Hot glue gun

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A handheld electric tool that melts glue sticks and dispenses them as a fast-bonding adhesive, useful for costume assembly and embellishment.

A hot glue gun heats a solid glue stick until it becomes liquid, then lets you squeeze a trigger to push that liquid through a small nozzle onto your workpiece. The glue cools and bonds within seconds, which makes it one of the fastest ways to join fabrics, foam, craft board, trims, gems, and light props during a build. Because the bond sets so quickly, it rewards you for planning your joins in advance — repositioning is difficult once the glue grabs. Guns come in full-size and mini versions, and the operating temperature varies by model and by the type of glue stick you load. Low-temperature guns exist specifically for heat-sensitive materials like thin foam or delicate fabric, and they are often recommended for younger makers. Always check whether your gun accepts standard or mini sticks, and use only the glue sticks rated for that gun — mixing types can affect bond strength and flow. Hot glue is not a permanent structural adhesive. It can soften again in a hot car, under stage lighting, or on a warm day outdoors, so for load-bearing joins or pieces that need to survive long events, consider reinforcing with contact cement, sewing, or a more rigid adhesive. Stringing — the thin wispy threads the nozzle leaves behind — is normal and can be rubbed away gently once the glue is fully cool. Safety matters with this tool. The nozzle and freshly dispensed glue are hot enough to cause burns, so keep a silicone mat or spare piece of cardboard under your work to catch drips, and never touch the nozzle directly. If hot glue lands on skin, cool it under cold running water straight away and don't peel it off. Young or first-time makers should work with an adult present. Unplug the gun when you step away, and always rest it on its stand — never on its side — to avoid leaks. Work in a well-ventilated space if you notice any fumes from the heated adhesive.