Traditionally, glue guns were primarily used in bonding soles on to shoes.
Today, however, most avid DIY’ers, tradesmen, craft workers, upholsterers, and many other professionals now feature glue guns as a staple in their toolkits due to their versatility and ease of use.
Coupled with the correct type of glue sticks, a glue gun lets you create a strong and lasting bond between a wide range of objects and materials.
In fact, the glue guns have so many brilliant uses to the extent they can virtually be used for bonding anything including paper, wood, fabric to plastic. In fact, they will form an excellent companion to your 3d printing pen artwork.
Now, as efficient helpers, as they’re, glue guns are presented in a variety of models, which means choosing the right tool from such a broad range may be quite challenging.
The good news is, we’ve prepared a comprehensive review guide, outlining the best glue guns in the market. We’ve also included a handy buying guide to help with the selection process.
Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick!
Product | Wattage | Type | Weight | BUY NOW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
60/100W | Hot Glue Gun | 1.2 Lbs. | ||
100W | Glue Gun | 11.2 Oz | ||
60 W | Hot Glue Gun | 12 Oz | ||
Other Great Recommendations | ||||
25W | Glue Gun | 9.9 Oz | ||
20W | Glue Gun | 0.5 Lbs. | ||
60 W | Glue Gun | 1.25 Lbs. | ||
Top 6 Glue Guns in The Market for The Money
Cobiz Full-Size Hot Glue Gun
Our top pick is the Cobiz Full Size Gun, the ultimate tool for your gluing requirements.
It has an excellent, lightweight design that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
A double wattage feature increases the versatility of the gun, letting you work on a variety of materials such as glass, wood, metals, plastics, and more. I find the 60 W options sufficient for the lightweight crafting projects, while the 100 W is suitable for the large wood working projects. Get that table saw out of the way and glue those trimmed edges!
Heating time is essential for a glue gun, and the rapid heating system on the Cobiz lets it heat up in less than 2 minutes, so you can always complete your projects timely.
The handle, sporting a three-fingered trigger design, is ergonomically designed to promote ease of use and comfort. It's lightweight, too, and will reduce fatigue associated with handling the gun for extended periods. It's a handy option for those with carpal tunnel or other medical conditions.
For ease of use, a handy power indicator lights let you check whether the gun is plugged without having the check the cord.
The built-in kickstand is sturdy and holds the gun steady when not in use, preventing it from falling on its side where it could be vulnerable to leaks and drip.
Safety is paramount of heating devices, and true to form, Cobiz has several in-built safety features, including a fuse that prevents overheating, making the gun extremely easy to use.
Pros
- Heats up pretty fast
- Possible to adjust temperatures
- Can handle the big projects
- Sturdy
Cons
- Take a long time to cool down after use
Check Cobiz Full-Size Hot Glue Gun Price on Amazon
BSTPOWER Glue Gun - Most Versatile Gun
If you need a glue gun that can be used on a variety of projects and with different temperature settings, you can never go wrong with the BSTPower Gun.
Sure, the pricing might be a little higher than most, but then, its multiple heat settings is not a feature that you’ll find in others.
This full-size gun has a dial that lets you choose temperatures between 100 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit, in 15-degree increments.
Because of the multiple heat settings, it’s easy to use the gun for both the hot and cold operations. The lower heat option excels for the delicate craft projects, while the higher heat setting is suitable for use on the tougher materials like wood and metal.
Adding to the versatility of the gun are the 3 copper nozzle tips in 40mm, 50mm, and 70mm sizes. The interchangeable tips are quite handy for those who frequently work on different projects.
Drips are the number one complaint about a glue gun, but this one keeps the leaks and drips under control, thanks to the anti-dip technology that works well with the narrow nozzle.
For ease of use, the trigger is strategically placed on the handles to allow the fingers to find the controls easily. Unfortunately, the positioning makes it easy to pull the trigger accidentally, because of its proximity to where your hand settles.
Like the Cobiz Full-size gun, BSTPower has a considerably lower heating period, requiring 3-5 minutes to get warm. An indicator on the side lets you know when the gun is ready for use.
Pros
- Quick heating time
- Quite versatile
- Multi-purpose gun
Cons
- Easy to pull the trigger accidentally
Check BSTPOWER Glue Gun Price on Amazon
RAGNAROS Hot Glue Gun Kit - Best for Professional Use
If you already have a glue gun perfect for crafting, but you need something more serious, the Ragnaros might be an inspiring option.
