A heat gun is a handheld tool that emits a stream of hot air. It is used to apply heat to various tasks, such as when stripping paint, shrinking plastic tubing, thawing frozen pipes, and softening adhesives. 

The tool's adjustable temperature settings even make it great for a wide range of electrical applications in DIY projects, home improvement, and professional work.

That said, It is essential to understand how to use a heat gun properly since misuse can cause burns or fire hazards.

In this article, we will list seven practical uses of heat guns and safety measures to keep in mind for each.

1. Paint Stripping

The hot air that heat guns emit can soften old paint, making it easier to scrape off.

To use your heat gun for paint stripping, follow the steps below.

1. Hold the heat gun 2-3 inches from the surface.
2. Move the heat gun back and forth over a small section until the paint bubbles and softens.
3. Once the paint is softened, use a paint scraper or putty knife to lift and remove the paint. Be gentle to avoid damaging the underlying surface.
4. Lightly sand the surface to smooth any rough spots. Wipe down the surface to remove dust or debris before applying new paint or finish.

This method is efficient for both large areas and intricate details, providing a clean surface for new paint or finishes while minimizing damage to the underlying material.

2. Shrink Wrapping

Heat guns can also be used for shrink-wrapping materials.

For instance, for packaging, you can place an item inside a shrink-wrap film and use the heat gun to heat the film evenly. As the film heats, it shrinks tightly around the item, forming a secure, protective cover.

Heat guns can also be used for electrical insulation. Simply slide the heat-shrink tubing over the wire or connector and apply heat until it shrinks to fit snugly around the wire.

You can actually heat-shrink materials without a heat gun; however, using a heat gun offers several distinct advantages. 

• Allows for precise control over the amount of heat applied
• Directed flow of hot air from a heat gun can shrink-wrap materials quickly and evenly
• Can handle various sizes and shapes of objects
• It is more affordable and portable than industrial heat tunnels or ovens.

3. Thawing Frozen Pipes

A heat gun is also an excellent tool for thawing frozen pipes. Follow the steps below to prevent your pipes from icing up.

1. Set the heat gun to a low or medium temperature setting to prevent overheating and damaging the pipes.
2. Begin heating at the faucet end of the pipe.
3. Hold the heat gun 6-8 inches away from the pipe and slowly move it back and forth. Do not focus heat on one spot for too long, as this can weaken or damage the pipe.
4. Slowly go through the frozen section of the pipe, ensuring even heating to help avoid thermal shock to the pipes.

To safely thaw frozen pipes with a heat gun, avoid high settings, as high heat can cause pipes (especially plastic ones) to crack or warp. 

Also, regularly check the pipe’s temperature to ensure it does not get too hot.

4. Manipulating Plastic

Heat guns can be used to weld, bend, and mold plastic to shape them into artistic or functional pieces. This lets you create custom plastic parts for projects, repairs, or prototypes.

However, not all types of plastics can be manipulated with a heat gun. Below are various plastics that can handle the temperature generated by heat guns.

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

5. Drying and Removing Adhesives

A heat gun can also be used to dry adhesives quickly. 

This is handy in applications like craft projects, where quickly drying adhesives can speed up the process.

However, you will need to monitor the adhesive to prevent overheating, which could weaken the bond or damage the material.

You can also remove adhesive and adhesive residues using heat guns. However, be careful not to apply too much heat to avoid damaging the surface of your projects.

This is good for removing stickers and labels or removing old adhesive from car decals or trim pieces.

Once off, you can then use a plastic scraper or cloth to gently lift and wipe away the softened adhesive. For stubborn residues, simply reapply heat as necessary.

6. Automotive Uses

Heat guns are also useful in automotive applications, whether for repair or maintenance tasks. Below are some examples.

• Vinyl Wrapping: Heat guns make the vinyl more pliable, ensuring a smooth application without bubbles or wrinkles. They can also help in safely removing vinyl wraps without leaving adhesive residue.

• Window Tinting: Heat guns are used to shrink the tint film so it sticks smoothly to the window without bubbles. 

• Bumper Repairs: Heat guns can soften plastic bumpers so they can be reshaped and repaired. This makes it a cost-effective solution for minor bumper damage, enabling DIY fixes without professional help.

7. Electronics and Wiring

Heat guns are also important in electronics repair. They provide a precise and controlled heat source essential for working with delicate electronic parts.

Heat guns are essential tools when using heat shrink tubing. As a heat source, it causes the tubing to shrink uniformly around wires or connectors, ensuring a secure and protective seal. This process enhances insulation, strain relief, and environmental protection for electrical connections.

For desoldering, heat guns apply focused heat to solder joints. They melt the solder, allowing components to be removed without damaging the board or surrounding parts. 

This is great for repairing or replacing faulty components, as it avoids excessive heat that could harm the circuit board.

Meanwhile, for resoldering, heat guns are used to reflow the solder on circuit boards. This ensures strong, reliable connections for new or repaired components. 

The controlled heat application also helps prevent cold solder joints, which can lead to poor electrical connections and device failures.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

To prevent accidents, it is very important to be aware of safety tips when handling a heat gun. 

Below are some best practices you should integrate when using a heat gun.

• Have the Right Protective Gear: These include safety goggles, heat-resistant gloves, respirator masks, and long-sleeved clothing.
• Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.
• Select the Right Temperature: To prevent damage or fire hazards, use the appropriate heat setting for the material you are working with.
• Keep Moving: Always keep the heat gun moving to avoid concentrating heat in one spot, which can cause burning or damage.
• Maintain Distance: Hold the heat gun at least 2-3 inches from the surface you are working on.
• Avoid Flammable Materials: Ensure the work area is free from flammable materials and substances.
• Use a Stand: When not in use, use a heat gun stand to rest the tool safely. Never leave a heat gun unattended while it is turned on.
• Be Mindful of the Nozzle: The nozzle can become extremely hot. Avoid touching it and keep it away from combustible materials.
• Cool Down Before Storage: To avoid fire hazards, ensure the heat gun is entirely cool before storage. Store it in a dry, cool place away from flammable materials and out of reach of children.
• Organize Cords: Wrap cords neatly to prevent damage and reduce tripping hazards.
• Regular Maintenance: Check the heat gun regularly for any signs of wear or damage, and promptly replace any worn parts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have more questions about using heat guns? We have answered a few below.

Does a Heat Gun Use a Lot of Electricity?

A heat gun can use up to 2,000 watts. The amount of electricity it consumes depends on factors like its power rating and duration of use.

How Hot Does a Heat Gun Get?

A heat gun’s temperature typically ranges between 100 and 500°C, but hotter models can reach up to 750°C.

Can a Hair Dryer Be Used as a Heat Gun?

You can technically use a hair dryer as a heat gun, but it is ideal only for tasks like removing stickers, candle wax, and the like. 

A heat gun is still better for most situations since it is more efficient, especially in heavy-duty industrial applications.

Key Takeaways on Heat Gun Uses

Heat guns are versatile tools with various applications, such as paint stripping, manipulating plastic, and soldering electronics. 

You can even keep experimenting with how else you can heat guns. 

However, remember to adhere to safety standards and follow the best practices listed to prevent accidents while working on your project.