Purchasing Glue Guns and Hot Melt Adhesives

Glue guns can be purchased in low temperature and high temperature hot-melt versions. Low temperature units heat up to about 120º C and are more applicable where a high temperature is undesirable. High-temperature guns} heat up to about 195°C and result in a stronger bond. Also on the market are dual glue guns which include a switch so that both low and high temperatures can be used for different jobs.

For industrial purposes, there are a broad range of heavy duty industrial glue guns available which are designed to optimise production efficiency. These range from high output compressed air industrial glue guns to adjustable temperature units.

Glue sticks are buyable in several different diameters for different types and sizes of glue guns. The most common size has a diameter of 11mm. Glue sticks are also available in various lengths, from about 10cm upwards. However, the majority of glue guns will accommodate glue sticks of any length. Hot melt and low temperature glue sticks are available for the different types of glue gun. Hot melt adhesives do not contain any solvents or water. They set when they fall in temperature and this means that they can set quickly.

For industrial applications, different types of glue sticks are available for specialist uses. The commonest diameters are 12 and 43mm. For home use, there are only a few types of glue sticks that are available. Glue sticks have different open times, which is the time taken to form a bond. This varies from a couple of seconds to several minutes.

Glue guns should be switched on several minutes before they are used so that the heating element and glue stick can warm up. As the glue stick gets hot it melts and then it can be used to bond different materials together. Care should be taken when using hot glue guns as hot glue can be hazardous.