Best Heat Guns?

[WirsPlm]

I'm looking into getting a heat gun, and was wondering if anyone has a specific brand or type that they particularly like (or any other advice)? I know that I want a variable temperature heat gun that can go down to 140 degrees, any recommendations for stores or brands that are good places to start?

 

[Paul80]

Hi

 

I use either a small hair dryer as they don't get too hot or if I need a bit more heat a heat gun from a craft shop. Don't go near the ones sold in DIY stores as most of those are made for paint stripping so get far to hot for pen repairs.

 

Variable heat is a nice option but does make the heat gun rather expensive.

 

Paul

[Wile E Coyote]

Dewalt has a variable temp they claim has a minimum temperature of 120°F. Look for variable temperature guns as they seem to have lower temperatures.

 

Another option is the small craft heat guns.

[framebaer]

I and most other Repair guys I know use simple on/off heat guns sold in Craft stores such as Michaels.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/321263071643?lpid=82

[qpens]

I've used a Steinel Air Gun for about 15-20 years. They are pricey, but allow for a long soak at a particular temp. This is generally not needed except for some stubborn sections. I also use a hot bead machine that opticians use for bending the plastic on eyeglasses, for other purposes.

 

If you aren't going to do loads of pens, an inexpensive gun will work. You just need to develop a feel for how hot you'll allow your pen to get. You don't want to melt it. Best to start with less heat, try to remove the section, add a bit more...you get the idea.

 

Michael Quitt

www.charmcitypens.com

[Paul80]

I and most other Repair guys I know use simple on/off heat guns sold in Craft stores such as Michaels.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/321263071643?lpid=82

That's the type I use as well.

 

Paul

[Kelly G]

I use the Craftsman Industrial model with infinite heat control. Starts down around 120 degrees F and goes way too high for pen repair. This gun will set upright on the bench allowing both hands for work with the pen. If you set it at a temperature setting, it stays on temp. It is a bit expensive, but I've not damaged a pen from too much heat since I've been using it the last 10 years. As a bonus, I've used it for other projects requiring more heat.

 

More than the type of gun, having an accurate thermometer to precisely gauge the temperature in the work area is highly useful, especially if you don't work on a lot of pens.

[Vintagepens]

I've been using a Craftsman with dial control for over 20 years. Well worth the investment. It comes with a choice of metal nozzles, too, so the airstream can be narrowed and controlled more accurately.

 

I would not want to have to use a single-temperature heat gun, as I am constantly adjusting my heat gun's temperature depending on the job to be done.

[Hooker56]

Mine's purple...from a craft store... I think it was $8.99 ...works great!

 

When I need variable temp I move the pen further away

[ndw76]

I use my wife's small hair dryer. Don't tell her or else I will have to spend my money on a heat gun instead of more pens.

[Leftytoo]

The heat gun sold by Michaels craft store is very, very hot. If you buy this type, be extra careful to hold it far away from your work. First time I used it, I instantly melted a cheap old pen right into a blob on my desk. This gun easily melts the frayed ends of nylon rope. If I continue fixing pens, I think I'll slow it down somehow, maybe a variable speed fan control.