If you have ever removed paints or bent plastic pipes by using ordinary methods, you will agree with me that it is not an experience to write home about. Removing putty, shrinking tubes, and films, or even soldering, is sometimes so hard if you don’t have the right tools. But did you know that with some advanced tools, you can perform these tasks efficiently and even enjoy doing it? Well, a heat gun is one such machine that makes all types of home repairs such as softening old paint very easy. With this tool, you do not have to go through the uncouth process of scrubbing to remove adhesives such as bumper stickers, which no longer impress you.
Heat guns are like hair dryers since they use hot air to help soften old paints or in shrinking tubes and films without producing flames. They are, therefore, safe and convenient to use hence giving you the comfort that you desire from doing what you like. There are several heat guns in the market, and you, therefore, need to know how to choose the most suitable for your task. This guide will assist you in understanding the factors you need to consider in selecting these tools, answer the questions that may concern you, as well as provide a list of the best tools that pass the test of time. Continue READING and click on the links provided to get what matches your needs.
Factors to consider when choosing the best heat guns
A heat gun helps to make home repairs and other tasks easier, fun, and convenient. You will, therefore, need to pick the one that works perfectly without disappointing you and also a tool that doesn’t require regular repair and replacement. The following factors are worthy of consideration:
- Personal preferences
Your personal preferences play a significant role when choosing equipment for your tasks, and a heat gun is not an exception. Since there are different types of heat guns, you will need to look at the tasks you are doing before picking the tool. If your work involves the use of electricity, then an electric hot air heat gun is ideal for you. You can select either select small or large tools depending on whether your project is small or enormous such as industrial. In case you use the gun for operating your equipment, then a gas-powered heat gun is what you need. There are also infra-red and industrial heat guns, each with their specifications and features.
- The Nozzle type
Different tasks require a specific type of nozzle to perform. It is, therefore, necessary that before buying a heat gun, you choose the kind of nose that is ideal for your work. Removing paint from a window frame is a delicate affair that needs a glass protector nozzle; heating a centralized area requires a cone nozzle, while most works that do not need special attention can be done with the main vent. Working on a large area that requires you to spread heat to a considerable space calls for a fishtail while if you are a contractor dealing with soldering of pipes, then you should go for a spoon reflector nozzle.
- The temperature settings and level
The size of your project determines the temperature levels of the tool that you use. If you deal with huge tasks, then you require temperature levels, which in effect lead to a quick completion of your work. Small projects, on the other hand, will need low-temperaturelevels.
- The type of task
Power tools like heat guns usually are designed for personal or industrial uses. If you need the machine for light jobs at home, then you do not require a complicated or broad device. However, if you need the tools for commercial or industrial purposes, you will require a powerful machine that can handle huge projects and that which will produce massive tasks within a short period.
- The power
There are two types of heat guns i.e., corded and cordless. Depending on the projects you are producing, it is essential to look at the power of the tool. A considerable project requires a more powerful tool to create more at minimum time. Corded tools use electricity and may be ideal for an enormous task. You can also use cordless machines that are powered by lithium batteries or by gas.
- Adjustable airflow
If you are working with lightweight materials or in sensitive areas that require little heat, a tool that can regulate the force of the blast from the nozzle is ideal. You can either increase or decrease the rate of air depending on the speed that you want.
Top 6 heat gun in 2020(Best Picks)
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Summary of the six best heat guns
Picking the right equipment may be an uphill task, especially if you do not have the time, know-how, and resources required to try several of them. You may end up choosing a substandard machine that does not meet your expectations. How do you then avoid the risk of buying what is not right? We have your solution! We have researched and verified the top six state of the art heat guns that suit your every need. Continue reading!
