Do you recently get a heat gun? But you are confused as you have little information on them or you would like to know more to make a choice. Well, then you are in the right place as here we will tell you everything related to a heat gun.
Do you recently get a heat gun? But you are confused as you have little information on them and you would like to know more to make a choice. Well, then you are in the right place as here we will tell you everything related to a heat gun.
A heat gun is typically a device used to release a stream of warm air, normally at temperatures between 100 °C and 550 °C. It basically resembles a hairdryer but should never be used on hair.
The heat gun is applicable for all kinds of home repairs, from removing the paint to shrinking the tubes and sometimes even for molding and welding. Plus, it is also considered great for removing different types of strong adhesives, including wallpapers, bumper stickers, etc.
There are some other surprising things for which you can use a heat gun for- removing dents, cooking bacon, roasting ground beans, replacing the trims on the car- heat guns can aid you with most things.
These guns weigh only a few pounds and come in both cordless and corded varieties. Also, the price range is between $40-$200, which makes them quite affordable tools. One of the greatest advantages of using the heat gun is that it is flameless.
As flames can harm the surface and even start a fire, but the warm air from the heat gun is considered safe for use. On the whole, a heat gun is a great and useful device to have at your place.
Types of Heat Guns
Heat guns are of four different types- electric, gas, industrial, and infrared. But the use of a particular heat gun usually depends upon the choice of work.
Although there are many uses of the heat gun, you need to select the one which is perfect for the specific job. Plus, while working with any type of heat gun, you need to be extremely careful and cautious.
Electric Heat Gun-
Electric heat guns are either small or large in size, cordless or corded, with varied fan speed and temperature range. It is the most used type of heat gun, which is also cost-effective.
If you are engaging in crafting, softening substances, or shrinking wrapping, the shorter electric gun should be your ideal pick. But if you want to remove large paint areas, you need a stronger heat gun.
Gas Heat Gun-
Gas Heat guns work on either propane or butane gas. They are usually used for heavy-duty tasks such as welding or construction jobs such as in the manufacturing industry.
Most big industries use gas-powered heat guns rather than electric heat guns. It is because they deliver speed, power and take less time to complete a task. Plus, they also cost less.
However, they also have certain downsides, which is why they are less popular as compared to electric guns. You have to buy gas which is not so convenient, and there is also a possible risk of fire.
Industrial Heat Gun-
Industrial Heat guns are different from electric and gas models as they have solid construction, high heat levels, and high fan settings. They are used basically for heavy-duty jobs in packaging plants, automotive repair, and mass retail factories.
Most professionals use this type of heat gun for their high-profile jobs. Also, remember that you cannot use this type of heat gun for small tasks. Infrared Heat guns are new in the market and use infrared heat rather than hot air.
It features a low-temperature level between 400 to 600 degrees. They are a bit cheap and considered ideal for small kinds of the project such as home improvement projects.
How To Use a Heat Gun?
Well, it is quite easy to use a heat gun; you only need to plug the gun if it is a corded one. After plugging, you have to use it just like you use a hairdryer.
Simply rotate in small movements on the focused area quickly and don’t stay at a specific place for a long time as it can spoil the whole work. Also, carefully read the instructions given on the manual you get when you purchase a heat gun.
Follow them strictly and rightly. Though these heat guns don’t produce real flame, they can still start a fire and therefore be cautious. Follow these simple steps to use a heat gun in the right manner.
Step 1: Before using a heat gun, it is important that you wear durable and strong gloves and a shirt with long-sleeves. These two things will create a barrier between your skin and the hot air from the nozzle of the gun in case you aim the heat gun at your arm or hand accidentally while using it. Plus, wear clothes and gloves which are clean and haven’t been exposed to any kind of flammable element or solvents. If possible, it would be best if you wear protective eye gear.
Step 2: Next, there is always a danger of fire when working with a heat gun, even though it does not produce flames. However, still, you should keep a fire extinguisher near you for any mishaps.
Step 3: It is best if you plug your heat guns directly into the wall outlet. These guns usually use high current, which can lead the power strip or extension cord to heat. Therefore, plug the gun into the wall socket to minimize the risk of fire or electrocution.
Step 4: Next, you should keep the heat gun distanced from the flammable materials. Check the work area and ensure that there is nothing nearby that could catch fire. Basically, keep it away from chemical solvents, drapes or curtains, gases, pieces of paper.
