Tools for makers · Workshop tools
Hot glue gun
Fixes sensors in printed parts and holds cardboard builds together in seconds. Easy to remove again if you change your mind.
- 35 lessons
What it is for
Hot glue is the maker's quick fix. A dab holds a sensor module in a printed case, fixes a photo-interrupter in exactly the right place, or turns a cardboard box into a finished project.
It sets in under a minute and peels off most electronics again, so it is perfect for prototypes. It also insulates, so a blob over a solder joint stops wires from touching.
A low-temperature glue gun is the safer choice for younger makers.
Tips
- Use only a small dab: too much glue is heavy and messy.
- Let the glue cool completely before you power the circuit.
- Keep the gun in its stand, and be careful: the nozzle and fresh glue are hot.