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BlogWe independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.Apply Glue Easily With the Best Wood Glue Dispensers
Last updated: 6 Nov 2023Whether you are a woodworker for hobby or batch out projects for sale, a good-quality wood glue dispenser will make for an undeniably helpful tool in your woodworking arsenal. A glue dispenser distributes glue on wood pieces evenly – making it the perfect applicator for narrow spaces.
Gluing is a critical part of any woodworking project. Just as you need to join different wooden or metal pieces together to get the desired thickness and length, owning a wood glue applicator will save you time and effort, and ultimately speed up your project’s pace.
Because the market is flooded with low-quality applicators, deciding on a dispenser can prove a bit tedious. That’s why we’ve reviewed the finest glue dispensers of 2023 that are easy to use and won’t leave you dealing with a sticky mess.
So let’s get glued!
Show contentsThe Leading Wood Glue Dispenser Reviewed of 2023 in Detail- Holotap Empty Plastic Glue Dispensers - Top Pick
- Rockler Wood Glue Applicator Set - Easy to Clean
- DCT Wood Glue Spreading Dispenser - Handy Design
- FastCap Wood Glue Dispenser - Extra Capacity
- Shaotong Dispensing Bottle Glue - Best Quality
Finding Your Next Wood Glue Dispenser: A Buyer’s GuideFinding Your Next Wood Glue Dispenser: A Buyer’s Guide
Applying glue on a wood surface requires precision, so having the right wood glue dispenser can make the job a lot easier and mess-free.
But how should you go about choosing the right wood glue dispenser? Look no further, because we’ve put together this handy guide to help you make the right purchase.
Which Factors Should You Consider Before Buying Wood Glue Dispensers?
Capacity
You can find glue dispensers in different sizes with different capacities. Generally speaking, you should think of your project needs and choose your glue dispenser in accordance with the surface you’ll be working on. If you are a hobbyist DIYer who only works on the weekends, a small-sized bottle should do you good.
Since professional woodworkers need glue in their daily routine, getting a commercial size dispenser can save you from the hassles of frequent refilling.
Leakage
Not all glue dispensers are leak-proof, and what no DIYer wants is glue spilling into unwanted areas – or worse, yourself – halfway through your project. Having a dispenser that fills from the bottom minimizes the chances of leakage.
If you’re still worried about efficiency, know that there are add-on dispensers that can replace your current one.
Material
A glue dispenser should be made of safe to use, sturdy, and easy to squeeze material. Most dispensing bottles are made of flexible plastic that is easy to squeeze and can withstand accidental falls and routine wear and tear.
In a best-case scenario, the material should be easy to clean and deter clogging.
Ease of use
Consider the amount of pressure you need to dispense the glue out of the bottle. Remember the more pressure it needs, the higher the chance of a mess.
Dripping
Even after you’ve checked the cap, you should make sure your glue dispenser drips as little as possible. The bottle with a wide mouth has fewer chances of dripping and making a mess.
How To Use a Wood Glue Dispenser?
Using a wood glue dispenser doesn’t require special expertise. Once you have purchased the dispenser, make sure you wash it thoroughly to remove any chemicals or remnants of the material used.
After this, use a funnel and gloves to transfer the glue into the dispenser.
If you’ve bought a dispenser with a sealed tip, use scissors to cut it out. Then use the tip to apply the glue to the workpiece. You can even use a roller to evenly spread out the glue and let it dry. Once done, you can either cover it back up or wash the bottle and leave it out to air dry.
Features of a Good Glue Dispenser
Solid construction
First and foremost, glue dispensers should be made of sturdy and long-lasting material to withstand extensive use. The dispenser’s construction determines if it’ll be able to withstand days of squeezing and applied pressure or not.
Glue dispensers with low-quality plastic do not have a tendency to go longer than a month – so if longevity is important to you, you may want to keep this in mind before purchasing.
Funnel
The dispensers with a narrow opening usually come with a funnel for filling or other products. If your dispenser does not come with a funnel, consider purchasing one separately for a mess-free and quicker filling.
Grip
One of the most overlooked features of a glue dispenser is the grip. Dispensers that are smaller in size and have less width are easy to hold, increasing the chances of dispensing the glue at the wrong place. On the other hand, if you get a bottle that is too large, it will put more pressure on your wrist, causing sore muscles. You should get a bottle that is ergonomically designed and doesn’t slip through while applying pressure.
Dispenser tip
The tip is the most important part of a dispenser bottle. In some cases, it is completely sealed and will require cutting prior to use. The drawback of getting a sealed tip is that you might cut it at an awkward angle, or too far down, resulting in an uneven application.
Beginners should get a dispenser with a pre-cut tip for precise application. Experts can go for sealed tips to get the desired amount of glue with a single press.
How Much Does a Wood Glue Dispenser Cost?
Glue dispensers are not on the pricey side of the spectrum. Considering the ounces it can hold and the build quality, you can expect to pay $5 to $15. Keep in mind, however, that the market is full of low-quality and cheap products – increasing the chances of wasting your money on a dispenser that will last only a few applications.
So if you’re looking to save money, it may be best to go ahead and spend a few extra bucks on a higher-quality product that will last you for years to come.
The Leading Wood Glue Dispenser Reviewed of 2023 in Detail
1Holotap Empty Plastic Glue Dispensers
– Top PickThis pack of plastic glue dispensers is the best bargain you’ll make, as you get two packs of 18 bottles. The squeeze bottle is made of BPA-free material which is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and safe to use – perfect for the environmental activist in your life.
