Glue Gun

A glue gun is a handheld tool used to join materials with hot-melt adhesive. It contains a solid glue stick that is pushed toward a heated chamber. When the glue reaches its melting temperature, it becomes fluid and can be released through a nozzle by pressing a trigger. As the adhesive cools, it becomes solid again and forms a bond between the surfaces.

Hot-melt glue is commonly made from thermoplastic materials, which can soften when heated and harden when cooled without undergoing the same kind of permanent chemical change as a thermosetting adhesive. Glue guns are available in different sizes and heating powers, depending on the type of work for which they are intended.

This tool is often used for crafts, decorations, models, packaging, and small household projects. It can bond materials such as cardboard, paper, wood, fabric, and some plastics, although the strength and durability of the bond depend on the materials and the adhesive used. Some glue guns have a stand or other support that keeps the hot nozzle away from surfaces when the tool is not being held.

Because the adhesive and metal nozzle become very hot during operation, a glue gun can cause burns if touched carelessly. It should therefore be handled with attention and allowed to cool safely after use. The main advantage of hot-melt glue is that it sets relatively quickly, making it useful when a temporary or rapid bond is needed.