How to work with a glue gun. How to choose a glue gun and use it correctly

When carrying out modern repairs, both professionals and beginners in construction prefer to use advanced tools that greatly simplify labor-intensive and labor-intensive processes. These technical assistants include a glue gun.

The prototype of this tool was invented by Harry Green to quickly glue the necessary furniture parts. The device at that time was very bulky, and liquid glue was used for work. The real innovation was the development of the technology of its application, as a result, smooth, fairly neat seams were obtained, which are distinguished not only by high strength, but also by elasticity.

With the advent of solid glue sticks, the thermal gun has become both compact and in many ways universal, which is why it has become so widespread. The advantages, characteristics of the constituent components, criteria for choosing a tool and purpose will be written in the article.

The glue gun is a compact electrical appliance. Consider the principle of its work. Inside the device there is a glue rod, the tool heats it up, melts it and delivers it in small doses through a narrow funnel to the surface to be treated. Hot glue guns are mainly used for repair work and in needlework.

With the help of such a tool, wood, paper, plastic, rubber are glued. Connect cardboard, glass, ceramic, fabric surfaces. It is recommended to warm up the metal before gluing. Do not use heat guns for materials such as: thin synthetics, plaster, concrete, polystyrene, polyethylene.

Devices are widely used in decorating home interiors, in design work, they are used to create various home-made compositions, collages. Before choosing a glue gun, it is necessary to determine the scope of the tools.

Among glue tools, a compact device has a number of advantages. Among the main advantages of thermal guns, it is worth noting several aspects:

For quality application you must also use the manufacturer's instructions that come with the tool.

Types of glue guns

What tool is suitable for gluing the necessary parts? The classification is quite varied. Before choosing an adhesive thermal gun, you need to understand the types of existing devices. All tools can be divided into two main groups:

1. Professional;
2. Household.

According to another broad classification, instruments are divided into the following categories:

1. Automatic. They are used mainly on factory conveyors and belong to the professional group according to the first classification.
2. Mechanical. Glue is applied by pulling the trigger. These devices belong to the household group.

To purchase a quality tool, several parameters are guided.

Criterias of choice

For home use, of course, mechanical glue tools are suitable. Their typology depends on the selected criteria:

Before choosing a heat gun, additional criteria are often taken into account, for example:

• switch - temperature controller in the case;
• indicator showing the readiness of the device for operation;
• electronic temperature control in automatic mode;
• equipping the case with a button - a switch for saving electricity;
• illumination of the working area;
• details for convenience of work: a viewing window, a leg holder.

The choice of tool will also depend on the professional skills of working with a thermal gun, individual preferences.

Types of hot melt adhesive

Glue is classified as it is used in different models of devices. It is recommended to choose depending on the characteristics of the hot melt adhesive for the gun:

It is most advantageous to choose hot glue, guided by individual preferences and the type of work that needs to be done.

Technology of use

Start by preparing and cleaning the workplace so that no drops of glue fall on the surface. A thermal gun is installed, for this, the leg is carefully folded back - the tool stand. Turn on the device. The glue stick is inserted all the way into the gun. The instrument is expected to heat up, the procedure time depends on the type of instrument and is usually 4 to 5 minutes. When a drop of glue appears on the nose of the gun, you can get to work.

The surfaces to be bonded must be cleaned. To apply glue, press the trigger. The amount of extruded substance depends on the frequency and force of pressing. The surfaces with the applied glue are connected, joined, so that the substance grabs correctly, hold for a few seconds.

If it is necessary to change the finished rod, press the trigger a little. Insert a new sticker, pushing through the previous one. To replace the colored rod, the old one is scrolled around the axis, removed, and a new one is inserted. In this case, the gun must be heated. To remove the remnants of the previous color, it is recommended to make a few pulls on the trigger.

After work, the thermal gun is turned off from the network, the nozzle is wiped with cardboard, carefully cleaned of the resulting adhesive threads.

