Best Heat Guns for Electronics

Heat guns are among the best devices in a passionate DIYer’s toolbox. If you need to shrink heat-shrink tubing, bend plastics, solder, desolder, dry components, or remove adhesives, then you’ll definitely need one of these! This handy device is similar to a hair dryer which pulls in the air with the help of a fan and then pushes the air across the heating element. The hot air then exits through the nozzle at temperatures ranging from 550F to 1100F.

Overall, heat guns are a versatile tool for working with electronics, allowing technicians and engineers to apply heat in a controlled manner for a variety of applications. However, it is important to use caution when using a heat gun, as they can generate high temperatures and can damage sensitive components or cause injury if not used properly.

Things to Consider

Heat guns are heavy-duty heating devices, so you should ensure to learn about what to look for while choosing the best heat guns for electronics. You should always consider the temperature control, temperature settings, nozzles, accessories, and fan speed.

1. Temperature Settings or Range

It’s definitely nice to have a heat gun that has a wide temperature range so you’re not limited to a few applications. For each application, you want to choose the optimal temperature to minimize damage or ensure that you can heat up something that requires a high temperature to complete the job. A common temperature range is between 120F to 932F. The lower temperatures could be used to shrink heat-shrink tubing while the higher temperatures could be used for soldering or desoldering.

2. Temperature Control

Normal heat guns in the market work at one temperature. The heat gun by default gets heated to the maximum temperature. The one and the only solution are to adjust the level of heat by moving the gun away or closer to the object so you are manually controlling the heat.

A dual-temperature technology heat gun consists of two modes of temperature settings. More advanced models might have more than two or multiple settings which will give you the flexibility to choose among low, medium, or high heat.

Variations in temperature can be controlled by dials that help in regulating the heat gun’s temperature between the minimum and maximum levels. Some heat guns have a small display that also allow you to regulate the temperature of the heat gun. If you want accurate heat regulation, then it will be better for you to choose a heat gun with variable temperature as well as variable fan speed, which is discussed below.

3. Fan Speed

The fan speed of a heat gun can have a significant impact on the temperature it produces. Heat guns use a combination of heat and airflow to produce their heat output. The faster the fan speed, the more airflow the heat gun produces. This increased airflow can help to distribute the heat more evenly and prevent hotspots from forming.

If you’re working with a delicate material, such as plastic or thin metal, it’s best to use a lower fan speed to avoid damaging the material. On the other hand, if you’re working with a thicker material, such as wood or thick metal, a higher fan speed may be necessary to achieve the desired temperature.

In general, a higher fan speed will produce a lower temperature, while a lower fan speed will produce a higher temperature. This is because the increased airflow helps to dissipate the heat more quickly, reducing the overall temperature. Conversely, a lower fan speed will result in less airflow and less heat dissipation, allowing the temperature to build up more quickly.

It’s important to note that the temperature produced by a heat gun is also affected by other factors, such as the distance from the heat source, the duration of heating, and the angle of the heat gun. It’s always important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use the appropriate fan speed and temperature setting for the job at hand to ensure the best results and avoid damaging your materials.

4. Accessory Options

Most accessories pertaining to heat guns are the various nozzles which help direct the heat and airflow in a specific way. The common types of nozzles are concentrator, reflector, spreader, glass protector, and fish tail.

Most popular nozzles include cone nozzles or reducer nozzles that help in concentrating the heat to a specific region. Different types of nozzles commonly used are; reflector spoon nozzles that help the piping to heat evenly, flat nozzles are used for a horizontal wide line application, and the glass protector nozzle helps to strip paint off a surface without implying any direct heat on a glass surface.

Types of Heat Guns

The type of heat gun required for a particular application will depend on the specific needs of the job. It is important to choose a heat gun with the appropriate temperature range, power, and other features needed to get the job done safely and effectively. Heat guns generally come in 4 different varieties: industrial, infrared, gas, and electric.

1) Electric Heat Gun

These can be cordless or corded heat guns and work by converting electrical energy to heat energy. There are tons of options available with different sizes, temperature ranges, fan speed, and dual temperatures. Electric heat guns are the most popular and most cost-efficient as well.

2) Gas Heat Gun

These kinds of heat guns either use propane or butane gas in lieu of the heated element. These gas-operated heat guns are not as popular as the electric variation for many reasons. They can be more expensive than the electric heat guns and the gas is needed to be constantly refilled by buying gas canisters.

One of the advantages of gas heat guns is their flexibility, as they can be used in a variety of settings and do not require a power source. Many professionals in the electrical or plumbing sector might use these guns if they have to work away from any electrical or power source outlets.

