Choosing a glue gun for needlework
Glue guns are often used for crafts, decor, and even minor renovations. This tool is suitable for sealing, fixing and bonding a variety of materials. The principle of operation is to heat the glue stick, which exits through the spout of the device.
The market offers a wide range of devices with different characteristics and parameters. Next, you can learn about popular models, their features and the rules for choosing this product.
What it is?
If you've ever glued fabric or glued two pieces of faux leather together, then remember exactly how you had to try to get the desired result. Ordinary glue does not cope with this task, here a glue heat gun is required to solve the problem, which works quickly, efficiently and efficiently. This device is offered at an affordable price.
Its principle of operation is to heat a glue stick, which is inserted into the body. The material is extruded and applied to the desired elements. This tool is presented in two forms: professional and household. The first one is presented in a massive size and can work for a long time, therefore it is suitable for serious tasks. And the second is often used in everyday life, for example, in the manufacture of decor, minor repairs, etc.
Manufacturers produce portable devices that operate on battery power, as well as electrical ones that operate from the network. It is necessary to choose a tool based on the conditions in which it will be used. Mobile devices are capable of working for 30 minutes, they are often compact, so they are suitable for travel.Power tools are tied to a power outlet, while being equipped with a long cord, which is also convenient. The heating time of the glue is from 15 to 60 seconds, depending on the model.
As for the cost, then Thermal guns are available at an affordable price and can be a useful tool in the home. The big advantage is that with the help of such glue, you can fasten not only paper, but also fabric, glass, stone, wood, even metal. The molten material is often used as a sealant to seal cracks and seams.
It is very convenient to use such a device, the design is made in such a way as to fit in the hand and not cause discomfort.
Top Models
There is a huge selection of hot glue gun manufacturers on the market today. You can familiarize yourself with the rating of the best models that have earned the recognition of consumers, and learn more about their technical characteristics.
Dremel Glue Gun 930
The top includes the 100W Dremel Glue Gun 930, which operates on mains power. The tool accommodates 10 cm rods and comes with 12 different colored consumables. The spout has a diameter of 7 mm, making it ideal for delicate and delicate work. The manufacturer has equipped the instrument with a tip that prevents dripping.
With this unit, you can glue wood and plastic. An additional bonus is the presence of a stand in the set. The glue heats up quickly, the device is easy to use and will serve for a long time. As for the cost, the device is not cheap, but the excellent performance justifies it.
Hammerflex GN-06
A quality pistol is the Hammerflex GN-06... The set includes glue sticks with a diameter of 11 mm. This is an electrical device that will provide a high density of bonding between polymer and plastic parts. The power is 80 W, there are several replaceable nozzles for choosing a section. It's safe to say that the tool is suitable for teenagers.
The glue is heated up to 200 degrees, the material is resistant to high humidity and withstands the load after hardening, and this is important. If necessary, the cord can be unfastened, there is also a stand, three spouts of different sizes and a box for transportation or storage.
GluePen
Cordless models are in high demand due to their portability and compact size. A striking representative here is the GluePen pistol... It has a thin nose and temperature control. The device can even be carried in a pocket, and after charging the battery, the device will work for 1.5 hours. The power is 5.4 W, the length of the rod is 15 cm.This is a grip pistol that comes with 4 rods of 15 cm.
The material is heated in 15 seconds, this is an ergonomic unit that will ensure high-quality work. The main advantages include high-quality assembly, the ability to adjust the temperature, anti-drip protection, heating speed and compactness.
Kraftool PRO 06843-300-12
The professional model is Kraftool PRO 06843-300-12, which has temperature control and replaceable nozzles. This unit has a power of 300 W, so it is massive, shock and heat resistant, has a steel base and an ergonomic handle. Rods 12 cm long are suitable for work. There is a start button and a handle for mechanical material feeding on the body.
In this pistol, you can change the nozzles, and after a minute after switching on, you can start working. The model is suitable for large-scale works. The unit is powerful, the assembly is of high quality, so it collects a lot of positive reviews.
It is important to note that the tool is expensive, but it fully justifies the characteristics declared by the manufacturer.
