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Products and appliances

Glue guns

Glue guns usage and safety

Glue guns are suitable for securely bonding all sorts of material from wood to cloth. But it’s important to always take proper safety precautions.

Glue guns tend to be classified by temperature, size, and power source, ranging from low-temperature craft tools to high-output industrial models.

Higher temperature models offer strong bonds while low-temperature ones are great for delicate materials,

Dual-temperature models offer versatility with switchable settings, and you can also get mini glue guns designed for detailed crafting.

Cordless models are popular for working in tight spaces and use either detachable lithium-ion batteries or have an internal rechargeable battery.

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Key points

  • All glue guns (or their chargers) must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
  • Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand glue guns.
  • Keep animals away from hot glue guns and only allow children to use them under adult supervision.
  • Only place a glue gun on a non-flammable surface while it’s switched on, such as a tile or aluminium foil.
  • When finished using the glue gun, turn it off and let it cool down fully.

Buying a glue gun

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
  • Avoid buying second-hand glue guns as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards. 
  • Safety features to look for include a built-in stand to ensure the nozzle remains upwards, silicone or rubber shrouds around the metal nozzle to reduce the risk of accidental burns, temperature controls, high-quality plastic insulation which keeps cool during operation, automatic shut-off to prevent overheating, and a stable base design to allow the gun to sit upright.
  • Register your glue gun so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a glue gun safely

  • If your glue gun is mains powered check that it is fitted with a UK 3-pin plug. If it isn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adapter as your product may not meet UK safety standards.
  • Ensure the cable is long enough to easily reach the area you’re working in. If it isn’t, connect the glue gun via extension lead or fully unwound cable reel to extend your reach safely.
  • Give your glue gun time to warm up before you get started – around five minutes is usually enough.
  • Only place a glue gun on a non-flammable surface while it’s switched on, such as a tile. Keep anything flammable well out of the way.
  • Keep animals away from hot glue guns and only allow children to use them under adult supervision.
  • Wear heat resistant gloves when operating, touching or cleaning a glue gun.
  • Keep long hair tied back and don’t wear loose clothing.
  • Hold the gun in an upright position during use.
  • The tip gets extremely hot so never attempt to touch it during or immediately after use. If you do get hot glue on your skin, hold the burned area under ice-cold water.
  • Don’t leave the glue gun unattended while plugged in and unplug it as soon as you’ve finished using it.
  • Give the glue gun time to cool down fully before storing it.
  • If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the glue gun off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
  • If it’s a cabled glue gun, unplug it before doing any maintenance on it and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
  • An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the glue gun. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the glue gun is plugged in.
  • For a cordless glue gun, only charge the battery using the original charger or a replacement charger obtained from the manufacturer or reputable retailer.
  • Charge it in a safe place on a stable surface and disconnect batteries once they are charged.
  • Don’t leave it charging overnight as this could be a fire risk.
  • If there are unusual odours, sparks, smoke, swelling, cracks, or any form of damage, stop using the glue gun immediately and make sure it is unplugged from the charger.
  • If you need a replacement or additional battery, or if your current battery no longer holds a charge, buy directly from the original manufacturer.
  • Don’t use batteries or chargers from other manufacturers or battery adapters, as these may pose safety risks.

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.  
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
  • Register your glue gun with the manufacturer.
  • Store the glue gun in a cool, dry place.  

AVOID

  • Buying second-hand glue guns or from third-party sellers online. 
  • Touching the tip during or immediately after use.
  • Using the glue gun if you spot any signs of damage.
  • Charging a cordless glue gun overnight. 
     

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Additional info

Glue guns generally consume between 15-100 watts of energy, depending on the power source and heating speed. Smaller craft guns only use up to around 40W.

Most energy is used during the initial heating phase, after which consumption drops and is mainly used to maintain temperature.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

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Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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