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What Brand Hot-Melt Gun Do You Use?

AitchKay | Posted in Tools for Home Building on March 8, 2009 03:14am

Just trotted out my Stanley Dual-Temp Hot-Melt Gun for a small job today, and as usual, it sat there bubbling, smoking, and dribbling out half of a stick of glue before I picked it up to use. Then I had to pump another half-stick through it to get past the foam to the actual glue.

I used to use a hot melt gun fairly regularly, but I haven’t been able to find a good one lately.

Back in about ’82, I bought an industrial-grade model that was a couple of steps up from your basic craft store model, but after it burned out, I haven’t found a good one.

The PUR gun is the most common pro-grade unit around here, but I don’t use ‘em enough to make the PUR economical for me — it’s got to have good shelf life.

When I googled hot-melt, I found guns from about $30 to over $900. I don’t want to throw away money on a throwaway gun, but neither do I want to spend $200 on a hot-melt gun.

I’m limiting my search (and hopefully this discussion) to 1/2†dia. loads, because I don’t want to have to special-order glue, and because my local full-service hardware store is a handy source for foot-long 1/2†sticks.

What do you use?

AitchKay

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Replies

  1. Stilts | Mar 08, 2009 08:21am | #1

    I use the same stanley hot melt guns.  One broke right away, but this second has lasted forever.  The rest of the shop uses the 3m poly guns.  I am just waiting for this one to die to buy one of them.  We do a lot of solid surface countertops, and shower enclosures, so they get tons of use. 

    The only problem is that the ones we have use the 5/8" diameter sticks, but I know they have tons of models try searching through them to find one that works for you.  They're definitely built for heavy duty daily use.

  2. User avater
    JeffBuck | Mar 08, 2009 10:12am | #2

    don't own one but have used one ... and it's the same one I'll buy sooner or later.

    The PUR.

    guy I borrowed it from said they just cap any unused and reuse later.

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

    1. Stilts | Mar 08, 2009 09:09pm | #3

      We also use the PUR guns in one of our refacing lines.  None of the guys like them very much.  You have to wait about 15 minutes for each tube to heat up, not like running out of a stick and just popping a new one in.  We've also had a problem with getting a bunch of tubes that didn't matter how long they heated up, they never became liquid.  I've heard good things about the system, but for what we are using it for I don't like it. 

      The nice thing about it though is that even hot, it's much cooler than regular hot melt.  I've had some nasty blisters trying to hot melt the wires from Sun Touch mats to the floor.

       

    2. AitchKay | Mar 08, 2009 10:54pm | #5

      How long do half-tubes last? Does refrigerating them help? Maybe I'd use it more if I had it, but it seems pricey even if you use all of every tube. And it's probably even more pricey since it sounds even worse than half-tubes of caulk in terms of deterioration and waste.AitchKay

      1. User avater
        JeffBuck | Mar 10, 2009 06:37am | #6

        I only borrowed the gun for a day and asked the Q's.

        not sure how long half a tube would last, only that they are reusable. The guy was a stair guy ... so they probably use them everyday. He might have been talking simply about overnight.

        but to me, even that would be a bonus. With the remodeling, I'd most likely use one like most specialty tools ... use it a ton for one phase of the job ... then put it away to collect dust till the next go round.

        So I'm thinking I'd only have to toss one open tube at the end of said phase.

        I'll pick one up someday ... but even while running that base ... in the end ... I prefered the 23g pin nailer vs the glue. No matter how hard I tried, still couldn't get the glue line to disappear. Still had a small "thickness" to it. Looked OK and will most likely last forever ... but I like a gnat's butt tight miter joint.

        Jeff    Buck Construction

         Artistry In Carpentry

             Pittsburgh Pa

        1. AitchKay | Mar 10, 2009 04:39pm | #10

          So you were using it for miters, returns, etc. Useful to know it's got a thick glue line -- I was wondering about that.AitchKay

  3. JTC1 | Mar 08, 2009 10:28pm | #4

    Since you asked only what I use, not necessarily what is the best:

    I use a single temp Stanley when I need to - mostly I use it for sticking shims to the floor at the rear of base cabinets.

    Mine performs about the same as yours - that drippy nose........ Mine doesn't smoke though - as long as I wipe the glue off of the outside of the nosepiece.

    I try to avoid using it as much as possible - seems everytime I get close to it, I will end up with some nice napalm-like glue on my fingers.

    Jim

    Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
  4. andybuildz | Mar 10, 2009 02:52pm | #7

    After considering buying a $100+ poly glue gun for mainly tasks on reno work I came to the conclusion that I'll just use my cheapy gun for the occasional use and for my main work I've decieded to go with 2p-10 glue. Seems easier, less messy and less expensive all around when it gets right down to it....and on jobs I'd use a gun for b/c I don't want to hold the joint together with tape or tacks I use my Collins clamps.

     

     

     

    http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

    Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

    http://www.ramdass.org

     

    1. blueshound | Mar 10, 2009 03:29pm | #8

      This is what I use when I find the need for Hot melt it is even cordless for a few minutes then you have to put the gun on the base.