The main reason for the difficulties that arise when working with a thermal gun is the use of non-original adhesive stickers, which have low temperature melting. It is very important to use the correct cores for the specific tool model.

One of the most common failures is the wear of rubber couplings. Such a part is attached next to the thermal chamber of the device so that the molten glue does not get into inner part corps. During operation, it is important not to pull the rod, but to carefully cut it. By pressing the trigger several times, you can replace the old sticker with a new one.

The reason for poor heating of the tool may be a break in the wiring connected to the heat chamber. In this case, it is necessary to solder them with the glue gun turned off.

If the rubber ring between the nozzle and the body breaks, you can replace it yourself using a piece of silicone cloth.

For safe operation it is necessary:

1. Protect workplace from children and pets, as the heating temperature of the device is quite high, and this can be dangerous.
2. When working with a glue gun, place the tool on a stand with the nozzle down.
3. Consider all safety precautions when using hot glue.
4. Do not leave the device switched on unattended. Try not to drop the heat gun to prevent possible ignition.
5. With continuous and prolonged use, the glue gun is recommended to be turned off for 5 minutes every 60 minutes.

Proper and safe operation will contribute to the quality work of the heat gun.

Glue thermoguns are increasingly used in everyday life. The tool won its popularity with a lightweight design that allows you to achieve a strong connection in a short time. Ease of use together with cheap consumables make the device indispensable.

To achieve the maximum effect from the application, it is necessary to use the glue gun correctly. This will provide not only Good work but also prolong tool life.

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

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

• The shape of the device resembles a pistol, from which it got its name. The case is made of heat-resistant plastic, which facilitates the weight of the device.
• The design includes a handle for which you need to hold the device. Depending on the size of the model, there are recesses for the fingers.
• Powered by a standard 220W socket. Can be connected to a generator. Some brands of tools have a built-in battery.
• Glue is inserted into the device through a special hole on the back side tool. It has the form of a tube of different diameters, depending on the model of the glue gun.
• Inside the body is a heating element that melts the rods.
• The heating time of the glue 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 principle of operation of such devices is the same, but it will not be superfluous to look into the instruction manual. Perhaps your model has a number of features.

• Since this is an electrical appliance, inspect the case for damage. Even a small crack in the plastic can lead to trouble.
• Also pay attention to the nozzle. If it is clogged or there are other contaminants in it, then clean it. Otherwise, the adhesive will not be able to pass through the channel.
• Purchase glue sticks of the required size for your device. There are also different lengths. This will not affect the operation of the device. If the tuba gives you discomfort, then cut it off.

Advice. There is glue of different colors. Pick it up to match the surface you are going to glue.

• Insert the adhesive into the slot on the back of the instrument until it stops. Add the next rod after you have completely used up the first one.
• Pull out the stand located on the tool body. Or buy separately. Be sure to check the stability of the location of the heat gun on the table.
• Straighten the cord, plug the tool into an outlet. If its length does not allow you to freely use the device, then use the 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 heats up the glue immediately. She will need time, which depends on the power of the heating element.

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

How to use a glue gun - workflow

When all the preparatory steps are completed, proceed to the operation of the tool. The correct use of technology guarantees an effective result.

• Since the glue does not heat up immediately, therefore, you should not pull the trigger when turning on the device.
• While the heat gun is heating up, prepare items for gluing. Clean their surface from dirt and grease stains.
• Adjust the amount of glue by pressing the lever. You will find it on the handle. Extrude strictly required amount. Excess glue is difficult to trim when cured.
• Hot glue retains its temperature for 10 seconds. During this time, apply it and press the parts together. The more glue, the more time it will take for it to solidify.
• If you work with short breaks, then install the device on a stand. This will keep the glue gun tilted to prevent hot glue from flowing into 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 of the glue residue. Use paper or a soft cloth for this.

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

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

We talked about what a glue gun for needlework is, its device, advantages over other types of gluing. Today we will talk about how right and safely use this indispensable tool. This is especially important if you work with children.