3) Industrial Heat Gun

Industrial heat guns are designed for heavy-duty applications and have a more powerful heating element, higher temperature range, and longer lifespan. They are commonly used in manufacturing and construction settings.

4) Infrared Heat Gun

These are comparatively new in the market. These heat guns use infrared heat and can focus the heat more directly compared to the other types. These are typically used to strip paint and are much more expensive than the rest of the models.

11 Best Heat Guns For Electronics

1. Enertwist (1500W)

This is one of the most effective heat guns on our list. This heat gun has an adjustable 9-temperature control dial and a 3-speed fan to give you multiple heating options for your application. The temperature ranges from 140F to 932F. It comes with a carrying case and 9 accessories.

This is often the most effective variant for crafting, shrink wrapping, embossing, roofing, painting, phone glass repair, automobile glass repair, wire stripping, tint soldering, and de-soldering, pipe bending (PVC), plastic welding, nuts, and bolt loosening, waxing skis, waxing snowboards, replacing tile, plastic softening and drying purpose.

The nine heat gun accessories of this model are a reflector nozzle, deflector nozzle, glass protector nozzle, concentrator nozzle, and four different varieties of scrapers.

2. Porter Cable 1500W (PC 1500HG)

This heat gun contains a selector switch for dual-fan speed that provides low and high-speed settings of a fan. The variable dial of temperature control allows easy temperature adjustments, and the hands-free integrated stand support allows the heat gun to stay upright for hands-free operation.

3. Seekone 1800W

This is one of the most popular heat guns on this list and for good reason. This heat gun provides you with a strong and quick heat up just in a few seconds. They claim 1200F in 1.5 seconds! It has variable temperature control unlike other heat guns that contain only single or dual temperature.

4. Milwaukee 2688-20 electric cordless heat guns

It is powered by Milwaukee’s red lithium battery technology. The Milwaukee compact gun heats over forty connections with only a single 5.0 XC battery. It is manufactured for top-notch or superior functions and the heat gun contains a high endurance heating coil that reaches the operational temperature in seven seconds.

This device harnesses the redlink intelligence for which the device’s management system of temperature provides maximum life. Additional features include- it is compatibility with every M18 red Lithium battery pack, a guarded nozzle for improved protection of work surfaces, an overall length of 6.4 inches, a ladder hook for easy hanging in between applications, and an LED light to illuminate the work area.

5. LDK heat gun (mini)

LDK Mini Dual temperature Heat Gun is perfect for automotive, crafts, embossing powders, electronics, HTV, vinyl wrap, shrink wrapping, shrink tubing of epoxy resin, decals, shrink tube connectors, EVA foam, shrink capsules wine bottle transfers, shrink film, acrylic, cell phone repair, screen repair, candle making, jewelry making, wax, tablet repair, soldering, wire connectors, butt connectors, soy, beeswax, and more.

Benefits

• It has a 4.9 feet long cable. This heat gun or shrink gun is made of high-quality stainless steel inside and ABS plastic outside. It has a compact design with mini Dimensions of 220*50mm or 8.66*1. 97 inch.
• The temperature of the device nozzle can reach up to 200 degrees or 300 degrees within a few seconds. The heat gets out or ventilates from the tail of the heat gun which can decrease the internal high temperature and extend the life of the device.
• It is ideal for shrinking tubes, heating PVC, shrinking wrap, cell phone repairs, electronics, loosening rusted bolts, removing floor tiles or paint, vinyl wrap, and other thawing or heating purpose.

Unique selling points (USPs)

• It has got a very long cable that can be used in crafting
• Very fast heating technology
• Wide range of applications
• They provide a hundred percent satisfaction guarantee, return guarantee or full refund if anything happens to the product you can feel free to contact their customer support at any time, and they will be always there for you.
• Dual temperature settings ( 392 degrees Fahrenheit to 482 degrees Fahrenheit and 572 degrees Celsius or 662 degrees Fahrenheit ).
• The high-quality material used to build up the tool
• Insulated body
• Overheat protection

6. Genesis GHG 1500A heat gun

It is a tool that is very versatile and it is used for stripping varnish and paint, softening putty and caulking, thawing pipes, removing the adhesive labels, freezers, gutters, radiators, loose rusted bolts and nuts, cement, damp surface, or epoxy.

It can also help you to light a charcoal grill, warmup RC engines that will help with starting, and much more. It has 12.5-ampere motor, 1500W/750W. It has low and high versatile temperature settings.

The tool has deflector nozzles to protect glass and other such surfaces while the reflector nozzle speeds up the process of thawing pipes. Three switches (position – rocker type) are there for high temperature and low temperature.

