Re: Hand tools .... A to Z..........
GLUE-GUN... Typically classified as low-temperature or high-temperature. Low-temperature glue guns usually heat up to about 250º [DLMURL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fahrenheit"]
F[/DLMURL] (120º
C), and are well suited for delicate work such as
lace, cloth, or children's crafts. High-temperature guns generally heat up to around 380º f (195º c) and are used for heavy duty projects.
Dual guns have a switch and are capable of operating in either temperature range.
Sticks come in several diameters, and usually a single gun can handle two (similar) sizes. The most popular stick sizes are 10 centimeters in length with a diameter of 11 millimeter, or roughly 0.45 inches. This is the only size commonly sold in British
do it yourself stores, while on the continent a 7 millimeter caliber is on sale.
Due to the heating differences, high-temperature and low-temperature guns may use different glue sticks, but many sticks specify dual usage.
There are many advantages to using hot glue, such as the its ability to fill gaps. However, hot glue also has its disadvantages. As the glue cools, it becomes harder to manipulate, so one has to work in short margins of time. It is difficult to spread without tools, as it cannot be touched with hands when hot, and when it is cold it is impossible to spread. For larger areas, spreading the glue using a glue gun and then melting it all at once with a
heat gun, for example, may be an option.
Another common use of hot glue is on disposable diaper construction where it is used to bond together the nonwoven material with the backsheet and the elastics.