Step 5: While working with the heat gun, ensure that its air inlets are not covered. If you cover the air inlets present on the heat gun, it can lead it to overheat and catch fire. So, let the air inlets be clear and open while using the heat gun. The air inlets are like a group of holes situated at the back of the gun over the motor assembly and internal fan.
Step 6: You need to maintain a distance of at least four inches from the work area while operating the heat gun. If you place the nozzle of the heat gun directly on the surface, it could damage your work and potentially overheat the gun. Therefore, it is important to maintain a minimum distance between the surface and nozzle of the gun. Moreover, keep the heat gun away from your body even if you are wearing all the necessary protective things. When the heat gun is on, don’t look at its barrel as it can burn your eyes and face.
Step 7: One should also not insert any objects into the heat gun nozzle area. If you put anything inside it, there could be potential damage and fire. Basically, keep the nozzle of the heat gun clean and clear.
Step 8: It is important that when operating a heat gun, your full attention should be on the heat gun to minimize the risk of any injury. There should be nothing around that can cause distractions. Heat guns are helpful but dangerous tools, and therefore even any small mistake can cause big problems for you.
Step 9: After your work is done with the heat gun, switch it off before setting it down. Even if you want to put the gun down in the middle of the task, you need to turn it off first, even if it is for a few seconds. If you keep an active heat gun down, it can easily start a fire or cause any other kind of damage. Also, place the heat gun on an insulated area or surface which is free from flammable substances.
Step 10: Lastly, let the heat gun cool for at least an hour or so before you store it. Because even if you turn the machine, the nozzle can still be hot. Further, let your device cool down on a surface that is heat-resistant. Basically, if you don’t want it to cause any fire or damage, it would be best to let your heat gun cool off nicely before you keep it away.
How Does a Heat Gun Work?
A heat gun is quite simple and straightforward to use and operates similarly to a hairdryer. When you click on the switch, it starts producing hot air at the temperature selected by you for the task.
Plug the heat gun into the socket. Turn on the device by sliding the switch. Next, select the temperature by pressing the adjustment buttons.
You can also increase and decrease the flow of air. When you are done with a task or want to take a rest, slide the heat gun button to cool mode, place it in an upright position and let it cool for 15 minutes at least. After this, you can either switch it off or on if some task is still left.
How Hot Does a Heat Gun Get?
Heat guns are powerful tools used for personal and commercial projects. The heat gun used for a commercial purpose is said to be more powerful and expensive than that used for personal projects.
Most of these guns come with a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The top temperature is further around 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, although there are some heat guns that can get hotter.
But most heat guns work well and deliver great results with 750 degrees Fahrenheit. However, all heat guns give you the option to adjust the temperature as per your requirement.
FAQs
How many heat settings are on the heat gun?
After you’ve chosen the heat gun that most closely matches your needs, there’ll be one last thing to consider before making your final purchase and that’s the number of heat settings.
Heat guns, in general, have something like 3 or 4 heat settings on average but you can get really basic models that only have two temperature settings and more complex ones with a variable setting.
How do you use a heat gun nozzle?
The use of heat gun nozzles is a highly overlooked aspect of the work heat gun. Heat gun nozzles come in two forms; the blower nozzle, which is more commonly used, and the cone nozzle, which is not as common. Cone nozzles are used for large scale jobs and blower nozzles for smaller jobs.
How do you use a heat gun nozzle?
The heating element on your heat gun has been specially manufactured for use in heat guns. The heating element is a material referred to as nichrome, which has very high electrical resistivity. Nichrome does not melt when heated, but it does become very hot and gives off fumes that smell like burning hair or plastics. My advice is you should avoid inhaling this smoke.
Is a heat gun hotter than a hairdryer?
The heat guns are hotter than a hairdryer. A hairdryer gives nearly 100 watts of power to give heat up to 10 minutes whereas heat guns have no more than 300 watts of power. The temperature of a heat gun depends on the airflow and the material being used.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, heat guns are an amazing and quite productive tool to keep at your place. They offer numerous benefits, from paint stripping to the removal of adhesives, from thawing to roasting beans, and many more.
Heat guns operate quite simply and deliver excellent results. Plus, if you follow all the necessary safety precautions, there is no tool like a heat gun. So, having a heat gun at your place is not a bad option, considering its advantages.