Good hot melt glue gun? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: oliver602
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2011, 06:33:25 pm
content: Hi,Not so long ago I purchased an Arrow 100W glue gun to replace a previous crappy gun. The Arrow gun constantly oozed when on and made a mess of your work. Then after no more than 8 hours use the heater poped and now it just blows the plug top fuze when turned on.It could melt fairly quickly and had a nice large trigger that you could put your hand around.Can anyone recommend a good quality or professional glue gun, with good flow control for tidy and precise work(doesn't ooze), but also capable of relatively high volume? Do they exist?Thanks

author: Joshua
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2011, 07:11:02 pm
content: I have a 3m(I don't know the model off hand) its kind of industrial. I like it so far. One note is that it gets reaaaaallllyyyyy hot. So hot that it will melt certain types of foam. Nice large trigger and stand. I'd really look into glue guns where you can get interchangeable tips. The 3m has a removable tip but I haven't researched extra tips.

author: ipman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2011, 09:14:17 pm
content: You may want to look at a hot air gun, with adjustable temperature. It does a better job than the glue gun under certain circumstances, altough it tends to heat the surroundings also.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2011, 10:46:59 pm
content: I use only Steinel in my lab and they never fail while the quality is superb. The Neo battery powered one is my favorite

author: ipman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 08:54:51 am
content: Steinel are available in Europe, they have some production facilities in my country also.They make good tools, but expensive, especially the profesional lines.A temperature controlled top-of-the-line likeHL2010Eheat gun is allmost 70EUR here, and a glue gun is cheaper. It depends on the intended use.

author: vtl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 09:49:38 am
content: I just use a hot air station (Atten 858) for most of the times i need to hot glue something. I cut off a small chunk and melt it on the surface I want to bond. Its precise and creates less mess and wastage compared to my glue gun.

author: oliver602
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 02:43:38 pm
content: Do they drip?

author: ipman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 02:51:22 pm
content: Steinel has a special accesory for glueinghere. It's the "welding nozzle".They do not drip, because the glue is not coming out of the gun itself, but is applied externally.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 04:47:08 pm
content: Quote from: oliver602 on December 25, 2011, 02:43:38 pmThey dont drip because they have a metal ball which stops drippingEdit: Just remebered one detail, in Lidl (super market found in many countries) sales there can be found the Steinel gluematic 5000 as LIDL rebrand once or twice in the year,http://steinel.de/en/thermo_fuer_heimwerker/heissklebepistolen/gluematic_5000

author: oliver602
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 06:24:12 pm
content: We do have a lidl where I am and they have the occasional very random deal.I've seen a (Edit) bosch glue gun on Amazon of that look just like the Steinel 5000.Any glue stick recommendations?I tried to find the Steinel dura bond and cristal clear stick but no luck. I like the cristal stick claim of drip free for precision work. Sounds good for masking ICSP pads before coating boards.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2011, 05:00:35 am
content: Quote from: vtl on December 25, 2011, 09:49:38 amThat's actually a very good way to hot glue something. You'll want to turn the temperature way down and the airflow way up for best results. For bigger pieces, a hair dryer works well.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2011, 08:44:52 am
content: Inovative way but not the best since you can easily melt stuff you dont want

author: oliver602
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2011, 04:44:12 am
content: Thanks for the advice all. The task I intended to use it for is very repetitive so chopping and melting glue sticks by hand would be too slow, but useful for other situations. I've ordered the Steinel Gluematic 5000.Any recommendations for glue ticks?

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2011, 06:23:37 am
content: Quote from: oliver602 on December 29, 2011, 04:44:12 amYou have made a good decision, you will never regret itI use Steinel glue sticks also since they are not always easily available i use whatever i find in local tool store, i cant say i noticed some great difference.

author: KaiserPermanentHEY!
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 24, 2016, 03:22:23 pm
content: Quote from: Joshua on December 24, 2011, 07:11:02 pmI was doing some research on hot glue guns for the last couple days, and initially I ran across this forum and it kind of confirmed that 3M was the best. I still do think it's a high quality company, but I'm a baller on a budget, so I was looking for something a little cheaper, when I came acrosshttp://www.gluemachinery.com/a-cost-effective-alternative-to-3m-corporations-adhesives/. I'm glad to know that there are other quality options. Don't get me wrong, when I have more money I'll get the 3M. But for now, I'm going with something a little more cost effective.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2016, 11:55:27 pm
content: I have a $70.00 name brand glue gun that died after a few months. Really annoying. I have a $15.00 glue gun from China with an adjustable temp dial that works a treat.It takes a long longer to heat up than the expensive turd. But I can set the temp/power to where I can leave it on all the time without burning any glue. It's pretty ideal, IMO, for electronics work.

