Remember that the tip of the glue gun is very hot during operation, its temperature reaches 170 degrees.

Inexpensive model for 250 rubles

The model in question from Stayer has a power of 60 Watts and a glue stick diameter of 11 mm. Made from heat-resistant plastic. The kit does not include additional nozzles, this is probably its only drawback. With its help you can glue wood, paper, cardboard, plastic and ceramics (I personally tried gluing wood - the result is just super, something akin to liquid nails, really sticks tightly).

The set includes 2 tubes 10 cm long. If desired, you can find longer glue sticks on sale. Since the model is for household use, try not to work with it for several hours without a break; after all, household tools need to be given a break, unlike professional ones. That's why they cost less. Work for 20-30 minutes, then smoke for 10 minutes. By following these simple rules, you will significantly extend the life of this wonderful device.

More articles on the topic:

The glue gun is a modern alternative to conventional PVA. The tool, which is often called “hot glue,” delivers the composition in molten form, that is, it literally “shoots” liquid droplets. The speed and speed of gluing have made the device in demand in many areas, therefore, faced with the need to glue any elements and parts, many are interested in the question of whether it is possible to use a glue gun for these purposes.

Glue gun device

The external design of the instrument really resembles a weapon. The body, equipped with a nozzle for supplying the molten composition, smoothly transitions into a comfortable handle with a large button in the form of a trigger. The latter operates the device, connected to a pusher that moves the rods towards the heating element.
To ensure a long service life, refractory plastic is most often used for the production of the case, which does not deteriorate with constant exposure high temperatures heating element. There are no harmful fumes at all. This is due to the fact that polyurethane is used in the rods.

Consumables have variable diameters. The specific size depends on the glue gun model. The minimum is 7 and the maximum is 11 millimeters. There is a special hole in the tool for consumables. It is located at the back.
The heating element is usually located in the barrel and is shaped to allow the consumable to fit completely inside. Heating is carried out from below and is evenly distributed over the entire area.

Professional and household hot glue guns

They differ in size. The production involves exclusively bulky devices. There is no point in mastering the basics of working with professional models for the average user, since many gluing tasks require individual elements An ordinary compact device is sufficient.
However, no matter what model of glue gun is used, the result is always highly effective. Both household and professional hot glue guns have the following characteristics:

• contribute to more economical consumption of hot glue;
• connect surfaces and elements of places inaccessible to brushes;
• glue materials of dissimilar composition.

You can glue ceramics, glass, wood, and other elements. Thanks to additional nozzles that differ in configuration, you can do both “coarse” and “fine” work.

Application area

According to professionals, you can glue absolutely anything with a glue gun. The material being fixed is determined by the composition of the specific solution used in the instrument. You can use not only ordinary glue, but even polyurethane foam and sealants. This makes the device universal. Heated liquid sealant or glue, if you use a glue gun, can be poured into hard to reach places, as well as treat zones or voids of any size. The consumption of the composition is quite economical. There is no need to dilute the glue in large or small portions. It is enough to take either a long or short rod.

Sealing and insulation of seams

A glue gun is simply indispensable in everyday life. It allows you to prepare an apartment or house for winter period. Old wooden window designs Cold air flows often pass through, and the use of insulation does not always justify itself. This is where a glue gun comes to the rescue. Hot glue can be used to seal absolutely any cracks, including small ones, both in the structure itself and between the frame and the opening. You can do the same with door leaf, threshold, as well as other surfaces for preparation for winter cold. There are no restrictions here. You can use both glue and sealant. Condensation does not form on such seams, since the compositions have water-repellent properties. You can even plant floor and ceiling skirting boards, which makes the tool indispensable when carrying out repairs.

Tile

Application hot glue gun For tiling a bathroom or kitchen it is impractical and expensive. However, if one or more tiles come loose, there is no need to remix the solution. Elements can be attached with hot glue. This minimizes time and effort. Broken pieces of tiles are also subject to repair. An element can simply be connected to a whole part. The main thing is to first clean and degrease the surface of the joined elements. Similarly, you can glue broken ceramics, for example, a vase, and so on.

Furniture

Until relatively recently, some furniture parts were glued together using PVA glue. The disadvantage of this approach was not the low quality, but the speed with which the composition gained strength. In other words, we had to wait a long time until the elements being connected were securely fixed. Today, instead of the usual, they apply hot glue. The rod, melted to the desired consistency, quickly fills required holes, connects and fixes the required parts.

What can you glue with a hot glue gun?