Benefits

• Its voltage rate is 120 volt AC, 60 HZ
• 12.5 Ampere input power and 750/1500 W output power
• 572/1000 degrees Fahrenheit air temperature
• The nozzle for air reduction concentrates heat
• It has an integrated standing convenience

7. Xpeoo heat gun

It comes under the category of best attachments of heat guns that have an excellent heating system. It can operate at 110 and 120 volts, 60Hz in the US. The top configured model can utilize 2 rear cover temperature and gears temperature to adjust the temperature.

It also has a digital display that can provide information about the operating temperature in degrees Celsius. The heat gun can increase its temperature in a matter of a few seconds for usage.

The digital display present comes extremely handy in usage while working with various types of applications by displaying the heat gun’s precise operating temperature at the given point of time.

This temperature can be easily controlled by the rotating lever present in the rear cover of the gun. The product’s rear cover has been designed after keeping the ergonomics in mind for ease of usage and it can be kept upright while standing by so that one can rest his/her hands.

 Benefits

• Variable operational temperature
• Hands-free ergonomic design
• A digital display for the ease of usage and precise applications
• Multiple usage accessories pack comes along with the pack which may be useful in the following applications like shrink wrapping, while repairing cell phones, removal of paint, thawing of pipes, epoxy resin, art and craft, electronics repair, and shrink tubing.

8. Wagner heat gun (HT1000)

This heat gun provides a dual temperature that helps you to complete numerous do-it-yourself (DIY) projects by using high heat outputs. This model uses a 750 degrees Fahrenheit and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit temperature setting that helps to remove flooring, loosen bolts, and thawing pipes.

It can also remove paint, shrink wrap, etc. The gun has a power of 1200 watts that can easily complete multiple house improvement projects. It is durable, lightweight, effective, and applies concentrated heat to accomplish various projects. The heat gun also contains a stand to provide a hands-free operation.

The two-speed mode of fans provides extra control in customizing your task needs. It has a rust-resistant nozzle and an attached hanging hook that will help us to peg it on a workbench or wall.

Benefits

• It has a durable design that is made for extended use and this statement is backed by two years of warranty
• It is a versatile heat gun especially made for home projects
• It is safe and it is customer-centric. Wagner is a fifty-plus years company that always aims to put your safety first, which is why they are UL and ETL listed
• The built quality is great. It is made up of a plastic body that is high impact resistant. It also contains corrosion or a dust-resistant nozzle.

Unique selling points (USPs)

• Very fast heating technology
• Wide range of household applications
• They provide a hundred percent satisfaction guarantee, return guarantee or full refund. If anything happens to the product you can feel free to contact their customer support at any time, and they will be always there for you.
• Dual temperature settings ( 750 degrees Fahrenheit and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit ).
• The high-quality material used to build up the tool (durable)
• Insulated body
• Overheat protection
• Integrated hook for storage
• A temperature switch is built into the handle
• Dual modes of fan speed

9. Dewalt (D26960K) Heat gun

This model can adjust temperatures in increments of fifty degrees. This feature avoids overheating the device. This also has overload protection. This is a great lightweight and compact model with great stability.

The built material used is high-quality plastic. It is an electric corded tool of 1550W, 120V, 13 Amperes. Its airflow capacity is 18cubic feet per minute. The length of the cord is ten feet, the company provides a whopping three years of warranty.

This model has an LCD display, and integrated overload protection that prevents burnup by shutting the heating element down. It also has an integrated ring that is a convenient feature for hanging or storage.

The chord of this device is protected by a cord protector that does not allow it to tear away. It has kickstand support that provides great stability and prevents tipping over. It has ergonomically designed Greek comfort that provides long hours of usage.

Benefits

• It has a durable design that is made for extended use and this statement is backed by three years of warranty
• It is a versatile heat gun especially made for home projects as well as Industrial projects
• It is safe and it is customer-centric. Dewalt is a fifty-plus years company that always aims to put your safety first, which is why they are UL and ETL listed
• Their built quality is great. It is made up of a plastic body that is high impact resistant. It also contains corrosion or a rust or corrosion resistant nozzle.

Unique selling points (USPs)

• Very fast heating technology
• Wide range of household applications and commercial usage
• They provide a hundred percent satisfaction guarantee, return guarantee, or full refund. If anything happens to the product you can feel free to contact their customer support at any time, and they will be always there for you.
• Temperature adjustments in fifty-degree increments to avoid overheating
• The high-quality plastic material used to build up the tool (durable)
• Overheat protection
• Integrated ring for storage
• Cord protector to keep the cord from tearing away

10. Prulde (HG0080) Heat gun

It contains a high power and an efficient turbofan that allows fast heating in a few seconds. It has integrated or built-in overload protection that prevents burning. It also contains integrated overheating protection that ensures reliable use and safety.

