Here at Glue Guns Direct, we are often asked a number of questions related to glue guns, glue sticks, glue dots and bulk adhesives and their uses, so we have decided to create a Frequently Asked Questions page (FAQ) . If there’s anything we have missed or something you’d like to see covered, feel free to contact us and we will update the post with an answer to your question.
Can you use a glue gun on fabric?
Yes! Just take a look at our previous post where we detailed all the arts and crafts projects you can do with a glue gun – many of the items we featured contain fabric. Glue sticks and Glue dots are a great way to secure fabrics, sequins, tassels and ribbons.
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Can you use a glue gun for electronics?
Yes. We have a wide range of specialist glues for bonding, potting and encapsulating electronics. View our Electronics Page
Can you use a glue gun on glass?
Yes – but there are a few things to consider before you do so. Firstly, you must ensure that the area of glass you are using the glue on is clean. Secondly, roughing the area of glass you are using with an abrasive material such as wet & dry paper will help the glue stick. Thirdly, the hot melt adhesive must be flexible and form a tough bond, we would suggest: Tecbond 232, Tecbond 261 and Tecbond 9010-CT for bonding glass.
Can you use a glue gun for wood projects?
Yes – in fact, we have a dedicated woodworking section on our site here. We constantly strive to meet the ever-changing demands of the modern woodworking industry and provide glue for professional woodworkers – meaning that our glue can be used for projects as large as granite worktop installation to something as small as a balsa-wood project for a child’s toy.
Can you use a glue gun for hair extensions?
Yes, but it’s best to leave this kind of thing to a trained hair professional. Suggested glue gun used for hair extensions: Tec 305-12
With any hot melt adheisve we strongly recommend you carry your own tests to determine to your own satisfaction the suitability of the adhesive for your purpose
Do you have a glue stick that will withstand freezer temperatures?
Yes, Tecbond 132-12-300 is often used where Low temperature flexibility (tg) is required, e.g carton closing of products for freezer storage. Tecbond 132 will withstand temperatures as low as -30c
What is the difference between short open time and long with glue sticks?
Open time of a glue sticks is measured in 4 categories: Short: 1-15 seconds, Medium: 15-30 seconds, Long: 30-60 seconds and semi-pressure sensitive giving an open time of up to 6 minutes. The shorter the open time the faster the adhesive sets.
Why use low melt?
Low melt glue guns and adhesives are safe and easy to use. They carry a reduced risk of burns due to a lower temperature (130c) and are commonly used for bonding heat sensitive materials, arts and crafts and schools. We’ve even seen a customer apply a low melt adhesive (Tecbond LM44/12) directly to an inflated balloon without the balloon popping!
I have found the same product cheaper elsewhere; will you match the price or beat it?
We believe you will not beat our price promise. However, should you be able to show us that you can purchase the same product – grade, quantity and model of glue or gun, and delivery – elsewhere on the internet or via local retailer at a lower price and it is in stock in the UK, we will match / beat that price.
Can you spray hot melt to cover a large surface?
Yes, Tecbond offer a range of semi-pressure sensitive polyolefin based adhesives for covering large surfaces or heat sensitive substrates such as polystyrene. These sprayable grades offer extended open times of up to 6 minutes. Tecbond 410, Tecbond 420, Tecbond 425 and Tecbond 430
I want to stick Polystyrene to itself, what do you suggest?
Polystyrene being a heat sensitive product requires a low melt adhesive if beading, Tecbond LM44-12 or Tecbond 420 or Tecbond 430 for spraying
What’s the difference between 12mm and 15mm adhesives?
The main difference between 12mm and 15mm glue guns and glue sticks is a 15mm glue gun can dispense 30% more molten glue from each trigger pull compared to similar sized 12mm glue guns. And it holds nearly 60% more glue so you need to reload less often. 15mm glue guns and adhesives are for applications whereby you need to get more glue down quickly
Further details click here
Why can’t I find the Tec 175 or Tec 250 glue gun on your website?
The Tec 175 and 250 glue guns are now obsolete and have been replaced by the Tec 305 which offers many advantages over its predecessors. Please visit our eBay shop for discontinued and obsolete lines: Click here
Can you tell me more about your glue gun exchange?
If you have a broken glue gun, even if it’s a competitors tool you can service exchange it on our new for old scheme, whereby you receive a new gun with a 12 month warranty at a discounted price. Call our sales office for full details – 0161 627 1001
See what we did with 100’s of broken competitor glue guns – click here
What glue is best for sticking a varnished board?
