Glue Sticks

About Glue Sticks

Glue sticks are essential consumables for hot melt glue guns, providing a quick and versatile bonding solution for professional trades and DIY projects alike. These cylindrical adhesive sticks are heated within a glue gun to create a molten adhesive that sets rapidly upon cooling, making them ideal for assembly work, repairs, edge banding, and creative applications. Available in various diameters (typically 7mm, 11mm, or 12mm), formulations, and colours, glue sticks offer reliable bonding across materials including wood, fabric, plastics, and ceramics.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range of glue sticks from trusted brands including Steinel, Dremel, Bostik, Rapid, and Stanley. Whether you need all-purpose transparent sticks for general bonding, specialised wood glue sticks for carpentry, low-temperature options for delicate materials, or high-temperature variants for demanding applications, our selection caters to both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. Modern formulations include professional-grade PU adhesives from Festool for precision edge banding, colour glue sticks for craft projects, and bulk packs for high-volume users.

Applications

Glue sticks serve a diverse range of trades and applications:

• Carpenters and joiners - assembly work, edge banding, veneer application, and on-site repairs
• Electricians - securing cable runs, attaching cable clips, and fixing junction boxes
• Cabinet makers and shop fitters - bonding trim, securing fittings, and temporary positioning during installation
• Flooring specialists - fixing skirting beads, securing threshold strips, and minor repairs
• Upholsterers - attaching trim, securing fabric edges, and fixing decorative elements
• Exhibition builders - rapid assembly of temporary structures and signage mounting
• Model makers and crafters - precision bonding for detailed creative projects
• DIY enthusiasts - home repairs, craft projects, and general household bonding tasks

Choosing The Right Glue Sticks

Match the diameter: Always verify your glue gun's specifications before purchasing. Common sizes include 7mm for mini glue guns and 11mm or 12mm for full-sized models. Using incorrect diameters prevents proper feeding and may damage your equipment.

Temperature rating: Low-temperature sticks (around 130°C) suit heat-sensitive materials like polystyrene, foam, and delicate fabrics. High-temperature variants (approximately 195°C) provide stronger bonds for demanding applications involving hardwoods, metals, and dense materials.

Material-specific formulations: Whilst all-purpose transparent or white glue sticks handle most general bonding tasks, specialised formulations deliver superior results. Wood glue sticks from Dremel offer enhanced adhesion for timber projects, whilst PU adhesives provide professional-grade performance for edge banding applications.

Colour requirements: Transparent sticks remain virtually invisible on most materials, making them ideal for visible joints. White sticks can be painted over, whilst coloured options serve both functional and decorative purposes in craft applications.

Quantity considerations: MyToolShed.co.uk offers bulk packs from brands like Bostik and Rapid for professional tradespeople, whilst smaller quantities suit occasional DIY users.

Safety Information

Burn prevention: Molten glue reaches temperatures between 130-195°C and can cause serious burns. Never touch the nozzle, molten adhesive, or recently applied glue. Allow adequate cooling time before handling bonded items.

Electrical safety: When using corded glue guns, ensure compliance with UK electrical standards. Inspect cables regularly for damage, use appropriate 240v outlets, and never operate equipment with wet hands.

Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas, particularly during extended use, to prevent accumulation of any vapours. Never leave heated glue guns unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size glue sticks do I need for my glue gun?
Glue stick diameter must match your glue gun's specifications. Common sizes are 7mm for mini guns and 11mm or 12mm for standard models. Check your glue gun's manual or measure the feed mechanism opening to ensure compatibility.

What's the difference between low-temperature and high-temperature glue sticks?
Low-temperature sticks (around 130°C) prevent damage to heat-sensitive materials like foam and delicate fabrics. High-temperature variants (approximately 195°C) provide stronger bonds for demanding applications on hardwoods, metals, and dense plastics. Some glue guns offer dual-temperature settings for versatility.

How long do glue sticks last once opened?
When stored properly in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight, glue sticks remain usable for several years. If sticks become discoloured, brittle, or fail to bond effectively, replace them with fresh supplies.