Heat Guns, Glue Guns, Refills + Accessories

Few tools earn their place on a craft desk quite like a hot glue gun. Fast, flexible, and surprisingly strong, a glue gun handles bonding jobs that tape and liquid adhesives just can't, from attaching fabric flowers and securing ribbon to building miniatures and assembling wreaths.

At CraftOnline, we stock a range of craft glue guns, refills, and accessories to keep your projects moving.

What Can You Use a Hot Glue Gun For?

The short answer: almost anything.

A craft glue gun works across a huge variety of materials: paper, cardstock, fabric, wood, cork, floral stems, foam, leather, ceramic, ribbon, and more. That versatility is exactly why it's a staple in so many crafters' toolkits, whether you're making cards, assembling home décor, working on floral arrangements, or building costumes.

The bond is near-instant too, making a glue gun far more efficient than waiting for liquid adhesives to dry. You apply, press, hold for a few seconds, and you're done.

How a Glue Gun Works

If you've never used one before, the mechanics are simple. You feed a glue stick into the back of the barrel, plug the gun in, and give it a minute or two to heat up. Once it's ready, the trigger releases a controlled stream of melted adhesive from the nozzle. Apply it to your surface, press your pieces together, and the glue sets quickly as it cools.

Most craft glue guns include a stand or rest to set the tool down safely between applications. Always use it, as the nozzle stays hot while the gun is on. Keep a silicone mat or scrap surface underneath as you work to catch any drips.

Choosing the Right Craft Glue Gun

There are a few things worth thinking about before you pick a model.

Wattage – For most paper and fabric crafts, a lower-wattage gun (around 40–80W) is perfectly capable and easier to control. Higher-wattage models heat up faster and work better for heavier materials like wood or thick foam.
Temperature settings – Some glue guns run at a fixed temperature, while others offer dual-temp or adjustable settings. If you regularly work with delicate materials like silk, dried botanicals, or thin paper, a model with lower heat settings gives you more control and reduces the risk of scorching.
Size – Full-size glue guns are great for larger projects requiring a lot of adhesive. Mini craft glue guns are more manoeuvrable for fine detail work and smaller hands.
Glue sticks – Make sure your glue sticks match the diameter of your gun's barrel. Using the wrong size can cause jams or uneven melting. Stock up while you're shopping, you'll go through them faster than you expect.

Other Adhesives Worth Knowing About

A hot glue gun is a powerhouse for quick bonds, but it's not always the right tool for every job. For projects involving delicate fabrics or materials where heat could cause damage, fabric glue is a gentler, no-heat alternative that still delivers a reliable hold. For lighter-duty tasks, such as attaching embellishments, securing layers of paper, or working on cards, glue dots are clean, easy, and mess-free.

Having a few different adhesive options on hand means you're always reaching for the right one.

Shop Hot Glue Guns at CraftOnline

CraftOnline is one of Australia's largest online art and craft shops, with over 700 brands and 50,000 products across every craft category. Whether you're after a basic starter glue gun or a higher-end model with temperature control, you'll find options here to suit your budget and your craft.

Everyday great prices, and everything in one place. Browse the full range of our art and craft shop to find what you need.