This Ryobi Find Under $40 Could Be A Game-Changer For Your DIY Projects

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Most DIYers will wield a hot glue gun sooner or later. Use one long enough, and you might experience twisted cords, unsteady stands, or leaky nozzles. As far as types of glues and adhesives go, hot glue is one of the easiest to use. So, many crafters just push through these hassles, but there are other options. The Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Compact Glue Gun is designed to give DIYers an ergonomic, cordless model. 

This glue gun is smaller than Ryobi's regular cordless One+ 18V Hot Glue Gun, which is similar in size to a cordless drill and has a battery on board. The latter product is ideal for woodworkers and DIYers who need extended, cordless use. However, for those who want a smaller, more maneuverable tool, the compact version is lighter. It's closer in size to a regular hot glue gun. In part, the smaller size is because the battery is not on board, but instead, in the stand. The gun has to sit on the stand to heat and is usable for up to five minutes before it needs to reheat. 

If you've been irritated at a corded glue gun will understand the benefits of this model. It's the cord that usually restricts your movement or causes the gun to tip over. Reviewers say this tool is easy to maneuver. The stand is larger and wider than most built-in glue gun stands, so it's less likely to tip over. In particular, it's an excellent solution for craft rooms and workshops without a well-placed outlet. A drip tray keeps surfaces neat, and a precision tip helps with smaller craft projects.

Note that the included stand is cordless too. It uses a battery to power the base long enough to melt up to 100 mini glue sticks. This tool doesn't come with a battery and charger, but is compatible with all Ryobi One+ 18V batteries. If you don't have the right power source already, you'll need to buy it separately. This is one of the most common complaints in negative reviews. The One +18V Lithium 2.0 Ah Compact Battery and Charger costs $99, so it does drive up the overall cost pretty significantly. The glue gun itself is around $35, and while it's labeled as tool-only, that can be easy to miss. If you buy one, the battery will be compatible with a wide range of other affordable Ryobi tools, so it can be worthwhile if you're adding more to your toolkit.

Buyers are generally happy with this tool, giving it 4.6 stars out of over 1,600 reviews, and over 90% of these buyers recommend this product. One says, "What a great way to use rechargeable power. I am able to use my glue without getting tangled in the cord and without fighting the constantly tipping gun. This heats up quickly and holds the heat for a good amount of time." Whether it's for reusing old shoeboxes in your home and garden or crafting your own custom decor piece, they note that the tool can make gluing less of a hassle.