In its most basic incarnation, a portable heat gun consists of a heating element, motor and fan. The fan draws hot air from the heating element and directs it through the nozzle of the tool. Because of their relatively simple construction, plastic heat guns are amongst some of the most affordable power tools available, and due to the wide range of applications they can be used for they make a useful addition to any tool kit. Stripping paint, shrink wrapping, car wrapping, heat shrinking cable sleeves, removing labels & adhesives, thawing frozen pipes, loosening nuts & bolts, welding plastic and tarpaulin, drying out timber, waxing surfboards… 



1. Power.

The vast majority of portable heat guns on the market today are corded electric models, and they have fairly high power requirements – DIY models usually start out around 1800 watts while at the other end of the market the Steinel HG 5000 E Professional Hot Air Tool is rated at 3400 watts and equipped with a factory sealed brushless motor which delivers a maximum airflow rate of 800 litres per minute. As might be expected, higher wattage generally relates to higher overall performance, presuming the tool also includes controls for adjusting the settings. As well as multiple 240v options designed for plugging straight into the mains, some hot air tools are available in 110v, making them safe for use on construction sites and other industrial environments (in conjunction with a step down transformer).

If a power cord is not practical for your requirements, you can also find cordless hot air tools powered by lithium ion battery (like the Steinel BHG 360 36v Cordless Hot Air Heat Gun) or by gas (like the Sealey AK2935 Butane Hot Air Gun).


2. DIY or Professional

Like most power tools, portable heat guns are generally designed either for DIY or professional use. DIY in this context means someone who will only require light use from the tool, eg a homeowner stripping paint off their windowsills or an electronics hobbyist heat shrinking cable sleeves in their spare time. A professional user on the other hand would be classed as someone who uses the tool every day, for example in a packing warehouse or a garage. DIY brands include Ryobi, Black & Decker and Bosch Green, and these represent the most affordable hot air tools on the market. However, you should note if you do need the tool for work these models will not usually be covered under warranty if used in this way. Professional grade tools are designed to withstand the conditions of working environments and these include models from brands like DeWalt, Makita and Bosch Blue. One of the most respected names in hot air technology is the German brand Steinel and they manufacture tools for both markets; their DIY range can be identified by a blue colour scheme while their professional tools are grey.

3. Temperature Scanners.
Another feature that is more commonly found on professional machines, but also available for some DIY tools, is a temperature scanner. This is an accessory that may be supplied with the portable heat gun or purchased as an upgrade to be fitted to it. While many hot air tools provide a facility to gauge the heat being produced by the tool, a temperature scanner instead reads the temperature at the point where the hot air is contacting the workpiece; this provides a more precise way of controlling the application of heat to especially sensitive materials and a more accurate way of identifying surface conditions in temperature critical applications.


4. Thermal Cut-out.
A tool with a thermal cut-out system will automatically shut down if its internal temperature breaches a predetermined threshold (eg after being used for an extended period of time). As well as ensuring user safety, this helps to prolong the lifetime of the tool: Heat is one of the greatest detriments to electronic components and as a result portable heat guns can lead hard and short lives compared with other power tools. Thermal cut outs are one of the most common built in protection systems to limit the damaging effects of the extreme temperatures that they have to endure in day to day use.