A tool used in everyday life, repair, and construction does an excellent job of joining almost all materials, but cannot create a connection with some of them.
The list of bonded surfaces is quite impressive and includes:

• tree;
• glass;
• alloys;
• ceramics;
• polymers;
• plastic;
• rubber.

This is not a complete list, so it is much easier to immediately identify what cannot be glued with a glue gun:

This list can also include some types of paper that have a glossy surface.

The lack of roughness does not allow for good adhesion.

Using hot glue in crafts

The connection of elements and parts in fakes requires quick and reliable fixation of components and workpieces. This can be achieved with a glue gun, which every modern needlewoman has. Its use makes it possible to create patterns and figures of intricate shapes that do not stick when traditional glue is used.
The melted adhesive stick allows you to reliably glue the following materials together:

• Fabrics.

  What glue gun glues: use cases

  The tool copes well with both artificial and natural materials. You can even glue transparent organza and heavier velvet.

• Pebbles. Artificial pearls, rhinestones, beads, shells and much more are easily fixed both among themselves and on the surface of various workpieces.

The main advantage of using a glue gun for arts and crafts is the ability to choose various shades dye. By choosing the appropriate color, the craftswoman can create crafts in which the joints and gluing become almost invisible even with a detailed and thorough examination of the finished product.

Features of choosing a tool

To make the glue gun as convenient and efficient to use as possible, you need to pay attention to three main points:

1. Absence or presence of battery. Last option allows you to use the device absolutely anywhere. The model with a battery works even when there is no possibility of connecting to the electrical network.
2. Feeding mechanism type. It can be slider or carousel. The latter option involves turning rather than pulling the trigger, which is not always convenient.
3. Number of heaters. The more there are, the better. They can duplicate each other or connect when one fails. Models with multiple heaters are much more expensive than conventional devices.

You should always focus not only on functionality, but also on the brand. Top manufacturers provide a guarantee on their devices, and also use exclusively best materials and design solutions.

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 together different materials, For example:

• wood;
• metal materials;
• concrete;
• polymers;
• glass;
• natural and artificial stone 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 mains power alternating current, with a voltage of 220 V. There are also models that run 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 composition, once it cools down it will be difficult to remove. 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 – operating temperature of the adhesive composition. We must always remember that it is not materials that withstand 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 operates from an electric current of 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. Hot glue is applied to this place through a 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 a universal tool that can reliably secure various objects and parts.

Glue gun refills are Consumables. 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.

Buying a cordless glue gun, a small or large tool for glue stickers, is necessary for a whole range of repair tasks. These devices have a simple design, at an affordable price and a wide range of repair capabilities.

What is a glue gun used for?

What is a glue gun used for and what does it glue? It's easier to say what he doesn't like. Using this small and convenient device, joints are sealed and filled assembly seams. It allows you to speed up the installation of ventilation in the garage and ensures quick installation of sound insulation. It makes it easy to glue up loose wallpaper or a curved baseboard on the ceiling or in a hard-to-reach corner. A stick-on gun will quickly and easily attach ceiling moldings or wall appliques.

Many types of force majeure repairs are carried out with the help of softened and carefully dosed glue, up to the gluing of accidentally flying off decorative stone made of gypsum - don’t dilute a tub of mortar just for the sake of one tile that comes off. Designers and radio amateurs resort to the adhesive tool; it is useful for modeling and design. There are craftsmen who are able to add design advantages to the adhesive mass itself, placing it in balls, elongated beads or colorful rain on walls, panels, postcards and souvenirs. So the capabilities of such pistols are not limited to repairs.

Advantages and disadvantages of adhesive installation tools

The repair advantages of guns with adhesive sticker inserts are quite numerous; a typical tool:

• Provides almost instant gluing of parts - the polyurethane mass of stickers hardens in a time of 40 to 180 seconds, depending on the thickness of the applied layer;
• Guarantees high strength to glued wood, metal, fabrics, plastic, glass, natural and faux leather, ceramics and earthenware, as well as all combinations of these materials with each other;
• Gives the bonded surface an excellent appearance. Big color choice adhesive rods allow you to select the required shade for repairing products of any color;
• Indispensable for fastening work on surfaces that do not tolerate mechanical stress. Do not drill, tap or hammer - use the ability of an adhesive tool;
• Eco-friendly and safe. Consumable rods do not contain impurities harmful to human health, are economical to use, and the cured adhesive is impenetrable to moisture.

As for the shortcomings of the tool, they include poor bonding of polyurethane with concrete, cement and most plasters. If the glued product will subsequently heat up - for example, as a facing for a brick fireplace - it should be fixed differently (mechanically, with mortar, with heat-resistant glue, etc.).

