A hot glue gun is a great tool to have and has many different applications it is used for. If you have never worked with one, they are easy to use, and you should think about picking one up for use around the house. They make quick work of glueing things together that would otherwise be nearly impossible to connect.
If you do arts and crafts projects, you likely already know how useful a glue gun can be. Maybe you’re thinking of purchasing a new one to replace your old model. Newer glue guns include new features that you may not know about that might be perfect for your next project.
I put this guide together for everyone, from the person who has never used a glue gun before to the glue gun pro that uses one a daily basis. Included are reviews of 10 of the best glue guns on the market and a buyer’s guide that discusses all there is to know about buying one.
Before I get to the reviews, I put together a shortlist of the most important things to keep in mind when you are looking to purchase a new hot glue gun:
- Price
- Temperature Settings
- Wattage
- Type of Glue Gun
- Extra Features
Some of these things may be more important to you than others, depending on what you are going to be using it for. Each one is described in the Buyers Guide that can be found after the reviews if you would like to know more.
Best Glue Guns in 2021
Here is a list featuring the 10 best glue guns that I will be reviewing:
| Model | Power Type | Temperature, °F | Watts, W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surebonder PRO2-220 (Editor’s Choice) |
Corded-electric | 220-400 | 220 | Check Price |
| Surebonder PRO8000A (Editor’s Choice) |
Corded-electric | 380 | 180 | Check Price |
| Pam HB220 | Corded-electric | 285-428 | 220 | Check Price |
| Ad Tech Pro 200 | Corded-electric | 410 | 200 | Check Price |
| Surebonder DT-280F | Corded-electric | 280 | 60 | Check Price |
| Black & Decker BDCGG20C | Battery | 120 | 125 | Check Price |
| Stanley GR100 | Corded-electric | 275, 410 | 90 | Check Price |
| Ad Tech Aleene’s Ultimate Gun Kit | Cordless | 280, 360 | 40 | Check Price |
| Surebonder PRO2-100 | Corded-electric | 380 | 100 | Check Price |
| Surebonder CL-800F | Cordless | 380 | 60 | Check Price |
1. Surebonder PRO2-220 – Best Heavy Duty Glue Gun
The Surebonder PRO2-220 is a dual-temperature glue gun that is powered by 220 watts. It was designed for use in industrial applications and can deliver around five pounds of glue per hour. A stainless steel heater can produce melted glue between 220 and 420 degrees. It has a grounded cord that is double insulated, two nozzles and nozzle covers that resist heat, and a wire stand that can be removed. A stroke adjustment screw lets you control how much glue is coming out.
Specifications:
- Adjustable temperature control
- 220 watts
- The power switch is lighted
- Using glue sticks 7/16″ in diameter
- Speciality nozzles are available separately
- Designed for high volume applications
- Industrial strength
- Ready to use fast
- Adjustable heat control
- Speciality nozzles are sold separately
- Only uses one diameter glue stick
2. Surebonder PRO8000A – Best Versatility Model
The Surebonder PRO8000A is a high-temperature heat gun powered by dual 180-watt heaters. This industrial glue gun has a warm-up time of only two minutes, but I have heard that customers have not been able to make that happen. A heat-resistant nozzle cover is included. The power switch is lighted, and a metal stand is included for stability. You can control the flow of glue with a stroke adjustment screw.
Specifications:
- 180 watts and 120 volts
- Uses 1/2, 7/16, .43, and .45 inch diameter glue sticks and 4, 10, and 15 inch length
- The operating temperature is 380 degrees
- Has a nozzle cover that is heat-resistant
- Includes a metal stand
- Can use many different diameter and lengths
- Warm-up time is only two minutes
- The ergonomically designed trigger requires less effort
- Issues with glue dripping
- Doesn’t seem to warm up as fast as they say it does
3. Pam HB220 – Best Glue Gun for Home Improvement
The Pam HB220 is a high-temperature glue gun with 220 watts of power. This professional-grade glue gun was made for installing carpet tack strips, the start and finish rows of hardwood flooring, flooring transition strips, mouldings, interior wood trim, and for repairing ceramic tile. UX8012 hot melt adhesive should be used instead of regular glue sticks.
Specifications:
- Ready to use in five minutes
- Adjustable high temperature between 285 and 428 degrees
- The 220-watt heating element that is designed for continuous use
- Uses only FMFLEX40 or FMFLEX180 hot melt adhesives
- The trigger is adjustable to reduce fatigue and maximize output
- Drip-free nozzle
- Great for home improvement projects
- Professional grade glue gun
- Can keep up with heavy use
- Too much glue gun for most folks
- Doesn’t use regular glue sticks
- Cheap power cord
4. Ad Tech Pro 200 – Good Industrial Glue Gun
The Adhesive Technologies Pro 200 is an industrial glue gun powered by 200 watts and can put out 3.5 pounds of glue an hour. It features a durable design and a comfortable grip and trigger.
