3M Glue Gun

[Legion]

I'm looking for a glue gun and I came across this one by 3M: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Weld-Applicator-Quadrack-Converter/dp/B001AO27V0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400460482&sr=8-2&keywords=3m+glue+gun

Typically I see glue guns for $15 - $20, but this one is ~$150. I don't mind spending the money if it's significantly better. Is there an appreciable difference?

[Monkeh]

Only if you use it all day every day.

[Psi]

I imagine it eliminates the 2 annoying things with cheap glue guns
- Glue leaking out the end when not in use
- The plastic glue feeder assembly wearing out and slipping on the glue stick.

[oPossum]

I have that same glue gun without the quadrack thing. Purchased in the mid 80s. Think for about $60 or so.
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Weld-Hot-Melt-Applicator/dp/B0002YKC6G

It still works like new almost 30 years later. It isn't designed for continuous production use - they have pnematic guns for that. The trigger gets fatiguing after long use.

Getting glue used to be a hassle - had to buy at a 3M distributer. The Intenet has of course changed that. Glue comes in rather large 'lifetime' quantities. Expect to pay as much for the glue as for the gun.

It's a great glue gun - not sure it's quite worth that price however.

Some of the differences between the 3M and a $20 unit may be:
Higher thermal mass of the heater.
Better temperature control.
Body stays cool.
Better ergonomics.
Spare parts and accessories available.
Quality of construction and expected lifetime.

[Legion]

Thanks. Probably not worth it for the amount of use.

[SeanB]

I was looking at prices for cheap glue guns, and they start at 99c including shipping Buy it Now. Wonder if they work at all, and for how long.

[ciccio]

In my old workplace we used the same 3M glue gun, using dedicated "ribbed" glue sticks.
They were available in many types, for different applications.
In 10 years it never failed, in contrast with other units, even of "blasoned" origin. Temperature was adjustable with a dip-switch, and you always had the correct temperature for the glue type.
It was a pleasure to use.
But, for a limited use in a home lab, I think it is too expensive, and "ribbed" glue is difficult to find (you have to order it, cannot find at a local dealer).

Don't know, it's up to the OP.

[ajb]

We have a couple of these around:
http://www.amazon.com/Surebonder-PRO2-100-100-Watt-Temperature-Industrial/dp/B006IY359K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400529254&sr=8-2&keywords=surebonder+glue+gun

They work quite well, and among the interchangeable tips available are some fairly long tubes that are useful for getting into tight spaces.  They dribble a little bit if left on for a while, but not nearly as much as the super cheap guns.

Do NOT get one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Surebonder-HE-750-Professional-High-Heater/dp/B0009XTPAO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1400529254&sr=8-3&keywords=surebonder+glue+gun

We tried them before going to the PRO2 model, and they pretty quickly started leaking out the rear end where the glue enters the heater.  That may be because we tend to have them on for most of the day so maybe not an issue for more occasional use.

We also have an older Surebonder model that I believe was in the $120 range, but I don't think it's sold anymore.  That one works quite well and has a nifty magnet base that keeps it stable on the bench without needing a wide kickstand that gets in the way when you try to use it in a tight space.