It's hard to believe that it was only 40 years ago that hot glue was introduced to the world; and since then, it's become one of the most commonly used adhesives in the world.
As more and more crafters & DIYers discover the joy of hot glue, it's popularity continues to grow; as more and more people also discover that it's incredibly fun to use, and can literally bond anything to anything!
So in this post, I wanted to talk to you about my 10 favorite hot glue guns for craft projects and beginner DIY'ers.
1. Surebonder PRO2-220 220 Watt Adjustable Temperature Professional Heavy Duty Hot Glue Gun
Pros:
- Can work with all kinds of containers
- Produces zero emissions
- Built to last
- Has a safety button that prevents accidental activation
- The glue sticks last a long time – longer than some other hot glue guns
The Surebonder PRO2-220 is the perfect hot glue gun for just about anyone, whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist.
It’s got a temperature controller, allowing you to choose whether you want to set the temperature high or low, and its heat level instantly goes to the temperature level you’ve selected.
If you’re a professional looking for a heavy duty hot glue gun, you may want to consider the Surebonder PRO2-220. It’s an extremely powerful hot glue gun that can work with all sorts of containers.
2. Hot Glue Gun,ccbetter upgraded version Mini Hot Melt Glue Gun
Pros:
- Plenty of safety features
- Budget friendly
- Small, easy to store
Cons:
- Small glue reservoir
- Trigger tends to stuck during use
If you’re only going to need a hot glue gun for small projects, then you’ll be more than happy with the ccbetter upgraded version hot glue gun. It measures 10.2* 4.2* 1.9 inches and weighs 1.2 pounds.
It comes with a glue stick that can be used to glue some light weight items, such as paper, plastic, fabric, etc. The glue gun’s temperature ranges from 31 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the glue gun has reached the desired temperature, you’ll be able to switch it on by clicking the “power” switch on and off.
3. Hot Glue Gun
Pros:
- Suitable for multiple purposes
- Great value for money
- Comes with 10 glue sticks, a glue gun, a stand, and a wire
- Adequate temperature control
- Quick heating
The Cobiz 60/100W Hot Glue Gun is a great multi-purpose glue gun at a great price. It can be used for various craft projects and may be the best hot glue gun for plastics. It includes many useful accessories. Overall, it is a great value for money!
4. H-195F Specialty Series 20 Watt Mini Size High Temperature Detail Hot Glue Gun
The H-195F is presented in a compact size and features a high-quality steel nozzle that can be adjusted for various projects. It includes a temperature control that will maintain an optimal temperature to be used even for extended projects.
Although the H-195F is smaller than other hot glue guns in its class, the manufacturer cautions that it should be used only for smaller crafting items and DIY projects. Use on large projects by professionals can result in a burned nozzle.
Get the H-195F glue gun that delivers superior tack and heat with flexible temperature control. The hot glue gun is easy to use and ideal for a variety of DIY crafts projects and small home repairs. For temperatures under 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you can set the temperature control lever to Manual at any setting associated with the symbol M and adjust the temperature accordingly. The H-195F can handle temperatures up to 406 degrees Fahrenheit, but when working with high temperatures, you can set the switch to Semi-Auto and the glue gun will automatically adjust to the recommended temperature settings that are associated with the symbols SA.
5. Adtech Black + Decker 8" Universal HOT MELT Glue Sticks
Pros:
- Powerful
- Energy efficient
- Doesn’t overheat
- Thick base
Cons:
- Can’t be plugged into an extension cord
- Gets very hot and is difficult to unplug
- Gun gets hot
One of our favorite hot glue guns, the B+D 8" is great for arts and crafts projects. It has a large 8" nozzle that can accommodate up to a 3/4" diameter nozzle size.
While a hot glue gun is the best product for most projects, it’s less “fun” to use than most applicator tools. And despite their generous size, hot glue guns lack the precision and control of a glue line created by another type of applicator (like a glue stick).
The good news is, you don’t have to use a hot glue gun for everything! You can use it sparingly (i.e., for small projects) or as part of a glue system that includes other applicator tools.
6. Attican Mini Hot Glue Gun
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Very affordable price
- Heats up fast
- Works efficiently
- Comes with 15 pieces of glue sticks
- Great value for money
With its form and function, the Attican Mini Hot Glue Gun can prove to be a great option for hobbyists and craft people. With its portable and lightweight design, the glue gun won’t be a trouble to you even when you take it with you. I like to think of this glue gun as a great tool to have in your household.
7. Headphone Adapter Car Charger Power Adapter SES447
Pros:
- Heavy-duty designed to be used outdoors
- Won’t get hot enough to melt the adapter
- One USB port is higher-capacity than the others
- Dimensions are 3.5 x 2 x 0.9 inches
This simple construction allows a stable circuit, and won’t heat up too much.
It’s also cheaper than the others (so you can get one for each end of your car).
