Electric heat guns should be your "go-to" heat source for just about everything.
These small, corded power tools produce a concentrated, controllable stream of hot air. They are fast, functional, and infinitely resourceful. Heat guns can be used to remove paint, wallpaper, adhesive, varnish, stain, and more from walls, wood, and other surfaces. You can use them to soften plastics, melt pipes, loosen parts, dry wood, thaw, solder, weld, and of course heat and shrink.
Using a heat gun doesn't require any special skills or training. Their intuitive operation, variable speed settings, and adjustable temperature controls take all the guesswork out of the process. Heat guns don't have a visible flame, but with rapid heating, they reach peak temperatures around 1300°F, which means they're ready to tackle heavy duty jobs in under a minute. Or you can set the dial to a cool 250°F and use your heat gun for crafts or more delicate work.
Electric heat guns are lightweight, ergonomic, and compact. Their portability and convenience allow them to fit in tight places and small spaces where elbows and angles don't usually get along. Remember, don't ever let the tip of your heat gun touch the surface of your project. A good rule of thumb is to keep about 4 inches of space between the nozzle and where you're aiming.
Heat guns are quieter and more energy efficient than a standard hair dryer, but you cannot use a blow dryer to install heat shrink. Blow dryers do not generate a stream of air strong or hot enough to activate even general purpose heat shrink.
If you're looking for the best electric heat gun, find one that feels comfortable to wield and also comes with a kickstand. The VT1100 is our most popular seller. It heats to 1100°F, and its special kickstand design means you can prop it up during use, freeing up both your hands for the careful manipulation of your project. Not only does a kickstand allow hands-free operation, but it also provides a risk-free hook for safe cool-downs.
The VT1100 brings power and depth to your heating conditions. It includes 2 different-sized concentrators and one deflector, which can be easily swapped out based on the size and situation in which you're working. When it comes to heat shrink tubing, using a deflector attachment is the easiest way to get perfectly fitting seals effortlessly. Deflector attachments deliver immediate, even heat all the way around the back of the tube simultaneously. No more uneven walls, wiggly installations, or worrying about inconsistencies or accidents.
From melting to morphing and heating up to breaking down, there isn't much you can't do with a portable electric heat gun.
Visit our Learning Center today to discover more helpful blogs, videos, and how-to's about using electric heat guns and their alternatives.