Cricut Glue Gun | 2021-2022

Designer: PA Consulting, Dublin, Ireland & Cricut Design Team, South Jordan, Utah, USA
Manufacturer: Cricut Inc., South Jordan, Utah, USA

How do you create a crafting device that brings precision and control to the creative process for everyone? The use of glue guns by crafters is common, but traditional glue guns are imprecise and messy for delicate or detailed crafting and DIY projects. They are also often poorly constructed or targeted at a masculine audience. Designed beautifully and built ergonomically for comfort, precision, and control, the Cricut Glue Gun is the ideal solution for every DIY project.

The big idea behind this product is to create a more inclusive device that gives creative craftspeople the exact solution they need to remain immersed in the joy of crafting. A workbench covered in hot sticky glue is a common gripe for crafters. With a traditional glue gun, once the trigger is pressed the glue keeps coming out long after it has been released. With Cricut the designers have worked to perfect the internal mechanics to achieve a single drip gun, meaning no more unnecessary clearing up. This, alongside the carefully designed slimmer tip, allows crafters to create anything from small dots to an even continuous line of glue, to a 3D signature.

As well as enhancing the internal mechanics of the glue gun, the designers’ main goal was to promote the joy of crafting - ensuring the product is beautiful for the modern craftsperson. Unlike the glue guns found in hardware stores that are bulky and intimidating, the Cricut glue gun is bright and inviting. The form is soft with no visible screws, and invisible safety features give users peace of mind. Subtle details improve usability, such as carefully crafted ergonomics, flat sides so users can rest the product safely on a surface, and an LED light perfectly in view.

Extensive testing with different hand sizes and forces was done to ensure the trigger movement and resistance allowed the user to get the perfect consistent glue flow. The user can be confident in the gun’s precision and flexibility, allowing them to be fully immersed in the creative experience. The design also designed a glue stick lead-in that makes it easier to load the glue into the gun. An LED light tells you when the glue gun has heated up and is ready for use. It has a flat side, so can be easily rested within reach when not being used. And an auto-off feature and silicone-protected tip ensure safer operation.

With Cricut we’ve created a credible, single-drip glue gun for the crafting world that reduces drips, backflow, and unwieldy glue strings, meaning users will have less mess in their workspace. The smooth trigger and small-diameter tip make it easy to lay down the glue in fine lines, small dots, and tight spots. The glue gun gives crafters precision and control and has a friendly appeal that fits into the crafting world. The whole aesthetic fits with Cricut’s mission to celebrate creativity.

Accessibility: With the Cricut glue gun, crafters no longer have to select between poorly constructed or industrial-looking glue guns. Instead, crafters can own a glue gun built for their hand and their precise usage needs, with a look and feel that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle. The team took a design for longevity approach when considering the sustainability of the glue gun. This glue gun is made with a durable construction to have a longer lifespan. Reduced backflow of the glue also allows for a longer life expectancy as it reduces the glue clogging up inside the gun. In addition, the single drip innovation and better control of the trigger allow for more accuracy, less damage to materials, and a reduction in excess glue.