If you're like me, always on the hunt for tools that make your crafting projects and DIY endeavours smoother and more fun, then you're in for a treat. I recently got my hands on the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless High Low Glue Gun, and it has quickly become a staple.
This versatile glue gun offers the convenience of cordless operation and the flexibility of dual temperature settings, making it perfect for a variety of projects. Whether you're working on delicate crafts or heavy-duty projects, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ has got you covered. Read on to see how this glue gun holds up in the world of DIY and crafting!
Jump straight to:
- Summary
- How we tested
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless High Low Glue Gun review
- Where to buy Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless High Low Glue Gun
- Our verdict: should you buy Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless High Low Glue Gun
- Looking for more glue guns?
Summary
A powerful, portable glue gun packed full of great features, like dual temperature control, a drip tray, and cordless design.
- Buy now from Ryobi (£58.99 | $65.98), Amazon (£60.95 | $78.95), B&Q (£62)
How we tested
In our glue gun reviews, we tested how quickly it heats up, how well it controls temperature, and how smoothly the glue flows.
We checked if it works with different glue sticks and materials such as wood, leather, plastic, metal, stone, textiles, cork, and cardboard. We also looked at features like dual-temperature settings and drip prevention.
For quality, we looked at build materials, durability, clog resistance, ease of cleaning, and if it leaks. We also considered portability by measuring size, weight, and cordless designs. We then evaluated safety features like auto shut-off, insulated nozzles, and heat-resistant grips.
Lastly, we compared the price to its features and performance to see if it offers good value for money.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless High Low Glue Gun review
Key features
- Dimensions: (with battery) 21 x 20 x 7.5 cm, (without battery) 18x 20 x 7.5 cm
- Weight: (with battery and glue stick) 866g, (without battery) 488g
- Power: 18V
- Cordless? Yes
- Stand? Stands by itself
- RRP: (without battery) £58.99 | $65.98
Functionality - 5/5
This glue gun claims to heat up to 200°C in just 3 minutes, and our tests showed it took a little longer at 3.27 and 3.44 minutes. Not bad at all!
The glue temperature ranges from 130-200°C, and it was super easy to squeeze, producing a nice, runny flow.
I tried it on paper, cardboard, textiles, leather, plastic, wood, metal, cork, and even stone – and it worked like a charm on all of them.
For best results, hold your surfaces together until the glue has dried and cooled - which is not very long at all.
With three temperature settings, a handy drip tray, an ergonomic handle, and the ability to stand up by itself, this glue gun really nails it in the functionality department.
It takes any brand of 11-12mm glue stick, which I tested by nipping down to my local craft store and buying a variety of glue sticks.
Quality - 5/5
The build quality of the Ryobi 18V glue gun is top-notch. It didn’t clog once during testing and was easy to clean.
Yes, it does drip a bit while heating up and between uses, but the drip tray catches everything and swings in and out of place effortlessly. This small quirk didn’t detract from its overall quality at all.
Portability - 5/5
This glue gun is super portable. I weighed it and found it to be 866g with the battery and glue stick, and 488g without the battery.
Being cordless, it’s a breeze to carry around the house or workshop. It stands up by itself and doesn’t come with a storage box, but that’s not a big deal.
If you’re already using Ryobi tools, this glue gun is a great addition to your collection. Even if you’re new to Ryobi, the cordless convenience is hard to beat. The battery charges in around an hour, without indicator lights to show you how full it is.
Safety features - /5
While the Ryobi glue gun has insulated nozzles and heat-resistant grips for safe handling, it doesn’t have an auto shut-off feature. This would have been a great addition to prevent overheating and earn full marks for safety.
It does have indicator lights – red for warming up and green for ready to use – which is helpful. Plus, the battery comes in a low charge state to avoid any issues, and it’s advised to remove the batteries if storing for a long time. Just keep it away from water and ensure users are 8 years or older.
Value for money - /5
What's in the box - glue gun tool
- 18V ONE+ Cordless High Low Glue Gun (Bare Tool)
- 3 x 12mm glue sticks
- Fine nozzle
- Spanner
- Manual
What's in the box - battery
- 18V ONE+™ 2.0AH Lithium+ Compact Battery
- Charger
- Manual
You’ll need to purchase a Ryobi battery separately if you don’t already own one, which adds to the initial cost.
However, if you’re already invested in the Ryobi line, this glue gun is definitely worth the investment. It’s efficient, reliable, and portable, making it a handy tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional crafter.
Where to buy Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless High Low Glue Gun
- Buy now from Ryobi (£58.99 | $65.98), Amazon (£60.95 | $78.95), B&Q (£62)
Our verdict: should you buy Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless High Low Glue Gun?
If you're already using the Ryobi battery system, this glue gun is a no-brainer. It heats up quickly, delivers a sustainable and smooth output of glue, and can be carried around the house with no issue. If you don't already have the Ryobi battery, this is still a great choice - albeit slightly more of an investment.
Looking for more hot glue guns?
If you're not quite convinced and want to see more glue gun options, check out our roundup of the best hot glue guns on the market!
