A glue gun is an essential tool that most crafters will need at some point during their endeavor.
They are a must-have item for anyone that needs to complete any gluing tasks quickly and efficiently.
When in use, the glue melts inside the gun and dispenses at the press of a button.
The glue dries very quickly, and the job is done within seconds. A glue gun can be used on a variety of materials for many different purposes.
Whether you are crafting for personal or business purposes, you will likely find yourself in need of a hot glue gun at some point.
Even if you aren’t in desperate need of one right now, it is good to have one around for when the occasion arises.
With so many things to consider, like size, temperature, and general performance, it can be difficult to decide which is the best glue gun for crafts.
To make the decision process easier for you, we are going to show you the best glue guns available on the market.
OUR TOP PICK
This hot glue gun is full of unique features that make it our number one pick for this list. It is designed for heavy-duty use, so it isn’t going to break if you use it often, as most crafters would.
It also has an interchangeable nozzle and has a spare included. The original nozzle is 2mm in diameter, and the spare is 1mm in diameter. This is an excellent alternative for those projects that require more precision.
Most glue guns have a standard curved trigger, but this one has a wave-shaped groove that makes it fit better in your hand and makes it easier to hold and press the trigger.
The cable is long at 160cm, which helps reach your workspace from the plug socket.
This glue gun has a built-in high-tech ceramic PTC thermistor and can heat up within 2-3 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long at all to get started.
The glue melts quickly, and the appliance maintains an automatic constant temperature. Ten glue sticks are included with the bundle.
The XUX glue gun has an independent power switch, which means that you don’t have to unplug it to turn it off. Instead, you just turn the switch to off mode. This is a feature that most hot glue guns do not have.
For more comfortable use, there is a detachable stand connected via the bottom of the gun. This stand can also be used as a wrench to replace the nozzle.
Overall, this product is suitable for a variety of crafting tasks and is convenient to use.
Pros
- Able to heat up within 2-3 minutes
- Maintains temperature well
- Independent power switch
- Detachable stand
- Long power cord
- Interchangeable nozzles for different purposes
Cons
- Doesn’t state compatible materials
EDITORS CHOICE
This hot glue gun comes in at second on our list with its switch-controlled dual temperature settings that offer high and low-temperature settings, depending on what your project needs.
It also has a precision nozzle that will help you dispense and use the glue accurately so you don’t make a mess.
The gun is lightweight and is designed to fit comfortably in your hand. It has a rubber grip with a larger trigger to make things easier for you while you work.
The trigger is also effortless to squeeze, and the gun has a long nozzle to help direct the glue with precision and prevent accidental burns.
For enhanced safety, the gun includes a built-in stand with a wide base that makes it safe to put down.
You can use this glue gun on different crafting materials, including metal, wood, glass, and more. The dual temperature settings make it easier to use on different types of materials safely.
Pros
- Dual temperature settings that can be used on different types of materials
- Precision nozzle for high accuracy
- Rubber grip for better handling
- Enhanced safety features to prevent accidents
- Can be used safely on a wide variety of materials
Cons
- The trigger can be difficult to hold down
BEST VALUE
This glue gun is unique as it comes as a kit with different accessories, rather than just the gun itself.
This kit comes with a carry bag to protect all of your equipment, finger protectors for added safety, the glue gun, and 12 glue sticks.
As well as all of the added extras that are included with your purchase, it also has some great features.
It comes with a metal safety stand that can retract when not in use, and it also has an on/off switch, so you don’t need to unplug the appliance to turn it off.
There is even a power indicator on the side that will light up when it is in use to let you know that it is on.
It is made of durable metal and plastic that can last for years, so you won’t need to replace this glue gun any time soon. It also has 100 watts of power and will heat the glue within 2-3 minutes.
The strong adhesive properties make for quick and reliable use. There is also a rubber grip surface on the handle to make it easier to hold on to.
Pros
- Comes as a kit with other accessories
- Retractable metal safety stand
- Heats glue within 2-3 minutes
- On/off switch, so it doesn’t need to be unplugged to turn it off
- Strong adhesive properties
Cons
- Glue can leak slightly when in the standing position
RUNNER UP
This glue gun features a stand-up base that helps prevent your glue gun from continually falling over.
The base keeps the glue gun up-right and ready to be used when you are. The gun also comes with twelve glue sticks to start you off.
The Chandler Tool hot glue gun has an insulated drip-free nozzle that prevents you from accidentally burning yourself and doesn’t drip hot glue between uses.
It is made from high-quality and impact-resistant plastics with an all-metal precision heating element. The materials used assure you that the appliance is going to last.
This glue gun has a rubber grip, and the wave-shaped trigger is easy to press down. With 60 watts of power, it heats up within 3-5 minutes.
Pros
- Stand up base to prevent the glue gun from falling over
- Insulated drip-free nozzle for preventing burns and wastage
- Made from high-quality materials
- Easy-press wave-shaped trigger
Cons
- Takes longer to heat up than some other glue guns
RUNNER UP
Taking our final spot on the list of the best glue guns for crafts is Elmer’s hot glue gun.
Unlike many others, this glue gun is cordless and doesn’t need to be plugged in. This feature is great for portability and enables you to use it wherever you are without the need for a plug socket.
