By Carol Benton | Updated Jul 24, 2023 7:01 PM
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more. Practical Glue Gun
Cordless hot glue guns provide a quick and convenient way to create adhesive bonds between surfaces such as paper, wood, plastic, metal, fabric, and more. DIY aficionados and crafters rely on these handy devices for a variety of creative projects and repairs around the home.
When using a corded electric hot glue gun, DIYers must work near electrical outlets, which can hamper the ability to complete certain tasks, especially home repairs or large DIY projects. Liberating users from the need to plug in at all times, a battery-operated glue gun facilitates the freedom to move around the work space. After batteries are charged and glue is preheated, these handy tools function cordlessly for varying lengths of time. Ahead, find considerations and recommendations to help find the best cordless glue gun for projects.
When gathering our top picks for the best cordless glue guns, we looked at battery life and power rating as the two biggest factors. Our recommendations include a variety of options, from budget-friendly models with lower battery life that are suitable for small DIY projects and hobbyists to more powerful units capable of lasting up to 2 hours on a single charge. We also made sure to include glue guns that operate as both corded and cordless options to provide maximum flexibility to users.
Many of our top picks come with an array of accessories, including a pack of up to 30 glue sticks, charging bases for upright glue guns, and glue pads to avoid messes while charging. Some even include protective silicone fingertips to allow users to handle their glue projects without burns.
Read reviews of the following tested products in our best glue guns guide:
The high-quality glue guns listed here can be used for a variety of purposes, and they offer reliable power and safety features as well as optimal charging times and runtimes. Keep reading to learn about some of the best cordless hot glue guns on the market.
This hot glue gun from Workpro contains a lithium-ion battery that discharges 2,600 milliampere per hour (mAh) to melt one of the 20 included glue sticks. The metal-ceramic heater system is highly efficient and saves energy.
The battery charges fully in 3 hours, and the unit can run for up to 30 continuous minutes per charge, or intermittently for 100 minutes. Once charged, the glue gun is ready to use in 2 minutes. For safety, it turns off automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity.
A built-in battery and heating indicators inform users of the available energy and heating status. Both a drip-free nozzle at the front of the gun and a silicone ring at the back help eliminate leakage. The included charging cord measures 4.75 feet, so even when plugged in, users have some mobility.
What Our Tester Says: Bob Vila writer and product tester Debbie Wolfe says about this glue gun: “This high-temp mini glue gun [is] comfortable to use thanks to a trigger that has room for both the index and middle finger (most mini models only have space for your index finger).”
Get the Workpro cordless glue gun at Amazon or Walmart.
The Surebonder cordless hot glue gun comes with a corded heating docking station that allows the glue gun to heat up quickly and then dispense a steady stream of hot glue for up to 3 minutes. Designed to provide a powerful hold on materials such as wood, plastic, and metal, this cordless glue gun also has a red indicator light to let the DIYer know whether the glue gun is on or off.
This pick has a simple on/off switch, side fins to prevent the glue from overflowing and making a mess, an insulated nozzle to avoid burned fingers, and an ergonomic grip and trigger for easy operation. The included silicon glue pad keeps glue drips confined to prevent the work space from getting messy. As an added bonus, this tool can be used with the power cord plugged directly into the glue gun. However, you won’t be able to use the stand with its drip pad when the cord is plugged in.
What Our Tester Says: Bob Vila writer and product tester Debbie Wolfe says about this glue gun: “The gun maintained consistent heat, allowing a nice flow of glue; was comfortable to hold; and the LED light indicator at the top of the tool let us know when the gun was on.”
Get the Surebonder cordless glue gun at Amazon, Walmart, or Joann.
This budget-friendly cordless mini gun from Aozoy features a drip-free nozzle and includes silicone finger protectors to help keep fingertips burn-free. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery included in this glue gun discharges 2,600 mAh. After a preheating period of 3 to 5 minutes, this cordless glue gun can run for up to 90 minutes.
For safety, the built-in balance stand keeps this glue gun upright when placed on a work surface. Additionally, 30 included hot glue sticks help users start on small home repairs or DIY projects involving paper, cardboard, fabric, and plastic materials.
