What Is a Heat Gun? Types and Selection Criteria
A heat gun is a hand tool that blows air heated by an electric element at high temperature, used for shrinking sleeves, stripping paint and shaping plastic.
A heat gun is a hand tool that blows air passed over an electric heating element out of its nozzle at temperatures of several hundred degrees. In electrical installation it is used to shrink heat-shrink sleeves; it is also used to strip old paint and varnish, bend plastic pipe, soften adhesive and thaw frozen pipes. Unlike flame heaters it produces no open flame, and heat is applied in a more controlled way.
Models in the catalog
| Model | Power | Temperature range | Airflow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catpower CAT-202 | 2000 W | 350–550 °C | 300–500 L/min |
| Isıso QR-322 | 2000 W | See datasheet | See datasheet |
| Isıso QR-322B | 2000 W | See datasheet | See datasheet |
| Steinel HL 1620 S | 1600 W | 300–500 °C | 240–450 L/min |
The product data gives a weight of 670 g for the Steinel HL 1620 S.
Selection criteria
- Temperature range: The low setting is usually enough for shrinking sleeves; stripping paint and softening hard plastics need higher temperatures. Take the sleeve's shrink temperature from its datasheet and set the gun accordingly.
- Airflow: High airflow heats a large surface quickly; on small parts and sleeves, low airflow delivers heat in a more controlled way. On two-stage models, temperature and airflow change together.
- Power: 2000 W models work faster on large surfaces; the 1600 W model is lighter and less tiring in long handheld use.
- Nozzles: A reflector nozzle heats a sleeve from all sides, a flat nozzle is used for stripping paint on large surfaces and a narrow nozzle for spot heating. Check on the product page which nozzles are included.
- Handling and cooling: A housing that can stand upright lets you put the gun down safely between jobs.
Common mistakes
- Heating a sleeve at one point: The sleeve burns on one side and does not shrink on the other; move the gun around the sleeve.
- Blocking the air inlet: The element overheats and the tool is damaged.
- Leaving the hot nozzle near flammable material: The nozzle stays hot for some time after switching off; do not put it in its case before it cools. Use respiratory protection on old lead-based paints.
Heat guns at Welibaba
The Heat Guns category has 4 active products, all listed with prices: the Catpower CAT-202, the Isıso QR-322 and QR-322B, and the Steinel HL 1620 S. Sleeves to shrink are in the Heat Shrink Sleeves category; other tools are explained in the gluing and heating tools guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a heat gun used for?
It delivers controlled heat for jobs such as shrinking sleeves, stripping paint and varnish, bending plastic, softening adhesive and thawing frozen pipes.
What temperature is needed to shrink a sleeve?
It depends on the sleeve material; the shrink temperature is given in the product datasheet. Start on a low setting and increase until the sleeve shrinks evenly.
Can a heat gun be used as a hair dryer?
No. Its output temperature is several hundred degrees and causes serious burns; it is used only for heating materials.