Specifications:
- PTC Heating System powered by 200 watts
- Uses 1/2″ glue sticks
- Comfortable four finger trigger
- Comes with interchangeable nozzles
- Warms up in three minutes
- Rugged and durable design
- Includes replacement nozzles
- Four finger trigger eliminates fatigue
- Can only use 1/2″ glue sticks
- Too expensive and not versatile enough for most arts and crafts projects
5. Surebonder DT-280F – Cheaply Made Dual-temperature Glue Gun
The Surebonder DT-280F is a dual-temperature glue gun with 60 watts of power. It includes a lighted indicator switch, a flip-down stand, and a no-drip tip. Can be used with many different materials by switching between the high-temperature and low-temperature settings.
Specifications:
- 60 watt and 120 volt
- Uses 7/16” diameter glue sticks either 4” or 10” in length
- Flip down stand
- 8′ cord
- Features a no-drip tip
- Dual temperature glue gun
- Dual-temperature
- Exclusive no drip tip
- Low cost
- Uses only 7/16” diameter glue sticks
- Durability issues
- Many negative reviews
6. Black & Decker BDCGG20C – Best Model with a Battery
The Black & Decker 20v cordless glue system gives you the freedom of portability. It is ready to use in 90 seconds by a 125-watt heater. It comes with the glue gun, battery, and a charger.
Specifications:
- 20V lithium battery providing up to three hours of cordless use
- 125-watt heater
- 90-second heat uptime
- Precision nozzle
- Portable
- Only takes 90 seconds to heat up
- The nozzle helps you put glue exactly where you want it
- Sticky trigger issue
- Battery reported to only work for about half an hour
- The battery takes five hours to charge
7. Stanley GR100 – Contractor Grade Glue Gun
The Stanley GR100 Glue-Pro is a dual-temperature glue gun that is perfect for repairs, light manufacturing, and wood projects. It offers consistent flow, high glue output, a nozzle cover, automatic shut-off, and two nozzles.
Specifications:
- Contractor grade glue gun that is great for repairs and wood projects
- Dual heaters that provide a consistent flow and 40% more output
- The nozzle is covered to prevent burns and automatic shut-off promotes safety
- Includes two nozzles and 18 glue sticks
- Industrial performance
- Dual-temperature
- Durable
- Additional safety features
- Takes a long time to warm up
- Too big for most people
8. Ad Tech Aleene’s Ultimate Gun Kit – Best Glue Gun Kit
The Aleene’s Ultimate Gun Kit is a dual-temperature glue gun that is designed with crafters in mind. It’s powered by 40 watts and has a removable cord that lets you use it for three minutes while unplugged. An extension nozzle helps you put glue exactly where you want it.
Specifications:
- 8″ removable cord
- Three speciality nozzles
- Can be used as a cordless for three minutes
- Comfortable palm feed use
- Comes with handy storage case
- Dual-temperature
- Three minutes of cordless use
- Storage case to keep it in
- Not very durable
- The nozzle is hard to change
9. Surebonder PRO2-100 – Good High-temperature Glue Gun
The Surebonder PRO2-100 is a high-temperature glue gun with 100 watts of power. It is an industrial-grade delivering about 2.5 pounds of glue per hour. It’s lightweight with an easy to pull the trigger. A heat resistant nozzle cover and removable wire stand are included.
Specifications:
- Trigger designed ergonomically
- 100 Watt
- Insulated and heat-resistant nozzle
- Extra nozzles sold separately
- Uses 1/2″, 7/16″, and 0.43″ diameter glue sticks
- Lightweight
- Removable wire stand
- Extra nozzles are sold separately
- Issues with heating element melting glue stick at the back of the gun
10. Surebonder CL-800F – Cordless High-temperature Glue Gun
The Surebonder CL-800F is a high-temperature glue gun with 60 watts of power. It has an insulated nozzle and includes a stand. You can use it with the cord or without it.
Specifications:
- Cordless high-temperature glue gun
- Great for most surfaces
- Simple to use
- Insulated nozzle
- Works with 4″ and 10″ glue sticks of 7/16″ diameter
- Operates at 380 degrees
- Cordless
- Great for most surfaces
- Simple to use
- Durability issues
- Only cordless for a few minutes
Best Glue Gun – Buyer’s Guide
Sorting through all of the choices that are available for glue guns can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what everything means. In this section, I tried to explain anything that you might need to know about what was discussed in the reviews. Hopefully, this will help you make the right choice when you pick one up.