Instructions for using the glue gun

1. Before starting work, prepare the workplace by protecting the work surface from the ingress of glue
2. Install the gun by folding the leg-stand
3. Insert the plug into the socket, turn on the button on the case (if any)
4. Insert the glue stick into the hole in the back of the case until it stops
5. It is necessary to wait 4-5 minutes for the glue to heat up and melt. The glue gun is ready to use when a drop of glue appears on the spout
6. The surface to be bonded must be dry, free of dust and grease. If necessary, you can sand the place of gluing
7. Press the trigger to dispense glue. The amount of glue coming out depends on the depth and number of clicks
8. After applying the adhesive, firmly press the parts to be joined for a few seconds. Try to immediately accurately attach the part, because. clutch occurs instantly and it will be impossible to move
9. When the glue stick runs out (when you pull the trigger, the glue will stop flowing), insert the next one and advance the previous stick with it a little. At this point, be careful: if you apply too much pressure, a lot of glue may flow out of the nozzle.
10. To replace the rod of one color with another, provided that the glue is heated in the gun, tightly grasp the rod and rotate it around its axis several times, gently pulling it out of the heating chamber. After the rod is removed, insert another one and, pressing the trigger, "lower" the remnants of the previous color, for example, on a piece of cardboard. When a new pure color comes out of the spout, you can get to work
11. When finished, unplug the gun from the mains.

During gluing with a glue gun, thin, cobweb-like, glue threads are formed. After hardening, they are easy to remove by wrapping around your hand and removing them. Or, if the surface allows, clean with a vacuum cleaner (nozzle - a small brush with bristles for cleaning clothes). Sometimes it is convenient to use thin tweezers.

Safety rules while working with a thermal gun

1. The glue gun nozzle heats up to over 200°C, so make sure the work area is out of the reach of small children and animals
2. In working condition, always place the gun on the stand with the nozzle down.
3. Be careful while working, melted glue can cause burns
4. Do not leave the switched on thermal gun unattended
5. Protect the device from falling. If the contacts are broken, the gun may flare up
6. It is not recommended to continuously use the glue gun for more than 1 hour

Read also on this topic:

When a woman appears in the tool department and asks for a thermal gun, it is immediately clear: this is a purchase for needlework. A beautiful lady wants to create. It doesn't matter what exactly luxurious bouquets from flowers, elegant decorations using the kanzashi technique or a simple craft made from cones in Kindergarten. This will definitely be done with love and investing a piece of the soul. And in order not to make a mistake and make the right choice of a glue gun, as well as to understand how to use it skillfully, it is worth knowing some details.

What is glued with a thermal gun

The main function of the heat gun is a quick connection with hot glue. The final hardening occurs after 5 minutes, and not after 24 hours, as with most analogues in tubes. In comparison with the instant - the probability of "making friends" fingers is reduced to zero. You can glue almost any natural and synthetic materials:

• wood;
• metal;
• stone;
• cardboard;
• glass;
• ceramics;
• cork;
• skin;
• plastic.

How does this miracle work? The gun contains a thermal heater. A round glue stick - a rod - touches it through a feeder. Another name is a cartridge: after all, it is with them that pistols are loaded. When the device is connected to a network with a voltage of 220 W, a temperature of 105 ° -210 ° C is created in the thermal heater. The glue melts and, when the trigger is pressed, flows through the nozzle.

Components of a hot glue gun

What is the difference between glue sticks

The rods are available in different colors. It's not always just pretty - they have a difference in chemical composition and melting temperature. The color determines which material the adhesive is best suited for:

• transparent - glass, fabrics, pvc plastic, metal, cable, electrical equipment, any kind of paper. Ideal for needlework;
• white - tiles, ceramics, plastic, cable;
• black - leather and carpeting;
• yellow - wood, cardboard, paper, finishing materials.

Hot glue sticks come in different colors depending on their melting point

Table: color ratio of glue stick and material

Pink, blue, green, red are produced in the form of assorted sets of 10-12 pieces and are intended for needlework. Craftswomen use them when they want to hide traces on the working material as much as possible or for papier-mâché crafts. Less often they are used for gluing stamps and making seals.

