Top Heat Gun Uses for DIY Masters: Handy Guide

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An introduction to heat gun uses, covering the different types and things to consider.

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Every artisan knows how heat guns come in handy. One main factor is their versatility, which makes them essential for your tool kit.

It is known for help strip paints and weld plastics, but that is just some of the amazing uses a heat gun provides. Ideal for tackling home improvements, this power tool has much more to offer.

In this post, we put together a list of heat gun uses that will make you click that ‘add to cart’ button after learning them. But first, let us introduce you to the basics.

What Are Heat Guns?

Heat guns have replaced the old fashioned way of stripping paint or adhesives. We are talking about using a gas blow torch with a butane canister. If you have used one before, or are still using one—it is time to make an upgrade.

A heat gun is a tool that can heat surfaces and materials without using a flame or fluid. Its appearance resembles a hairdryer, but it is completely different in what tasks it is designed for.

With most units being electric, you can switch it off during pauses in the work. Moreover, there is no naked flame involved, unlike a gas blow torch. Heat guns only produce hot airflow that is less dangerous.

Yet it can cause flammable items to catch fire, crack glass, or injure if directed onto skin. You better make sure you know how to operate one correctly.

How heat guns work

A fan pulls air into the tool’s body, driving it across an electric heating element. The produced hot airflow comes out through the nozzle.

Suppose you are stripping paint on timber. Point the heat gun onto the painted surface and wait for the tool to soften the area. After a few seconds or a minute, use a stripping knife to strip the paint off. Easy peasy!

Heat guns can be held using one hand But some supports are placed on a table for hands-free operation. You will also find models that feature temperature controls for adjusting air heat.

Temperature setting

A standard heat gun has one heat setting and one fan speed, ideal for paint stripping. But modern units have two or more heat settings with variable speeds of airflow.

Holding the tool further away from the surface can reduce the effectiveness of the heat. Having variable settings, in contrast, makes the job less complicated.

When it comes to paint stripping, maximum speed and airflow are necessary. These settings are also needed for soldering plumbing joints, freeing rusty nuts, etc.

The ideal temperature settings for various applications, according to experts:

• Drying paint or varnish: 30°C. to 130°C
• Drying out damp wood (before filling or painting): Around 100°C to 200°C
• Softening adhesive (e.g. applying worktop edge trim or lifting floor tiles): 300°C to 400°C
• Bending plastic pipes: 200°C to 300°C
• Welding some plastics: 330°C to 400°C
• Heat-shrinking plastic film: 200°C to 300°C

There are only a few of the possible uses for heat guns. If you want to know more, then keep on reading!

Heat Gun Uses: Versatile Ways to Use One

Discover all the amazing heat gun uses with tips down below!

1. Loosening old and rusty bolts and screws

Removing older bolts and screws, especially rusty ones, can be tricky. This is where a heat gun comes into the picture!

The hot air that a heat gun releases will cause the metal to expand and eventually loosen. Thus, allowing for easier removal.

2. Thawing frozen pipes

When temperature drops in winter, frozen pipes are likely to occur. If you are one step away from a plumbing emergency, reach for your heat gun.

Lower the temperature setting and warm the pipes slowly and gently. Have patience and make sure not to overheat the pipes too much, otherwise, it will cause damage.

3. Dry out damp wood

When your wooden deck is damp, it will be more susceptible to mould and rot. The good thing is a heat gun also works wonders when getting rid of that excess moisture. Use it in a low heat setting to prevent the wood from burning.

4. Bend PVC and metal pipes

If your next DIY project involves bending PVC or metal pipes, using a heat gun will do the trick! For instance, if you wish to change the shape of your hockey stick, it can allow you to manipulate the shape you want.

5. Soften or remove adhesives/wallpapers

Removing adhesives, particularly wallpapers, can be time-consuming. This is especially true when you plan to do the task with your bare hands.

The same applies to removing stickers off a mirror or car, the label from a jar, a bathroom/kitchen tile, to name a few. Luckily for you, a heat gun can make the task much easier. It is one of the best tool choices when removing various adhesives with ease!

6. Repair leather and vinyl

Does your leather chair or vinyl flooring have a cut in it? A heat gun can save the day!

Grab a patch and coat one side with heat-activated glue. Use your heat gun to activate the glue and place it over the cut.

7. Defrosting freezer

Frost buildup in freezers can be a real headache. Defrosting is another problem.

Sure, you could open the door or even use a hairdryer to defrost, but these methods take a long time to melt the ice. Your heat gun can get the job done much faster, especially when done right!

8. Roast coffee beans

Who would have thought that a heat gun could also be used for roasting coffee beans? Believe us; we were surprised, too! It turns out that it is true and effective.

Place the coffee beans in a metal bowl, then position the heat gun close to it. Move the tool around for an even heat distribution. Stir the beans from time to time to avoid burning and allow equal roasting.

When you hear that first crack, the beans are ready to use.

9. 3D Printing

Need to smooth out your 3D prints, or repair an error in your print? A heat gun could be just what you need to make your 3D Printing the best it can be.

It could also be handy for cleaning your print bed, to remove excess filament.

10. Candlemaking

Candle making is a great hobby, but it takes a lot of practice when working with wax. To create the perfect candle, there should not be a nick in the wax; you also may encounter a levelling problem.

A heat gun can easily fix those issues.

11. Window tinting

If you are interested in having your windows tinted, you can do it yourself, especially if you have a heat gun. Use the tool to heat shrink the tint film adhering to the window.

Use a smoothing tool after to achieve a smooth finish.

12. Embossing

A heat gun is a crafter’s dream tool for embossing. For one, it is designed to have a gentle stream of hot air, which helps melt the embossing powder without blowing it.

As the heat is targeted, you can also avoid other areas getting unduly heated.

Heat Gun Uses: The Bottom Line

Heat guns can make a variety of tasks much easier. They are also good for removing paint, thawing frozen copper pipes, drying damp surfaces, to name a few!

When looking for a new tool to add to your household tool kit, consider what you will use it for. If your work or DIY projects involve heating, you will benefit from a powerful heat gun.

Heat guns vary in power, hot airflow and temperature control. Consider these factors when shopping for one online or in-stores.

Have a look at this powerful 2000W we have on hand!

 

Temperature Heat Gun 2000W 240V Adjustable

Product code: JTH1609

Ideal for many DIY applications, it features 2 heat settings and 4 nozzle attachments. It is suitable for the following tasks:

• Shaping plastic tubing
• Shrinking heat-shrink sleeving
• Removing paint
• Softening adhesives
• Defrosting metal water pipes

Temperature/airflow

Low: 400°C, 250L/min

High: 600°C, 500L/min

Run the lower setting first for a period of time before switching to the higher setting. Follow the instructions in the manual.

If you need a hot air blower for your projects, look no further than heat guns! Who knows? You will likely discover more heat gun uses than we did!