What Are Heat Guns Used For? 10 Remarkable Applications

Also called a hot air blower, a heat gun is a must-have tool that any DIYer can’t live without. You can use it for so many applications, from stripping paint to thawing frozen pipes and even roasting coffee beans.

Because of its practicality, you can be sure to find a myriad of choices when looking for a heat gun. To know if it’s something you want to be included in your arsenal, here are the most common uses of a heat gun.

Most Common Heat Gun Uses

A heat gun is an inexpensive, handy, and versatile tool that DIYers can depend on. If you love working on different home projects, repairing things, and making crafts, a heat gun deserves a spot in your toolbox. Not sure what to do with a heat gun? As a reliable DIY tool, you won’t run out of ideas to take advantage of a heat gun. Here are the most common scenarios where you can use it:

Thaw Frozen Pipes

Pipes are prone to freezing. This is especially true for pipes exposed to extreme temperatures, located in unheated interior areas like basements and crawlspaces, and those that run against uninsulated exterior walls. If you’re one of the unlucky ones who deal with frozen pipes as the temperature plummets in the winter, it’s good to have a heat gun close by. Compared to other methods, using a heat gun lets you adjust the heat to the lowest setting to avoid damage to the pipes.

Strip Paint

Painting a room is fun, but it can be challenging, especially if it involves stripping old paint. If you don’t want to use chemical paint strippers, a heat gun is the way to go. Aside from removing old paint, you can also use it to strip varnishes and other finishes. It’s specifically suitable if you’re stripping multiple layers of paint at once.

A heat gun is a safe, quick, and economical way of removing indoor and outdoor paints. What’s more, it will work on either latex or oil-based finishes. You can also use it to remove old wallpaper, labels, stickers, and even decals.

Remove Linoleum

Are you looking to replace your worn-out vinyl flooring? It’s easy if you have a heat gun. Not only does it make linoleum removal effortless, but it also removes the annoying sticky residue on the floor surface. With a heat gun, you won’t have to deal with bumps and lumps when you install your new flooring or covering. That’s because applying heat softens the glue, so you can easily scrape it away with the paint stripper.

Soften Adhesives

Heat guns aren’t only applicable for removing adhesives from linoleum. They also work great with a variety of adhesives, including those used in tiles.

Dry Wood Surfaces

Wood is one of the most expensive parts of any home. It’s also one of the most difficult to deal with. Wood is sensitive to warping and rotting, especially when exposed to water. If some parts of your home are made of pricey wood, a heat gun is a lifesaver. It can dry wood surfaces quickly, preventing the wood from absorbing water. Make sure to apply gentle heat, not exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit. You certainly don’t want to end up with charred wood.

Loosen Rusted Bolts and Screws

Rusted bolts and screws are among the most frustrating things DIYers have to deal with. Whether you’re replacing your bedroom door or a deadlock, they are not only annoying but also eat up a lot of your time and patience. This is where a hot air gun can come in handy. With a heat gun, you melt the natural glue in the metal screws caused by oxidation. Applying heat breaks down the rust and allows the nut to expand so that you can remove the bolt smoothly.

Roast Coffee Beans To Perfection

Who says a heat gun can’t be a helpful tool in the kitchen too? If you love brewing coffee, a heat gun is all you need to roast coffee beans perfectly. If you wish to try this out, make sure you move the gun in circles while stirring the beans. Watch the beans for evenness of color and adjust the stirring or gun position as necessary to achieve evenness.

Shrink Wrapping

Heat guns are widely used for shrinking wrapping materials, such as PVC or polypropylene film. If you make varying crafts for selling, a heat gun is an extremely helpful tool that will protect your goods or products for transit and storage. With a heat gun, you can create tamper-proof and tight-fitting packaging for your goods.

Repair Electrical Items

If you love working with electronics, you probably already have a heat gun in your DIY kit. There are plenty of purpose-built electronic heat guns you can use for soldering iron. These tools deliver precise temperatures required for working on circuit boards.

Car Repair

Even your car can benefit from a heat gun. Hot air blowers are used for treating creaseless dents on the body of a vehicle. You can also use a heat gun to install window tinting. Again, make sure to set the gun at the lowest setting and move it around consistently to avoid damaging your car paint. Using an automotive heat gun will deliver the most satisfying result for window tinting. It helps achieve a bubble-free covering and prevent potential damage to the car’s glass.

Choosing a Heat Gun

Choosing a heat gun comes down to two main points—the power source and your intended use. While you can do pretty well with regular models, you will need a specialized heat gun for delicate applications, like electronics repair or car window tinting. Furthermore, some models have an anti-overheating option, an ergonomic handle, a carrying case, and other attachments. Always consider your applications to find the best heat gun for your needs.