How to Troubleshoot a Glue Gun

A glue gun provides a quick and convenient way to hold a wide range of materials together around the home. Using a glue gun requires no special training, but the adhesive used in the glue stick can degrade the glue gun's performance over time. Making sure the glue gun is operating properly requires a little maintenance and will result in a better performance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean cloth
• Cardboard
• Newspaper

1. Put a piece of newspaper down onto a work surface. Unplug the glue gun. Remove the glue stick from the glue gun. Let the glue gun cool down in an upright position.

2. Wipe the channel where the glue stick is held with the clean cloth. Plug the glue gun back in for power. Wait for the glue gun to heat up.

3. Put a piece of cardboard down on top of the newspaper. Take the glue gun and aim the tip at the newspaper. Press the trigger to release glue residue. Put the glue gun back down on the newspaper in an upright position. Unplug the glue gun and let it cool down.

4. Put a glue stick into the glue gun. Plug in the glue gun and turn it on. Wait for the glue gun to heat up.

5. Pick up the glue gun and apply glue holding the glue gun in a downward-facing direction so the flow of glue is unimpeded.

Tips & Warnings

• Let the glue gun heat up properly before starting to use it.
• Hot glue can burn the hand. Wearing gloves while using a glue gun can prevent accidental burns.

References

• Hot Glue
• Hot Glue Gun Safety Tips

Resources

• Facts about Glue Guns