       

      http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6576&cookietest=1

      Edited 3/10/2009 8:30 am ET by blueshound

      1. andybuildz | Mar 10, 2009 04:29pm | #9

        Thats the gun I was going to buy but there are issues with it's glue tubes...nothing serious but I feel it'd just be easier and less expensive and less of a hassle to just use 2p-10.....unless someone here can tell me why for occasional use a glue gun would be better then the 2p-10. I had used glue guns a lot but just the cheapies for the occasional use...well...maybe a bit more then occasional but like I said it seems to me that  the 2p-10 is a better choice.......unless ya just wanna buy another tool...lol

        http://www.fastcap.com/videos.aspx?id=4104

         

         

         

        http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

        Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

        http://www.ramdass.org

         

      2. AitchKay | Mar 10, 2009 04:44pm | #12

        What do you think about Stilts' complaints?AitchKay

    2. AitchKay | Mar 10, 2009 04:42pm | #11

      Have you tried the 2p-10 yet? Did you get the whole kit, or just a bottle? Does it leave a thin glue-line?AitchKay

      1. andybuildz | Mar 10, 2009 10:46pm | #13

        I ordered the kit so I can try the 4 different consistancies. All th ecomments I read in the Amazon reviews and over at JLC and some other reviews every single person seemed to really love the stuff.

        I found Amazon to be the least expensive but just a cpl of dollars less...the pix in amazon shows 3-1oz bottles but according to Fastcap who makes it its 4-2+oz bottles....the photo on some sites and on Amazon are dated apparently. I even called the supplier thats listed on Amazon and he assured me it was in fact four 2 oz+bottles.

        From all the reviews the only negative thing I remember is that the gel (the thickest) was real hard to squeeze out of the bottle. If I were you I'd go read all the reviews in Amazon and else where...they were all real good.

        I'd still like to know the advantage of using a glue gun over this stuff. I read a lot of reviews of that poly $100+ gun and a lot of people had a hassle with the glue tubes.

        I dunno...as much as I'd like one it seems like it may not really be worth it for me from all the reviews I read. Seem like the cheapo glue guns were less of a hassle but not nearly as strong so I guess it depends whatcha usin' it for.

        https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008US7G?tag=clifforenova-2I'd s0&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00008US7G&adid=14GF11H8K1496YR665EG&

         

         

         

        http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

        Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

        http://www.ramdass.org

         

        1. AitchKay | Mar 10, 2009 11:57pm | #14

          Thanks, Andy,I will read those reviews, and talk to my guys at E-Tool.Sounds like it may well be the way to go: use the Fastcap stuff where you're worried about the glue-line, and cheapo hot-melt for jigs, holding things until the construction adhesive sets up, etc.Which sends me right back to my original post, I guess. My two-temp Stanley goes through a foot-long hot-melt stick in about 15 minutes -- maybe it has a defective thermostat -- and I don't know whether to buy another cheapo, that $80 unit I saw online, or go upwards from there.How about $50, and reliable? That's all I ask!AitchKay

          1. andybuildz | Mar 11, 2009 12:27am | #15

            Why bother with the gun. Just use a touch of 2p-10 and your construction adhesive...that was originally why I bought it..same reason you're talking about.

            I may end up JUST using the 2p-10 unless I need  lot in which case I'd jut use the 2p to tack it and the construction adhesive the rest of the way.

            Maybe someone thats been using it awhile will chime in here.

             

             

             

            http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

            Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

            http://www.ramdass.org

             

  5. BryanSayer | Mar 11, 2009 01:09am | #16

    If it is for a permanent stick, how about super-glue?

    The big advantage to hot-melt is that it can be un-done. If you don't have to un-done it, try something else.

    1. andybuildz | Mar 11, 2009 01:23am | #17

      If it is for a permanent stick, how about super-glue?

      From what I understand the 2p-10 is the superest of super glue and a lot less expensive

       

       

       

      http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

      Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

      http://www.ramdass.org

       

  6. collarandhames | Mar 12, 2009 05:36am | #18

    Could someone tell me the list of things I 'could' be using my hot glue gun for?

    It sits in the shop most often,, I use regular carp glue when trimming, but could see  it useful for some situations?

    Thanks

     

    1. Stilts | Mar 12, 2009 10:44am | #19

      Anything solid surface for starters, don't know if you do anything like that.  Backsplashes on countertops.  I use mine a lot for using scraps of ply or cardboard to make templates for trapped countertops, shelves, shower walls, etc.  Easier than accidentally repairing or replacing miscuts for sure.  I've used it to hold something in place until PL sets up if I couldn't or didn't want to use nails. 

      Hot glue is also good for temporarily holding things in place.  Say you wanted a panel up for a bit to tile up to, but you wanted to be able to pull it to work on the face frame later, it's a good glue for that.  It doesn't usually hold well enough that you'll destroy the panel taking it off, and it's fairly maleable, so you can scrape it off pretty easy with a chisel.  That being said, that HiPur system is a different story.  It's poly based and when it sticks right, you destroy the panel trying to get it back off.

    2. andybuildz | Mar 12, 2009 01:17pm | #20

      Same here...I used mine a lot to just tack things in place untill the "real" glue dries but for moldings I switched to Collins Clamps b/c hot glue doesnt pull your work tight together like a clamp will. I've also switched to 2p-10 poly glue that gets squeezed from a tube. strong as hell and can set up from just a few seconds to a minute or so depending how long you want it to for the work you're doing. You can use it to just tack things till your Titebond sets or use the 2p exclusivly.

       

       

       

      http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

      Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

      http://www.ramdass.org

       

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