Does your glue gun drip excessively, constantly wiping excess glue? There are many factors at play with glue guns that drip excessively and we will try and cover off the main points to help you get the best from your glue gun.
Glue Gun
The glue gun is often the first point of call for faults when the molten glue is constantly dripping from the nozzle. First of all check your nozzle, is it clean, does the nozzle have a true orifice? See picture below of a typical nozzle that’s been used hard and is now under performing and dripping, look familiar?
Glue guns that have been left on for too long a period without use (often 30 minutes or more) on a regular basis suffer from the risk of charred glue blocking the nozzle or stopping the ball and spring inside the nozzle from operating allowing the molten glue to flow without trigger pressure. Damaged nozzles due to hard work need to be replaced for optimum performance!
What to do next: Keep the glue gun nozzle clean with a powerful hot melt cleaner such as, Henkel Melt-O-Clean, turn your glue gun off when not in use, replace damage or worn nozzles.
Glue gun nozzles
Henkel Melt-O-Clean
Glue Sticks
Often the cause of excessive dripping! Please always use Tecbond glue sticks with Tec glue guns as these glue sticks are made to a very high specification and designed to work exceptionally well through the range of Tec glue guns. We have seen cases were imported competitor grades have been used in a Tec glue gun with high excessive dripping, yet when Tecbond glue sticks where put through the same tool there was no dripping! Our friendly sales team will be pleased to supply samples of Tecbond glue sticks upon requested.
There is always a risk of “glue melt back” or “glue back up” from imported glue sticks often due to their diameter falling below the recommended size for a Tec glue gun or the resins used in their manufacture which may require the tool to run at lower temperatures to prevent dripping. Tec hot melt glue guns operate at 195c and Tec low melt glue guns operate at 130c designed for Tecbond glue stick range which are formulated to run smoothly with all Tec glue guns.
Are you using a Tec glue gun, use Tecbond glue sticks!
Tecbond 12mm glue sticks
Tecbond 15mm glue sticks
Tecbond 43mm glue slugs
Tecbond Low Melt Adhesives
What we recommend
You should always choose your Tec glue gun according to the kind of Tecbond glue being used, the dispensing rate you need and the nature of your project. High temperature glue guns cover the majority of Tecbond glue stick formulations, which offer a wider range of options for bonding. Low Melt glue sticks operate at a lower temperature and are therefore safer to use, as risk of burns are reduced. However, Low Melt glue sticks only come in a selected range and are usually used for bonding heat sensitive materials like polystyrene.
You should never use Tecbond Low Melt glue sticks in a Tec hot melt glue gun (or hot melt glue sticks in a low melt glue gun) unless specifically directed by a member of the GlueGunsDirect Team.
FAQs
The Surebonder 739 is a high strength adhesive with a long open time. Primarily, Surebonder 739 strongest bonds to wood. The 739 hot melt sticks have great adhesion to metal, plastic, ceramic, coated papers, and other non-porous materials.
What glue is better than glue gun? ›
Plastic Glue
Plastic glue is one of the most versatile hot glue alternatives available. It's easy to find in most hardware and school supply stores and bonds to a variety of surfaces. While plastic glue can be effective for paper, it's mostly for plastic or similar synthetic materials.
How do you keep hot glue from dripping? ›
What to do next: Keep the glue gun nozzle clean with a powerful hot melt cleaner such as, Henkel Melt-O-Clean, turn your glue gun off when not in use, replace damage or worn nozzles. Often the cause of excessive dripping!
How do you keep glue from dripping? ›
The fix for this is to remove the nozzle while the tool is hot, purge a half stick or so through the tool, and install a new nozzle. Nozzles do wear over time, so changing out the nozzle is often the easiest solution to fixing a dripping glue gun.
Are Dollar Tree glue guns safe? ›
Incidents/Injuries: Dollar Tree has received seven reports of electrical malfunctions when using the glue guns, including four reports of fire and one report of skin irritation.
What is the number one strongest glue? ›
The name of the world's strongest adhesive is DELO MONOPOX. This is a modified version of the high-temperature-resistant DELO MONOPOX HT2860.
Are Gorilla Hot Glue sticks better than others? ›
Consider any extra features the hot glue stick may have to offer. The Gorilla Hot Glue Sticks, Pack of 45, for example, can be sanded and painted. It's also five times more durable than other brands. That makes it a better choice for important home repairs.
What does hot glue not stick to? ›
What surfaces does hot glue not stick to? Hot glue will not stick to very smooth surfaces, like metal, silicone, vinyl, wax, or greasy and wet surfaces.
Is there a better glue than super glue? ›
Epoxy is the strongest of the reactive adhesives and is resistant to high temperatures, solvents, UV light and impact. Epoxy cures in two to 60 minutes (longer is stronger), reaching full strength in 24 hours.
Which is better hot glue gun or E6000? ›
Cheat sheet: Best uses for hot glue and E-6000
Use only a low-temp hot glue gun for polystyrene (Styrofoam)-type plastics. Hot glue applied and painted over to create texture on a cosplay helmet. E-6000 is perfect for permanent metal and glass bonds in jewelry making.
- Woodworking made easy: a hot gun glue is a must-have tool in any workshop. Since the adhesion of a gun glue is relatively low, it can easily be used in many different woodworking tasks, such as holding wood joints.
Are cheap glue guns good? ›
Price vs. Quality. While going for the cheapest option is tempting, remember the adage, “you get what you pay for.” Higher-end models like the pro glue gun or a heavy-duty glue gun often offer more power, better durability, and additional features such as a LED indicator light or an on-off switch.
How long can you leave a hot glue gun plugged in? ›
Never leave a hot glue gun unattended, especially while plugged in. Unplug the glue gun if you're not going to use it for over 40 minutes.
Is it normal for smoke to come out of hot glue gun? ›
When hot melt adhesives are heated, they inevitably release some fumes. That is the odor you detect when working close to hot melt nozzles. While having some fumes is normal, excessive fumes suggest a problem with your process and require some attention.
Why is my glue gun not working properly? ›
If you notice poor flow and leakage from the gun's seams, your nozzle is likely clogged. This can prevent the flow of adhesive and cause a pressure build-up, inducing back melt. Back melt will foul the interior of your gun.
Is it bad to leave a hot glue gun on overnight? ›
Never leave a hot glue gun unattended, especially while plugged in. Unplug the glue gun if you're not going to use it for over 40 minutes.
Should glue gun be hot or low? ›
Low melt glue guns are generally better suited for home crafts and projects. When compared to low melt guns, hot melt provides a stronger bond, works faster, is cleaner, and dries just as quickly.
