Glue Gun Troubleshooting Blog

Knowing how to spot early issues with your glue gun can save you lots of time (and money). Below, we’ll walk you through some of the most common glue gun failures. No matter how big or small your question or repair, our team is standing by via phone and email to answer your questions. We’ll help you determine if there is a DIY fix, or whether it’s best to let the pros handle it.

Have a glue gun that needs repair? Let us do the heavy lifting - click here.

Your Glue Gun is Leaking

Although some non-critical factors can contribute to leaking (such as incorrect temperature settings or loose nozzles), if the gun continues to drip after you’ve checked your settings and while pressure is on your pump, you may have more serious issues. This can be a sign that the internal dispensing parts have worn out or have become damaged.

Temperature Gauge Issues

If your hot melt is too thin or too tacky – despite being set to the right temperature – the temperature regulating mechanisms may be broken. There could be a shortage in the wiring that’s causing incorrect temperature readings, or a more serious malfunction with the heating mechanisms. 

Tank Char and Build Up

Tank char and build up can be especially problematic with bulk hot melt machines. The best way to avoid breaking your tank or overloading the nozzle and causing full-scale gun failure, is to keep your bulk melt tank clean. Even the most diligent maintenance may not save you from needing repairs, but it can limit the scope of damage caused over periods of long use.

Pneumatic Pressure Issues

You can gauge the pressure on many pneumatic guns to ensure you aren’t overloading your machine. Pneumatic guns rely on their internal pressure system to dispense adhesive and keep the gun working. Keep an eye on your pressure to ensure you don’t damage your gun or harm yourself due to a malfunction.

Cracks and Chips

Cracks or chips on your gun can result from regular wear and tear, and are often simply cosmetic nuisances. However, if you drop your gun or see a crack and start to notice changes in gun performance, this may be a signal of a deeper, internal issue.

    Electrical Supply Failure

    Whether you use a power cord, battery, or hybrid source to charge your gun, prolonged use can slowly degrade your gun’s power source. Replacing failed batteries or worn out cords are often a quick and easy fix that won’t keep you gun out of commission long.


      No matter what issue you bring to us, we’ll make a recommendation that’s right for you. If your gun needs repaired, our glue gun repair team follows a standard repair procedure to get your gun back in business as soon as possible. We’ll send you a short return mail authorization form asking for a description of your problem. Once we assess your gun, we’ll send you a straightforward quote detailing what needs done and the options you have. Once we get the green light from you, we’ll complete your requested repairs and get your gun back to you in no time. After all, that’s what we’re here for!

      Ask a Question

      Have questions? Our team of adhesive experts can help. Submit your questions and we'll get you answers right away. We're here to help.