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2016, 01:08:38 pm
content: I have a stanley glue pro which automatically shuts off and has high and low settings, it has different tips, I use the long tube one, and it works great. Heats up in reasonable time, doesn't drip much, and likely only does because I get impatient for it to heat up (mainly due to being low on sockets whenever I find myself in need of it). It is great for filling hard to reach areas with glue as it's very liquidy (can't recall the term) due to the temperature.I think I paid $70 for it, it's been well worth the investment.https://www.amazon.ca/Stanley-GR100-Glue-Pro-DualMelt-Glue/dp/B0000223U7I have gone through a lot of cheap ones too, I have one that I use exclusively for black hot glue, can't recall the name/brand on that but if I had the choice I'd use two of these.edit:just looked at that 3m gun and man, it looks fancy, but sure is pricy. It seems like it might be difficult to do small/accurate blobs with the trigger like that, but would be easier on the hands for heavy glueing.edit 2: just saw that you made your choice, looks interesting, but is a little too thick and the end for my taste, seems like it would be difficult to get into tight spaces.As far as glue sticks, get the super long ones, I just use local dollar store stuff and it works fine, I could never, ever go back to the standard ones, they are just useless, they run out so quickly, you have a weird period where they fall out all the time until they start getting deep enough in, same with long but it's a lot less often.

author: G0WZB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2016, 05:48:02 pm
content: I have one of these as well and cant fault it, I bit more expensive than most but its lasted a lot longer than the el cheapo models.It dosent ooze when not in use like my last one.BrianQuote from: XOIIO on March 25, 2016, 01:08:38 pm

author: sequoia
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 29, 2016, 12:48:24 am
content: I would recommend not skimping on glue sticks, personally I don't user anything but 3M glue sticks. For the glue gun, you can get by just fine with some cheap one if you don't use it continuously, and if you do then probably worth investing on professional grade glue gun (Scotch-Weld, etc.).Bit like with soldering, good solder/flux is the key, but fancy soldering station not so much...nice if you solder a lot but cheap iron can work just fine for occasional use.

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2016, 05:19:43 am
content: I use this gun:https://www.amazon.com/HB220-Adjustable-Temperature-UX8012-Adhesive/dp/B002YGTGWGMy favorite glue gun by far. The metal wire "rest" is hinged at the bottom of the handle so it can be pivoted out of the way for gluing in tight spots. It has adjustable heat, interchangeable nozzles and adjustable trigger stroke length (adjusts amount of glue per full trigger pull).

author: raptor1956
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2016, 04:02:49 am
content: I do not have a glue gun at this point but I do have a hot air gun (858D clone) so I plan on at least trying the hot air gun to do the job. I do have a couple questions though...1. What temp and relative airflow setting is best with an 858D?2. Is there any particular version of 3M sticks that are best suited for use with a hot air gun? Pointers for Amazon?Brian

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 14, 2020, 05:57:24 pm
content: i can't think of anything worse than a weighty battery device. Why do wo have to make everything cordless these days? Basically get yourself a 250W glue gun not a pathetic 100+W one and these generally take larger diameter glue sticks of 15-18mm versus the 12mm of the little guns so you can go for longer between adding more glue.

author: Hydron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2020, 09:37:41 pm
content: I used to work with guys who swore by the gas powered guns. Cordless but not weighty, and could pump out the glue like crazy.Also I'd say that's a shill that you replied to - have reported it.Edit: didn't notice that you were a mod. Carry on!