The InTune SES447 has four ports that include two 2.4A ports, a 1A port, and a 0.7A port. This makes it ideal for charging multiple devices at once.
8. Hot Glue Gun
Pros:
- Spring action metal stand
- On/off switch
- Reaches temperature quickly
- Multi-purpose glue sticks
Cons:
- Glue sticks do not come out of the gun smoothly
- Some complaints that glue sticks do not work as well as they should
This glue gun from Blusmart comes in two colors – silver and dark green. We love the thermoplastic body. It’s resistant to bumps and certain chemicals.
The glue gun is perfect for both artistic and craft activities, as well as for DIY projects. The temperature can be adjusted to 40 to 420 degrees. It can also get hot quickly, and the feature that actually heats the glue is in the base so you can get precise and accurate glue placement.
There’s also a stand where you can set the glue gun once it has cooled down.
9. Crenova Hot Glue Gun
Pros:
- Affordable
- Sturdy fitting
- Heat up quickly
- No need to wait for 15 minutes
- Easy to handle
- No smell
- Temperatures can be adjusted
- No glue residue
- Easy to refill
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No temperature control
- Cannot adjust the temperature
The Crenova Mini Hot Glue Gun is a quick fix for a number of small fix jobs. I keep mine next to my computer and use it to stick notes to the screen or to hold a piece of paper together. The small glue gun heats very quickly even in cold weather. The tip of the gun is designed for precision and is very easy to use.
It is made from lightweight and durable plastic that is easy to store. At around 10.9 x 4.3 x 2.2 inches and 3.3 pounds, it can be easily transported.
There is a little on/off switch on the side of the gun which you must set before it turns on and a temperature control to let you adjust its temperature. This glue gun is compact and strong enough to handle scrapbooking, ceramics, glass and DIY furniture repair jobs.
10. Stanley Tools GR20AX Trigger Feed Hot-Melt Glue Gun
Pros:
- Easy to use and operate
- Safe and convenient
- Easy to load
- Crafts and fixes anything
- Cordless
- Multiple temperature settings
Cons:
- Not really portable as it is heavy
- The melt chamber has to be filled up frequently
No products from your craft kit should miss the presence of this glue gun from Stanley. The Stanley Tools GR20AX Trigger Feed Hot-Melt Glue Gun is the perfect glue gun to have for any craft projects in your home.
The trigger feed function of this glue gun allows the user to get the perfect glue quantity for any size of glue up. The fact that it is cordless also makes it a convenient companion on any project.
It even has an integrated LED light that allows you to clearly see and focus on the spot you are working on. What’s more? You can set the temperature to create the perfect quality glue sticks with it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best hot glue gun on the market?
The ideal tool for an artist, craftsman, or hobbyist, this glue uses the technology of an industrial-grade hot glue gun, only it is lighter and smaller.
It's also not hot when you pick it up. That is, it only becomes hot when you squeeze the trigger.
What is the best glue gun for crafts?
Hot glue guns are used to attach two items that don't physically bond well, like paper to a light box. Hot glue guns also convert a two-dimensional object into a three-dimensional object.
If you ask this question of every hot glue gun expert, you are guaranteed to get a different answer. Ultimately, the most important question is to figure out what you need the glue gun for.
The first thing to consider is what adhesive you will be using and what the project entails. Another key factor is the material you'll be attaching.
Some glues may require an extra step of conditioning the surface for bonding. For instance, with something like a hot glue gun, you may want to sand down the surface of the wood you intend to attach to the piece of wood you are gluing. The sanding process is known as conditioning.
Are hot glue guns any good?
Hot glue guns are very useful for anything that requires a lot of glue all at once or in a tight spot. School projects, arts and crafts, or repairing something around the house are just a few of the many uses for a high-quality hot glue gun.
If you already know you need a glue gun, this will help you choose the best one. Just keep in mind that you need something that is heat resistant enough to handle very high temperatures. Additionally, most glue guns have not been designed to be used vertically. They are usually better suited for horizontal work.
Is there a difference in hot glue sticks?
We compared the glue sticks of eight different manufacturers to find out what the difference on the shelf is between glue gun brands.
Even though hot glue does come in ´sticks,ʹ they all vary in shape and size. You may think they are all the same, but the reality is there is a difference, and it can impact the usability of your glue gun.
If you are new to using a hot glue gun, then you likely don't know what to look for in glue sticks for a hot glue gun.
The key thing to look for is the tip:
Wide tip: Recommended for making quick, even gluing jobs. This is the type of tip you want for your glue gun and can be used with all the glue sticks we tested.
Narrow tip: This tip is good for placing lots of glue in a fine straight line, like on a thin seam.
Conclusion
Best hot glue gun may not be the primary "tool" investment you'll ever make in your DIY career, but you can be sure you'll be using it a lot, once you have it. So it's better to select one that fits your needs better. This buying guide will help you do exactly that.