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Glue Guns… with Kids?

July 26, 2013 by
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This was a last minute boredom buster project we tried on a whim, and it was a HUGE success! Craft sticks, a cardboard box lid, and some ultra low temp glue guns were all the kids needed to be happily entertained for HOURS!! No, make that DAYS because they kept coming back to their projects to work on them again and again.

gluegunsGlue guns with kids -- where to buy an ultra low temp glue gun and what you need to know about using it.forkids1a

Wondering where to buy an ultra low temp glue gun? They are available on Amazon here. Be sure to only use these ultra low temp glue sticks with it. This model is cordless, and I love that there isn’t a cord to get in the way. It is designed for kids ages 8 and up. Clara has just turned five, and had absolutely no issues using this. Once I taught her how to use it, and to place it on the cutting board when she wasn’t using it, she started building right away! Since this particular glue gun heats up 75 degrees lower than a regular low temp glue gun, it isn’t likely to burn. She was thrilled with how easily she could glue up huge sculptures and playscapes for her stuffed animal friends!!

I also recommend using 4 “AA” rechargeable batteries with this glue gun. The batteries hold their charge for a fairly long period of time, and the glue sticks last a long while as well. To give you an idea, Clara did plenty of gluing this afternoon, and only went through 2 and a half glue sticks. Not bad at all! Once the batteries run out, just recharge them.

Glue guns with kids -- where to buy an ultra low temp glue gun and what you need to know about using it.

I was hesitant to purchase this glue gun because of the mixed reviews on Amazon, but I am SO glad I did. It does take about 3-4 minutes to warm up, but once it does, it’s great for gluing wood, fabric, or even metal. Highly recommend!

Glue guns with kids -- where to buy an ultra low temp glue gun and what you need to know about using it.

Have fun!!

** post contains affiliate links.

 

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Comments

  1. Jamie says
    July 26, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    So happy to see this post! I was feeling like a bit of a “bad mommy” for letting my 7 year old use the glue gun. She just had so much fun gluing strands of old mardi gras type beads to a canvas in swirly patterns. I will check out this low temp glue gun for sure!

  2. Mark says
    July 26, 2013 at 10:32 pm

    Dear Valerie,

    Kids have it easy these days. What’s next, induction cooktops?

    Love,
    Mark

  3. kristen says
    July 28, 2013 at 9:39 am

    I had no idea there was such a thing as low heat glue guns. I can not wait to get one and try it. My 6 year old is into karate so I think we will make a karate dojo for his Ninjago Lego men. Thanks for the great idea!

  4. Regina W says
    July 28, 2013 at 1:27 pm

    It only heats up to 75 degrees? I’m assuming Fahrenheit but I could be wrong. So what happens to the glue if you keep your house above 75 in the summer? Would the glue ever cool? Or is the gun hotter inside and the tip is cooler than the rest of the gun? (I’m going to check on Amazon for answers to these questions but I figured I’d ask here, too.)

    • Regina W says
      July 28, 2013 at 1:29 pm

      OH! The Amazon specs say that it’s 75 degrees COOLER than other available models. It doesn’t actually say how hot the gun itself gets.

      • Valerie says
        July 28, 2013 at 2:41 pm

        I misread it, and will update the post now, Regina — thanks for checking & commenting to let me know!!

  5. jenskidsadventures says
    August 5, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Thanks for the review. I’ve always wondered if these low-temp glue guns actually worked!

    • Valerie says
      August 5, 2013 at 11:01 pm

      You’re welcome! I’ve always been curious myself, and this was such a huge success for us — I just had to share! Have fun!! 🙂

  6. Jessica says
    November 21, 2013 at 11:53 pm

    We use them on our Science Saturdays in the park (with no electrical outlets). It’s great that they are low temp and don’t burn as easily (they do get hot though, so I wouldn’t recommend touching the metal tip). Our battery compartment comes undone easily, and it can be frustrating since it does take a while to heat back up. We got around that by masking taping the compartment closed.

  7. Lisette says
    February 27, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    Love it! My kids use them too but I had no idea there were cordless ones!! Must find one! 🙂