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 14, 2020, 09:53:23 pm
content: Yea probably a shill. Let them show the colours properly and I'll ban "it".

author: SmallCog
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2020, 07:01:26 am
content: I’m happy with my dewalt glue gun but I have no idea if it’s availability globally.https://www.bunnings.com.au/dewalt-rapid-heat-ceramic-glue-gun_p0110324

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 21, 2020, 07:33:49 am
content: they won't even say what power it is.

author: unknownparticle
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2020, 02:22:48 pm
content: I use a Bosch PKP 18E and it's excellent, very reasonably priced too. I also have an Aldi Workzone product which I use for jobs where mess isn't a problem, oozes like hell, gets bloody hot but it gets the job done in certain circumstances. Thats been going for about 6 years so far and still works!

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2020, 06:59:08 pm
content: Quote from: unknownparticle on February 22, 2020, 02:22:48 pmFYI, that appears to be a cosmetically customized version of the Steinel 3002.

author: benryanau
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2020, 07:04:27 am
content: DREMEL - Be aware.. I thought my hotmelt combat loadout was complete when I found the Dremel gun.. a few days in something in the trigger-feed linkage inside went *snap*.Turned out to be all plastic levers and pivot pins, never got round to RMA - still have it in box just too disappointed to bother. Plus, can't polish a turd.Aldi had one I now use with a dock, tips, boosted warmup - good enough.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2020, 07:56:58 am
content: Quote from: unknownparticle on February 22, 2020, 02:22:48 pmI use the Bosch too , my first decent one.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2020, 09:07:40 am
content: Quote from: oliver602 on December 24, 2011, 06:33:25 pmI've also had bad luck with glue guns. My first one lasted 12 years.The first replacement leaked everywhere.Next replacement (this time Bosch, not a non-name budget brand) also failed within 2 weeks. It got blocked and i had to take it to bits to clean it out. It never worked right again.3rd replacement was a mid range, high temp glue gun. It leaks a tiny bit, but works well enough. I put a triac dimmer inline so i could lower the temp a bit. It's still working today.(and before anyone complains, yes, i know ceramic elements self regulate to a set temp and are not designed to be used with a dimmer. Sue me, it works. so i dont care)

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2020, 09:38:25 pm
content: Years ago I bought a used unloved WAGNER Glue-Matic 3304 Made In Germany as a cheap backup.It outlasted and outperformed everything, and I haven't needed a second glue gun, because it just works every time.That said, I noticed not all glue sticks behave the same, and upon recommendation tried a box of Bosch badged glue sticks/rods,that for me have worked great, and still have a few to go. It's a winner combo and I won't use or try anything else, till either or both fail.Not sure if the WAGNER Glue-Matic 3304 is still available, but others like the DeWalt (B+D) look similar-ish,and better be good for the big dollars they want for MIC re-badged generic productsA good glue gun with quality glue sticks and clean prepped surface saves time,and does ok for non critical isolation and component hold downs,just watch out the lava hot glue doesn't trash the component/sfwiw I don't leave mine powered on till I'm sure it's going to be used, same deal with the soldering department,all are on a power board/strip with individual switches, and a Master timer to switch the lot off in case I forget.Keeps the power bill down too..EDIT: This blue model Steinel Gluematic 3002 looks identical to the black WAGNER 3304 =www.steinel.de/en/domestic-users/hot-air-gluing/hot-melt-glue-applicators/gluematic-3002-333317.htmlPDF specs and parts list toowww.steinel.net/Customized/uploads/PDFs/GF_3002_Data.pdfI don't think I'll see one downunder, though there may be a re-badge of the Steinel kicking around the tool shops and Bunnings, Mitre 10,Total Tools, Sydney Tools, Just Tools etcFound it in .au land >www.mektronics.com.au/steinel-gluematic3002-glue-gun-200w-box.htmlAccessorieswww.mektronics.com.au/power-tools/glue-guns-accessories

author: Andrew LB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 09:22:08 am
content: You know you're bored to death due to the COVID19 quarantine when you actually read a thread about hot glue guns and just for the hell of it, dig yours out of a box in the garage to clean up and see if it still works. It's a Parker GR-60 rated at 40 watts (380'f) from the 1980's and made in USA. It's got a nice weight to it, tough high temp plastic (even did an AvE* and gave it a rub with the soldering iron and no melting at 300'c). And yes, it still works. Took a while to get hot, but i can't expect too much for being 40w. Back in the box she goes. One of these days i may buy a decent modern gun like that Steinel 3002 just to see if its good enough to be useful to me.*in case you don't know who i'm talking about, look him up on youtube. Best tool reviews and tear-downs on the internet.