Thread: Hot Glue Gun Help

Tweet

Hey everyone, I just wanted to know if there is a huge difference between hot glue guns? Im going to need to buy one and it looks like prices are all over the board. In Wally World a larger glue gun is about $7, but in Lowes the same size gun is $14. Do the less expensive guns work well or would they be a waist of money? I have a ton of glueing I need to do so I do need a good glue gun.
Thanks everyone as always you guys are fantastic, audible

I'm no expert, but I do know that they come in different wattages. And some use the mini sticks and some use the normal size sticks. Some are dual-temp some are single temp. I got mine at Michael's, it's a SureBonder, only has one temp - high, and uses the regular size sticks. I have had no problems with it whatsoever.

Here is the one I bought. I think it was under $20: Glue Gun

yep, msmello has it right. Power is the main difference. Higher watts lets you pump out a higher volume of hot glue faster. Getting a variable temp gun is a good idea, I wish I got one when I was shopping for one. The glue sticks very well to pvc and plastics and pink foam (among many other things) but the high temp tends to melt the foam a little. I would think a little lower temp would minimize that.

I tried a bunch of different sticks too. There really does seem to be a difference between the regular and 'maximum strength' and the sticks for basic materials and the ones for everything including plastics, glass and non porous surfaces. I stick with the best sticks I can find and it's become my go-to glue for Halloween props!

Good luck!

Another question is if different guns melt the glue to different consistances? I believe someone made a post about making PVC candles and made a comment about how runny the glue should be to make "wax" drips on the sides.

I too had to purchase a new gun. I have the mini - but it was taking FOREVER on the pvc candles.

I first went to Hobby Lobby, and OMG. They were outrageous!

I went to WM - MUCH better! I thought about a dual temp one, and thought, hell since I have the smaller one, I just need one temp on this one - HOT! and yes, it's much better for the pvc candles, I get much more realistic wax with it, than with the mini. But the mini is good for foam.

Now, that being said, I've burnt the piss outta my fingers twice now!! It gets mmmmuuucchh hotter than the mini! So, be careful! LOL

Wow you guys are incredible! I was just about to go out and buy my glue gun right now so I figured I would give it a shot and see if anyone had commented on my glue gun question. Of course 4 people were right on top of it. This forum and all of you are the best. I started my props and have finished 4 frames for my ground breakers so far. Im doing the rolled up paper with PVC spine and they are coming out pretty well thanks to all of you. Im lucky, I have 4 days a week off (3 12hr shifts) so I have a great deal of time to work on my props every weekend.

My list of prop projects:
6 ground breakers
6 skulls on stakes
8 skull tiki torches
4 and of possible more PVC candles
2 Pumpkinrot type scarecrows

I think thats enough for this year.
Thanks everyone again, audible







For this year I

Oh audible, I think you will find that the PVC candles are addicting. Soon you will end up with about 36 of them like me. They are really fun to do.

I love the look of the groups of PVC candles. I have not started on them yet because im having trouble finding the flicker candles here in Phoenix. If you have any idea of where I can find them I would really appreciate it.
Thanks and good luck on all your projects. Its getting close to haunt day!!! audible

Are you looking for the real flicker bulbs or just the LED battery-operated ones? I know Home Depot and Wal-Mart sell the real flicker bulbs and the LED ones you can get at most drug stores I believe, as well as dollar stores.

I am looking for the flicker lights on the strand unless you are using something else that works well. If you can let me know what type your using that would be great. Thanks again, audible