But the rods, which are designed specifically for decoration, may contain interesting fillings, for example, shiny elements.

Hot glue sticks for decorating are filled with shiny elements

Round rods vary in size. More often used diameter 7 and 11 mm with a length of 40-200 mm. These data are indicated in technical specifications specific model.

Power when choosing an electric heat gun

An important value is the power of the device, which ranges from 15–500 watts. It depends on it how quickly the gun heats up and how many grams of glue per minute it gives out. If you use occasionally, a weak model up to 40 watts is enough. The same power is chosen for very small jobs like kanzashi or gluing rhinestones. Small models are compact, heat up quickly and have a thin nozzle for tiny drops. For those who work with a pistol a lot, it is better to spend money on a device with a power of 300–500 W once, so as not to be nervous in the future due to low performance and quick breakdown. In addition, such models accept any rods. If universal transparent ones begin to melt at a temperature of 80 0 C and are suitable for any pistol, then black and yellow ones require a minimum of 150 0 C. Miniature devices simply cannot handle such loads. The heating temperature must be indicated on the packaging of the thermal gun.

To work with small parts, you need a thin nozzle. Otherwise, the drop of glue will be too large, the work will come out sloppy.

For accurate gluing of small elements, you need a heat gun with a thin nozzle

A good thermal gun reaches the operating temperature in 15–20 seconds and maintains it stably. It is desirable that there are several modes of operation. Then, by simply switching the regulator, you can switch to low- or high-temperature rods.

It is worth looking for a device with interchangeable nozzles to adjust the diameter of the drop. As a rule, there are three of them:

1. Universal.
2. Extra long.
3. Wide slot.

Thanks to removable nozzles, it is easy to adjust the supply of glue in the thermal gun

There are mains-powered models with a cord 1.0–3.5 m long. Thermal guns that run on battery power are convenient, but so far their price is much higher than network ones.

A big plus of the glue gun is the cheapness and availability of consumables. The rods are sold in almost any hardware, craft and stationery store. They are much cheaper than good adhesives, and in terms of bond strength they are in no way inferior to them.

How to use: charge, warm up, replace the rod

The small device is made according to modern technologies and is very easy to use. So that there are no interruptions in work, the points for applying glue are planned in advance and all the necessary materials are prepared. The viscous mass cools quickly, especially in low power models. The sooner you apply little things like beads, rhinestones or sequins, the stronger they hold. The order of work is this:

1. Connect the device to the network. If there is a power button, put it in operation mode.

   To start working with a thermal gun, plug the device into the network

2. Insert the rod into the special rear hole until it stops. Leave to heat for the time indicated in the instructions, varies in the range of 2-10 minutes. The plastic housing of the heat gun also gets hot. By touching it, the operating condition of the device is checked if there is no power indicator.

   The hole for inserting the glue stick is located at the back of the heat gun

3. Press the feed control button. A droplet of hot substance will appear - the device is ready for operation.

   If a drop of glue is released when the trigger is gently pressed, the thermal gun is ready for use.

4. Apply glue to one of the parts and immediately press the surfaces to be glued together. Can be applied spot or spray. Glue is released as long as the trigger is pressed.

   Glue is applied pointwise or in a trickle while the trigger of the thermal gun is pressed

5. If there are any adhesive residues, after cooling, remove with a sharp knife. The place of hardening withstands mechanical loads after 5 minutes.

During a break in work, the gun is placed on a stand. The nozzle should look down, it is advisable to put some kind of substrate under it. Better silicone, because the glue does not stick to it. This ensures that hot residues do not get on the work surface.

A special stand for the thermal gun protects the work surface from hot drops and fixes the device

In the window of the gun, you can see when the rod ends. To continue work, insert the next one, which will push through the remnants of the old one.

Materials that cause the adhesive to cool quickly (eg metals) are preheated with a hair dryer before bonding. On flexible materials (for example, fabrics), the adhesive solution is applied in a “caterpillar way”.

