CONSTRUCTION HAIRDRYER: PURPOSE OF HEAT GUN, TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CAPABILITIES

1.General information

The construction hair dryer has found its application in various areas of human life. It is a device that operates using a stream of heated air and is designed to heat various materials during construction and installation work. An important feature of a hair dryer is its ability to direct a stream of hot air exactly to the desired location. The temperature of the heated air flow reaches 300-500 °C, but there are models that have lower temperature conditions, for example 50 °C. The design of this device is very simple . The housing, which is made of durable plastic, contains an electric motor, a thermal insulation casing and a heating element.

The electric motor operates on very high elements and drives heated air to the nozzle, which creates a directed air flow.
There is a start button on the handle, and the cord at the exit from the housing is equipped with special protection against kink. The performance of a hair dryer is determined by the volume of air passed through the device per unit of time. Some models are equipped with the ability to adjust the volume of forced air. This very convenient feature will be very useful if you are working with small parts that can be blown away by a strong air flow. Another very important parameter is the ability to adjust the heating temperature. This makes it possible to use the device as accurately as possible when working with various materials.

Design and principle of operation of industrial hair dryers

Like any air heater, an industrial hair dryer uses a blade impeller and an air duct . The working surfaces of the air duct are equipped with a heating element. Most often it is a spiral that meanders across the entire surface of the air channel.

The blade impeller forces air from the surrounding atmosphere into the duct. The heated air exits through the nozzle. The nozzle diameter has a smaller cross-section than that of the air duct, which allows the air to be given additional acceleration at the outlet. But some hair dryer models still use different nozzle options . Additional nozzles are included with the air heater.

Classic industrial hair dryers operate on a 220 (V) network. The length of the current-carrying wire is usually limited to 1.5-2 meters.

It takes some time for the hair dryer to reach the required temperature. Good professional construction hair dryers warm up very slowly . But in return, slow heating ensures the most durable and reliable operation of the heating element .

Please note that good hair dryers, in addition to blowing hot air, can also supply a flow of cold air. This option is called “cold air blowing” . The supply of conventional unheated air is needed for many technological operations:

1. Blowing holes
2. Cooling
3. Drying temperature sensitive surfaces
4. Cleaning
5. etc.

Cold blowing is the most economical mode of operation of industrial hair dryers.

Purpose of a hair dryer

With this tool you can perform a large variety of jobs without spending a little time. The use and operation of this device is very simple , but its productivity and efficiency are much higher than when using many other available tools.

• You can easily remove a layer of old varnish , paint , wallpaper and other materials from any surface using a special spatula-scraper. A stream of hot air will melt the old coating, and you can remove it much faster than with other methods.
• also quickly dry a thick layer of putty, glue, tile joints, decorative molding or joints of parts before insulation.
• form the required configuration from polyvinyl chloride or polystyrene materials, pipes, polyurethane rods, acrylic and even plexiglass using a stream of hot air of different temperatures.
• To make a thermoplastic protective coating for wires and cables, a hair dryer is also useful.
• For defrosting frozen drainpipes, locks, wires or steps.
• For disinfection of wood. A stream of hot air will help get rid of insects and microorganisms that may live in the wood.
• For gluing large parts by increasing the holding time and local heating of the joint.
• For dismantling old fasteners filled with varnish, paint, glue or other substances that are difficult to remove mechanically.
• For soldering PVC pipes.
• When repairing a roof, a construction hair dryer will help to weld roofing felt laid overlapping or cut roofing materials.
• Using hot air for now will speed up the gluing process .
• You can repair pipes using tin or silver solder.
• Solder or unsolder copper pipes, wires or cables.

As you can see, we did not deceive when we claimed that this was a universal tool. It will definitely come in handy both on the farm, when repairing or replacing wiring and water pipes, and in professional activities. The main thing is to choose the required temperature and air supply speed. These parameters are the key criteria by which different types of hair dryers are distinguished.

