High-temp bonding for DIY projects — quick cordless bursts, steady corded power.
Nothing kills momentum like wrestling a glue gun cord mid-project. I wanted a tool that would actually bond wood, metal or leather without feeling like a hand cramp in progress. The Surebonder Cordless Hot Glue Gun (CL-800F) hits 380°F, accepts full-size 7/16″ sticks, and gives you short cordless freedom from a heated dock plus a reliable corded option for longer sessions.
I found it to be a dependable middle ground — lightweight full-size body, comfortable trigger for long stretches, and useful safety features (insulated nozzle, safety fuse, drip tray). It’s great for quick leather patches, picture-frame repairs, and small furniture touch-ups or mixed-material craft builds; just note it’s not a true battery-powered gun (cordless runtime is brief) and the stand can be a bit fiddly to reseat.
Surebonder CL-800F 60W Cordless Glue Gun
I found this gun to be a dependable middle ground between lightweight craft guns and industrial units — it packs enough heat to handle tougher materials while staying easy to hold for long sessions. It’s especially useful when you need quick cordless freedom for short bursts and a steady corded option for longer projects.
Quick overview and who this is for
I’ve tested a lot of glue guns in my years of DIY and crafting, and the Surebonder CL-800F sits in a useful niche: it’s a full-size, high-temperature gun that gives you the portability of cordless work for a few minutes, plus the continuous performance of a 60W corded tool when you need it. If you glue wood trim, metal accents, ceramics, or heavier mixed-media projects, this model gives you the thermal power those materials demand.
What sets it apart
The standout feature is the combination of a 60-watt heater and a heated base that lets you work untethered for short bursts. The gun reaches around 380°F — hot enough to penetrate dense surfaces for reliable bonds — and the design keeps the tool lightweight since it doesn’t carry a battery pack.
Construction, ergonomics, and safety features
I appreciate small design choices that improve practical use. The CL-800F is built with a lightweight body and a full-size 7/16″ glue stick chamber, so you get the flow and longevity of standard glue sticks without a heavy handle.
The trigger is smooth and requires reasonable pressure — I found it comfortable for extended sessions, and felt less hand fatigue than with some all-plastic lightweight craft guns.
Heating behavior and glue flow
Heat-up time is fast: the gun is ready within a few minutes on the base and will maintain temperature well when docked. Off-dock cordless runs are short (commonly up to about 3 minutes), but long enough for a line or detail work. Glue flow is steady and consistent at proper operating temps, with minimal stringing if you keep a steady hand.
Table: Typical use modes and best applications
| Mode | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Docked / Corded | Continuous | Bulk assembly, trim work, repetitive bonding |
| Off-dock / Cordless | ~2–5 minutes per warm-up | Small repositioning tasks, delicate detail work, moving around a large piece |
Materials and real-world bonding
I’ve used this gun on bonded pairs like wood-to-wood, metal accents glued to painted cabinetry, ceramic fixes, leather patches, and mixed-media art. Because the nozzle gets hot and the glue reaches full melt, the adhesive penetrates microscopic pores and creates strong mechanical bonds. For metal and ceramic, I recommend roughening the surface first with a light sanding or alcohol wipe to remove oils — the glue performs best on prepared surfaces.
How I use it in projects — practical tips
A small tip: keep a damp, heat-safe cloth nearby to quickly clean accidental drips while they’re still warm. The included silicone drip tray helps a lot, but for delicate tabletops I still use a protective mat.
Good-for / Not-good-for checklist
Accessories and glue stick compatibility
It accepts standard 7/16″ diameter glue sticks in four-inch or ten-inch lengths. That’s convenient because full-size sticks are available in a wide variety of formulations — clear, industrial, and craft blends. I usually keep both clear high-temp sticks for strong bonds and a few craft sticks for quick decorative jobs.
Maintenance and longevity
Routine care is simple: wipe the nozzle after it cools, avoid jamming partial sticks, and store the gun seated in the base when not in use. The absence of an internal battery actually lengthens the tool’s service life compared to battery-based cordless guns — there’s nothing to degrade after a few years.
Final thoughts and project ideas
I’ve found this gun to be a reliable workhorse for both home repairs and hobby projects. For holiday décor, I used it to bond metal ornament hooks into wooden wreath frames; on another weekend I repaired ceramic vases and added leather trim to a handmade notebook. If you enjoy working across materials and want a single tool that handles heavier bonding without an industrial price or weight, this one sits in a sweet spot.
Creative project ideas I recommend trying:
I like keeping this gun on my bench because it’s quick to warm, easy to hold, and gives me the power to glue materials I used to avoid. If your work ranges from delicate crafts to tougher household fixes, the CL-800F is a practical, no-fuss choice that puts heat where you need it without weighing you down.
FAQ
No — it doesn’t contain a rechargeable battery. The “cordless” convenience comes from a heated base: you warm the gun on the dock, then lift it off for short cordless use (usually a few minutes) before returning it to the base to reheat. That design keeps the gun lighter and simpler while still allowing brief untethered work.
The gun performs very well on dense or slightly porous materials: wood, metal accents, ceramics, leather, and many plastics. For non-porous surfaces, a light sanding or alcohol wipe improves adhesion. For delicate fabrics, test a scrap first since high temperatures can scorch thin fibers.
It typically heats up in a couple of minutes on the base to reach about 380°F. Off the base, you’ll usually get a few minutes (commonly 2–5 minutes depending on usage) of cordless working time before returning to the dock to reheat.
Use standard 7/16″ full-size glue sticks (4″ or 10″). For strong bonds on metal and ceramics, high-temperature sticks are best. For decorative or fabric work, try clear craft sticks or low-temp sticks on a test piece (though this is a high-temp gun and low-temp sticks may not perform optimally).
Keep a steady, moderate trigger pull and move smoothly; retract the tip slightly when you stop the bead. Use the silicone drip tray on the base and a protective mat on your bench. If you get stringing, warm the nozzle again and trim with a blade once cool, or use a hot-air source to smooth strings before they cool completely.
The base is designed to hold and heat the gun and includes a silicone drip pad and fold-out stand features to reduce mess and reduce risk. Still, always use the on/off switch when finished and never leave the unit unattended around children or pets. Treat the nozzle as hot and follow standard glue-gun safety precautions.
