Heat guns are one of the most versatile, effective tools a professional or a DIYer can have in their toolbox. They are flameless tools, yet they pump out a lot of heat to get countless tasks and projects completed. Sure, there are other heat-producing tools out there (many that use an actual flame which adds unnecessary safety risks), but a heat gun is far superior due to its awesome features.
Consider the size of a heat gun: they are compact, easily portable, and lightweight enough to be used with just one hand. And bonus…they are affordable!
And just think about all the ways a heat gun can be used. Stripping paint, welding plastic, car wrapping, removing adhesives, and thawing out just about anything big or small (frozen pipes to frozen mini-fridges) – that’s just a small sample of how a heat gun can be used.
If you’re a newcomer to the world of heat guns, you might have some questions before diving into heat gun use. That’s where this beginner’s guide can help!
How does a heat gun work?
If you have ever operated a hairdryer, you’ll have a general idea about how it works. A heat gun pulls in air, combines it with an interior electric heating element, and shoots hot air through a nozzle. You may think this sounds somewhat like a hair dryer; however, a heat gun is an entirely different type of heating tool compared to a hair dryer as it is much more powerful with several more features.
Speaking of hair, although a heat gun is very versatile, one thing it’s not meant to do is dry hair (it’s unsafe to do so!). Please stick to a hairdryer if you need to dry your locks.
Heat guns produce a considerable amount of hot air, controllable via temperature settings, that helps with everything from melting adhesives to softening dry paint. For a heat gun to work effectively, the nozzle mustn’t be pressed against any surface, as this can lead to overheating and possible fires.
Temperature control
Controlling the temperature is a big part of how a heat gun works. Certain tasks, like welding plastics, require a high temperature for the expected result. If a high temperature isn’t achieved, the weld will not be successful. On the other hand, tasks such as removing wallpaper only need low heat. If you go with too high a temperature, the paper could catch fire. Simply holding the heat gun further away will also naturally reduce the heat on the surface.
There are two to three fixed heat settings on more basic heat gun models. However, on more advanced professional heat guns, there is an option to control a range of temperatures. You can usually choose the exact temperature you want by using a dial.
Also, temperature scanners could be fitted to a heat gun. The heat gun gauges the heat produced by the tool, but a temperature scanner can tell you the exact temperature at the point the hot air contacts the object being heated.
No worries about overheating. Heat guns have an overheat protection feature that prevents internal overheating.
Power Capabilities
Basic heat gun models, which DIYers often use, have about 1800 watts of power. More professional models can have up to 3400 watts of power. Most heat guns are corded and equipped with 110v to 240v. There are some cordless models available, and a lithium-ion battery powers those.
Airflow adjustability
Not only can you adjust the temperature of your heat gun, but you can also adjust the force of the airflow. If you need to reduce the airflow, you can. And if you need a higher blast of hot air, you can do that too.
Heat gun nozzles
Depending on your project, you might need a few different types of nozzles. Nozzles are a great accessory that can be attached to most heat guns; you must ensure the nozzle matches the heat gun’s barrel dimensions. Nozzles offer you more precision and are used for specific purposes, helping to improve the heat gun’s overall effectiveness and efficiency.
Common nozzle types include:
- Reducer or Concentrator nozzle: Reducers focus heat into a cone that targets small areas for applications such as welding, soldering, and shrinking.
- Flat or Spreader nozzle: Hot air is spread across a wider area via a wide slot.
- Reflector nozzle: Reflectors hook around pipes and tubes to apply heat evenly to the circular areas.
- Glass protector nozzle: Hot air is kept from directly affecting glass because of special side wings on the nozzle.
Want a little more information about nozzles? Check out this Video.
Staying safe when using a heat gun
With anything that produces hot air at high temperatures, caution is needed when using a heat gun. So, how can you minimize risk?
- Avoid obstructing the heat gun’s air inlet grills: If the grills are obstructed, the heat gun can overheat.
- Avoid using the heat gun around flammable materials: Flammable and combustible materials are liable to ignite if touched by a heat gun.
- Remain in a ventilated environment: When using a heat gun, there’s the possibility of accumulating fumes. Speaking of fumes, stay away from using heat on lead-based paint because that will definitely release toxic fumes.
- Don’t point the heat gun at just one spot: Never keep the heat pointed at just one area, especially if you’re drying things like wood because scorching or fire could occur. Use circular motions instead.
- Allow the heat gun to cool: Once you’re finished using it, leave it to cool before putting it back into storage. Ensure to place it on a heatproof mat or stand to prevent anything from touching the hot parts of the tool.
Heat guns can be extremely useful for all sorts of projects, and you might just be surprised at how often you’ll use one. Did your child put stickers all over your mirror or window? A heat gun can easily remove that adhesive. Or maybe you’re ready to remove that outdated wallpaper in your home. A heat gun will make that process a breeze. Looking to make some extra money with a car wrapping business? Well, a heat gun will be your best friend! If you’re in the market for a heat gun and need a little more advice, feel free to contact us. We are standing by and ready to help!