Hot working principle of sticker guns

Any gun - powered from a standard outlet, from a generator or from a built-in battery - requires heating of the glue sticks inside the tool before use. That is, all pistols are “hot” by default. How a hot glue gun works, the use of which is very convenient, can be described in just a few phrases.

The appearance of the tool is similar to a small drill, including the shape of the handle and the presence of a start button on it. From the back of the “barrel” the gun is loaded with cartridge rods made of polyurethane glue. The glue stick first enters the receiving chamber (in most models it is made of elastic plastic or tubular rubber). To start working, you need to “send the cartridge into the chamber” - push the rod into the heating sleeve. Under the influence of electric current, the sleeve heats up, the glue rod softens to the state of a thick liquid and is squeezed out through the nozzle onto the surfaces to be glued.

The warm-up time for “glue cartridges” in a standard gun is from 3 to 5 minutes, so there is no point in pressing on the feed piston immediately after loading. The pressure force is adjusted manually; it can additionally be adjusted by installing nozzles of different diameters. Working with this tool does not involve large volumes of applied glue; rather, it involves the precision and thoroughness of gluing various products.

Typical glue gun device

Before using a glue gun, it will be useful to know its “filling”. It consists of several interconnected nodes:

• Heating mechanism. There is a thermal chamber in the feed barrel, the heating elements cover it from all sides (less often) or are simply connected by a thermal platform from below (more often). Depending on the size of the thermal chamber and power heating elements It directly depends on what can be glued with a glue gun in terms of performance and thickness of parts. Gun good quality usually has a very reliable heating unit that will not require repairs over the entire service life of the device;
• Feeding mechanism. It is a pusher of rods to a thermal chamber with transmission levers controlled from the trigger. The feed mechanism can break if careless or strong pressure is applied to the trigger, or if glue sticks of non-standard diameter are used. Using a tool without the risk of damaging the feed mechanism is one of the main tricks when mastering glue guns;
• Guide coupling. A plastic or rubber receptacle for glue sticks is located between the end of the gun and the heating mechanism. When the guide sleeve wears and cracks, glue gets inside the gun and it fails. Therefore, the adhesive rods should be inserted into it smoothly, without twisting; it is forbidden to pull them back - the glue should only come out through the nozzle;
• Nozzle (sometimes called a nozzle or nozzle). Serves for molding softened glue; a useful option is a shut-off valve on the nozzle in the form of a nipple or a plate with a spring. Nozzle with shut-off valve prevents spontaneous leakage large quantity glue. Straight-through nozzles are also found in cheap pistols, but you have to pay for their efficiency with glue stains during operation (sometimes in very undesirable places);
• Device body. Made from tough, impact-resistant plastic. Firstly, it eliminates the risk of injury to the employee electric shock, secondly, it significantly lightens the weight of the entire device (there are models weighing up to 250-300 grams). The cordless tool has greater mass due to the built-in battery - you have to pay for mobility with increased heaviness.

If the device body has inspection windows to monitor the condition of the guide coupling, and there is a folding bracket in front for vertical installation pistol - it will be big advantage in terms of long-term reliability of the adhesive tool.

It is highly undesirable to place the gun on its side during operation. When the heating mechanism is turned on, the guide clutch overheats when the tool is lying down, and it fails much later. ahead of schedule- and along with it the entire device with its insides filled with glue.

How to choose a pistol based on technical parameters?

What can be glued and how to use a glue gun, how to choose your particular tool from the variety of sales offers depends on its technical characteristics:

• Performance (not to be confused with power!). The passport indicates exactly the power - professional models assume a power of 250 Watts, amateur models range from 50 to 150 Watts, semi-professional models fill the gap of 150-250 Watts. However, in addition to power, the volume of the working chamber should be taken into account. If it is small, then the low-power device will be a convenient installation assistant;
• Melt temperature. The guns use glue sticks with a diameter of 7 to 11 millimeters, almost all of which “flow” already at 105˚C. The higher the operating temperature, the faster the bonding. A particularly convenient tool is one with two heating modes – up to 105 ˚C in a warming mode (powerful) and then in a stationary mode of lower power. If a dual-mode device is beyond your means, it would be wise to opt for a pistol with operating temperature 165-175˚C;
• The glue supply speed for various models ranges from 5-35 grams per minute. For the first experience glue work quite modest indicators of the speed of supply of stickers. Working with a glue gun is good because you can change the model to a more powerful or specialized one. The cost of the tool is low; as you master it, you can always purchase a device with other repair capabilities.