In packaging and point of display difficult surface boards, waxed and coated boards or boards with a moisture barrier attachment often require a stronger adhesive than the standard plain board adhesive. We suggest for difficult boards that you look at Tecbond 261 or Tecbond 265
Are glue sticks waterproof?
No, glue sticks and water are a combination that should be avoided where possible. On saying this glue sticks are used in the construction of green roofs bonding the micro retention fabrics which are soaked in water prior to bonding! Please consult our glue experts for further advice on any application – 0161 627 1001
Can you make custom glue dots in difference sizes and shapes?
Yes, we can custom manufacture glue dots, glue squares and glue lines in any shape, thickness, spacing, temperature resistance, colour, diameter, scent, direct or indirect food contact. Call our sales team for more details – 0161 627 1001
Can I collect as I live locally?
Yes, we have a trade counter based at the OL1 3NU address for collections. We also have the full range of Tec glue guns and Tecbond adhesives that can be tried and tested before purchase.
Do you have a technical representative that can visit our production site?
Yes, our technical team will be pleased to visit your factory to recommend or advice to which adhesive or glue gun is best suited for your application.
How many boxes of glue sticks are there on a pallet?
Tecbond 12mm and 15mm adhesive are packed in 5 kilos cartons with 100 cartons per pallet (500 kilos), Tecbond 43mm adhesives are available in 10 kilo cartons, 50 cartons per pallet (500 kilos)
Do you sell bulk adhesives?
Yes, we offer a full range of bulk hot melt adhesives from Tecbond covering off woodworking, packaging and product assembly. Please call for advice 0161 627 1001
Click here to view Bulk Adhesives
How many lines of glue can I get from a glue stick?
If you applied a 6mm wide bead of adhesive you can expect to achieve approx. 67 Linear metres per kilo of adhesive. For our full guide please click here
I have pulled the glue stick out of the back of my glue gun and now it does work!
Never withdraw a part melted glue stick from a glue gun as molten glue will solidify in the chamber and feed-mech causing the tool to fail.
I’m not sure which glue I need, can you help?
Yes, please feel free to call our sales team for advice on any aspect covering off hot melt adhesives, applications equipment or glue dots. We are here to help – 0161 627 1001
Have a look at our Glue Selector
Are your glue sticks FDA approved?
Yes, all Tecbond glue sticks are F.D.A. approved. All the constituent parts of Tecbond adhesives have been approved by the American F.D.A. under C.F.R. 21.175.105 (adhesives) (subject to limitations)
Are Hot Melt Fumes Toxic or Hazardous?
Generally no, Exposure to high levels of fumes at application temperature may cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. Further details click here
What is a Hot Melt Adhesive?
Tecbond hot melt adhesives are 100% thermoplastic adhesives containing no solvents or VOC’s. Tecbond hot melt adhesives primarily consist of a base polymer, being, EVA, Polyamide, Polyolefin, Polyurethane (PU) or Acrylic with a mixture of waxes, anti-oxidants & resins. Hot melt adhesives cure by the loss of heat.
Can you tell me what Glue Backup is?
Glue Backup – Occurs when an operator attempts to extrude adhesive from a glue gun before it has reached the correct molten temperature. The adhesive which has cooled in the nozzle has not reached molten temperature. Consequently adhesive is forced back along the barrel through the gap between the adhesive and the barrel wall by trigger pressure. Can cause serious burns!
What do you suggest to stick polypropylene to itself?
Polypropylene (PP) to itself has always been a tough substrate for a hot melt adhesive to bond. However we have two proven grades that give exceptional bonds to PP. Tecbond 263 -12mm sticks and Tecbond 267 – 43mm glue slug
Click here for further details
Do glue sticks have a shelf life or use by date?
No, storage of a glue stick can be almost indefinite but they must be stored in a clean dry place at temperatures between 5ºC and 30ºC with boxes closed. Do not expose to direct sunlight or localised heat sources such as radiators or hot pipes. Always use oldest stock first.
I need an all-round glue stick for Arts & Crafts?
Tecbond 132-12-300 clear glue stick for bonding fabrics, paper, card, cork, buttons, string, foil, tin cans, bottle tops, plastics, cork, ribbons, board, novelty and gift items, the list just goes on. Art and crafts markets encompasses a vast range of creative ideas!
See creative works with Tecbond 132:
Be Creative With Tecbond 132 Glue Sticks
Do you have a glue stick with an open time of 3 minutes +?
Yes, we have a range of Polyolefin grades that are primarily designed for spraying but can also be applied by bead. Tecbond 420 (up to 3 minutes), Tecbond 425 (up to 3 minutes) and Tecbond 430 (up to 6 minutes).