REXANT 12-0105
If you need a budget option, you can study the REXANT 12-0105 pistol, its power is 100 watts. It is a powerful tool that has a shockproof body and comes with an 11mm shaft. For convenience, a metal stand is included.
This is an electrical appliance with a long cord, the material needs to be heated for about half an hour. The device copes with gluing paper, leather, ceramics and glass. This is a powerful gun with heating up to 200 degrees, which can work continuously for an hour, after which the unit must be given time to rest.
Steinel GLUEMATIC 3002
The network device Steinel GLUEMATIC 3002 demonstrates the maximum heating temperature. The material feed rate is 16 g per minute. The device is equipped with a two-meter cord, which is sufficient for convenient operation. The unit is suitable for minor repairs, the set includes 3 rods, if desired, you can install another nozzle of the desired size and shape. This is a powerful pistol that many call a versatile pistol, as it is suitable for handicraft, construction and renovation work.
For simple work, you can take low-temperature materials, but for large parts it is better to focus on high-temperature rods. It's safe to say that this is a semi-professional tool that glues perfectly.
It should be noted that the power of the device is automatically regulated, the glue will not drip, and the cost will delight consumers at all.
Expendable materials
Often glue sticks come in a set with the gun, but sooner or later they run out and you have to replenish supplies. They are classified according to characteristics such as length, diameter, and even color. On the market you can find rods from 7 to 15 mm, and the length can be up to 20 cm. The composition is based on ethylene vinyl acetate.
When it comes to needlework, it is difficult to limit oneself to colorless adhesive materials, and besides, there is always a choice of bright shades. However, for work with paper and thin textiles, it is better to choose traditional rods, since even transparent models have a yellowish tint. For decoration, designers use color options, and they can also diversify their assortment with glitter glue that looks impressive.
Nuances of choice
To get the desired result, you need to choose the right tool. And for this it is enough to take into account several criteria, and then you will be satisfied. First of all, pay attention to gun power, because this indicator affects the heating rate. The capacity is indicated in grams per minute, which depends on the size of the nozzle, as well as the pressure on the handle.
It is important to take into account the conditions in which the unit will be used in order to select the appropriate type of power supply.... Power guns are suitable for home and places where there is access to an outlet, but for field trips it is better to choose rechargeable devices, while it is necessary to clarify how long the tool is able to work continuously after a full charge.
Small pistols with a diameter of 7 mm are suitable for creative projects, but if the device is needed for repair and sealing, it is better to choose a diameter of 11 mm. Products of different brands have their own characteristics and advantages, so first you need to decide on your own requirements. You can then filter the characteristics to find the right tool.
Temperature control affects how fast the consumable heats up. The glue may begin to melt already at 105 degrees, but if the indicator is higher, then the process will be accelerated. For ease of use, pay attention to the models with a built-in LED and backlight if you have to work with limited visibility. An important addition to the gun is a safety nipple that prevents material from dripping. Some power tools can work without a cord for 20 minutes, but this should be specified in the model description.
To expand the functions, use guns with a set of nozzles, heat-resistant mat and rods included. As you can see, choosing a unit is not difficult if you know all the details.
Instructions for use
If you are interested in DIY crafts, it will be difficult to do without a glue gun. Therefore, after choosing the unit, it is important to familiarize yourself with the operating rules. Before starting work, you need to install the rod in the designated place, then connect the device, if it is electrical. Depending on the model, the device will melt the consumable in 15 to 60 seconds. If a drop comes out through the spout, you can start the process. Some devices deliver glue in a viscous stream, which is suitable for working with jewelry and decor.
It is recommended to prepare by making a marking of the places where the glue will be applied. If there is too much work, you will need to take breaks and turn off the device so that it does not overheat.
During operation, it is necessary to observe safety measures, because we are talking about hot glue that flows out of the gun. If you are doing needlework with children, control the process, so that the child does not burn himself and holds the instrument correctly.
Glue guns are a handy tool for minor repairs, decorating and sealing gaps. And thanks to such a wide assortment, everyone has the opportunity to find a tool that meets all personal requirements and wishes. In addition, a household pistol is inexpensive, and with proper operation it will last long enough.