Power Tools Explained
Heat Guns Explained: Uses, Temperatures, Nozzles and Safety
What a heat gun can do (stripping paint, heat shrink, bending plastic, thawing pipes), temperature settings, nozzles and the safety rules that matter.
A heat gun looks like a hair dryer but blows air at temperatures of up to 600°C (1,100°F) or more. It is surprisingly useful: it softens paint for scraping, shrinks heat-shrink tubing, bends plastic pipe, loosens stubborn adhesives and stickers, and thaws frozen pipes. It is also easy to start a fire with, so safe habits matter.
Quick answer
- Choose a model with at least two heat settings, ideally adjustable temperature (50–600°C).
- Useful nozzles: reflector (heat shrink), flat/fishtail (paint stripping), glass protector, reduction.
- Never use it on lead paint without precautions, near flammables, or to dry hair.
What a heat gun is used for
| Job | Typical temperature |
|---|---|
| Drying filler, paint, varnish (gently) | 50–100°C |
| Removing stickers, labels, adhesive | 100–200°C |
| Shrinking heat-shrink tubing | ~120–200°C (check tubing spec) |
| Bending plastic pipes and sheets | 200–300°C |
| Loosening seized nuts (on non-flammable parts) | 300–500°C |
| Softening and stripping paint and varnish | 300–500°C |
| Thawing frozen metal pipes | Low to medium, keep moving |
Features to look for
- Variable temperature and airflow: a digital display is handy for heat shrink and plastics.
- Stand / flat base so it can rest upright while cooling.
- Overheat protection.
- Cool-down mode: blows cold air to cool the element before storing.
- Nozzle kit.
- Corded is standard; cordless models exist but have short runtimes and lower temperatures.
How to strip paint with a heat gun
- Test for lead first if the paint is old. Heat above about 540°C (1,000°F) can vaporise lead; lower temperatures still release hazardous dust and fumes when scraping.
- Remove flammable items, open windows and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Fit a flat nozzle. Hold the gun 3–5 cm from the surface, moving slowly.
- When the paint bubbles and wrinkles, scrape it away with a sharp scraper held at a low angle, following behind the heat.
- Avoid lingering on one spot; wood scorches and glass cracks. Use a glass-protector nozzle near windows.
- Collect scrapings in a metal container; they can stay hot.
Heat shrink tubing
Slide the tubing over the joint, fit a reflector nozzle and heat evenly, rotating around the tube from the middle outwards until it shrinks tight. Too much heat scorches the insulation. See our guide on heat shrink, tape and hot glue.
Safety rules
- The nozzle stays dangerously hot for several minutes. Stand the gun on its base and never on its side on a flammable surface.
- Do not use in dusty areas or near solvents, gas or paint thinners.
- Do not heat hollow walls, eaves or attics where hidden dust, insulation or bird nests can smoulder unseen and catch fire later.
- Never point at people, animals or yourself.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when scraping.
- Check the area for smouldering for at least 30 minutes after work, especially around window frames and old timber.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun?
For removing stickers or gentle drying, sometimes. For heat shrink and paint stripping, a hair dryer is not hot enough.
Is a heat gun safe to thaw frozen pipes?
For accessible metal pipes, on a low setting and kept moving, it can be. Never use it on plastic pipes at high temperature, near flammable insulation, or on gas pipes. If unsure, call a plumber.
This guide is general information, not professional advice. Always read your tool's manual, use the right protective equipment and follow local building and electrical codes. See our disclaimer.