Purpose of nozzles for heat guns

Non-contact soldering of copper pipes and profiles; sealing cracks with special plastic tape

Removing wallpaper, paint and varnish coatings, putty; changing the shape of PVC and polystyrene plates

Drying, removing old paint from very large surfaces

Warming up plastic pipes before bending

Protecting surfaces (e.g. glass) from heat when removing old paintwork (e.g. from wooden frames)

Welding of synthetic cables

Flash butt welding of plastic parts

Slip welding of PVC sheet materials and foil

Straight and shaped cutting of foam plastic

Spot heating in places of soldering and welding; also used as an adapter for carved and slotted nozzles

Classification depending on purpose

Depending on the temperature range and load intensity during operation, there are three main types of construction hair dryers:

• Household . This device is designed for a small amount of work performed. The maximum duration of continuous operation of such a tool is no more than 15 minutes. Tools of this type usually do not have a smooth temperature control function, and the maximum heating temperature of the air flow reaches 500ºC, in rare cases – 560ºC. The advantages of such a tool are its affordable price, ease of operation and minimal energy consumption. The disadvantages include a short period of continuous operation, low power and a small set of additional functions.
• A professional hair dryer is used for many construction jobs. Such models have the function of smooth temperature control and temperature stabilization. The heat-insulating casing of such a tool can be removable, and the handle will be of a closed type. The advantages include the versatility of such hair dryers. The disadvantage will be the cost of this equipment.
• The industrial hair dryer is used for extensive and intensive construction work. This is the most complete tool available. It has all the available functions of this equipment, has the highest heat flow temperature - 700ºС and its maximum power - more than 2 kW. And most importantly, it has the ability to be used continuously for a long time. disadvantages - its high cost and significant weight, as well as high energy consumption. But this equipment can cope with any task.

Which hair dryer to choose? It all depends on personal needs . Reasonably assess the need for certain functions. This balanced approach will help you save .

Device

Unlike a blowtorch, a heat gun

no fuel is used, and in general there is no combustion as such.
The fan supplies air to the heating coil, then the hot stream escapes out through the nozzle. The productivity of the tool is precisely determined by the number of liters of air driven per unit of time. The more intensely it “blows”, the faster the work proceeds. Many models of construction hair dryers
are equipped with an air flow control function. The correct choice of operating mode, depending on the task facing the master and the material being processed, lies in the correct combination of heating temperature and productivity.

Types of construction hair dryers

Depending on the design of the body, construction hair dryers are divided into three types :

• Straight The hair dryer does not have a special handle. It is replaced by the back part of the straight body, by which the tool is held during operation. This device is very light in weight and compact in size, allowing it to be used in limited spaces. However, due to direct contact with the housing, you may be exposed to electric shock, which makes the device less safethan a pistol or combination hair dryer.

• Pistol it looks like a handle located perpendicular to the axis of the body. This is the most safe And reliable during operation device. But its use will be difficult in limited conditions.

• The combined type is the “ golden ” mean between the first and second types of construction hair dryers. Its handle can be removable or rotatable, which makes its use universal, regardless of operating conditions.

In turn, the hair dryer handle is divided into two types:

• Closed the handle makes it difficult to work with the tool in a confined space, but protects the worker’s hands from damage by the flow of hot air, particles of processed materials, as well as from contact with a heated surface, which makes the use of a hair dryer safe.

• Open the handle does not restrict movement and does not create restrictions when working in hard-to-reach places, but when working with such a tool you need to be very careful and attentive, because your hands are not protected from burns and other damage.
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Main characteristics

Any type of construction hair dryer has a number of indications that determine its potential capabilities and scope of application. There are three main indicators :