Each bottle is 4.5 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. If sealed properly the cap is leak-free, making it an ideal choice for commercial projects.
The red pointed lid dispenses a small amount of product and makes the bottle easy to spot. So if you’re someone who tends to lose your things, you won’t have to spend hours looking for the dispenser.
Featuring a retractable funnel to allow you to fill the bottles on the go, you also get 15 labels for quicker identification.
Pros- Small, manageable size
- Plastic is easier to squeeze
Cons- Not suitable for toxic materials
2Rockler Wood Glue Applicator Set
– Easy to CleanThis Rockler glue gun kit includes a roller applicator, dowel hole nozzle, biscuit slot tip, and applicator bottle. Together, these components make for a versatile gluing system that lets you apply even coats of glue to any surface. The package includes a funnel for filling up the bottle without spilling the product, which is going to save you so much cleaning time. One of the most attractive features of this wood glue dispenser is the dowel hole nozzle, which lets you apply a precise amount of glue to any size of the dowel hole.
The best part is that the bottle has a wide opening, making it easy to clean after use to minimize the chances of nasty buildup. You also get a centering attachment that fits onto the standard spout to ensure that the applied glue stays in place.
Another plus? All attachments are made from durable, flexible, and easy to clean material to offer you the ultimate experience.
Pros- Squeeze the right amount of glue
- Easy to clean bottle and attachment
- Comes with a brush applicator
Cons- Professionals might find it a bit smaller
3DCT Wood Glue Spreading Dispenser
– Handy DesignThis DCT wood glue dispenser kit is a lifesaver for professional carpenters and woodworkers. It comes with three applicator attachments to cater to the varying needs of DIYers and professional carpenters. The worth-mentioning feature of this set is that you don’t have to worry about the dried glue clogging the openings of the applicators because these are designed to prevent clogging and are easy to clean.
The non-stick glue roller applicator is 2.5 inches (6.4cm) in diameter and provides even mess-free glue coating. The dowel hole nozzle applicator is perfect for those hard-to-reach areas, since it’s a nozzle applicator it can get into tight spaces where other applicators might not fit.
The half-moon applicator is the ideal choice for those looking to keep the nearby areas glue-free.
Pros- Anti-clogging design
- Spreads the glue evenly
- Precise application for better results
Cons- Requires constant refilling
4FastCap Wood Glue Dispenser
– Extra CapacityEver had a problem with glue “skinning” over at the top of your bottle and clogging the tip? With the Glu-Bot, you never have to worry about that again.
You can use this wood glue dispenser to apply glue vertically and horizontally without making a mess. This strange yet amazing bottle feeds from the bottom so you get to use even the last drop of glue onto your workpiece. When you’re done applying your glue, it creates a natural suction effect that finishes off your glue line without creating any mess or unnecessary dripping.
Unlike most other bottles, this one comes packed with one Yorker and blade-style tip so you can switch between both options – making it a great choice for both hobbyists and professional woodworkers.
Pros- Wide opening for easy filling
- Vacuum valve for quick dispensing
- Suitable for horizontal and vertical application
Cons- A bit expensive compared to the counterparts
5Shaotong Dispensing Bottle Glue
– Best QualityFeaturing 10 glue dispensing bottles, this set is perfect for those who are looking to work with reactive liquids such as wood glue, motor oil, and other adhesives. Working with the wrong bottle can wear down the plastic, and over time this erosion can lead to cracking – and ultimately a big mess.
Each bottle has a convenient squeeze dropper, eliminating the hassles of changing the droppers before every use. Moreover, the tip is sealed to ensure you won’t come in contact with the contents.
While you’ll need a scissor to cut the tip before using it, another perk of the sealed tip is that you can cut it to various widths according to your project’s needs. Each bottle can also accommodate up to 50 ml of product to keep the contents at arm’s length.
Pros- Customizable sealed tip
- Transparent bottles for better measurement
- Fine tip to fit tighter space
Cons- Doesn’t come with a cap for storage
People Also Asked
Q: Can I wash glue dispensers?A: Absolutely! You can wash your glue dispensers before storing them to minimize the chances of clogging. To make sure your dispenser lasts longer, wash it once you’re done with the work and let it air dry. Not letting your dispenser air dry after use can result in staining or splotches, so be sure to not skip this step.
Q: Are glue dispensers with a hard exterior long-lasting?A: A hard exterior does not always indicate longevity. Generally speaking, a harder exterior means that you’d have to apply more pressure to sufficiently distribute the glue.
Q: Should I wear gloves while working after buying the glue dispenser?A: Buying a dispenser doesn’t mean you can’t hurt your hands while working. While most wood glue dispensers are durable, coming into contact with the contents can result in rashes – or even worse, an allergic reaction. To be safe, you should always wear gloves when working with a substance or liquid that isn’t organic. Another benefit to wearing gloves is a shorter clean up process as even the smallest of unintentional exposure will land on the glove and not your skin.
The Pop Wood Review Team’s product reviews and comprehensive guides are here to help you select the best gear and tools to efficiently complete top-quality woodworking projects. The content is created by The Pop Wood Review Team. Popular Woodworking’s editorial staff is not involved. Popular Woodworking is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Questions about product testing or a specific articles should be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com