Which glue gun should you choose? Buying guide

Short answer: for most jobs at home and in the workshop, choose a glue gun that takes 11.2 mm glue sticks. A lighter gun of around 55 W is enough for small repairs, crafts and precise glue lines. A gun of 80 to 100 W melts faster and keeps up with longer glue lines, wood and larger parts. If you want to work without a cable, a cordless glue gun is handy. Hot glue is strong for light joints, but it is not meant for heavy, load-bearing or wet applications.

Read this article in Dutch too: Welke lijmpistolen kies je? Keuzegids.

What does a glue gun actually do?

A glue gun heats a stick of thermoplastic glue (a glue stick) until it becomes liquid. The trigger pushes the stick through the gun and the molten glue comes out of the nozzle. Within half a minute to a minute the glue cools and the joint holds. That makes a glue gun ideal for work where you want a quick result and do not want to leave clamps on for hours.

Typical uses:

• gluing cardboard, paper, fabric and felt;
• small repairs to plastic, rubber and wood;
• holding parts in place temporarily before you screw or glue them permanently;
• neatly fixing cables or small hoses to a shelf or cabinet;
• model making, decorations and crafts with children (under supervision).

Which power should you choose: 55, 80 or 100 W?

The power mainly determines how quickly the gun heats up and how much glue it can melt per minute. More watts does not make the glue stronger, but it does let you keep working longer without the glue becoming sticky and slow.

💡 Not sure? An 80 W gun is the best middle ground for most DIYers. If you often glue wood or larger pieces, choose 100 W.

Glue sticks: check the diameter

Glue sticks come in different diameters, and a gun only fits one size. The glue guns above use 11.2 mm sticks, such as 11.2 mm glue sticks (pack of 10) or the larger 11.2 mm glue sticks (pack of 35). Always check the size in the product description before you reorder sticks. A stick that is too thin leaks back, and one that is too thick jams.

• 11 to 11.2 mm: the standard size for home and workshop, more glue per stroke.
• 7 mm: for mini guns and fine craft work; not interchangeable with 11.2 mm.

If you glue a lot, a larger pack of sticks saves a lot of interruptions.

Corded or cordless?

A corded glue gun stays hot for as long as you need and works best at the workbench. A cordless glue gun gives you freedom: no cable pulling at your workpiece and no extension lead on the ladder. According to the product description, the cordless 80 W glue gun runs for about 10 to 15 minutes continuously on a full battery and recharges in a few minutes. That is ideal for short jobs around the house, less so for an afternoon of gluing.

How to glue neatly and firmly

1. Make sure the surfaces are clean, dry and free of grease. Lightly sand smooth plastic or varnished wood with a sanding block grit 120 so the glue can grip.
2. Let the gun heat up fully on its stand. Put cardboard or an old board under the nozzle to catch drips.
3. Apply the glue to one side, as a bead or in dots. Work quickly: hot glue only has a short open time.
4. Press the parts together straight away and hold them for a moment. For corners and small wooden parts, an angle clamp or a spring clamp works well, so you do not have to hold them with your fingers.
5. Let it cool, then trim off glue strings and squeezed-out glue with a utility knife.

⚠️ The nozzle of the gun and the molten glue get very hot. Never touch the nozzle, and always put the gun on its stand between uses, never on its side on the workbench.

When is hot glue not the right choice?

Hot glue is strong for light joints, but it has limits:

• Load-bearing or heavy joints (shelf brackets, cabinets, anything overhead): use screws and plugs, not hot glue.
• Outdoors, in the sun or near heat: hot glue softens again at high temperatures, for example behind glass or on a radiator.
• Wet and damp areas: in the shower or outside on a facade, hot glue does not last long.
• Insulation boards, plasterboard and building elements: for these, use a construction adhesive or adhesive foam, such as PSZ 56 PU adhesive foam, which is designed for insulation boards, plasterboard and light building elements.

Read more about choosing the right clamp in our blog on carpenter's clamps. Looking for a fixed place for your glue gun, sticks and clamps? Have a look at our blog on organising a workshop or garage.

Working safely with a glue gun

• Wear work gloves with nitrile coating: hot glue sticks to your skin and stays hot. When you work with thin materials or small parts, well-fitting gloves also give you more grip.
• Wear safety goggles when gluing overhead or trimming glue residue: a splash of hot glue in your eye is dangerous.
• Work in a well-ventilated room and keep the gun away from flammable materials.
• Check the cable and plug before use. If the gun is damaged, do not use it and do not open it yourself; only let a qualified installer or professional inspect an electrical device.
• Only let children use a glue gun under supervision, and choose a light model.
• For a burn: cool it straight away under lukewarm running water for at least ten minutes and do not pull the glue off. For a large or deep burn: see a doctor.

Read more about the right glove for each job in our buying guide for work gloves.

👷 A glue gun is ideal for quick, light jobs. When it comes to furniture that has to carry weight, fixings in wet areas or assembly at height, calling in a professional is never unnecessary. They choose the right adhesive or fixing and make sure it still holds years from now.

Glue guns and glue sticks in larger quantities

Workshops, schools, packing departments and construction companies often use glue guns and glue sticks in large numbers. Saniso is a wholesaler and also supplies tools and consumables in larger quantities. Feel free to request a tailored quote via the contact form.

Frequently asked questions

Which glue gun is best for wood?

A gun of 80 to 100 W with 11.2 mm sticks. It melts enough glue for a full bead. For load-bearing wood joints, wood glue and screws are a better choice.

Can I use 7 mm and 11 mm sticks interchangeably?

No. A glue gun fits one diameter. Check the product description to see which size your gun uses.

Why does my glue gun drip?

A little dripping is normal when a gun is hot. Put it on its stand with the nozzle down above a piece of cardboard. If it drips a lot, the stick is often too thin for the gun.

How do I remove hot glue?

Carefully trim small glue residue with a sharp knife once it has cooled. Cut away from yourself and wear gloves.

Is hot glue waterproof?

Hot glue tolerates a little moisture, but it is not meant for permanently wet spots or outdoor work in the sun. In that case, choose a construction adhesive that is suitable for it.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.