Max. power consumption
The highest power consumed by the glue gun during operation. Usually, such power is required by the device for a short time, to warm up to operating temperatures; while maintaining the temperature, the energy consumption is much lower.
The higher the power consumption, the less, usually, the heating time (ceteris paribus); on the other hand, the consumption of electricity and the load on the power grid depend on this characteristic. However, even in the most high consumption models, the maximum power usually does not exceed 1 kW, which allows you to connect to a regular household outlet without any problems; and to estimate the heating time, it is better to look at the characteristics directly claimed by the manufacturer. As a matter of fact, data on maximum power consumption is rarely required in fact, usually when connected to a generator, stabilizer or other equipment where it is necessary to accurately estimate the load.
Operating power
The power consumed by the glue gun in the process of maintaining the operating temperature (in the presence of several temperature modes, it is indicated, usually, for the “hottest”). This indicator, usually, is several times less than the maximum power consumption (see above), so it is more of a reference than a practical value. High power allows you to achieve a good glue supply speed; however, models with the same power can vary markedly in performance.
Feed rate
The maximum glue flow rate that the gun can provide is, in fact, the peak performance of the tool.
In general, indicators up to 10 g / min can be attributed to low, up to 20 g / min — to medium, more than 20 g / min — to high. The larger the scale of the planned work, the higher the glue supply rate is desirable for them; on the other hand,
high performance may be overkill in cases where little adhesive is required. However, if the tool is bought for simple household tasks, this indicator can be ignored.
Heating time
The average time it takes the glue gun to reach operating temperature (in models with multiple modes, it is usually indicated for the maximum temperature). A more “fast” tool allows you to significantly save time; on the other hand,
rapid heating significantly affects the price and power consumption.
Max operating temperature
Most modern glue sticks melt at a temperature slightly above 100 °C, and a further increase in temperature only makes sense to increase the productivity of the gun: the higher it is, the faster the melting proceeds and the more liquid the glue turns out. There are also high-temperature grades of glue, but most modern pistols are quite capable of coping with them. Therefore, when choosing according to the operating temperature, it is worth considering first of all what materials are planned to be joined. So, for paper and some fabrics, a maximum of 105 – 110 °C is allowed, and with wood,
glue guns with a high melting point(200 °C and above) can be used without problems. More detailed recommendations can be found in special sources. At the same time, do not forget that advanced tools can have several temperature modes (see below).
Functions
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Anti-drip system. This feature prevents the adhesive from dripping when the spray gun stops working. This is implemented by moving the rod deep into the case, as a result of which it does not continue to melt further in the heated heater and does not drip onto the table, floor, etc.
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Heating indicator. A pointer that notifies the user of the heating process. Usually, it looks like a light bulb that is on while the tool is heating up, and when the operating temperature is reached, it goes out or changes colour. This allows you to easily determine the moment when you can start work, without fear that the rod has not melted enough. The same pointer can play the role of an indicator of network connection.
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Network connection indicator. A pointer indicating that the instrument is connected to the network. Usually performed in the form of a light bulb, which in some models also works as a heating indicator. The mains connection indication, among other things, makes it easier to identify certain problems (for example, breaks in the power cord or non-working sockets).
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Backlight. Own lighting system — usually in the form of a small light bulb under the nozzle. This feature greatly simplifies work in low light conditions: the gun itself illuminates the gluing site, eliminating the need for the user to use
...external light sources.
— Detachable power cord. A mains lead that is connected to the gun using a quick-release fastener, usually in the form of a socket with a pair of pins and an appropriate plug. This feature not only makes it easier to store and transport the tool, but can also come in handy during work: if the length of the wire is not enough, and little glue is needed, the gun can be detached and quickly brought to the right place. Of course, there is no question of long-term work without a wire, but removing the tool from the cord can be more convenient than looking for another outlet, and the battery life of some models is enough for 5 to 10 minutes of work.Sticks included
The number of glue sticks supplied with the gun.
The presence of
rods allows you to use the tool "out of the box" without buying additional materials. At the same time, complete consumables, by definition, have the optimal length and diameter.
Replaceable nozzles
The presence
of replaceable nozzles in the delivery set of the glue gun.
Replaceable nozzles provide various additional features: they can change the width and shape of the applied adhesive strip, increase or decrease the speed of its supply, there are elongated nozzles for working in hard-to-reach places, etc. Note that for models that are not equipped with interchangeable nozzles, this feature is not indicated, even if the ability to rearrange the nozzles is provided for in them.
Case
The presence of a
case in the delivery set of the glue gun.
The word "case" can mean different types of cases, but most often we are talking about a characteristic suitcase, with cells for individual items. Inside, usually, you can keep not only the tool, but also accessories for it. For ease of carrying, the case is often equipped with a handle, in addition, it can be made of heat-resistant materials, which allows you to put even a hot gun inside. All this greatly facilitates storage and transportation (including in comparison with impromptu packaging).