Get the Aozoy cordless glue gun at Amazon.
This full-size glue gun from Monvict delivers ample power for heavy-duty jobs. Plug it in to fully preheat the glue gun and melt the glue, and then disconnect the power cord to move freely. The glue gun can continue to deliver melted glue from one of the 12 included glue gun sticks to surfaces for up to 5 minutes, depending on how long it was charged. This model can also be plugged in to operate indefinitely as a corded option.
With a simple switch, choose either 80- or 120-watt power, which means the glue gun can work with low and high temperature glue sticks. The ceramic Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heating system is certified for safety by Underwriters Laboratories.
Its built-in stand-up base should keep the glue gun from toppling. The plastic body is engineered to withstand high temperature and pressure safely, and the trigger is ergonomically designed.
Get the Monvict cordless glue gun at Amazon.
This mini cordless glue gun from Neu Master can deliver hot glue to the tight spaces inside electronic devices. For clean application, the silicone-coated nozzle helps eliminate glue drips, and the gun delivers a smooth flow of melted glue at a rate of 0.22 ounces per minute for up to 45 minutes.
Using an electronic PTC heating system, this glue gun preheats in 3 minutes and maintains a melted glue temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A secure on/off switch works with the LED indicator light to alert users when the unit is active and hot.
The handle features an ergonomic design for comfort. It comes with a 5-foot USB cable for charging its lithium-ion battery, as well as 10 glue sticks.
Get the Neu Master cordless glue gun at Amazon.
This Ryobi One+ cordless hot glue gun package includes an 18-volt P128 lithium-ion battery along with Ryobi’s 2 amp hour (Ah) Dual Chemistry IntelliPort charger upgrade kit. This cordless hot glue gun can run on any Ryobi 18-volt lithium-ion battery.
The power capacity and 3.5-hour runtime make this glue gun handy for woodworking projects and other applications. Use it for both heavy-duty jobs and light crafting projects; the unit can work with all-purpose and high-strength adhesives. An LED on/off indicator light warns users when the glue gun is active. Its flat, balanced base keeps the glue gun upright.
What Our Tester Says: Bob Vila writer and product tester Debbie Wolfe says about this glue gun: “In testing, [I] found the Ryobi to be a powerful tool that heats up in seconds, but the battery makes use rather bulky and heavy. While this model is expensive, those who already own any Ryobi One+ cordless tool could purchase the Ryobi One+ glue gun separately at a lower price and simply use the interchangeable 18-volt batteries they already have.”
Get the Ryobi cordless glue gun at Amazon (battery and charger included) or The Home Depot (tool only).
Move freely around the work space with this diminutive cordless glue gun. Lightweight at just over 1 pound, this model is ideal for delicate crafting projects. The battery in this cordless mini hot glue gun from Belita Amy discharges 2,200mAh after charging with the included USB cord, and it runs for up to 100 minutes when used intermittently, or about 40 minutes of continuous work holding the trigger.
Safety features such as a stable charging dock and automatic shutoff add convenience. To avoid accidents, the LED light indicates when the glue gun is active and hot, and the secure on/off power switch also enhances safety. In terms of comfort, the ergonomically designed handle and trigger prevent hand fatigue during crafting sessions. The package includes 10 transparent glue sticks plus 20 colored glue sticks to add a pop of style to art projects.
Get the Belita Amy cordless glue gun at Amazon or Walmart.
When shopping for a cordless hot glue gun, consumers will want to look for a combination of sufficient battery power along with smooth and neat delivery of the melted glue, minimal charging time, and optimal runtime. Size is also important, with mini and full-size units available for various types of projects. An ergonomic design and balanced, built-in bases add value. The following information breaks down some of the essential considerations for selecting a battery-powered hot glue gun.
Hot glue from a cordless glue gun bonds with numerous surfaces, including paper, wood, cardboard, plastics, ceramics, canvas, and metal. It’s versatile and dries quickly, making it convenient and easy to use for crafts, home repairs, and DIY projects. To remove bonded hot glue later, a quick blast with a heat gun usually works.