Bonding points can be separated by heating.

How to use a glue gun - video

Safety instructions for work

In order for needlework to bring only joy, it is important to adhere to safety rules:

• carefully read the instructions, which indicate the permissible time of continuous operation. In household models, this is usually 30 minutes. After that, turn off the device and let it cool down;
• do not heat the device without a glue stick;
• always keep the work cable behind the heat gun;
• The adhesive and nozzle tip become hot and cause burns on contact with the skin. You can't touch them;
• do not use the gun when wet or in a damp environment such as a bathroom. Wet hands during work are also unacceptable;
• during breaks between working phases, place the device with emphasis on the folding stand. You can’t lay it horizontally - the glue fills the insides, and the gun will soon have to be thrown away.

During working breaks, the thermal gun is placed with emphasis on the stand

Problems and solutions

The most common problem with a heat gun is that the glue flows uncontrollably without the trigger being pulled. There may be several reasons:

• too much heat for a specific rod. It is optimal when the thermal gun has a heating regulator to set the required degrees of melting. Otherwise, the rods will have to be replaced. AT good pistol the nozzle has a ball valve - the so-called protection against drops;
• the rod is inserted too tightly. Sometimes it helps to push it back a little;
• rod diameter mismatch. Some models require decimal size. For example, Sigma is 11.2 mm. If a 11 mm rod is placed in such a device, a pressure difference occurs inside the heater, the glue flows back. Using rods of the correct diameter resolves the issue;
• low quality gun. You can insert a toothpick into the nozzle during a pause in work. Or put up with it and try to finish the work as soon as possible: the contents flow out very quickly.

If the glue stops coming out, the gun may be clogged. It is taken apart and cleaned. To avoid this, glue must not be allowed to stick around the nozzle.

You can get an excellent result and joy from work only with a serviceable hot glue gun

On battery models, the adhesive sometimes becomes viscous and difficult to pass through the nozzle. You need to reheat the device in the charging station.

In cheap models, during a break in use for a few minutes, the pusher gets stuck in a soft rod and cannot advance it. You need to turn off the gun and let it cool.

If the glue stretches with a thread, and it is not possible to make a point, the craftswomen advise holding the rods in the refrigerator. Most likely they are of low quality.

How to change the color of the rod

To fill the gun, the rod is simply inserted into a special hole at the back. At the end of the work, you can not remove it. Then the next time you turn on the device will be immediately ready for use.

Little trick. Short glue sticks often have to be added in the process. Using a heat gun, glue 2-4 sticks together - you get one big one, which will last for a long time.

Sometimes it is required to change the color of the glue coming out, for example, blue to transparent. If the gun has cooled down, it is turned on for about 1 minute, then the rod is carefully unscrewed. Charge a new one, press the trigger to squeeze out the remnants of the old one until the desired color appears.

The new rod after insertion, by smooth pressing the trigger, completely pushes out the remnants of the old one.

How can you work with glue sticks without a gun

What if there is no hot-melt gun or it is broken, but you really want to use hot-melt adhesive because of its wonderful properties? Creative lovers find a way out of any situation. True, it is better not to count on the purity and accuracy of application:

• you can insert a piece of glue stick into the body of a ballpoint pen of a suitable diameter and melt the candles from the fire. This is quite inconvenient, because the fast-cooling glue needs to be constantly heated;
• lovers of travel will need a way that will require a minimum of preliminary effort. Using a gun, a hot drop of glue is applied to a match next to the sulfuric head. Or they put mugs several millimeters thick on it, which are cut off from the rod and cut to the middle. To melt the glue, just light a match. In emergency situations, the option works great.
Glue gun used in scrapbooking technique Hot glue gun works great with natural materials

For needlework, the real Renaissance has come. Materials and techniques have appeared that were not even dreamed of before. So many activities give an outlet for creative energy, relieve stress and bring income to craftsmen. To keep up with the latest in the world of craftswomen and stay in trend, you have to keep up. So that good tool there is never too much here.

