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A glue gun for hire is a home tool that is both easy to expend and extremely versatile . A crafter ’s best friend , it can be put to knead on a surprising number of task , from pocket-size house repair to tote up traction to clothes hangers and rugs . However , this equipment can be serious and messy if not deal decently due to its internal heating source . These simple tips for how to expend a glue accelerator pedal will help make your project a safe and unproblematic one .

Tools & Materials

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Before You Begin

Before starting yourglue gun labor , be certain to study the teaching manual of arms for your particular machine , as feature can vary among glue guns ( if you ’re in the market for a quality cock , see ourtested guide to the best glue gunman ) .

To determine up a work space , clear welter and protect your surface with a silicone matting , aluminum foil , or other disposable or cleanable drip covering .

How to Use a Hot Glue Gun

Step 1: Make sure the glue gun nozzle is free of old glue residue.

It ’s not rare for spare glue to remain on the nozzle from previous usage , so users will want to verify toremove glue residuebefore a new project . Aluminum foil is effectual as an abrasive cleaner and will work when your twist is hot or cool , but will be more in force when it ’s warm . To do this , wrap your gunman in the foil and then heat it up either by using a blow drier or by turn it on for a twain of hour . check that to disconnect it and put on protective gloves before rubbing the warm up glue off with the transparency .

pass over the nozzle with acetone should also do the trick . To do this , simply decant a piece of the liquidness onto a paper towel and rub off the make - up on your cooled - down machine . Use a phonograph needle or pin to cleanse out the hole .

Step 2: Load the glue gun with a hot glue stick.

Before punch in your mucilage gun , you ’ll want to tuck a glue joystick . verify you have purchased the right size stick for your equipment , as width and length will depart depending on your model . Your gun will have a bedroom where the pin can be loaded . Insert the glue and then press it towards the peak . Holding down the gun trigger will cause the joint to move further towards the heating plant root . Once your glue stick has worn down , inclose a fresh one behind it to continually force the older one forward .

Step 3: Plug in the glue gun and allow it to warm up.

After inserting theglue , it ’s clock time to plug in your accelerator pedal . You ’ll want to let your gimmick ’s internal heating element fully fond up before start out your project . This should take about 2 to 4 minutes for small glue guns , and 5 to 8 minutes for larger models . Take carefulness during enjoyment , as the peak can be extremely blistering , specially on high-pitched - temporary worker models . Refrain from putting your gun directly down on your surface and check that to use the twist ’s stand , which may come attach to the gas pedal ( like a bicycle kickstand ) or as a separate while .

Step 4: Begin working on your project.

To start your undertaking , simply hold the throttle close to the token and pull the induction . make it too far away will make surplus ropey pieces . To further avoid a mess , verify to use the least amount of mucilage you need for the job . Once your adhesive is dispensed , lay off the gun trigger and pull the tip sideways to cut off the flow . Make trusted to let it dry fully before moving on , which should take less than 30 seconds .

Step 5: Allow the hot glue gun to cool, and store it safely.

Once you have finished your undertaking , deform off and unplug your glue gun . check that it is left to cool off upright on its pedestal to avoid messes and prophylactic hazards . The prison term it strike to coolheaded will diverge depending on your twist . After it has cool off a fleck but is still warm , you’re able to use safety glove and aluminum foil to pass over off excess glue .

Never seek to bump off your part - melt down glue stick , as it will damage the gimmick . you could extrude melted gum out the nozzle , but will the remain intact mucilage joystick in place for its next usage . Make certain your glue gas is fully cooled before storing it away in a spot that is out of the reach of children .

Final Thoughts

The single-valued function of your glue hit man will vary slightly bet on your example . Low - temp option will work best with delicate materials such as lace and fabrics , and higher - temperature versions will suit work with wood , metal , and plastics . Cordless glue gunswill need to be charged before use . However , these tried - and - dead on target crown on how to use a glue gun will be effective for any model . Always remember to be cautious while handling your glue gun , habituate as little glue as needed , and disconnect your machine once your project is complete or before leave the way .

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A DIYer using a glue gun on a piece of plywood with a graphic overlay that says Tool Tutorial.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Setting up a hot glue gun for use, with glue gun on its stand on a work surface.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Woman uses acetone on a cotton square to clean the nozzle of a hot glue gun.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Woman loads a glue stick into a hot glue gun.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Woman plugging a hot glue gun into a black extension cord.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Woman applies hot glue via glue gun onto a wooden hanger.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Allowing a hot glue gun to cool by unpluging it and leaving it upright on its stand.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

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