Heat guns and glue guns for DIY, workshop and trade use: hot air tools for stripping paint, bending plastic and shrinking tubing, plus hot melt guns for bonding and repairs. Our range has over 30 models, with Bosch, Metabo, Dedra, Makita and Black+Decker among the leading names.
How to choose a heat gun or glue gun
Heat gun or glue gun. A heat gun blows hot air to strip paint, soften old adhesive, shrink heat-shrink tubing or bend plastic. A glue gun melts glue sticks for bonding wood, card, fabric and many plastics. They do different jobs, so decide which task comes up most often.
Temperature control. A fixed setting is enough for stripping paint, but adjustable temperature and several airflow stages give you more control on delicate materials such as plastic or electronics. If you plan to shrink tubing or work near wiring, choose a model with at least two heat settings.
Power and cord. Higher wattage heats up faster and holds its temperature better on larger surfaces. Most heat guns are corded because heating uses a lot of energy. Cordless versions exist and suit work where there is no socket, as long as you already own a compatible battery.
Nozzles and glue sticks. Reducer, flat and reflector nozzles focus or spread the hot air for different tasks. For glue guns, check the stick diameter before buying, because most guns take either thin 7 mm sticks for craft work or thicker 11 mm sticks for general repairs.
Safety features. A built-in stand lets you rest a hot heat gun on its end, and overheat protection switches the element off if airflow is blocked. On a glue gun, look for a stable stand and a nozzle that does not drip.
Heat and glue gun brands we carry
- Bosch: sells heat guns in both its green DIY range and its blue Professional range, which is built for heavier daily use.
- Metabo: a trade-focused power tool maker whose heat guns are aimed at workshop and site work.
- Makita: known for its cordless tool platform, so its battery models suit owners who already have Makita batteries.
- Black+Decker and Stanley: both are familiar household tool names, with simple, easy-to-use models for home repairs.
- Dremel: best known for rotary tools, and also makes hobby-oriented glue guns and heat tools for crafts and small projects.
- FNIRSI: a maker of electronics tools such as soldering equipment, relevant if your work involves circuit boards and small components.
Also in our range: Dedra, Batavia, Blow and Alphacool.
Frequently asked questions about heat and glue guns
What is the difference between a heat gun and a glue gun?
A heat gun produces a stream of hot air and does not use adhesive. A glue gun melts a solid glue stick and applies it through a nozzle. Heat guns are used for paint stripping, shrinking tubing and softening materials, while glue guns are used for bonding.
Can I strip paint with a heat gun?
Yes, a heat gun softens paint so you can scrape it off, which works well on wood and metal. Work in a ventilated space and keep the nozzle moving to avoid scorching the surface. Paint on older buildings may contain lead, so check this first and wear a suitable respirator.
Which glue sticks fit my glue gun?
It depends on the gun, because each model is built for a specific stick diameter. The two common sizes are 7 mm and 11 mm. The diameter is normally printed on the gun or in the manual, so check it before you buy refills.
Do I need a cordless heat gun?
Not usually, because a corded heat gun gives steady heat for as long as you need it. A cordless model makes sense if you often work away from a power socket and already own batteries for that tool brand. Expect shorter run times than with a corded gun.