Product name | Features/benefits |
Wagner Spraytech 0503008 HT1000 Heat Gun 2 Temp Settings 750o F and 1000oF | Dual temperature settings Multiple uses such as softening paints, caulking, putty or adhesive removal Adjustable temperature settings Hands-free operation Long-lasting for general use |
ZeopoCase Mini hot Air Gun | Portable mini heat gun Multi-function electrical heat tool Easy to use Lightweight, durable and easy to use Non-adjustable temperature |
Cartman Heat Gun, 1500W hot Air Gun in carrying Case, 750-1000oF with 6 Accessories | Used for stripping paint, loosening floor tiles, and thawing pipes Dual temperature settings 4,100 Btu output for removing several layers of paint |
Seekone Heat Gun 1800W Heavy Duty hot Air Gun Kit | Variable temperature control with 2-temp settings Four nozzles Overload protection for Crafts, Shrinking PVC and stripping paint Durable power to quickly heat up Ergonomic design for wide applications |
Black + Decker Heat Gun, Dual Temperature (HG1300) | Two temperature settings Built-in stand for effortless cooldown Lightweight and compact structure for easy using and handling Perfect for loosening a rusted bolt, stripping paint, etc |
Chandler Tool Embossing heat Gun – 300 watts | Can have low speed with heat setting detail work An insulated body for comfortable holding and extended use Two heat speed settings Nozzle safety shield Safe and secure |
1. Wagner Spraytech Wagner 0503008 HT1000 Heat Gun
Wagner spray tech is a perfect heat gun for household projects such as softening paints, caulking, and removal of putty and adhesive. It can also be used in shrink wrap, in bending plastic pipes and loosening rusted nuts and bolts. You will easily be able to complete your home improvement tasks with the temperature settings of the heat gun. The tool also has two fan speeds that provide extra control for customizing your projects to what you desire.
The tool is lightweight and durable, making it power through hard jobs and more significant projects. It has a rugged corrosion-resistant nozzle making it ideal for most of your tasks. You will efficiently perform the tough tasks such as removing the floor and thawing frozen pipes since it can efficiently heat the glue underneath the floor and two temperatures and fan rates that make thawing easy and hassle-free.
Features
- Versatile and easy to use
- Two temperature settings of 750oF and 1000oF
- Suitable design for longer use
- Durable and lightweight
- Perfect for many tasks due to two temperatures and fan speed
- Integrated storage hook
Specifications
- Style: HT1000
- Item weight: 1.5 pounds
- Product dimensions: 9.5 x 2.8 x 8.5 inches
- Color: yellow
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Power source: AC
- Warranty: 2 years of home use
Perfect for all household repairs!
2. ZopoCase mini Hot Air Gun
Zeopocase is a portable mini heat gun that is suitable for DIY embossing, shrink wrapping, and dying paint. It is a perfect compact electrical heat gun that is ideal for heating shrinkable film, rubber stamps, and embossed powder. If you want to replace your oven or toaster, then this tool is the perfect choice to use since it makes the polymer clay to become hard and bright after using. The device has a constant temperature that is not adjustable, but it can reach up to 200oC/ 390oF within a short time. The machine is not a high power since it has a 300W power, but it is suitable for a small DIY project at home,
If you want to clean up interior lighting and install a stereo in your car, this tool is perfect for you. You will be able to remove crimp connectors easily and solder the wires and shrink the tubing comfortably. You can also use the tool to quickly and conveniently change broken glass from iPads and smartphones.
Features
- Heats up quickly
- Additional replicable protecting cap
- Easy to use
- Lightweight, durable and simple
- Made of high-quality ABS plastic outside and stainless steel inside
- Low power
Specification
- Size: 220 x 43 mm
- Item weight: 10.4 ounces
- Product dimension: 8.7 x 1.7 x 1.7 inches
- Color: black
- Wattage: 300w
- Material: plastic
- Warranty: 12 months
Perfect for small DIY projects!
