The heat gun, also known as a blower, is an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to shape and bend plastic. However, that is just one application for a heat gun. Once you have read this article you will realize just how versatile they are.
Who knows? You may even rush out and buy one to start on some projects at home.
The best applications for a heat guns are outlined below:
Car Customization
This is one of the lesser known uses for heat guns. The hot air from the tool can help shape plastic parts, remove paint and decals, or customize other accessories whilst keeping any damage to the surface or surrounding elements to a minimum. In fact, using a heat gun on seized nuts and bolts will release them and allow their removal without destroying the bolt.
Sealing Plastic Bags
Occasionally used instead of an iron sealer, it seals just as well with less risk of damaging the material.
Bonding Plastic
Heated plastic pieces can be bonded together with molten resin, so when the part is finished there will be no need for glue. The heat allowed to stick the two plastic parts together can also be used to remove paint from walls or furniture, for example.
Removing Stickers
Stickers and decals are easy to remove with a heat gun. It will easily scrape them off and leave the surface unadulterated. If you want to make sure that the sticker doesn’t return, it may be wise to use adhesive remover with a heat gun as well.
Removing Carpet Glue
The heat from a heat gun can loosen the glue that is used to hold down carpets and remove them. This means you will be able to replace your flooring without having to resort to expensive professional services. If you don’t want to replace the flooring, the glue can be softened enough so it is easier for you to remove the old carpet and roll out a new, clean carpet yourself.
Removing Paint
To remove old paint from walls or furniture, a heat gun will heat the paint until it bubbles and softens. The paint can then be scraped off easily.
Bending Plastic Tubing, Rods, and Pipes
Plastic tubing can be bent with a heat gun even if it has an internal diameter that is larger than the size of the tool. When the tubing is heated it becomes pliable, allowing even a person with limited strength to bend it. This can be especially useful if you want to mend cracks or holes in the surface.
Bending Plastic Flags
Like the above, plastic flags can be bent with a heat gun but there is one important difference; these items are less likely to break when you try and bend them once they are hot. Rather, they will become so soft that you will be able to mold them into shapes with no risk of snapping them. Used for advertisement and signs, it makes for an excellent alternative to purchasing ready-made banners from stores as these will be just as easy to create at home. This method also has the advantage of being environmentally friendly and cheaper than professional printing.
This list should give you a better idea of how useful a heat gun is. If you are interested in any of the applications listed above, it may be a good choice to purchase one and see just how useful it is for yourself. You will be able to experiment without having to wait for expensive professional services when the results are in your backyard.
