With three kids, our household sees its fair share of crafts and repairs. When I had the chance to test the Surebonder CL-195F High Temperature Mini Size Cordless Glue Gun, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. A self-charging cordless glue gun that’s just the right size for little hands? Yes, please.
To really put this glue gun to the test, the kids and I grabbed a ton of wreath-making supplies from Hobby Lobby, cleared the table, and got to work making fall wreath creations. We had a blast, and the Surebonder made it easy to attach all of our flowers, leaves, and embellishments. Since then, we’ve reached for it for multiple projects.
CL-195F Mini Cordless Glue Gun
Specifications
- Price: $21.49.
- Model: CL-195F.
- Wattage: 20W.
- Voltage: 120V.
- Heat up time: 4 minutes.
- Run time: 2 minutes.
- Glue stick compatibility: Mini size 5/16" and 0.27".
- Plug type: Stand with plug.
Setting It Up
Setting up the glue gun was very easy. I removed the glue gun and the base from the packaging — it came in thick plastic, so I needed scissors — and plugged it in. Since I knew I was going to review it, I timed how long it took to heat up and be usable. It only took two minutes and 15 seconds, which was perfect when I had a group of kids jumping up and down, ready for wreath-making.
Once it was hot, I moved it, along with the base, to the table where the wreath station was ready, and we got started.
Pros
- Mini size for easy grip.
- Heats up quickly.
- Perfect for small crafting projects.
Cons
- Lightweight stand.
- Run time is only 2 minutes.
What We Loved
This mini-size model was perfect for little hands and worked for my grown-up hands as well. We loved that the base held the glue gun upright, and it was a great home base for it, especially with multiple people vying for their turn. As soon as someone was done, they put it back on the base, ready for the next person.
The heat-up time is listed as four minutes, but it was ready to use in just over two. We kept it on the base between uses, so the two-minute run time didn’t affect us much. If it started to cool down, we just waited a few minutes while arranging our wreaths.
Having a cordless glue gun also makes crafting a lot easier, especially when multiple people are involved. We have a small corded glue gun that I bought way back in college, and while that one works fine, the cord always seems too short, and it gets too crowded when people are setting up their crafts close by. Having a cordless version means we can spread out a little more and pass it back and forth as needed.
Limitations
The run time for this model is only two minutes. Compared to the 60-minute run time of the EverCharge Mini Size and the 75-minute run time of the Dash Mini Size glue guns, it could be limiting if you need to have it away from its base for any length of time. The Dash model is only $1 more than the CL-195F, so you’d probably be better choosing that model, especially if your craft sessions are more intense. That said, it doesn’t come with a charging base.
Speaking of the charging base, it’s made of plastic, so while it holds the gun in place just fine, it may move around a bit as you replace the glue gun. It would tip over if bumped, so it’s just something to be aware of.
In My Expert Opinion: The Perfect Glue Gun for Crafts
CL-195F Mini Cordless Glue Gun
Any time the kids want to start a craft or I need to tackle a repair, we reach for this glue gun. If we had the right spot, we’d leave it out all the time and just plug it in when we needed it (alas, we don’t have a dedicated craft room). If you’re looking for a small glue gun that’s perfect for at-home crafting or repairs where hot glue is needed, then this is a great choice. If you think you’ll need more run time, Surebonder offers other models with the same great design and longer run times.