• Maximum power . This is an indicator that determines the efficiency and speed of the tool. A hairdryer with more power is able to pass a large amount of air through itself, heats up faster to the required temperature and works at higher temperatures. Accordingly, using such a tool, you can complete large amounts of work in a short period of time. The power of construction hair dryers varies from 930 to 2300 W, depending on their area of ​​application. For example, the power indicator for household tools reaches a maximum of 1750 W , professional hair dryers - up to 2000 W , and industrial hair dryers - more than 2000 W.
• The maximum flow determines the performance of the device. In other words, this is a certain amount of air that the hair dryer passes through itself in a certain period of time. This value is measured in liters per minute (l/min). The higher this indicator, the higher the productivity of the tool, and the faster it is able to heat the surface being processed to the required temperature. For household hair dryers, the maximum flow rate is 450 l/min , for professional hair dryers – 500 l/min , and for industrial hair dryers – more than 650 l/min .
• Maximum temperature . This indicator directly depends on the maximum power indicator. Therefore, the higher the power of the hair dryer, the higher the temperature of the air flow. Household appliances are capable of heating the air flow to a maximum of 500ºС , sometimes 560ºС. Professional devices give an indicator of 650ºС , and industrial ones – 700ºС . When choosing a hair dryer, do not forget about the minimum temperature at which the tool can operate. For example, drying paint or cooling solder joints requires low temperatures, which are not available in all models.
• The weight of a hair dryer is an important indicator that affects the duration of continuous operation of the tool and the ease of its operation. Working with heavy and large devices is fraught with the rapid onset of fatigue, which means that the duration of the work process will be short, and light devices usually have low power ratings. The best option would be to use a hairdryer with an average weight that has sufficient power. The weight of construction hair dryers ranges from 500 g to 1800 g. Medium models weigh 1000 - 1200 g.
• Operating modes. Construction hair dryers have two main and one additional mode. First – work at minimum temperature, second – maximum air flow temperature, additional – cold blowing mode. This mode helps cool the device after prolonged use or a treated surface. Not all models are equipped with this mode.

Additional functions

To make it easier to work with a hair dryer, this device can be equipped with a number of additional functions. In the first paragraph we mentioned the temperature and speed control function. Now let's explain in more detail:

• Temperature adjustment. This function allows you to change the temperature of the air flow depending on the need when performing various tasks. It can be of two types - smooth And stepped. Smooth adjustment does not have clear positions at a certain place. That is, you can more accurately set the required temperature. Visually, the regulator resembles a radio slider, which scrolls when searching for the required radio station. Models with this type of adjustment more expensive and are mainly intended for professional use. Step temperature control has a fixed position of the regulator. Models with this regulator cheaper, however, are less accurate. Well suited for performing simple household tasks.

• Speed ​​control is used to control the rate of hot air flow at the outlet. The presence of this function makes the use of a construction hair dryer more universal , since you have the opportunity to adapt to various parts and materials.
• Temperature stabilization. A very useful function that allows you to keep the air flow temperature constant even under the influence of various environmental factors. For example, voltage drops in the electrical network will not affect the operation of the device in any way. When this function is present, it occurs automatic setting outlet air temperature without overheating the surface or parts being processed. Moreover, this function protects heating element from premature failure due to overheating.

• Built-in memory . The most expensive models of construction hair dryers are equipped with this function. It remembers and reproduces the last used mode. It also protects the device from overloads and extends its service life.
• Thermostop . In other words, protection against overheating. Definitely a necessary feature that will extend the life of your equipment. When using a hairdryer, when it is positioned perpendicular to the surface being treated, the heating element can often overheat due to reflection from the material back onto the coil. If there is a thermostop, the thermoelement simply turns off.
• Filtration of incoming air . This function significantly extends the service life of the device, since small particles of debris and dust are retained at the entrance, on a special filter, which is very easy to remove and replace or clean. This prevents contamination of the inside of the hair dryer.
• Control indication. May be a small display or LED backlight. This function will be useful when using a hair dryer professionally and performing responsible and high-precision work, which require constant temperature control, but overheating or underheating of the treated surface is not acceptable.

• Thermal protective casing , which is located on the pipe through which air enters, can be either removable or non-removable . It will protect the worker’s hands from burns , and the removable type will be convenient for use in hard-to-reach places.

Characteristics of technical hair dryers

Construction hair dryers, depending on the type and model, have unique design features for a specific type of work and operating conditions. The following characteristic aspects are distinguished:

• Power - in households up to 1800 W, in professional ones up to 2 KW, in industrial ones above 2 KW;
• Air capacity - 460 l/m for households, 510 l/m for professional, 660 l/m or more for industrial;
• Temperature - household ones reach 510°C, professional ones 660°C, and industrial ones 700°C. The lower limits for cold flow are 25°C;
• Weight - ease of use is directly related to the weight of the device. Light category - from 0.5 kg, medium category - up to 1.2 kg, heavy category - up to 2 kg. It is necessary to select the optimal power-to-weight ratio based on planned needs and working conditions.

