Comparison Ryobi R18GLU-0 vs Bosch PKP 3.6 Li

The diameter of the glue stick for which the gun is designed.

For modern glue guns, rods of standard diameters are produced; the most popular options are 7, 8, 11 and 12 mm. Usually, the thicker the rod required for the job, the more powerful and performant the tool. However, exceptions are not uncommon: for example, there are 12 mm models with a very low glue supply rate. Therefore, in fact, this information is needed more to search for consumables than to assess the capabilities of the gun. At the same time, although some models are practically "omnivorous", it is still undesirable to deviate from the manufacturer's recommendations.

The length of the glue stick for which the gun is designed. In fact, we are talking about the optimal length: many models allow you to charge both longer and shorter rods, but it is most convenient when the length of the consumable corresponds to the manufacturer's recommendations.

The average time it takes the glue gun to reach operating temperature (in models with multiple modes, it is usually indicated for the maximum temperature). A more “fast” tool allows you to significantly save time; on the other hand, rapid heating significantly affects the price and power consumption.

Most modern glue sticks melt at a temperature slightly above 100 °C, and a further increase in temperature only makes sense to increase the productivity of the gun: the higher it is, the faster the melting proceeds and the more liquid the glue turns out. There are also high-temperature grades of glue, but most modern pistols are quite capable of coping with them. Therefore, when choosing according to the operating temperature, it is worth considering first of all what materials are planned to be joined. So, for paper and some fabrics, a maximum of 105 – 110 °C is allowed, and with wood, glue guns with a high melting point(200 °C and above) can be used without problems. More detailed recommendations can be found in special sources. At the same time, do not forget that advanced tools can have several temperature modes (see below).

— Anti-drip system. This feature prevents the adhesive from dripping when the spray gun stops working. This is implemented by moving the rod deep into the case, as a result of which it does not continue to melt further in the heated heater and does not drip onto the table, floor, etc.

— Heating indicator. A pointer that notifies the user of the heating process. Usually, it looks like a light bulb that is on while the tool is heating up, and when the operating temperature is reached, it goes out or changes colour. This allows you to easily determine the moment when you can start work, without fear that the rod has not melted enough. The same pointer can play the role of an indicator of network connection.

— Network connection indicator. A pointer indicating that the instrument is connected to the network. Usually performed in the form of a light bulb, which in some models also works as a heating indicator. The mains connection indication, among other things, makes it easier to identify certain problems (for example, breaks in the power cord or non-working sockets).

— Backlight. Own lighting system — usually in the form of a small light bulb under the nozzle. This feature greatly simplifies work in low light conditions: the gun itself illuminates the gluing site, eliminating the need for the user to use external li...ght sources.

— Detachable power cord. A mains lead that is connected to the gun using a quick-release fastener, usually in the form of a socket with a pair of pins and an appropriate plug. This feature not only makes it easier to store and transport the tool, but can also come in handy during work: if the length of the wire is not enough, and little glue is needed, the gun can be detached and quickly brought to the right place. Of course, there is no question of long-term work without a wire, but removing the tool from the cord can be more convenient than looking for another outlet, and the battery life of some models is enough for 5 to 10 minutes of work.

Features of the battery-powered gun.

The most widespread devices are those that were initially supplied with a battery(built-in, less often removable). This is quite natural: such equipment allows you to use the pistol immediately after purchase. However, there are also more specific cases - tools with 2 batteries or, conversely, no batteries included at all. In general, in terms of configuration, modern glue guns can be divided into two main types - with built-in and removable batteries; Here is a more detailed description of each of these options:

- Built-in. A battery built directly into the gun and not intended to be removed by the user. This design does not allow you to quickly replace a dead battery with a fresh one - the only option is charging, and this requires a power source and takes some time. On the other hand, built-in batteries have a number of other advantages. Firstly, they are great for compact, low-power devices, such as most modern glue guns: the battery is hidden in the handle and has virtually no effect on the dimensions. Secondly, the user does not need to have a separate charger on hand and bother with removing and installing batteries - to charge, simply connect the supplied or other suitable cable to the connector of the tool (whereas in models with removable batteries, although such a possibility occurs, it is very rare )....>
- Removable. Removable batteries are used in relatively powerful and productive pistols, for which compact built-in batteries are no longer sufficient. In most cases, this power source is not inserted into the handle, but is attached to it from below - similar to how it is usually done in cordless power tools. In fact, many devices in this category are designed specifically for standard batteries for power tools from the same manufacturer. The advantages of this design are obvious: it allows you to use not only the “native” battery, but also third-party power sources. But the specific configuration of models with removable batteries may be different:

• — Absent (without battery). This option does not allow you to use the gun immediately after purchase, but it has other advantages. Firstly, you can choose the battery at your discretion; secondly, if the household already has a compatible battery (for example, from a screwdriver), you don’t have to overpay for unnecessary equipment
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• - 1 PC. The classic package - a tool and 1 battery - makes it possible to use the device right out of the box, without the additional hassle of finding or purchasing a power source.
• - 2 pcs. Although the presence of two batteries in theory provides a number of advantages (quick replacement, the ability to charge one battery while the other is in use, a reserve in case of malfunctions, etc.), however, in practice this configuration option is practically not found in pistols for standard batteries for power tools. This is due to the fact that the mentioned advantages are not so often fundamental; and even if they are, the required number of batteries can be purchased separately, choosing them at your discretion. Therefore, models equipped with 2 batteries usually belong to compact low-power devices, and the batteries themselves are made in a standard “battery” dimensions (for example, AA) and are used not in turn, but simultaneously.

Nominal voltage of the battery installed in the corresponding tool (see "Power supply"). A higher voltage allows you to achieve more power and intensity of heating, but in general this parameter is more of a reference — in fact, it can only come in handy when looking for a spare / replacement battery or an external charger.

The capacity of the battery installed in the respective tool (see "Power supply").

The higher the capacity, the more energy the battery can store and the longer it can power the tool without recharging. At the same time, the actual battery life of work depends on many other factors (primarily the power of the gun). Therefore, only models with very similar characteristics can be compared with each other in terms of capacity, and even in such cases, the comparison may not be correct.

However, this information may appear when looking for a spare or replacement battery: it is desirable that its capacity is not lower than that of a regular one.

The name of the battery that is compatible with the device. It helps to buy a spare or find a suitable one in case of a breakdown of the main one.