The Best Hot Glue Guns
Whether you're mending or building, a glue gun is a nifty tool to have on hand. Armed with one of these bad boys, you'll be ready to forge binding seals between wood, stone, and metal, or you can use it to attach delicate components to fabric crafts and broken jewelry. We've put together this list of some of the best options on the market today, so stick with it and you're sure to find the gun for you.
What to Look For
While you deliberate on which hot glue gun to buy, it’d be wise to consider each gun’s heating time, power, and glue stick compatibility. Once you decide which hot glue gun fits those criteria in a way that works for you, you should have your winner. Our favorite option overall comes from the adhesive experts at Gorilla. This mini glue gun kit features two temperature modes for versatile operation across a range of materials, and 30 glue sticks included will see you ready to work right out of the box. If you want a heavy-duty tool that’s fit for large-scale work, check out the GT300 professional from Arrow Fastener. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Gorilla Dual Temp Mini Hot Glue Gun Kit
This compact and easy-to-use design from Gorilla is sure to put a smile on expert and novice crafters’ faces. Its simple build features a large ergonomic handle for easy squeezing and a retractable frontal stand to free your hands as you work away. And with 30 Gorilla brand hot glue sticks included at this affordable price, this bundle is a great option.
Pros:
- Dual temperature modes allow effective adhesion across a range of materials
- Tough impact Gorilla glue sticks are weather-resistant for indoor or outdoor use
- Enhanced safety features to keep you safe as you work
Cons:
- Small glue sticks result in more frequent refills during large jobs
Gogonova Cordless Hot Glue Gun
Wireless freedom
Without any wires to get into a tangle, this mobile hot glue gun from Gogonova will allow you to access all of those hard-to-reach places. The lithium-ion battery will power up to 180 minutes of operation and can be fully recharged in a speedy two hours. The charging base takes a USB-C input, meaning it’s easy to power from a range of common devices and adapters.
Pros:
- 25 premium mini glue sticks come included
- 15-second heating time is faster than most
- Automatic power-off after 3.5 minutes
Cons:
- The gun can’t be used while charging
Arrow Fastener GT300 Heavy Duty Professional Glue Gun
Bring the firepower
For the toughest jobs, you’ll need a little more brawn than a mini glue gun can deliver. This professional workhorse from Arrow Fastener is the tool for you if larger DIY jobs are the order of the day. With a hefty 300 watts of heating power, you’ll be all set to tackle high-temperature applications involving wood, ceramic, and other hard materials. Don’t be put off by the size, though, as this precise nozzle is ready to navigate into the tightest corners.
Pros:
- The wing attachments at the feed prevent messes and spills
- The oversized trigger is ergonomic and allows for precise application
Cons:
- This professional-grade tool is pricier than most
Maxdone Mini Melt Glue Gun Kit
This mini glue gun from Maxdone keeps things simple with a compact form and bundled accessories that are sure to please lovers of arts and crafts. The downscaled design features two heating modes for use on a range of materials, and you’ll be ready to get started right out of the box with 30 assorted glue sticks included. Wrap it all up in the handy toolbag included when you’re done, and you can be sure to keep track of the contents when it’s stored away.
Pros:
- Fire-resistant finger caps are included to protect hands from making contact with hot glue
- Young crafters can take inspiration from the four sticker sheets included
- The colored glue sticks can add an unorthodox touch to craft experiments
Cons:
- The three-minute heating time might leave you counting the seconds
Techtronics Ryobi One+ Cordless Glue Gun Kit
Stick it to 'em
Free yourself from limitations with the Ryobi One+, a powerful cordless glue gun fit for heavy-duty DIY projects and small-scale craft operations alike. You’re unlikely to suffer any spills from this deep and stable charging tray, which sports a 1.5Ah compact lithium-ion battery for quick charging on the move. The charging component is compatible with all Ryobi bases, too, so it’s a natural addition if you’re already sporting a few in your arsenal.
Pros:
- Supports most standard mini glue sticks
- Three mini glue sticks come included
Cons:
- We would have liked dual temperature modes considering the price
Frequently Asked Questions
When might I need a dual-temperature glue gun?
Depending on what you’re sticking together, you might find you can form a stronger bond by applying more heat to the glue. Hard materials like stone, ceramic, wood, and some plastics will see better results at a high temperature. When working with more delicate materials like fabric or foam, a lower temperature can prevent damage and even avoid risking a fire.
Do I need to be concerned with the wattage of my glue gun?
Essentially, the higher the wattage of your glue gun is, the more powerful its internal heating element is. This can sometimes mean higher temperatures, and high-wattage guns are more likely to handle larger glue sticks. Low-wattage guns also might take a little longer to heat up.
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