Additional equipment

Additional accessories include:

• Thermostat - changes the temperature of the outlet flow depending on the need. There are smooth and step regulators. Additionally, it is equipped with a stabilizer that maintains the required temperature regardless of external conditions (wind, voltage surges, etc.);
• Speed ​​regulator - controls the strength of the output flow;
• Memory - a unit installed on expensive devices includes the last used mode;
• Display - present on industrial units, and monitors the quality of operations;
• Protection casing - covers the hot nozzle, preventing unwanted burns to the worker. Usually, for convenience, it is made removable;
• Hanging loop - allows you to hang the device when not in use.

And most importantly - nozzles (nozzles), allowing you to adapt the hair dryer for various types of work. Nine types of nozzles are available:

• Round nozzle - for sealing cracks using low-melting plastic tape;
• Flat nozzle - for removing old paint layers;
• Welded nozzle (mirror) - for contact joining of plastic elements;
• Wide blasting - to remove large areas of coating;
• Glass protector - for cleaning glass;
• Spline - for joining PVC;
• Cutting nozzle - for cutting foam plastic;
• Reduced nozzle - adapter for slotted and threaded nozzle.

Equipment

The basic equipment of a construction hair dryer, in addition to attachments, may include special scrapers, additional handles, adapters, welding rods, and a case. The most important of all of the above are the nozzles . They form a certain flow necessary for various jobs. By changing the air flow options, you can expand the capabilities of the device and its areas of application. Nozzles are cheap consumable items that can be easily replaced with new ones in case of loss or breakage. There are many options for making attachments depending on the needs of the user. We will look at the most basic ones :

• Round nozzles are best used for soldering or heating copper pipes or sealing products using welding tape (No. 1 in the figure)
• Flat nozzles are used to remove old coatings, such as varnish, paint, wallpaper, veneer. Or for deforming thin plastic (No. 2)
• Reflector nozzles are used to deform polymer pipes. They have a front rounded outlet that heats the pipe from both sides. This nozzle is suitable for pressing and heating heat shrink (No. 3)
• Crevice nozzles facilitate gluing of overlapping PVC sheets (No. 4)
• The cutting nozzles look like a narrow, flattened tube. It creates a concentrated, precise flow of heated air, with which it is possible to cut or shape polystyrene foam (No. 5)
• Side nozzles are very convenient for removing paint coatings from window frames when overheating of the glass is unacceptable (No. 6)
• Mirror nozzles are used for welding plastic materials. Heat from the air flow is returned to the part using a mirror (No. 7)

Another useful feature is the loop assist . This is more likely a design feature, but nevertheless, it is a very convenient addition. When mixing and heating solutions, you can hang the device at the required height and do the work with both hands . This can also be useful when it is necessary to direct a stream of heated air to a certain place for a long time. Special hooks and supports will help you install the equipment on a flat surface at the required angle. These two functions determine how the tool is parked. Don’t forget about the storage place for your device - a special case .

Using it during transportation will significantly
extend the life of your device.

Household and “pro”

Of course, like all other power tools, heat guns

are divided into professional and household. The main difference between them is that the former can work continuously for 8 hours, while the latter cannot (the “regime prescribed” to them: 15 minutes of rest after 15 minutes of work). The price is inextricably linked with this fact, since in professional models it is necessary to use more heat-resistant and expensive materials.

There are also industrial hair dryers of the INDUSTRIAL category

. These devices are no longer hand-held “pistols”, but rather impressive units, stationary or on a chassis. They have a narrow specialization: pipe welding, heat shrink film, soldering, etc.

