Black & Decker Dual Temperature (High/Low) Hot Glue Gun

Why I reached for this glue gun

I keep a handful of hot glue guns around for different jobs, but for day-to-day fixes and craft builds, I prefer a full-size, no-drama tool that heats reliably, feeds smoothly, and doesn’t tip over mid-project. This Black & Decker glue gun checks most of those boxes. It’s a corded, dual-temperature model that accepts standard 7/16-inch sticks and ships with a starter pack of glue. After several sessions gluing fabric trims, foam board, plastic hardware, and light wood repairs, I found it to be a practical, straightforward workhorse with a few quirks worth noting.

Setup and warm-up

Out of the box, I unfolded the built-in stand, loaded a stick, and plugged in. From cold to usable took just under six minutes in my tests. That’s not the fastest I’ve used, but it’s consistent, and once hot, it holds temperature well. The two heat settings are simple: low for heat-sensitive or thin materials, high for tougher substrates and longer open time. The switch between temperatures is immediate, but the glue needs a minute or two to follow the new setting, so plan ahead if you’re bouncing between foam and wood in the same session.

The starter sticks let you get right to work, and they’re the standard 7/16-inch size, so resupplying is easy at any hardware or craft store. On high, the gun takes both general-purpose dual-temp sticks and true hot-melt formulas without complaint.

Performance by material

• Paper, cardstock, and thin fabric (low): Low heat is genuinely useful here. I had minimal warping on cardstock and no singe marks on ribbon. For fabric bows and felt appliqués, the bond set quickly enough to move along without rushing.

• Foam board and craft foam (low): This is where dual-temperature earns its keep. On low, I got secure bonds without melting through the foam. If you’ve ever carved a trench by mistake with a single-temp gun, you’ll appreciate the control.

• Plastics and light wood (high): High heat delivered stronger, more resilient bonds, especially with hot-melt sticks. I glued a plastic cable clip to a painted wall sample and a small wood trim piece—both set with enough open time to position, then cured to a firm hold. For load-bearing joints, hot glue is still a stopgap, but for quick fixes and jigs, it does the job.

• Fabric hems and vinyl (low to high): Low works for delicate fabric edges; high is better for vinyl and heavier canvas where you need more flow and tack.

Across all tests, flow was predictable and the trigger provided steady feed without sudden surges. Like most guns, there’s some stringing when you pull away; a quick twist of the wrist or a silicone mat nearby helps keep threads off your project.

Temperature control and working time

Hot-melt glues behave better and stay workable longer at higher temperatures, and this gun takes advantage of that. On high, I had a comfortable window to spread a bead along a 10-inch seam before set-up. On low, set time is shorter, which is ideal on thin materials where you want minimal soak and quick grab. The point is: both settings are genuinely useful, and the gun transitions between them reliably. If you’re moving from low to high, purge a bit of glue after the switch so the hotter, freer-flowing adhesive reaches the nozzle.

Ergonomics, weight, and stability

This is a full-size tool, not a mini. The handle fits comfortably in adult hands, the trigger throw is moderate, and the 1.3-pound weight makes it feel planted on the bench. Extended overhead work would get tiring, but for bench-top crafting and household repairs, the weight translates to stability and control.

The fold-down stand does its job. It kept the nozzle off the table and the gun upright during pauses. It’s not immune to being knocked over if you tug the cord, but compared with flimsy wire stands, this one feels more deliberate and stable. I still prefer to park any glue gun on a silicone pad—insurance against stray drips and a soft landing if it tips.

Drips, strings, and cleanup

No hot glue gun is completely drip-free. This one is middle-of-the-pack: a couple of drops during long pauses, plus the usual hair-thin strings as you lift off. Neither caused real headaches. A quick wipe of the nozzle while warm (not hot) kept the tip tidy. If you switch temperatures mid-project, expect a little extra seep as the glue transitions; again, purge a short bead into a scrap and carry on.

Compatibility and consumables

The ability to use standard 7/16-inch sticks is a big convenience. Dual-temperature sticks work on both settings; hot-melt sticks shine on the high setting for tougher bonds. I tested general-purpose clear sticks and a wood-specific hot melt—both fed smoothly, without jamming or partial melts inside the chamber.

Because the gun is corded, it maintains heat better than many battery-powered models when you’re laying long beads or running continuously. The tradeoff is being tethered to an outlet, so plan your workspace accordingly.

What could be better

• Heat-up speed: About six minutes to ready-to-bond is fine, but if you’re used to rapid-heat micro guns, you’ll notice the extra minute or two. Leave it warming while you prep materials.

• Drip management: It’s not messy, but it’s not dripless either. Keep a drip pad under the stand and you’re set.

• Portability: Corded power is reliable; it’s not for field work away from an outlet.

Nothing here is a deal-breaker, and all of it is typical for a full-size corded glue gun in this class.

Practical tips for best results

• Pick the temperature for the material: low for thin/heat-sensitive stock; high for plastics, wood, and when you want longer open time.

• Purge after switching settings so the glue at the nozzle matches the new temperature.

• Pre-stage materials during warm-up; by the time you’re ready, the gun will be too.

• Use a silicone mat under the stand to catch drips and protect your bench.

• Keep a spare stick within reach—full-size guns can go through glue quickly on high.

Durability and build

The housing feels solid with no creaks, and the trigger linkage stayed consistent over multiple sessions. I didn’t experience any stalls or half-melted cartridges—always a sign that the heating element is doing its job. The fold-down stand hinges positively and hasn’t loosened with repeated use. This is an indoor tool, and that’s where it belongs; treated that way, it should hold up well.

Who it’s for

• Hobbyists and crafters who want a full-size, reliable gun with real low/high flexibility.

• DIYers who need a glue gun on the bench for occasional household repairs, packaging hacks, and quick jigs.

• Teachers, makers, and workshop leads who value standard stick compatibility and predictable performance.

If you need ultra-fast heat-up, cordless portability, or a precision fine-tip nozzle for miniature work, this isn’t the niche tool for that. It’s a generalist—and a competent one.

Recommendation

I recommend this Black & Decker glue gun. It delivers dependable heating, useful dual-temperature control, standard-stick compatibility, and a stable fold-down stand—all the fundamentals I look for in a full-size corded model. It’s not the fastest to heat and it won’t eliminate drips entirely, but it’s consistent, versatile across materials, and easy to live with. If your projects range from delicate foam and fabric to tougher plastics and light wood, this gun gives you the control to get clean bonds without fuss, and the included starter sticks mean you can get to work right away.