How to Use a Hot Glue Gun

A hot glue gun is a handy tool when making crafts. Hot glue bonds objects together almost immediately; it cools quickly and dries in seconds. Unlike other glues there is no need to press the item together until it dries.
If you have never used a hot glue gun, it is important not to touch the liquid glue that comes out of the nozzle. It is very hot and will burn the skin and, of course, never touch the heating element or tip of the glue gun as well. It, too, will cause severe burns. Always keep a small bowl or cup of water nearby in case you get hot glue on your fingertips. This will cool the glue quickly and cause less of a burn.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hot glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Ice cold water

1. Plug in the glue gun and insert a glue stick into the back, and let it heat up for 3 minutes.

2. The glue stick slides through the barrel of the glue gun causing it to heat up nearer to the tip where the heating element is located. The heat melts the adhesive. When you click the glue gun trigger a stream of melted glue releases from the nozzle.

3. Hold the nozzle over the area you want the stream of glue to adhere too. Apply the amount of glue you want to use then let go of the trigger. Do not touch the glue if it isn’t where you want it to be. Touching hot glue will cause a serious burn.

4. You can apply a drop of glue, or hold back the trigger with your finger and draw a line of glue. Keep the area that isn’t going to be glue protected from stray drips that might occur. After the glue is completely cool, remove glue strings from you project. These strings occur from pulling the glue gun away from the object. It resembles a fine string like a cobweb, just pull on it and discard.

Tips & Warnings

• A glue gun is safe for adults as long as you follow manufacture directions.
• Remember: Do not touch the hot glue or you will get burned.
• Use a craft stick or toothpick to push items into the glue or move them around quickly before drying.
• If your glue gun does not have a stand and most do, place it down on a sheet of aluminum foil temporarily while it is heating. Turn off when not using it to prevent catching fire.

Resources

• http://www.rd.com/

[cclofmead]

on 6/21/2009 Great tips for using a glue gun!! 5*