3. Cartman Heat Gun, 1500 hot Air Gun in carrying Case
Cartman 1500W heat gun is a primary heat machine that applies focused heat for tasks such as removal of paints, loosening rusted bolts, and thawing pipes. It produces 1500-watts heating power and has two fan speeds and temperatures for adjusting to the particular needs. This tool is a perfect choice for all DIY projects at home. It has two temperature settings of 750oF and 1000oF. The lower temperature allows you to perform such tasks as defrosting freezers, thawing pipes, etc., while the higher temperature setting makes it possible for you to strip paint from furniture, shape plastic piping, and loosen rusted bolts and nuts.
The machine is easy to use since you can easily plug in the gun into any household outlet and select the ideal temperature after turning it on. You can comfortably restore your furniture, remove paint from hard-to-sand wood trim, or strip funky-colored kitchen cabinets. You can also use the tool for the heating plastic film to insulate drafty windows, drying plaster, drafty windows, and bending plastics. It is, therefore, ideal for multiple tasks in the home.
Features
- 1500 watts
- Two temperature settings for a wide variety of uses
- Easy to plug in on any household outlet
- Heats up and cools down quickly making it safe for use
- Adjustable fan speeds
Specifications
- Size: 2-speed, case
- Item weight: 2.2 pounds
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage: 1500 watts
A perfect heat gun for most tasks!
4. Seekone Heat Gun 1800W Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun Kit
Seekone heat gun 1800W is a high impact, versatile, and multiuse tool that is designed for a variety of DIY tasks. The device has variable temperature control and overload protection that makes it suitable to perform any of your tasks with ease. It has an ergonomic design handle that helps to prevent repetitive strain injuries and other skeletal and muscle disorders. You can comfortably perform various tasks such as varnish and paint removal, upcycling, decorating, thawing frozen pipes, loosening rusted bolts, bending plastics, home improvement, and many others.
You can use this tool for long without getting fatigued since it is ergonomically designed with a multi-grip handle and optimum weight distribution. The device has two airflow and heat settings of 840oF and 1200oF, which makes it easy to regulate depending on the task you are doing. It also has a built-in design for the protection of overheating, thus making it reliable and safe to use.
Features
- Scientific ergonomic design and wide application
- Dual temperature and airflow
- Strong power with two modes
- Overload protection
- Narrow heat pattern to the work surface
- Reflector nozzle for even heat flow disperses heat flow dispersion
Specification
- Wattage: 1800W
- Color: yellow
- Cable length: 1.6m (5.25ft)
- Weight: 0.9kg
- Power: 1800W
- Size: 248 X 192mm
Perfect tool that won’t disappoint!
5. Black + Decker Heat Gun, Dual Temperature (HG1300)
Black + Decker heat gun is a perfect tool that applies to all types of tasks. It has dual temperature settings of 750oFand 1000oF for multiple uses such as stripping of paints and varnish, thawing frozen pipes, loosening rusted bolts and nuts, and so on. The tool has an in-built stand for comfortable cooling down and a compact and lightweight design for secure handling and use.
The device has a good quality, and it works excellently in the shrink wrapping and drying paint with speed. It also helps ion softening adhesives if you want to remove the old bumper or windshield stickers. It is a safe device since it does not produce toxic fumes. The device is sturdy and durable and is, therefore, able to withstand harsh conditions such as dropping without breaking.
Features
- Lightweight
- Suitable for various applications
- Dual temperature settings
- Easy to use and handle due to its lightweight and compact design
- In-built stand for easy cooling
- Heats up quickly
Specifications
- Item weight: 1.63 pounds
- Product dimension: 9.4 x 3 x 9.6 inches
- Color: black
- Wattage: 1375w
- Warranty: 2 years
A compact and lightweight tool, perfect for multiple applications!
6. Chandler tool embossing heat gun
Chandler tool is a heavy-duty professional heat gun made from impact-resistant plastic. It is a high-quality tool that is suitable for various applications. It has an all-metal precision element that makes it comfortable and safe to use. The dual heat settings of 200oC and 300oC make it possible for use in detail work and also for big jobs. If you want to emboss, shrink, wrap, remove paint, dry, melt, weather, solder, transfer images, among other tasks, then this is the perfect tool for your job.