While it's easy to think there're not many features that differentiate glue guns for hobbyists and professional use, you should think again.
We shall show you why the Ragnaros is suited for the professionals.
With its compact size, the Ragnaros easily fits into the hands without being bulky or awkward to use. The lightweight gun also reduces fatigue, especially when working for prolonged periods. The user fatigue is further reduced with the three-finger trigger design that also works well for those with carpal tunnel.
An aluminum-covered nozzle is beneficial in several ways, including protecting the gun from burning, and glue dripping, which happens to be the biggest flaw with many glue guns. The nozzle is also a hard-wearing option and won't break down easily even after consistent use.
Control is an integral component for the glue guns as it enhances preciseness. Ragnaros features a textured handle that promotes a firm grip and is easy to work with.
The ergonomically designed handle on the Ragnaros is easy to hold and won't fatigue you even after extended use.
Also, the manufacture has conveniently placed the control buttons on the handle, including the anti-overheating case that regulates the temperature of the gun and prevents Ragnaros from overheating and burning.
If you frequently work on delicate materials, you'll love the 60 W offered by this glue gun. It's an ideal option for use on delicate materials like flimsy fabrics, Styrofoam, and thin plastics.
There’s also no waiting for the gun to heat up because it quickly heats up to temperature less than three minutes.
Also, with the Ragnaros, you get thirty glue sticks, which are more than sufficient to get you starting.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Ideal for delicate projects
- Suitable for professional uses
Cons
- Power output is limited
Check RAGNAROS Hot Glue Gun Kit Price on Amazon
Stanley Heavy-Duty Glue Gun - Best Heavy Duty Option
If you're not interested in DIY projects, but rather looking for a reliable glue gun, ideally suited for the heavy-duty tasks, the Stanley Heavy-Duty Glue Gun is hard to beat.
This glue gun didn't get its name in vain. It's quite a performer, and it has plenty of exciting features, including dual heat modes, maximum flexibility, and it's quick to heat up.
A defining feature on this glue gun is the glue stick diameter. It can support 11.3 mm glue sticks, meaning it requires fewer charges. This translates to less time changing the sticks and getting the gun ready for work, and more time working.
The heat-up time is quite impressive as this gun heats up in just 60 seconds—another bonus for not wasting your time as you wait for the glue sticks to heat up.
The dual-heat mode, adds to the diversity of the gun, allowing you to work on various products from the delicate fabrics to the solid stuff such as metals.
For safety purposes, you'll love the silicone rubber heat protector that covers the tip and prevents you from any scorching.
The only flaw with this gun is the cable, which users claim is massive and heavier to maneuver. In my opinion, though it's not much of a huge deal-breaker, and it shouldn't stop you from purchasing this gun.
Pros
- Ideal for heavy-duty applications
- Easy to use
- St heat uptime
Cons
- Massive cable
Check Stanley Heavy-Duty Glue Gun Price on Amazon
TopElek Mini Glue Gun Kit - Best for Craft
Fifth on our list of the best glue guns is a gun that might interest those who need to perform quick home repairs and artistic creation.
It's a mini glue gun kit that comes with a whopping 30 glue sticks and is designed to heat up to 20 watts in under 3 minutes.
It might not be a heavy-duty option, but it's ideal for small tasks like the school DIY projects, or other small household tasks such as joining furniture cracks, stitching shoes, and toys.
The lightweight and compact design on this gun enhances ease of use, holding, and protection.
The heat protection on the sleeve of the nozzle protects you from any painful burns. The on/off button on the handle allows for easy control of the gun without the need for unplugging.
The 4.9 feet long cord improves the range of the gun by allowing you to enjoy an extra range without the need for an extra cord.
The trigger feed mechanism on the gun improves on the user-friendliness of the gun as it lets you have proper control of the flow of glues.
Sure, this gun might not have the frills and frays of the premium options, but it’s suited for the beginners as well as the crafters. It’s also a cool option for the kids as it’s easy to learn and use.
Pros
- Quick heat up
- Lightweight and compact design
- Affordable
Cons
- The body of the gun tends to become hot after some time
Check TopElek Mini Glue Gun Kit Price on Amazon
Chandler Tool Large Glue Gun - Best Long-lasting Gun
If you're in need of a long-lasting and quality glue gun, the Chandler Tool Large Glue Gun is the perfect option.
For true DIY enthusiasts, the Chandler Tool Large Glue Gun is among the best craft options in the market.
