What's the *best* heat gun

[AntiqueCarNut]

I have an old Master heat gun - probably from the 50's or early 60's. It works OK, but weighs a ton, and doesn't heat up fast enough for some types of heat shrink tubing. I use it for typical stuff - shrink tubing, warming up parts that have to be adhered together with 3M high bond tape, during winter, etc.

I've been looking at the Griot's Garage Heat Gun but I'm wondering what the best heat gun would be? Also, where do I purchase this gem?


TIA.

 

[kwoody51]

If you do a search there are a couple of threads about heat guns. It really depends on what you are looking to spend. For $50 you can get a re-furbed Milwaukee unit off of amazon that is a pretty solid gun, based on the reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004TI25/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This may be of some help
http://www.galttech.com/research/household-DIY-tools/best-heat-gun.php

 

[mrshaun]

Blue point used to carry a really nice one. etb1410 was the past number. they worked. need I say more. you can get them off of ebay now and then for 39-49 bucks.

 

[mrshaun]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLUE...Z250590208759QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

hurry

 

[wellstig1]

These are really good. I use the top one to do the heat shrink radiator hose clamps which the cheaper ones have a really hard time getting done.

 

[MattT]

I've got a basic, dual temp, Milwaukee and I've got no complaints. It is hot even on low so if you need gentle heat it probably ain't the right gun for you.

 

[the spyder]

I've got a basic, dual temp, Milwaukee and I've got no complaints. It is hot even on low so if you need gentle heat it probably ain't the right gun for you.

Quoting because I have the same gun, its outlasted my friends more expensive Craftsman multi range guns.

 

[speed bump]

I have a Milwaukee thats okay for the price I paid but if you look at the really good guns (the brand slips my mind at the moment) they are about 5x the gun the Milwaukee is.

 

[Garmann]

I have the dual temp Milwaukee. Great gun for the money.

 

[ourkid2000]

The finest heat guns i've used are from a company named Steinel (Czech made I believe). The upper range models come with a high precision temperature control system with several fan speeds.

They are extremely durable too, we abuse the hell out of em at work, but they're not cheap. The electronic LCD ESD models will run you almost 400 bucks.

http://www.steinel.net/products/heatguns/electronic_heatguns.cfm

 

[simonb]

Kawasaki heat gun from amazon- $27
http://www.amazon.com/Kawasaki-840015-Black-10-Piece-Heat/dp/B000H4I67I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1268218184&sr=8-1
everyone in my shop love it

 

[mrshaun]

milwaukee sounds like it is a good one. I will have to look at getting one on the truck.

 

[AntiqueCarNut]

Hey - thanks everyone... I'll be checkin' out the Milwaukee, Steinel (but not the $400 one ) and the Kawi.

 

[TopFuel]

I've been enjoying a Makita HG1100. When I was looking many people said it was a solid gun.

http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=421

 

[mooman]

Dito on the Makita one.

 

[The Muffin Man]

I have the Blue Point heat gun Mr. Shawn linked to. I've been using it everyday for the past 7 years and counting


Edit:

McCulloch sells the exact same heatgun as the ETB1410. They also offer it in a set with various attachments and stuff.

http://www.opentip.com/product_info.php?ref=8974&products_id=614408&affiliate_banner_id=4

 

[vssjim]

I have two of these and have had them for over ten years plus they are the Craftsman Pro series, these were made in germany I think but don't know if they still are.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00927801000P?vName=Tools&keyword=heat+gun

 

[Major Ramifications]

I've never been impressed by the Milwaukee one. I have the Craftsman Pro that VSSjim posted above. It is made by Steinel in Germany and is a SWEET heat gun. Infinitely variable heat, and it tells you the temperature. Truly a pleasure to use.

 

[GregN]

Now this is a heat gun:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/cc89/

I don't know if I would use it for anything flammable, and I am pretty sure it wouldn't last to long, but it would be cool.

 

[YARD]

The finest heat guns i've used are from a company named Steinel (Czech made I believe). The upper range models come with a high precision temperature control system with several fan speeds.