When using a chandler tool heat gun, you do not need to worry about your safety since the tools are UL-safety certified. You will perform your operations without any fear of toxic fume production or other harmful effects from this tool. The device is perfect for everyday use whether at home or in your workshop
Features
- Dual speed/heat settings
- Extra-long 6-foot cord
- Insulated body
- Includes a stand for comfortable cooling
Specifications
- Color: blue
- Product weight: 10.4 ounces
- Safety: UL-safety certified
- Wattage: 300 watts
Frequently asked questions about heat guns
Several problems arise about heat guns like with other tools. Here is a list of a sample of these questions and their answers that we feel are helpful for you:
Q. what is the purpose of a heat gun?
Heat guns have various uses that include paint stripping, tube shrinking, film-shrinking, and wrap packaging. The purpose of this toll depends on the temperature and the amount of airflow. Heat guns can also be used for softening adhesives, drying out damp wood, bending and welding plastics, as well as thawing frozen pipes.
Q. What is a heat gun?
It is a tool that is used to emit a stream of hot air, generally at temperatures between 200o F and 1000o F (100oC and 550o). There are also more heated models with higher temperatures of up to 7600C for bigger jobs and which can be held by hands. These tools have an elongated body that points at what you are heating. They also have a handle that is fixed to it at right angles and a trigger for efficient airflow. The tool is similar to a hairdryer both in shape and the way it functions.
Q. Are heat guns dangerous?
Heat guns emit hot air and need to be handled with care. The tools may pose serious spark hazards to the user just like naked flames. You need to be careful when using a heat gun because contrary to open fires, you may not know how dangerous the tools are.
Q. Can I use a hairdryer as a heat gun?
Yes. You can use a hairdryer instead of a heat gun, but it won’t work correctly. Heat guns are useful for tasks such as drying or removing paints, unfreezing locks, and water pipes, defrosting a refrigerator, among others. These tasks require high-temperature ranges of between 350oF and 1150oF, which you may not get from a hairdryer.
Q. What is the difference between a heat gun and a hair dryer?
Heat guns and hair dryers have many things in common such as shape and their mode of operation. The significant difference is the temperature limit that each can reach. Heat guns have a temperature range of 100oF and 1300oF, while hairdryers can only reach a maximum of 140oF.
Q. Are there other tools that can be used in place of heat guns?
The majority of the heat guns have three heat settings i.e., high, low, and off. They are useful in releasing adhesives, removing wallpaper and paints, sealing rubber, among others. Some of the tools that can be used as alternatives to heat guns are hair or blow dryer, a household iron a heat tape, blow torch, among others. However, the effectiveness of these tools depends on the task you are performing.
How to use a heat gun?
Final words
With the advancement in technology, you no longer need to worry about the methods to use for your home repairs. Gone are the days when thinking about removing old paints and adhesives, thawing frozen pipes, and fridges, among other tasks, were stressful. Have you ever tried to remove old paints and adhesives by scrubbing them? If you have, I bet you didn’t like the experience. But with heat guns, these tasks are simple, and you will even yearn to do it over and over again. The tools make the work easy, convenient, and safe, and you can do it for more extended periods without getting fatigued.
By picking any of the above-listed devices, you are sure to get the quality you want, achieve your objectives fast, as well as become more productive. Chose one of the items, and you won’t regret it. Let removing the unwanted paints and adhesive stylishly as you enjoy doing it!
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_gun
- https://www.labmanager.com/lab-health-and-safety/2010/04/don-t-get-caught-with-a-smoking-heat-gun
- https://www.thelist.com/172175/can-you-use-a-hair-dryer-instead-of-a-heat-gun/
Last update on 2023-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API