These are heavy-duty heat guns that have gone through the aging test and drop test. It can perform excellently by keeping on running for over five hundred hours. The compact design and lightweight features make it easy to handle.

It has a flexible tube that prevents cable damage and it has a strong grip handle design for ensuring ease of use. This heat gun has ceramic heating elements, and it hugely improves the product safety as compared to conventional heating mica elements.

This model comes with four nozzles that can be used for PVC shrinking, crafts, paint stripping, thawing pipes, and phone repairing. It has a voltage of 120 volts and 60 Hz frequency. It has an output power of 1200 watts. It has dual temperature technology and airflow technology.

(i) 752 degrees Fahrenheit, 250 L /M

(ii) 1112degrees Fahrenheit, 500L/M.

The cord length is longer than another common heat gun which is 6.5 feet.

Benefits

• It has a durable design that is made for extended use and it is also heat resistant.
• It is a versatile heat gun especially made for home projects as well as Industrial projects
• It is safe and it is customer-centric. This company always aims to put your safety first, which is why they are UL and ETL listed
• Their built quality is great. It is made up of a plastic body that is high impact resistant. It also contains corrosion or a corrosion or rust resistant nozzle.
• It has an embedded type of mounting
• It has a lightweight, ventilated, and compact design.
• Dual temperature settings (752 degrees Fahrenheit to 1112 degrees Fahrenheit)

Unique selling points (USPs)

• It has got a very long cable compared to other conventional models
• Very fast heating technology
• Wide range of applications
• They provide a hundred percent satisfaction guarantee, return guarantee, or full refund. If anything happens to the product you can feel free to contact their customer support at any time, and they will be always there for you.
• Dual temperature settings ( 752 degrees Fahrenheit, 250 L /M, and 1112degrees Fahrenheit, 500L/M ).
• The high-quality material used to build up the tool
• Insulated body
• Overheat protection

11 . Phalanx heat Gun (1500W)

This is equipped with a high-functioning motor. It is a hand-held tool that can stand upside down on any workbench. It consists of dual temperature settings, seven temperature grades, and five durable nozzles.

It also has a single set of paint shovels that are largely used in household projects. It has a rated voltage of 120 volts and a frequency of 60 Hz, and it has a power output of 1500 watts. It has dual temperature settings-

(i) 122 degrees Fahrenheit to 752 degrees Fahrenheit, 300 L /M

(ii) 194 degrees Fahrenheit to 1202 degrees Fahrenheit, 500L/M.

It has a cord length that is longer than other common heat guns which are 6.6 feet.

This heat gun with a super convenient kit makes it perfect for paint and varnish removing, igniting a fireplace, crafts, loosening bolts that are rusted, thawing pipes, home improvement, bending pipes, and many more.

It has double insulation along with variable temperature control. It also has a UL and ETL certification that ensures its safety. It has an over-heating protection system effectively avoids any damage to the electronic circuit or the machine. The handle has a rubber insulator and an ergonomic design that provides a comfortable grip and reduces stiffness.

Benefits

• This model’s rated power is 120 volts, 60 Hz.
• The temperatures setting is adjustable with seven temp grades (dual technology)
• It provides ten heat gun accessories (1 paint shovel, 4 shovel attachments, and 5 nozzle attachments)
• UL listed a Plug power cord of length 6.6 feet
• It is ETL certified for reliable safety
• It comes with a durable carry case for easy storage and transportation
• It has an ergonomic soft-grip design that ensures a fatigue operation
• It has a comfortable grip design
• It is overload protected and double insulated

 Unique Selling Points (USPs)

• The powerful 1500W heat gun provides a strong heating capacity up to 1202 degrees Fahrenheit very quickly in a few minutes.
• It has a lightweight, non-slip, compact grip design that provides great balance comfort, and control.
• It provides a bonus of a range of additional accessories like paint removal equipment and nozzles used to make different jobs flexible.
• Compact and lightweight
• Ventilated and comfortable design with dual insulation

Conclusion

Choosing the right heat gun for your application is crucial. You need to consider different factors such as type of material, temperature range and control, included accessories, fan speed, and type of heat gun (electric, gas, battery, industrial). It’s also crucial to choose a heat gun from a reputable brand that offers quality products and safety features.

Overall, the best heat gun will depend on your specific needs and preferences. With the options we’ve provided, you can confidently choose a heat gun that will help you complete your repairs and maintenance with ease and precision.