Heat Guns

Our range of multi-function heat guns are lightweight and efficient. Available in a range of power outputs, either corded or cordless, we offer high-performance heat guns for every application. Choose excellent quality from reliable brands like Steinel®, Bosch® and our own brand, Kobe®.

What are heat guns?

A largely overlooked and versatile tool, heat guns generate a stream of heated air using an internal heating element and a fan. Capable of generating very high temperatures, they're designed for heating a localised area and can be used for drying damp wood, heating and bending plastics and stripping lead-based paint.

Why heat guns?

Producing temperatures of between 100°C to 600°C, heat guns are a versatile and safe way of using directed heat. They have a wide range of uses, which is expounded by their wide selection of attachments, which includes a copper pipe soldering attachment and a spreader nozzle to concentrate heat flow.

When are heat guns used?

Heat guns are extremely useful in a wide range of industries. One of the common jobs they're known for is for stripping paint, but they also do a great job of drying filler, thawing frozen pipes, and maintaining heat for soldering purposes. Electrician's often use them for heat-shrinkable tubing and mechanics even use them to clean up the trims on cars and vans.

Heat gun types

Used widely in a range of applications, the humble heat gun is produced in a series of shapes and sizes to suit very particular or wide-reaching tasks. One of the most overlooked hand tools, heat guns are available in corded and cordless variations according to user preference.

• Universal heat gun   -   A triggered-style heat gun made to suit a wide range of uses, including DIYers and trades people.

• LCD/LED heat gun   -   A high performance variant of the universal heat gun, this type features a display screen for temperature and airflow monitoring.

• Hot air blower   -   A box shape with an elongated nozzle, this stationary type processes plastics

• Hot air tool   -   This torch shaped design is ideal for welding and forming bitumen and other plastics for roofing tasks and other similar applications.

• Diode heat gun   -   Designed specifically for delicate tasks, this small heat gun is used widely in laboratory settings for plastic processes including shrinking, welding and soldering.

Considerations when choosing a heat gun

• Application - everyday DIY tasks will require a basic heat gun model, while a professional trades person will be looking for a professional grade tool.

• Power - heat guns deliver a wide choice when it comes to power, with basic electric models working at approximately 1800 watts. At the professional end of the spectrum, a heat gun can work at around 3400 watts and will deliver high level performance as a result.

• Temperature - basic models usually have a heat switch with up to three fixed temperature settings, while a professional quality model will have a variable temperature dial which allows for precise control.

• Airflow - some models feature airflow control to allow for specific tasks that may need more or less directed heat.

• Additional features - some models offer the benefits of an LCD or LED display to allow for temperature and airflow monitoring, while standard models are available in kits with a carry case and a selection of attachments.

• Safety - thermal cut-out systems will ensure that the heat gun doesn't go beyond its temperature threshold, damaging the tool and potentially, the operator. Some models feature a residual heat indicator as standard, which can help to prevent burns where heat remains in the nozzle or gun attachment.

Heat gun jargon buster

We want to keep you informed and in the know when it comes to heat gun products and accessories, so we've put together a basic list of heat gun attachments and what they do so you can choose the best products for your needs.

What do all the heat gun attachments do?

Made with high grade stainless steel, heat gun attachments allow for the adaptation of airflow to direct the heat for use in specific applications.

Let's break it down...

• Safety guard - this attachment provides a thermal guard to help reduce the likelihood of burn injuries

• Deflector - features a thicker shield of metal that protects an area from the direct heat of the gun

• Reflector - this is designed with a curved plate to heat shrink tubing or a copper pipe to allow for even solder distribution

• Spreader - this is a wider nozzle that comes in a range of shapes and sizes. It directs the heat into a concentrated shape, in this instance for a wider spread of heat distribution

• Reducer - this nozzle type comes in a wide range of sizes to reduce the spread of heat, and direct it to a smaller, more targeted area

• Plastic welding - this attachment features two tubes, one to direct the heat and the other to feed the plastic rod welding material through for application

FAQs

How do heat guns work?

Heat guns feature a heating element and a fan that pushes air over the element in the gun's chamber and directs it out of the nozzle.

Can you use a hair dryer as a heat gun?

Hair dryers and heat guns are very similar in appearance and function, and while a hair dryer wouldn't generate enough heat for heavy-duty tasks, it will lift and remove stickers and shrink heat shrink tubing if you have no heat gun to hand.

Can a heat gun remove rust?

Yes, in high levels and with the assistance of impact and scraping tools, a heat gun can take some of the pain out of removing rust from metals.