This hot glue gun also features dual temperature settings and can be used for a variety of crafting projects and materials.
You can use the high-temperature setting for materials like metals, leather, wood, ceramic, and plastic, and you can use the low-temperature setting for more delicate materials like foam, lace, and softer fabrics.
It works cord-free for up to five minutes, which may not be long enough for some projects, and is something to consider.
The glue gun comes with a compact reheating base with a drip pad to catch any leaking glue.
Pros
- Dual temperature settings for a variety of tasks
- A cordless appliance that can be used anywhere with no need for a plug socket
- Comes with a compact reheating base
- Great for portability
Cons
- Can only be used cordless for five minutes
How to Choose the Best Glue Gun for Crafts: Buyer's Guide
Whether you enjoy crafting as a hobby or do it for business purposes, a hot glue gun will make an excellent addition to your collection of equipment and appliances.
There are so many options out there that it can be difficult to choose just one. Knowing what to look for in a glue gun will help you to make a better-informed decision.
The glue gun you choose should have a high enough temperature range that it melts the glue quickly and evenly. You will need to consider the materials you are using to know what temperature range you should look for.
If you work with a variety of materials in your crafts, then the dual-range temperature glue guns may be better suited for you. They have two temperature modes to choose from, and each is specifically designed for use with different materials.
The high-temperature setting is typically suitable for materials such as:
- Metal
- Wood
- Leather
- Ceramic
- Plastic
The low-temperature setting is usually better for:
- Delicate materials
- Foam
- Lace
- Softer materials or fabrics
Most hot glue guns only offer one temperature level, but there are ones available that offer two, which is perfect for those with varied crafts.
The next thing that you should consider is power and power source. The wattage of the glue gun will tell you how quickly the gun will heat the glue when in use. The higher the wattage, the faster the glue will melt.
On average, these devices can take between 3 and 6 minutes to heat up, but there are devices with a higher wattage that can heat the glue in less than 3 minutes.
Most hot glue guns are powered via a power cord that plugs in at a plug socket. There are some brands that have started making cordless glue guns, but they are limited as they can’t be used for very long.
Cordless glue guns will need their batteries to be re-charged and last anywhere from 5 minutes to just over an hour. These are great for not limiting your mobility, but they also may not last long enough.
For cordless glue guns, always look at the length of the power cord. Knowing how long the cord is will tell you whether or not it is long enough to reach from a plug socket to your work station.
Some glue guns will have relatively short cords, but some have long cables that are great for reaching where you need them.
A feature that can be found with some glue guns is the on/off switch. This switch is great as you don’t need to unplug the device to turn it off, which can be annoying if the plug socket is difficult to get to.
It also means that you are more unlikely to leave your glue gun on by mistake as the switch is just like most other electrical appliances. There is also usually a light indicator that will light up when the product is on to remind you to turn it off when you aren’t using it.
There are two types of hot glue guns that you can buy. These are full-sized glue guns and mini glue guns. The mini versions are lighter and more compact, whereas the full-sized ones are bigger and bulkier. You should also note that they require two different sizes of glue.
The tip size is also something to consider. Some glue guns will have the option to change the tip and swap it for a different size. Others have one standard size that can’t be changed.
If your work requires you to be more precise, you can use a gun with an interchangeable nozzle, so you can choose what size tip to use. These provide you with much more flexibility.
Glue guns can be operated via a manual feed or a trigger feed. A trigger feed is when you push down on the trigger, and the hot glue comes out. This is the most common type of glue gun.
Alternatively, a glue gun with a manual feed requires you to push the glue through the gun with your thumb. These may be trickier to use with accuracy.
A glue gun should always have a stand, so you don’t have to leave it lying on its side. This can be an additional stand, or it can be a built-in stand.
If the gun is left on its side, it can interfere with the glue production, and there is also the potential for the nozzle to touch the surface, which can cause damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Use of a Hot Glue Gun?
Hot glue guns dispense heated glue adhesive to a variety of materials and are usually used for arts and crafts.
A glue gun is used to stick materials together when creating something.
When the melted glue is applied to your material, it will dry very quickly and stick. Hot glue guns are great for so many different purposes, especially in the crafting sector.
Is Hot Glue Durable?
Hot glue can be used on various materials, and due to its viscosity, it can stick uneven surfaces together and even fill in gaps.
Hot glue isn’t usually used for high strength applications and will not survive elevated temperatures. However, it does provide a quick adhesive option for lots of arts and crafts projects and will last a long time in a typical environment.
Hot glue would require temperatures of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit to re-melt, so it is doubtful it will melt again.
Is Hot Glue Waterproof?
Most hot glues are water-resistant and not waterproof. This means that they will reject small amounts of water, but they wouldn’t hold up against large quantities of water.
Your hot glue gun projects aren’t likely to last for a long time outdoors due to rain, which will eventually break down the bond between the materials and fall apart.
What is an Industrial Glue Gun?
An industrial glue gun is a glue gun that is more durable as it is continuously used. These glue guns are used in industries such as product assembly and construction, so they need to be built to last under heavy use.
They can come in different sizes and shapes and can be used for an extended period of time. Industrial glue guns use larger glue sticks and produce a lot more glue at once.