Introduction to Hot Glue Guns and Crafting
Hot glue guns are small handheld devices that are used to turn solid glue sticks into molten glue. This is done with the aid of an internal heating element. It is then applied through the nozzle of this device, unto a surface. When it cools down, the molten glue becomes solid, creating an almost infinite bond.
Hot glue makes up an essential part of crafting, it is the perfect tool for bonding craft materials such as fabric, plastic, wood, cardboard, etc.
When it’s time to get creative with exciting crafts, color decorations, DIY projects, and household repairs, hot glue guns are a must-have. They are a very swift and convenient way to hold things together.
They come in different sizes, depending on the size of glue sticks being used, and the requirements of the job it is needed for.
It is important that you take note of the hot glue guns that functions best with your craft. As you read on, you will discover the best glue stick options.
Types of Glue Sticks and Their Uses
Be it delicate crafts, DIY projects, heavy-duty assembly, or repairs around the house, there are specific types of glue sticks for each.
Therefore, it is necessary to recognize the different types of glue sticks and their respective uses. We will outline them in this section.
1. Specialty Hot Glue Sticks
Specialty hot glue sticks are a type of glue stick specially designed for particular classic materials. Examples of materials that require them are polyethylene and polypropylene.
For easy understanding, standard glue sticks are like a multipurpose kitchen knife that can be used to do different kinds of tasks. On the other hand, specialty hot glue sticks are single-purpose like filet and bread knife, used to do one job. The difference is that they do it exceptionally better than the multipurpose.
2. High Temp Glue Sticks
High temp glue sticks work perfectly with tasks that require extreme bonding, such as industrial and heavy-duty applications. The stick creates a strong and permanent bond between materials. It is specifically designed to be used with high-temp guns, which typically melts it between 325⁰F and 400⁰F.
3. Mini Glue Sticks
Usually in low temperature (between 250⁰F and 300⁰F), mini glue sticks are designed to prioritize precision. They are particularly great for use with smaller guns and are detail-oriented. They offer optimum control over flow, despite the low temperature.
When using mini glue sticks, you can accurately apply a tiny bead of hot glue in the exact spot you need it.
4. Glue Sticks For Indirect Food Contact
When working with things that concern food, it is recommended to strictly use specialized glue sticks for indirect food contact. These hot glue sticks are produced using non-toxic materials that are in compliance with FDA regulations.
Use Cases of Hot Glue Sticks
Whether in the hands of expert crafters, or avid DIY enthusiasts, hot glue sticks perform magic in so many instances. They include:
- Woodworking: it is a handy tool for assembling small furniture, conjoining wooden components, and attaching trim
- Household Repairs: specific hot glue sticks will easily help secure the plastic casings of home electronics, fix broken ceramic mugs, reattach shoe soles, etc.
- Fabric Crafts: hot glue stick is perfect for bonding thick materials such as denim, leather, or canvas for upholstery repairs. It can be utilized on an industrial scale.
- Outdoor Decorations: looking forward to the holiday seasons to put up decorations? Then hot glue sticks have the easy fix to make sure your decor does not fall off. Hot glue sticks can withstand varying levels of temperature, making it ideal for outdoors use.
High Temperature Glue Option
High temperature glue sticks are manufactured with industrial and heavy-duty applications at the center of its utility.
They form a strong and durable bond on tough materials like wood, metal, and ceramics. They are designated for tasks that require more than usual strength and minimum open time.
It is also used for crafting with plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. For this option, you must ensure to use the right glue stick size with the right glue gun.
Why Choose a High-Temperature Hot Glue Gun/Glue Stick?
Opting to use a high-temp stick is not only about the heat, but the overall performance it provides. Below are reasons why you ought to choose it:
- Superior Bonding – unlike low temperature, high heat melts the glue stick and allows it to permeate dense materials in just a little open time. This results into a very tight and secure bond once dried.
- Incredible Versatility – high heat glue sticks function perfectly with a wide range of porous and nonporous materials like wood, ceramic and metal.
- Increased Durability – due to its high level of resistance to heat and environmental stress, it is usually very durable and lasts long.
Choosing the Right Glue Guns and Accessories
Glue guns come in different sizes, to fit different glue stick size and various application requirements. Need help choosing the right glue guns and accessories? Here are some factors to consider:
- Check stock availability when purchasing from a store. This way, you will readily find the right tools in stock when you need them.
- Explore bulk buying options. When you buy in bulk, especially for business owners, you save a significant amount on prices.
- Make sure you have researched and read reviews online. This will save you a lot of hassle, and you will know before hand if it will do the work you want.
- When choosing a glue gun or hot glue stick, take note of the type and stick size (usually between 4″ x 1/2″ and 10″ x 1/2″.). Also check if it is high or low temperature option, so you can get compatible tools.
Popular Hot Glue Products and Brands for Glue Stick Applications
Over the years, we have tried out as many hot glue products as possible for a human, and believe it when we tell you, they performed differently. With thousands of hot glue brands and products out there, we understand that it could take months of trial and error to find a good one that works, and this can be overwhelming.
To save you this trouble, here are the top three(3) brands that offer you quality hot glue products at unbeatable prices:
| BRANDS | Primary Users | Key Features |
| JiuJu | Crafters, DIYer, Home Repair, Artisans, Industries, etc. | Affordability, Unmatched Strength and Durability, Biodegradable Hot Glue Sticks, Responsive After-sales Service. |
| Surebonder | Crafter, DIYer | Durability |
| Infinity Bond | DIYer, Industrial | Strength and Performance |
Following an illustrious 20+ years of continuous operation, JiuJu has established itself as the go-to adhesives partner for progressive business owners.
Regardless of the industry you are in, if it’s worth serving, then JiuJu brings you the most innovative adhesives and thermal management solutions around the globe, at market competitive prices.
Head over to our Experts Lobby now and come have a discussion with our world-class backroom, let us help you grow, from page 1, to your zenith.