Is there a glue stick that is microwave resistant?
Yes, we offer two grades for bonding the laminate to the board. If the laminate is PE we suggest Tecbond 261 and if PP we suggest Tecbond 263
Why is there talc in the box containing 43mm slugs?
We apply talc to the 43mm glue slugs to prevent the slugs sticking together after being cut at manufacture. The talc does not affect the sticking ability, yet if can help the slug pass through the glue chamber smoothly.
Can you suggest a glue sticks for bonding ABS?
ABS popular material use in manufacturing due to its ease of fabrication. Bonding ABS to itself or other materials, we would suggest Tecbond 240, Tecbond 248, Tecbond 242, Tecbond 1942 – call 0161 627 1001 for a sample pack
Is there a warranty with Tec glue guns?
Yes, all Tec glue guns have a 12 month warranty form the date of sale. The only exception to this is when non Tecbond glue sticks/slugs are use within the applicator that are not compatible. Click here for further details:
Do we do coloured glue sticks?
Yes, we offer a range of coloured glue sticks for arts & crafts including glitter to high performance grades for dent removal (PDR), call for further details 0161 627 1001
What’s the best glue for sticking tiles to display boards?
Instant bonding of Brick, Stone, Slate and Ceramic tiles to display boards is easy, clean and very cost effective, using Tecbond 135 or Tecbond 261 hot melt adhesives. Tecbond 135 is the low cost industry standard grade and Tecbond 261 is the high performance grade offering more flexibility.
Click here for further information
Does a glue stick contain VOC’S?
NO, Tecbond hot melt adhesives are 100% thermoplastic containing no solvents VOC’s or water.
Is there a hands-free glue gun?
Yes, we offer the Tec 6100 bench mount kit + timer control unit which leaves the operator with both hands for assembling components. Air assisted effortless glue gun with the timer control unit which controls the volume of adhesive being applied.
How do I clean my glue gun?
We recommend Melt-O-Clean as an all-round cleaner, see Glue Gun Maintenance:
Is there a wall mounted stand for my Tec 810 glue gun?
Yes we offer the MDC009 stand for the Tec 805 / 810 and 820 models that can be used on the work bench or wall mounted, click here
What’s the most powerful glue gun available?
Tec 7100 1000 watt pneumatic hot melt 43mm glue gun. Probably one of the world’s highest-output hand-held hot melt applicators, the TEC 7100 is a serious alternative to bulk tank hot melt systems at a fraction of the cost
How do I clean hot melt glue of components?
Removal of glue Assembled components can be separated by heating assembly to a temperature slightly above the heat resistance figure.
EVA & Polypropylene: Residues of EVA and polypropylene based hot melts can be removed from components with white spirit.
Polyamide: Residues of polyamide based hot melt can be removed from components with acetone.
PUR: Prior to cross linking adhesive can be removed with white spirit or ketone. Once fully cross linked the adhesive cannot be easily removed.
When you say Hot Tack, what do you mean?
Hot Tack – Also known as Molten Tack is a characteristic of hot melt adhesives in that they have holding power even while in the molten state. Especially important when heavy springy substrates are involved. A product with excellent hot tack can greatly reduce compression time. E.g Tecbond 342
What was the FIRST glue gun Kenyon’s sold?
The first glue gun sold by the Kenyon Group (Gluegunsdirect.com) was in 1979. The Plastitherm PG751 which accepted a glue slug which had a sleeve around the adhesive which acted as a seal within the tool, please click for the History and Development of the glue gun
Gas or Mains powered glue guns, which is the best?
Tough one but we would always favour mains over gas powered glue guns. With mains powered tools you get higher performance and a better melt rate, but on saying this gas powered tools do have their advantages, site use where there is no mains power!
What’s the best glue stick for sticking gripper rods
Carpet fitters use Tecbond 135 for various tasks from fixing and repairing carpets, attaching tack strips (gripper rods) to concrete, wood and tiled floors as well as attaching door bars, stair nosing, laminate floor trim and even under floor heating wiring patterns. Tecbond 135 is available in 12mm / 15mm and 43mm glue sticks.
Click here for further details
Can you use hot melt glue sticks in low melt glue guns?
You should never use Low Melt glue sticks in a 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. You should choose your glue gun according to the kind of glue being used and the dispensing rate you need.
If you want to know more about Hot Melt and Low Melt adhesives, please call a member of our expert sales team for assistance on 0161 627 1001 or email sales@gluegunsdirect.com
