The principle of the glue gun is relatively simple. At its heart is an electric heater, made in the form of a spiral with a round shape. This element, depending on the specific model of the device, reaches an operating temperature that oscillates between 100 and even 240°C. The thermal energy generated in this way is transferred to a heat exchanger in the form of a metal sleeve, which at the same time acts as a guide for a special glue stick.

As a result, the substance melts, takes on a liquid consistency and acquires its full adhesive properties. After that, all you have to do is squeeze the trigger of the glue gun, causing the liquid glue to be pushed out through the nozzle of the device.

The whole process is extremely intuitive, so that literally anyone can handle the hot glue gun. Among other reasons, these devices are often used in art classes in schools and technical colleges.

The hot glue gun is an extremely versatile instrument, thanks primarily to the sticks used in it. EVA, which is a copolymer of acetate and ethylvinyl acetate, is usually used in their production. It is a specialized plastic that begins to melt when exposed to high temperatures, while gaining adhesive properties. Once the temperature is extruded, the material returns to a solid state of aggregation, forming a strong yet flexible joint.

EVA sticks used in hot glue guns have insulating capabilities and do not conduct electricity. That's why they are often used to fasten small electronic circuits to each other or attach electrical wires to equipment housings. This eliminates the risk of short-circuiting, while increasing structural strength.

However, in most cases, the hot glue gun is used to make minor repairs. With the help of its stick, a broken corner of the case can be "overlaid" or two cracked plastics can be permanently joined together.

The hot glue gun will also be great for attaching decorative elements, such as sections of polystyrene strips or coffers. All you need to do is coat the back of them with a few drops of glue, and then apply them to the work surface.

The glue gun is also often used by professionals and construction companies. Using it, it is very easy to attach polyethylene foam insulation lining to the top of plumbing pipes. This procedure will minimize the cooling of water flowing throughout the system, and will also help prevent pipes from freezing during severe frosts.

The hot glue gun can also be used to glue all kinds of gaskets to the surface of doors and windows, which will minimize heat loss. This device will also help bring your home's clutter under control, allowing you to non-invasively stick cables and wires to cabinet casings or room walls.

A mains-powered hot glue gun is a good choice for people who have their own strictly defined workspace and regularly work at it. This will allow you to find a permanent place for the device, so that the leaking particles of the melted stick will not dirty anything important.

A hot glue gun that plugs into an electrical outlet usually heats up a little faster than its cordless counterparts. In addition, while working, you also do not have to worry about the level of battery charge just you can fully concentrate on the project at hand.

An excellent alternative to a networked hot glue gun is the rechargeable variant. Such devices come in two types.

The first are miniature adhesive devices that resemble a pen in shape. Their small size makes it easy to maneuver in tight and hard-to-reach spaces, make precise repairs possible. Unfortunately, the size of these devices comes at the price of relatively short battery life and low glue flow.

The second type of hot glue guns are variants powered by batteries with a working voltage of 18 volts, known from full-size power tools. They provide glue flow performance and heat-up time comparable to plug-in devices. They are also more manageable.

Cordless hot glue gun is perfect for all kinds of service and construction work. All you have to do is plug it into the battery, load the stick, and then warm it up by pressing a single button. This type of device can operate for many hours on a single battery charge, and the batteries used in it are usually fully compatible with other power tools from a given manufacturer.

Cordless or mains glue gun?

A much better choice is a battery-powered hot glue gun. It provides the ability to work anywhere and is completely independent of access to a power outlet. What's more, a fully charged battery is capable of heating glue for up to several hours, thus ensuring full freedom to work in any conditions. In addition, the flat battery base of the cordless hot glue gun provides the device with a stable base, allowing it to stand upright.

Which gun power is optimal for decorative work?

In principle, any hot glue gun will be suitable for decorative work, and the power of its heater will primarily affect the amount of time required to heat up the adhesive substance. For example, 60-watt devices will take about 2 minutes to heat the glue, while 250-watt equipment will take about 30 seconds to do the process. Once warmed up, a glue gun with a high-powered heater will also be able to apply much more glue in one minute.

How much electricity does the glue gun draw?

The hot glue gun is a relatively energy-efficient device, and its power usually ranges from 30 to 250 watts. However, it should be noted that the heater of the device operates at full capacity only until the operating temperature is reached, that is, for about 2 minutes. After that, the power supply system of the glue gun will just maintain the temperature, so the amount of current consumed by it will significantly decrease.