Glue Guns

Glue guns at MTN Shop UK

A glue gun is one of the most useful bonding tools you can own. It melts a solid adhesive stick and dispenses hot melt glue that sets in seconds as it cools, gripping a huge range of materials without mixing, clamping or curing time. From a hobbyist assembling a craft project to a production line sealing boxes, the same basic tool scales from small craft guns to powerful industrial units. This collection brings together corded and cordless glue guns across craft, DIY, trade and industrial grades from the leading brands, so you can match the gun to your materials and how much gluing you do.

Glue stick size

Every glue gun is built for a specific glue stick diameter, and you must use the size the gun is designed for:

• 7mm sticks: used in small, compact craft and detail guns for hobby work, light DIY and precise application where only a little glue is needed at a time.
• 12mm sticks: used in general-purpose and heavy-duty guns, delivering more glue for larger jobs, faster assembly and trade use - the most common size for serious work.
• Larger industrial sticks: some heavy industrial guns use larger-diameter sticks for high-volume continuous dispensing.

Match your glue sticks to the gun. Sticks also come in different formulations - all-purpose, high-strength, wood, fabric, and high-temperature grades - so choose the stick to suit the material as well as the gun.

Temperature - high, low and dual

• High-temperature guns: melt glue hotter for the strongest bond, best on tough or dense materials like wood, metal and rigid plastics.
• Low-temperature guns: run cooler for delicate and heat-sensitive materials such as thin fabrics, foam, foil and fine craft items, reducing the risk of scorching or melting the workpiece. The GluePRO 300 low-temp gun is an example.
• Dual-temperature guns: switch between low and high settings so one gun covers both delicate and demanding work - the Arrow Dual Temp glue gun is a good all-rounder.

Corded, cordless and industrial

• Corded guns: plug in and run continuously, ideal for steady production, packaging and workshop use where you glue for long periods and want consistent heat and output.
• Cordless guns: remove the trailing lead for freedom around a workpiece, up a ladder or on site. The Einhell TE-CG (18V Power X-Change), Metabo HK 18 LTX (18V), Tacwise H4-7 (4V) and Rapid BGX cordless guns run on batteries for quick, mobile gluing.
• Craft and hobby guns: compact, lightweight and low-cost for occasional home and craft use.
• Industrial guns: higher-wattage units like the Rapid EG range (EG320, EG340, EG380) melt glue faster and dispense more for continuous packaging, assembly and trade work, with models like the Rapid EG Point offering a fine tip for precise glue dots.

As a guide: choose a compact craft gun for hobbies and light DIY, a general 12mm gun for regular home and trade jobs, and an industrial gun if you glue continuously or in high volume.

Applications and users

• Crafts and hobbies: card making, model building, floristry, decorations and general craftwork.
• Joinery and furniture: fast tacking, trim fixing and assembly where a quick grab holds parts while other fixings set.
• Upholstery and soft furnishings: bonding fabric, trim and foam.
• Packaging and production: sealing cartons, fixing components and assembly-line work with industrial guns.
• DIY and repairs: quick fixes around the home on wood, plastic, ceramics and more.

Tips for a good bond

• Clean, dry surfaces: hot melt grips best on clean, dust-free, dry material - wipe surfaces first.
• Work quickly: hot melt sets fast, so apply the glue and position the parts promptly before it cools.
• Match glue to material: use the right stick formulation and temperature for the material - high-temp for tough surfaces, low-temp for delicate ones.
• Let the gun reach temperature: allow a few minutes for the gun to heat fully before use so the glue flows properly.

Safety

• Molten glue burns: hot melt glue is dispensed very hot and sticks to skin instantly, causing burns - never touch the melted glue or the nozzle, and keep fingers clear of where the glue emerges.
• Hot nozzle and drips: the nozzle stays hot in use and glue can drip - work over a protected surface and always use the gun's fold-out stand.
• Cool before storing: let the gun cool fully before putting it away, and unplug corded guns when not in use.
• Keep away from children: supervise craft use and keep hot guns and glue out of children's reach.

Related categories

This collection sits within our wider glue and heat guns range, which also covers hot air and heat guns. For batteries and chargers to run cordless glue guns, see our batteries and chargers for cordless tools range. Browse by brand at Rapid, Arrow, Einhell, Metabo and Tacwise.

For trade orders, industrial glue gun and glue stick supply, or advice on choosing the right gun for your materials, request a quote and our team will get back to you with availability.