What Can a Hot Glue Gun Be Used For?
You’re probably aware of at least one thing that a hot glue gun can be used for. This list is never-ending, but I tried to include some popular and fun uses for them.
- Glue together pre-cut pieces of wood to make a picture frame
- Create a seal between two different objects
- Use hot-glue instead of crazy glue for models
- Attach lighting under a cabinet
- Securing wires
- Attaching a magnet
- Making your LED lights waterproof
- Fixing something that has broke
- Seal an envelope
- Create a textured effect on glass
- Make a regular hanger into a non-slip one
- Create designs on a rolling pin to make a custom roller stamp
What are the Advantages of Using a Hot Glue Gun
There are many advantages to using a hot glue gun. The obvious advantage is the ability to work with hot glue and not burn yourself. It is possible to burn yourself, but if you are careful, the glue should never touch your skin. It is much easier to control the amount of hot glue you are using with a glue gun. Glueing something with precision is much easier when you use a hot glue gun as well. Hot glue is quite a bit stronger than many other types of glue allowing you to use it on fabric and wood.
What are the Different Types of Glue Guns?
It is important to know what the different types of glue guns are and what they are good for if you are planning on purchasing one. Here are the three different types of hot glue guns that are available and what makes them unique.
- Low-temperature Glue Gun – This type of glue gun can heat up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. They are the best type of glue gun to use with more delicate materials like chiffon of lace.
- High-temperature Glue Gun – This type of glue gun can heat up to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. They provide a stronger bond than low-temperature glue guns and can be used with heavy-duty materials like wood and metal.
- Dual-temperature Glue Gun – This type of glue gun has an adjustable temperature setting so you can have the benefits of a low-temperature and high-temperature glue gun. They are versatile and can be used on any material that the other two can. They typically cost more, though.
Important Features of a Hot Glue Gun
When trying to decide on what glue gun would be the best for your situation, there are many different features that you should keep in mind. I tried to put all of the most important features here and included a little bit about why they are important.
Price
The price is likely important to anyone that is buying a new glue gun. If you are a new user and are unsure of how often you’ll use it, you should stick to an inexpensive model. On the other hand, an experienced crafter will find something to use their new hot glue gun on every day. They should invest some money on one that is durable and offers the most extras.
Temperature Settings
What temperature setting you will want all depends on what you plan on using your hot glue gun for. If you are only using your new purchase for light materials and delicate fabrics, you are going to want a low-temperature glue gun that won’t damage your target. A high-temperature glue gun is more appropriate for heavy-duty materials that need a stronghold like wood or metal. When you are going to be using your hot glue gun for a variety of materials, you’ll need to get a dual-temperature glue gun that allows you to adjust the temperature manually.
Wattage
The wattage is another important characteristic of your future glue gun. A glue gun with a lower wattage rating will take a little longer to melt the glue and take longer to be ready to use. One with a higher wattage will melt the glue more quickly and be ready to use in a shorter amount of time. If you will be using your glue gun all the time then purchasing a glue gun with a higher rating will save you some frustration. Pick a lower wattage if you’re not going to be using it that often. A gun with lower wattage will likely save you some money.
Extra Features
Depending on the glue gun that you are buying, you may get extras that others don’t include. Extra tips, an option to go cordless, or a more durable design could be something offered with your purchase. Look for extras that would be sure to use to get the most out of your gun and finish your projects more quickly.
Safety Tips for Using a Glue Gun
Here are some tips that will help you stay safe by reducing your risk of injury.
- Buy safety glasses – Purchase and wear safety devices while using your glue gun to protect your eyes from damage. A splatter of hot glue could cause some serious damage.
- Only touch the handle and trigger – Touching other parts of the hot glue gun can cause burns to your skin if they are still hot. Avoid touching anything other than where you hold the glue gun for use.
- Do not let children use your glue gun – Children can be careless and not understand the harm that the glue gun can cause. Don’t let a child play with or use your glue gun until you are sure they are fully aware of the dangers and always supervise them.
- Read the directions – Your new glue gun will come with an instruction manual that you should read before using. It will provide additional information about using your particular model that can be important to your safety.
- Don’t use a higher temperature setting than what is required – Only use the highest temperature setting if you need it for the project you are working on.
- Pay attention – When you are using a hot glue gun, always pay attention to what you are doing to avoid injuries and accidents.
Conclusion
I hope that this guide has given you the information you need to make the right decision when purchasing your glue gun. By knowing what you plan on using it for and knowing what options and features will allow you to use it for those things, you should be able to find the right tool for the job.