In addition to attachments, the range of additional accessories for construction hair dryers also includes a variety of scrapers - scrapers for removing varnish and paint

Recommended Manufacturers

When purchasing such serious and versatile equipment, you should under no circumstances skimp on its cost. There are several manufacturers that have proven themselves to be of very high quality materials used and have repeatedly confirmed their reliability and durability. Remember that cheap models from unknown manufacturers that you have never heard of will very quickly fail and will not work out even the money spent on them. The cost of the device is reduced due to the use of poor quality plastic, short-lived heating elements or electric motors. Such little-known manufacturers, which are unlikely to provide a long service life, include cheap models of the Zenit , Elprom or Proton . to avoid buying a hair dryer with this name .

Such brands as Bosch, Makita, DeWALT, Steinel, Stern, DWT have proven themselves well These companies produce not only high-quality construction hair dryers, but also much other equipment. In general, these brands are distinguished by high-quality assembly , the safety of their tools, high-quality materials, and reliable electronics. Naturally, the cost of such a hairdryer will be higher, but you will not have to regret the purchase, especially since you will definitely be provided with an official warranty card for all products.

Types of device

All devices are divided into two groups: amateur and professional. Amateur technical hair dryer suitable:

1. When carrying out continuous operation for no more than 15 minutes.
2. If the heating temperature is no more than 560 °C.
3. When there is no need to precisely regulate the temperature of the supply flow.

Amateur models are much cheaper, but cannot be used for long-term work. As a rule, with frequent use they quickly break down. This group contains tools with different performance characteristics.

Professional models are required in the following cases:

1. If necessary, provide hand protection during operation.
2. If you need a smooth temperature control function.
3. If the model must have a temperature stabilization system.
4. If necessary, removable plastic protection.

The selection is also made taking into account the popularity of each brand. Bosch and Metabo are considered to be the most popular on the market. The build quality and service life of the tool, as well as many other technical characteristics, depend on the popularity of the brand.

The rating of the best construction hair dryers is formed on the basis of various qualities, tests, and customer reviews. It looks like this:

1. METABO H 16−500 is the most multifunctional model of all inexpensive offerings.
2. INTERSKOL FE-2000E is a model for home use, as indicated in the operating instructions.
3. BISON FT-1600 is designed for heating open surfaces made of various materials.

In the mid-price category, the leading positions are occupied by BOSCH GHG and DEWALT D26414. In the group of professional equipment, it is recommended to pay attention to the STEINEL HG 2620E model.

Tips for use

Any device must be used correctly and carefully . Especially with a construction hairdryer, since in fact, this is a very fragile device that does not tolerate shock , so to fix the hairdryer in the required position, be sure to use the special hooks or loops that we wrote about.

Do not use a hair dryer near flammable liquids. Since most hair dryers fail due to overheating , which happens when the device is used in a perpendicular position to the surface being treated, try to hold the hair dryer at an angle of 45º. This will not affect the quality of the work performed, but will protect your device from damage.

After finishing work, let the hair dryer cool completely and only then put it in the case. Never leave the device unattended . When working with a hairdryer, do not forget about your own safety . Never check the temperature of the air flow with your hands, this will inevitably lead to burns . When removing paint and varnish materials, always use a special scraper and wear a respirator . Ideally, use the hairdryer outdoors or in a well-ventilated area .

Tips for choosing a hair dryer

The most important thing before purchasing is to clearly determine your personal needs and the intensity of use of the hair dryer. If you are purchasing a device in order to carry out home repairs, then a household model is quite enough for you, but if you plan to make money from it, then give preference to a more powerful professional model with additional functions.

Be sure to pay attention to the length of the power cord ! Hair dryers that have a cord less than 3 meters in length will be very inconvenient to use, and in order for you to be able to reach all corners of the room, you will have to additionally use extension cords, which is not always convenient or appropriate.

When purchasing, pay attention to the appearance of the device. Its body should not have abrasions, scratches, and the joints of parts should not have large gaps or backlashes. All elements of the device must fit tightly to each other. Check whether the actual contents of the product correspond to those stated in the instructions. Inspect all attachments, adapters, and especially the power cord. It should not have any kinks. Choose models with kink protection. Ask the seller to show you works . And most importantly, choose only trusted manufacturers .

The article was written for the site.

Tags:tools, Preparing for room renovation, Construction