Glue gun manual: everything for safe use
5min read
27/04/2020
If we can say anything about glue guns, it is that they are unseen versatility. Some of us use it for sealing cardboard boxes, others use it for renovation work or creative projects. In this simple guide, we go over all the steps needed to use it safely. After that, it’s up to you!
1. Glue guns and their applications
A glue gun works in conjunction with a stick of hot melt glue – the cartridge so to speak. It heats up that glue stick, making it liquid. You can then apply that liquid glue mass easily and in a controlled manner.
Although the glue is not exceptionally strong, it can be used to glue many more materials than any other gluing technique. An important condition is that the surface is dry, dust- and grease-free . That is why a glue gun is ideal for gluing stone, wood, cardboard, paper, cork, textiles and leather. Materials that get very hot are best not glued with this type of glue (e.g. a broken coffee mug). Above +75 °C, the glue may lose its strength.
Benefits of hot melt adhesive for the packaging industry
- Hot melt adhesive bonds deep into the carton, forming a robust bond that lasts a very long time.
-The surface of your box remains intact (unlike staples or tapes). Prints on your box remain perfectly legible.
- Hot melt glue provides extra security. Every attempt to open the box causes damage to the cardboard and is therefore immediately visible.
-The surface of your box remains intact (unlike staples or tapes). Prints on your box remain perfectly legible.
- Hot melt glue provides extra security. Every attempt to open the box causes damage to the cardboard and is therefore immediately visible.
2. Safety tips
Before we get to gluing, let’s go over some safety tips. If you follow these, you can use most glue guns without any obstacles.
User manual: if you buy a new machine, read the manual carefully first. Glue guns work on the basis of heat. So it’s good to know where the heating element is and how to switch your device on and off.
Old glue residue: the nozzle should always be free of old glue residue. You can reopen the hole with a toothpick, for example. If that doesn’t work, let the device heat up so the glue residue can drip off.
Heat: do not touch the nozzle after the heating element starts. Moreover, never leave your glue gun unattended once it is plugged in.
Stability: never lay the gun on its side. The glue may spill out or the nozzle (which is the hottest) may cause a burn on the surface.
Storage: finally, store your glue gun in a cool and dry place.
The most important safety instructions in a row
- Aim the gun downwards. Never use it to glue materials that are above your head.
- Always unplug it when cleaning and never use water.
- If hot glue gets on your skin, hold that area under cold running water. Wait for the glue to harden and peel it off your skin.
- Always unplug it when cleaning and never use water.
- If hot glue gets on your skin, hold that area under cold running water. Wait for the glue to harden and peel it off your skin.
3. How to use a glue gun.
► 1. Prepare: Check the device for possible cracks or damage. Also check that the power cord is intact.
► 2.Start the glue gun and test it out: it takes about 2 minutes for the heating element to reach full temperature. While heating up, a red flashing light will illuminate. Then gently push the squeeze of the device and keep the nozzle pointed downwards.
► 3. Cover the substrate: place a piece of old cardboard or foil under the material you want to glue. This way you can easily collect any spilled glue.
► 4. Start gluing: apply the glue to a dry and grease-free surface. Use only as much glue as you need. So start with a modest amount. Glass can be rubbed with alcohol or glass cleaner. Wood can be sanded a little where it should stick.
► 5. Allow the glue to harden: It takes about 24 hours for the glue to dry completely. Cardboard and paper are already naturally dry and grease-free materials, so the drying process will be much faster.
► 6. After gluing: Pull the plug out of the socket again. Then quickly wipe away any glue residue on the nozzle with a dry cloth. The nozzle will still be hot, so wear heat-resistant gloves.
Did you know that...
- Hot melt glue contains no solvent and can be recycled along with cardboard?
- Hot melt adhesive is often used in sealing export packaging?
- Hot melt adhesive is often used in sealing export packaging?
4. RAJA’s glue guns
| Glue gun Bühnen® HB196 For normal use  |
Glue gun Bühnen® HB240 For intensive use  |
| With removable mains plug for working (briefly) without mains power. | 30% less force required when squeezing, thus more user-friendly. |
| – With stable, removable stand. – Integrated on/off switch. – A real lightweight. –Interchangeable nozzles: adaptable to your needs. |
– With stable, removable stand. – Integrated on/off switch. –Precise electric temperature control. –Stroke limitation: for exactly repeatable glue application.* |
| Extrusion heat: +200 °C | Extrusion heat: +190 °C |
| Weight: 410 g | Weight: 605 g |
| Dimensions: 265 x 185 x 65 mm | Dimensions: 260 x 215 x 85 mm |
| Power consumption: 125 W | Power consumption: 300 W |
| Melting capacity: up to 0.8 kg/h | Melting capacity: 1 to 1.5 kg/h |
5. RAJA’s glue bars
A glue gun without glue, that’s no sight! There are different types of glue sticks, each for specific materials. All glue sticks available from RAJA are 12 mm in diameter and 300 mm long.
Packing glue |
Maintenance adhesive |
Glue for low temp. |
| Suitable for crafts and sealing packaging. | Suitable for glass, plastic, varnish, metal, rubber, wood and ceramics. | Suitable for materials less resistant to high temperatures such as foam. |
| Colour: transparent | Colour: dull yellow | Colour: transparent |
| Adherence time: 50 sec. | Bonding time: 40 sec. | Bonding time: 100 sec. |
Sources:
blog.consumercrafts.com/craft-basics-main/how-to-hot-glue-tips/
makelyhome.com/how-to-clean-a-glue-gun/
www.buehnen.de/nl/lijmapparatuur/mechanische-hotmeltlijmpistolen
