Glue Guns

About Glue Guns

Glue guns are versatile bonding tools that use heat to melt solid adhesive sticks, enabling fast and effective joining of a wide variety of materials. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of glue guns suitable for both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts, including corded 240v models for continuous workshop use, cord-free designs that detach from their power lead once heated, and fully cordless battery-powered versions for maximum site mobility. Our selection features trusted brands such as Steinel, Bosch, Dremel, Rapid, Arrow, and Sealey, with models accommodating either 7mm or 11mm diameter glue sticks.

Modern glue guns offer significant advantages over traditional liquid adhesives: bonds cure in seconds rather than hours, they work effectively across dissimilar materials, and glue sticks have an almost indefinite shelf life when stored properly. Features have evolved to include dual-temperature control for different materials, precision nozzles for detailed work, integrated stands for safe placement, and ergonomic designs that reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Battery-powered models increasingly use the same lithium-ion battery platforms as cordless power tool ranges, offering excellent convenience for existing tool owners.

Applications

Glue guns serve a diverse range of users and applications across professional trades and DIY projects:

• Joiners and Carpenters: Furniture assembly, trim work, laminate edging, and temporary holding whilst other adhesives cure
• Electricians: Cable management, securing components in enclosures, and waterproofing connections
• Upholsterers: Fabric bonding, trim attachment, and securing foam to frames
• Flooring Installers: Securing threshold strips, fixing loose edges, and quick on-site repairs
• Shop Fitters: Point-of-sale assembly, signage mounting, and display construction
• Manufacturing Workers: Product assembly, packaging, and light industrial bonding
• Model Makers and Hobbyists: Scale modelling, dioramas, and intricate craft projects
• Event Decorators: Floral arrangements, balloon decorations, and temporary installations
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home repairs, craft projects, and general household maintenance

Choosing The Right Glue Guns

Power Source: Corded 240v models offer unlimited runtime and consistent temperature, ideal for workshop environments. Cord-free designs provide brief cordless convenience whilst maintaining mains-powered reliability. For genuine site mobility and working without mains access, opt for cordless battery-powered options, particularly if you already own compatible batteries from the same manufacturer's range.

Temperature Control: Dual-temperature guns offer versatility for different materials. High-temp settings (around 195°C) suit wood, metal, plastic, and ceramics for stronger structural bonds. Low-temp settings (approximately 130°C) prevent damage to heat-sensitive materials such as foam, polystyrene, and delicate fabrics. Single-temperature guns are more economical but less flexible.

Glue Stick Size: The 7mm format suits precision work and light-duty applications with less adhesive waste. The 11mm size delivers greater coverage and faster application for general construction and heavy-duty bonding. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks compatible glue sticks in both sizes for all models.

Heat-Up Speed: Professional users benefit from rapid-heat models that reach operating temperature in under three minutes. Budget models may require five to seven minutes, acceptable for occasional DIY use but less suitable for time-sensitive professional work.

Safety Information

Burn Prevention: The nozzle and freshly dispensed adhesive can reach temperatures exceeding 195°C, sufficient to cause immediate skin burns. Never touch the metal nozzle or freshly applied glue. If hot adhesive contacts skin, cool immediately under cold running water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical attention for serious burns.

Electrical Safety: Corded models must be used with properly earthed 240v UK mains sockets. Inspect power leads regularly for damage and never use damaged tools. On construction sites, consider using battery-powered models to reduce electrical risk in accordance with HSE guidance.

Work Area: Always place hot glue guns on their integrated stands or heat-resistant surfaces. Ensure adequate ventilation and keep the work area clear of combustible materials. Allow glue guns to cool completely before storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 7mm and 11mm glue sticks?

The measurement refers to the diameter of the glue stick. 7mm sticks suit compact glue guns designed for precision work, detailed crafts, and light-duty applications, offering greater control but requiring more frequent stick changes. 11mm sticks fit standard-sized glue guns and deliver more adhesive per application, making them ideal for general construction, woodworking, and heavy-duty bonding where coverage and speed matter. Always check your glue gun's specification, as most accept only one size.

Are cordless glue guns as powerful as corded models?

Modern cordless glue guns using lithium-ion batteries deliver comparable performance to corded equivalents in terms of temperature and bonding strength. The primary consideration is runtime rather than power – cordless models typically operate for 30-60 minutes of continuous use depending on battery capacity. For workshop-based applications, corded models remain more convenient, whilst cordless guns offer essential mobility for site work and locations without mains access.

What materials can I bond with a glue gun?

Hot melt adhesive bonds effectively with wood, many plastics, textiles, leather, rubber, paper, cardboard, ceramics, and some metals. It excels at joining dissimilar materials that traditional adhesives struggle with. However, glue guns work poorly on very smooth materials like glass or glossy plastics, and surfaces like polyethylene, polypropylene, and silicone resist hot melt adhesive. For best results, surfaces should be clean, dry, and slightly rough.