This 60 W glue gun is designed with premium impact-resistant plastic for the ultimate strength and durability.
The power output is a bit on the lower side, but it's enough for you to repair your furniture, shoes, clothes, toys, and other household items quickly.
For ease of use, you’ll find the detachable base stand quite handy as it makes holding and storing the gun easier.
And for safety purposes, you’ll find the insulated drip-free nozzle quite a handy option, thanks to the protective cover that saves you from the finger burns. In credibly, the copper nozzle also accepts all the large size glue sticks, including the 7/16”.
Safety is further complemented by the UL-certification.
Pros
- Heavy-duty plastic construction
- Drip-free nozzle
- Multiple stands
Cons
- The glue is quite hot, which can be quite risky for the kids.
Check Chandler Tool Large Glue Gun Price on Amazon
Best Glue Gun Buying Guide
There’re plenty of glue guns in the market, and they vastly differ in their performance and so, choosing the right model for your needs can be a tad challenging.
However, it doesn’t need to be so when you know what to look out for.
In the text below, we shall look at some of the critical factors you need to consider when selecting the best glue gun for your needs.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Glue Guns
Temperature Range
The temperature range of a glue gun, especially the hot glue gun, affects the type of materials and project your gun can be used for.
Guns with temperatures below 250 degrees Fahrenheit are normally considered low temperatures, and they work well for delicate materials such as thin plastics and Styrofoam.
On the other hand, guns that reach above 300 degrees Fahrenheit are considered a high-temperature gun, and they're quite versatile in their application.
They can be used on wood, metals, and other hard fabrics.
They’re also easy to use since it’s since to squeeze the trigger because the glue comes out easier at higher temperatures.
The dual temperature guns, on the other hand, cater to the needs of both the delicate metals and the hard metals since their temperatures can be adjusted accordingly.
Nozzle/ Tip Size
The size and the type of nozzle depend on the type of project you need to handle.
For general use, however, a standard tip works well.
For the detail work, such as making jewelry, or even working with the small beads, you’ll need a fine tip.
However, the best glue guns are those that feature interchangeable tips that you can change depending on the project.
Trigger Design
Similar to Water guns,Similar to Water guns,the trigger design plays a crucial role in the ergonomics, ultimately determining the ease of use of a glue gun.
While the single finger trigger design is suited for the high-temperature glue guns, it's more likely to cause fatigue to your hands.
The two or three-finger trigger design is more ergonomic, reduces fatigue, and can help in relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Accessories
While the glue accessories are not always a necessity, they can make usage of your glue gun more convenient and easier.
The on/off switch, for instance, eliminates the need for unplugging the gun every time you leave your project. It's quite a handy feature or those who frequently start and stop their projects.
The indicator light lets you know when the glue gun is heated and ready.
Finally, guns that come with an extra set of glue sticks present a value-added option.
Price
With the glue guns, you get what you pay for.
It’s possible to find glue guns costing next to nothing, while others are a bit pricier.
With the budget option, you'll have to put up with some inconveniences, such as the dripping tip.
For the mid-priced guns, you get a decent full-size gun with extra glue sticks.
For the premium models, you get a gun with plenty of accessories and multi-finger trigger design for ease of use.
Conclusion
Eminently versatile but often overlooked tools, glue guns are handy for joining anything from the kid’s toys, crafts, to the fabric-based materials and designs.
And now that we’ve outlined the best glue guns in the market, it should be easier to find a model that suits your needs.
Current Best Selling Glue Guns!
FAQs:
Do I need gloves for my glue gun?
Well, a glue gun uses a lot of heat to melt the glue for use. This requires glue gun gloves to protect you from accidental burns as a result of the hot glue. Choose the best gloves for the task and protect yourself from burns.
What size of a hot glue stick do I need for my glue gun?
In most cases, guns use a standard stick, and you’ll need to match your gun correctly to get the right size. Different brands manufacture the glue sticks, and you’ll need extensive research to get the best quality. A common size is 1/2" for most applications. There are also mini glue hot sticks.
How many minutes does a glue gun take to heat up?
Most glue guns will require five minutes to warm the glue. Note that the tip is usually very hot and will need care when handling it. Even though modern guns have ergonomic handles, it is still important to have protective gear like gloves.
Are glue guns durable?
Well, the glue guns come from different manufacturers, and each manufacturer invests in quality for long-lasting usage. As much as the glue guns are efficient, you’ll still get a few that are low quality, which is why you need to get the best like the ones from our recommended list.