The glue gun, whose application in various areas of our life proves its versatility, is a device used for gluing different materials. It is used in cases where extreme accuracy and precision of the connection is required. How to use a glue gun? This tool is ideal for assembling various products that are not too large, as it does not require large expenditures. It is also indispensable for the manufacture of various crafts and some repairs.

General information about the tool

What is this device? It should be noted that today both mechanical and semi-automatic tools can be found on sale. They differ from each other in several parameters: work productivity; the presence of additional functions (replaceable nozzles, LED indicator, temperature control); method of applying the heated mass (linear, spray). Used for work different kinds special adhesives. They differ not only in shape, but also in color and size. So, among them there are: rods for a glue gun (their diameter is 7-11.5 mm and 43 mm; length - 200-300 mm); tubes; granules; pads.

Tool device

Reviews of the application of which testify to its popularity, is distinguished by its versatility and practicality. Modern models of this tool are safe and easy to use, and the principle of operation is extremely simple. In the body of such a gun (as a rule, in its upper part) it heats up the special rods, pads, granules inserted into the tool to the required temperature. The movement of the melted glue is carried out using a trigger device. Thanks to him and the metal screw, the dosage of the supply of plastic mass is adjusted. comes out through the nozzle. To prevent burns during operation, it is equipped with a special rubber protector.

Some models are available with a rubber sleeve and a viewing window. These devices help control the movement of the glue stick. Most glue gun models have a front stand that keeps the tool stable while you work. They also differ in the power sources used. How to use the glue gun in various conditions? If there is a need to work in an apartment or industrial premises, it is better to give preference to models powered by stationary power. When working in the most different conditions you can use a tool that is powered by a rechargeable battery. These pistols often have a detachable power cord.

Bonding materials

After the rods are heated, the molten mass exits the nozzle and is evenly distributed on the surface. How to use correctly? Do not forget that such work should be done quickly. This is due to the fact that in almost a few seconds the process of hardening of the adhesive mass and its cooling begins. After completion of all processes, a very strong seam is obtained. At the same time, the finished product has a neat appearance. If you need to perform a significant amount of work and obtain a large number of finished products, be sure to use a glue gun. How to use it for gluing various materials? In addition to industrial use, this tool is also used in everyday life. It can easily glue a broken children's toy, ceramics, wood, plastic, metal, stucco, shoes.

glue gun models

Models of this tool have different sizes. As a rule, their power depends on the dimensions of the gun. It affects the rate of melting of the adhesive. For the manufacture of handicrafts, bouquets and other handicrafts, you should choose small pistols, the power of which will be quite enough for such work. Large models are designed for car and home repair professionals. They have a higher heating power, which can be adjusted under different types material used.

Depending on the dimensions of the tool, various rods for the glue gun are selected. They can be of different colors, which is very convenient for performing work with a variety of shades of materials. Their composition varies. The packaging of the rods indicates what materials they are intended for gluing, so you should not use them for other purposes. The wrong choice does not guarantee the strength of the seam.

This tool has a special hole for the adhesive material. Usually it is slightly shorter than the rod. The glue gun is installed on a special rack and the power is turned on. As a rule, the device heats up for about 5-10 minutes. A sign of the tool's readiness for work is glue dripping from the nozzle. When the trigger of the pistol is pressed, a small dose of molten mass is released from it. It is very hot, so be careful when handling. The amount of glue released depends on how hard you pull the trigger. Despite the fact that most models of this tool are designed for spot application of a heated mass, there are devices that can apply it in stripes.

Using a glue gun in design

With the help of such a gun, you can beautifully decorate any gift, create various compositions from branches, flowers, cones and other natural and artificial materials. It can be used to create or collages. This tool is able to connect materials of various textures in a matter of minutes. With the help of a glue gun with different colored rods, you can mount, fix, model any structures. It also perfectly fills various seams. This gun can be used indoors and outdoors. Residues of glue should be removed after the tool has cooled down.