Before selecting a cordless glue gun, consider which applications it’s intended for. Full-size high-temperature cordless glue guns work well for heavy-duty repairs and large creative projects. For DIY projects involving lightweight materials, such as gluing fabric to make throw pillows, a smaller light-duty glue gun should suffice.
Hot glue guns with different glue-melting temperatures meet the varying needs of DIY enthusiasts and crafters. Some glue guns have dual-temperature settings to regulate high and low melting temperatures.
High-temperature glue guns function well when the job calls for glue that adheres quickly to surfaces and forms a strong bond on paper, wood, thick fabric, metal, glass, ceramic, and plastic surfaces. Additionally, high-temperature glue remains in liquid form longer so you can reposition items, such as floral stems on a wreath. However, working with high-temperature glue guns can lead to burned fingers if you aren’t careful.
Low-temperature glue guns aren’t as hazardous, making them safe even for children’s craft projects. When working with tiny objects, paper, thin fabric, or porous materials, crafters often prefer low-temperature glue guns, which are ideal for scrapbooking, photograph albums, and home decor projects.
Cordless glue guns are available in full-size and mini varieties. Mini versions, which measure approximately 5 to 6 inches long, are useful for repairing electronic devices and crafting with small objects and lightweight materials. Full-size hot glue guns measure about 8 to 10 inches in length and height, and they work well for heavy-duty repairs or large projects. They can be used on lightweight projects, but their size may make them too cumbersome for detail work.
Cordless glue guns rely on power from rechargeable batteries, which are often lithium-ion batteries. However, some cordless glue guns use nickel-cadmium batteries.
The power from lithium-ion batteries is measured in mAh. A battery rated 2,000mAh to 2,600mAh provides ample power for operating a cordless glue gun.
Some glue guns can be used cordlessly for a limited time after they’re preheated. In these devices, the glue is melted via corded electrical power. Residual heat and pressure maintain the flow of hot glue for 5 to 25 minutes after the unit is disconnected from an outlet.
Cordless hot glue guns must be connected to electrical power to charge their batteries. Some units charge via USB cords, and others use charging cords that connect to standard power outlets.
Charging times can vary from 1 to 3 hours, and battery runtimes range from 50 minutes to 3.5 hours. Shoppers will want to look for glue guns containing batteries that charge quickly and run for a long time.
Some cordless hot glue guns can maintain the heat and pressure to apply the glue after they’re preheated. The cordless runtime for these glue guns is a bit shorter, typically ranging from 5 to 25 minutes.
Keep the following tips in mind to ensure safety and convenience when using a cordless glue gun:
Accidental burns from touching hot melted glue and hot nozzles are common hazards of working with hot glue guns. To avoid burns, many units include safety features. Some cordless glue guns have an automatic shutoff feature that turns the unit off after 15 minutes of inactivity. A visible on/off switch also helps avoid accidents. Additionally, some units have LED indicator lights to warn users when the cordless glue guns are active and hot. Some glue guns come with silicone finger protectors.
Built-in balanced resting stands help prevent glue guns from toppling over. Secure positioning also helps maintain a smooth flow of melted glue during use.
Some manufacturers include a supply of glue sticks with their cordless glue guns.
Cordless glue guns allow DIYers and crafters to experience the freedom of movement while working on projects. After selecting the best cordless hot glue gun based on size, power, charging time, runtime, and safety features, questions may linger about how to use it. Keep reading for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about glue guns.
Yes, hot glue is permanent. The melted glue that squeezes from the glue gun cools and hardens to form a secure bond.
Hot glue does not stick well to smooth, nonporous surfaces like glass and some plastics, especially if the surface has an oily finish.
The answer depends on how often the glue gun is used. With average use and care, it should last from 5 to 10 years. The lithium-ion battery in a cordless glue gun should last 3 to 5 years, or 300 to 500 full charges.
Some of the most popular brands of cordless glue guns are Surebonder and Ryobi, which are highly reputable manufacturers that provide reliable options for most shoppers.
This depends on the specific glue gun. Most cordless models can last anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours before needing to be recharged.
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service.
Black Typical Hot Melt Glue Gun © 2023 Recurrent. All rights reserved.