If you're a crafter, a model railroader, or even a fixer of Atari cartridges, you probably know a hot melt glue gun can come in handy. However, based on my experiences, beware of the inexpensive glue guns sold at department stores like the Ad-tech brand.

One day, I had a glue gun plugged in working on my train set gluing together wood pieces for a viaduct. Just then, a fluorecent light I've installed overhead went out. I thought it was the light until I checked the power strip and the wire connecting from the glue gun to the plug had burned off.

Just recently, I had another glue gun plugged in, a double temp one, when I heard an odd noise, a brief flame and the smell of burning plastic. I also had this glue gun plugged into a power strip.

I was lucky on both accounts having the glue guns plugged into a power strip intead of directly into an electrical outlet. My current replacement is this:
http://www.surebonder.com/products.asp?choice=VD2&prod_sub_cat_id=9&prod_cat_id=2&glue_gun_ind_prod_id=32

Sure it's pricey but it's more designed for heavy use instead of the inexpensive brands. And yes, I make sure it's plugged into a power strip.