They are extremely durable too, we abuse the hell out of em at work, but they're not cheap. The electronic LCD ESD models will run you almost 400 bucks.

http://www.steinel.net/products/heatguns/electronic_heatguns.cfm

I'm with ourkid, Steinel makes the best heat gun out there. They can range from $120-$400, but one in the $200-$250 range should be good. I use a heat gun frequently, and I talk to graphic installers all over the world who use them as well, and almost all agree that Steinel makes the best. I also have a Bosch which is decent, the most important thaing to look for is digital controls, to set fan speed and temp. I think Fastenal and grainger carry them.

 

[ourkid2000]

The Steinel 1910 is one that is probably the best value. It has all the grunt of the most expensive models but without the precise temp control & fan speed control.

They will run you around 200 bucks but they are worth every penny. We have 5 or 6 of em at work that everyone shares and they are really really abused and not looked after. They still work like new though. Very durable, best bang for your buck for sure.

 

[ZRX61]

I have the dual temp Milwaukee. Great gun for the money.

ditto.....

 

[kwhitelaw]

. steinel

 

[Monte]

I have a Bosch 1944LCDK with LCD display, also made by Steinel as well as the Metabo version. There is also "Weldy" (=Leister) who offer similar guns like Steinel and "Leister" from switzerland for industrial applications.

Weldy can be bought here:
http://weldyheatguns.com/

 

[wreckercologist]

The Makita I use at work is the best I've used. Lightweight, well balanced, heats up super fast, and no need to let it cool down before shutting it off.

 

[Daves69]

We have the Milwaukee at work. Sees lots of abuse, still works after 2 years.

 

[FNFS2000]

Hazet with digital temp setting

 

[mrb]

for heatshrink where precise direction of the hot air flow is required so as not to melt everything around the heatshrink (such as when terminating PET braid) I like the Weller 6966C

 

[atari]

We have the Milwaukee at work. Sees lots of abuse, still works after 2 years.

We have Milwaukee at every bench, 150 I think. They get dropped, slammed in the holsters. They keep on going. Thats what I got for the shop too.

 

[wellstig1]

These are really good. I use the top one to do the heat shrink radiator hose clamps which the cheaper ones have a really hard time getting done.

Forgot to add the link for the heat gun i was talking about

http://www.etooldirect.com/manufacturer/eddy-heat-gun

 

[Paul_NJ]

The variable Milwaukee has served me well for more years than I care to remember.

 

[Monte]

 

[dwm]

Ditto on Steinel.

 

[cnc-me]

Master Appliance has some good ones.
Metal construction, replaceable brushes, and made in the U.S.A.
for a decent price.

 

[Greatbear]

I have several, from a tiny Ungar I use for electronic work to a huge Dayton2400watt (actually a rebranded Master Appliance) with a 20amp 120V plug that can melt Frosty the Snowman from 20 paces. I needed a better mid-range heat gun than I had, and bought a DeWalt D26950, 1500 watts and adjustable heat output from 150 to 1100 F, plus two fan speeds. The thing is great. It has a closed-loop temperature control system, so once the temp is set, it maintains it. No overheating stuff when I want to dry glue or paint or shrink tubing. I ended up getting the digital display version D26960, it sets temp in 50 degree increments and maintains the setting within 10 degrees or so from my measurements. These guns are great for plastics work as well as electronics or other delicate work where there is too much of a chance of scorching the workpiece or damaging surrounding components.

 

[BBQ&Love]

When you guys are talking Milwaukee are you talking these?

Or these?

 

[usdemt]

What is the model on the cordless gun? I cannot find it on the website. I have been wanting something like that forever, I bet it is pricey but I do not even care!

 

[bgott]

I love the Makita, mainly because I bought one for $10, brand new, at an estate sale.

I have one of the black Milwaulkees like the one 22rifle posted, I bought it years ago off of a Cornwell truck for,IIRC, $85. They were well over a hundred back then, I got a discount because the tool man had used it to remove some stripes off of his truck with it. I've used it since '97 or so without any problems.

 

[treasureseeker]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YPTH1Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Lightfoot]

Hard to beat the Master you said you already have. If it's not hot quick enough, there could be a reason-faulty switch, loose connection, need new coil, could be a number of things, but it IS a good gun. Parts are likely still available.