what's your chose of heat gun for general use.
- Thread starter bluesboy
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S/RConcepts
Well-known member
I use this one from Porter-Cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Q04X44/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Works excellent, and the biggest sell for me was the dial-adjustable heat, as well as the 2 fan speeds. The heat ranges from a lukewarm breeze to hotter than the sun itself. It's also saved me quite a few times here in the rust belt by being able to heat fasteners in a place you don't want an open flame torch near- like around fuel lines, plastic panels, and such.
Works excellent, and the biggest sell for me was the dial-adjustable heat, as well as the 2 fan speeds. The heat ranges from a lukewarm breeze to hotter than the sun itself. It's also saved me quite a few times here in the rust belt by being able to heat fasteners in a place you don't want an open flame torch near- like around fuel lines, plastic panels, and such.
nynexit
Well-known member
I bought a Wagner from a local hardware store 20 yrs ago for under $20. Thing works great & has never gave me any problems for being a DIY grade.
But I don't need to use a heat gun for long periods of time that often. Last year I bought a small hand held heat gun. My plan was to use it for heatshrink when I don't want to use my little butane powered ones. I've been using it a lot for removing labels & other quick jobs.
There's a lot of these style mini heat guns on Amazon that have bad reviews of them not lasting long. I went with an ECG/NTE Electronics brand. I'm familiar with NTE Electronics but I doubt it's made by them. Made in Taiwan FWIW. I haven't used my full size Wagner since.
Used it not too long ago to fix a warped brake light lens. I really like this little guy.
But I don't need to use a heat gun for long periods of time that often. Last year I bought a small hand held heat gun. My plan was to use it for heatshrink when I don't want to use my little butane powered ones. I've been using it a lot for removing labels & other quick jobs.
There's a lot of these style mini heat guns on Amazon that have bad reviews of them not lasting long. I went with an ECG/NTE Electronics brand. I'm familiar with NTE Electronics but I doubt it's made by them. Made in Taiwan FWIW. I haven't used my full size Wagner since.
Used it not too long ago to fix a warped brake light lens. I really like this little guy.
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mikester
Well-known member
Theyre a little more money but Ive used Master heat guns for years.
vavet
Well-known member
I’ll ask a dumb question...what do the more expensive heat guns do that a Hf unit does not?
My Hf unit doesn't get used much, but I bet it’s 15 years old and still blows hot air. That’s all I expect of it.
My Hf unit doesn't get used much, but I bet it’s 15 years old and still blows hot air. That’s all I expect of it.
Last, as in be reliable.
At my old work we used to use mostly Master Appliance heatguns. When we needed more the company cheaped out & bought cheap ones. They didn't hold up being used daily & for longer periods of time. They just kept buying different cheap ones & continued too. The cheap ones we had had no signs of failing to. They lost more money buying the cheap ones over & over again instead of buying good ones from the start. They would just randomly burn out. Some would stop blowing hot air & some would just stop blowing.
Not saying the HF one will fail like that, I've never used one. Somethings at HF are actually decent even though some people won't believe it. And being 15 yrs old it could be possibly better made than the ones they have today.
At my old work we used to use mostly Master Appliance heatguns. When we needed more the company cheaped out & bought cheap ones. They didn't hold up being used daily & for longer periods of time. They just kept buying different cheap ones & continued too. The cheap ones we had had no signs of failing to. They lost more money buying the cheap ones over & over again instead of buying good ones from the start. They would just randomly burn out. Some would stop blowing hot air & some would just stop blowing.
Not saying the HF one will fail like that, I've never used one. Somethings at HF are actually decent even though some people won't believe it. And being 15 yrs old it could be possibly better made than the ones they have today.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I have the Harbor Freight Drill Master brand. I also have a Milwaukee. I can't tell a difference performance wise.
montanafordman
Well-known member
I also have the harbor freight drill master brand. I think I used a coupon and spent $9. I use it usually once or twice a month - it blows very hot air like it should with no complaints. If it dies I'm only out $9 - and maybe then I'll find something higher quality but then again - as often as I use them I might stay cheap. If I was using it daily to heat shrink tubing insulation or in some professional capacity I would probably find something better but as a homeowner its fine.
txvwnut
Well-known member
I have the 10 buck HF heat gun and it’s been a decent tool. I bought 15 or so years ago for a job and figured if it gets through this job plus one more then I can’t complain. If one person was the only one using it in a professional daily setting it might do okay. If it’s used like the Master heat gun at the day job I don’t think it would last a week. Master heat guns are built like tanks, if you need one to go in the service truck or be used in the shop by dipshits that don’t care get a Master. If you need one for home use the HF unit should do just fine.
Renegade1LI
Well-known member
I have been happy with my m18 milwaukee but I just got the dewalt & it is way better, plus it has a high & low setting & you can lock it on to free up your hands. I have a couple corded, all good, but the dewalt is the go to now.
RoundedNut
Well-known member
I've been using a cheap heat gun from Canadian Tire (automotive & general merchandise). I don't know if a high end one is necessary as its been in use 10+ years thawing water pipes, warming up small engine blocks, etc.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
DeWalt cordless heat gun. Since I bought it, I haven't used my corded one. For what I do, it works perfect.
niget2002
Well-known member
I'll be the odd man out here.
I have an old Hangar 9 heat gun I bought many years ago for shrinking plastic on RC models.
I've been using it for 'heat gun' tasks ever since.
It's only 1000w and it only has 2 speeds, but it's worked well. If it ever dies, I'm not sure what I'll replace it with. I like the looks of the porter cable one.
I have an old Hangar 9 heat gun I bought many years ago for shrinking plastic on RC models.
I've been using it for 'heat gun' tasks ever since.
It's only 1000w and it only has 2 speeds, but it's worked well. If it ever dies, I'm not sure what I'll replace it with. I like the looks of the porter cable one.
macgee
Well-known member
I have two Master Appliance 1680w 2 setting heat guns and a cheap Harbor Freight 2 setting heat gun. And a Dremel butane heat pen.
I always end up using the HF gun way more often. It's lighter, gets hot quick enough and works fine but a little clunky. I think a Master Appliance replacement power cord would costs more than the whole HF gun.
The Dremel is compact, gets very hot, portable, adjustable but also uses up butane quickly but not bad for small work and cordless
I always end up using the HF gun way more often. It's lighter, gets hot quick enough and works fine but a little clunky. I think a Master Appliance replacement power cord would costs more than the whole HF gun.
The Dremel is compact, gets very hot, portable, adjustable but also uses up butane quickly but not bad for small work and cordless
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quadrcr87
Well-known member
I have had that same one for 4 years, it works great. The only thing I wish I had was some attachments to redirect the heat. I am sure I can buy some to fit.
I just bought the Matco HG 300 $39 new on eBay plus shipping . They still have some .
It’s awesome , threw the HF one out today .
Made in EU = Estados Unidos or European Union? Seems very inexpensive for either, am I missing something?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Matco-...777495&hash=item421b4c1bbb:g:uYoAAOSwogNdG1YY
Ditto.
I tint windows so some days I may use a heat gun for a couple hours total and I use one every day. I started with a Snap On that lasted for a long time. In a pinch I needed one quick and bought the cheap Wagner. I haven’t looked back. A $25 Wagner will last me five or so years worth of abuse. I don’t like the more expensive ones with the cool down feature.
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Anyone know what brand this is ? Says US made
https://www.mcmaster.com/3414K11/
https://www.mcmaster.com/3414K11/
jimmyin3D
Banned
Master Appliance 10008
