What kind of construction hair dryers are there?
Construction or technical hair dryers are divided into three main categories:
- Household. Such models are the cheapest, have a simple design and compact size.
Household technical hot air guns are used for drying and heating surfaces - Professional. The devices support temperature control and allow you to carry out any repair and construction work.
A professional hair dryer is worth buying if you need to use it frequently, as it costs more - Industrial. The most powerful units are used in large construction, production and factory floors. They provide heating above 700 °C and are suitable for metal soldering.
Industrial hot air guns have comparable capabilities to burners
Important! Most often, purchasing an industrial unit for your home does not make sense. But if you have to work with metal parts, then even the cheapest heat gun will not work.
Directions for using the product
Thermal gun is a universal tool. The scope of application in individual farming is extensive. In many cases, it is difficult to do without it, and it is impossible to find an alternative. Used to perform the following tasks:
Cleaning the surface from paint, wallpaper, veneer, film coatings, remnants of tiles, parquet and other wooden products. The process is based on the fact that when heated, enamel, paints, adhesives, and sealants swell, soften, foam and lose their adhesion to the base. They can be easily removed with spatulas, which are included with the hairdryer. The method is suitable for any surface. Convenient when processing wooden windows and doors, since the surfaces there are small. The wooden base is difficult to deform. The coatings are heated deeply and peel off freely.
The thermal method is also effective for walls. But the surface is cleaned sequentially in small areas. If the desired result cannot be achieved the first time, the process is repeated. The advantage of a blower is that, unlike mechanical scraping, there is no dust. Coatings melt rather than crumble.
However, it should be borne in mind that when working with plastic, difficulties arise. The paint comes off with difficulty. The base should not be overheated, since high temperature exposure changes the structure. Some types of paints and varnishes are flammable and ignite when heated. Treatment with a hairdryer provokes the release of toxic gases, which requires the use of serious protective measures.
Accelerates the drying of glue, sealant, putty, paint. Positive results are achieved on small surfaces and individual parts. In this case, heating is uniform and of high quality. Conditions are created for applying the second layer of the required coating without interruption. When using epoxy glue, a hot air gun reduces drying time from 24 hours to 1 hour. When puttying, hot air is often used to dry not the coating, but the wet base. The surface is smooth, without cracks. Large surfaces are more difficult to work with and a multi-step process is often used.
Pasting vinyl film. Changing the facade for a kitchen or other room is completed in 10 hours. If necessary, the film is removed with the same tool and a new one is installed, matching the color scheme and artistic design. The work is not difficult and does not require highly qualified performers.
Paint removal
Tent welding
Polymer welding
Welding pipes made of plastic or polymer composite materials. The hot air gun is used for coupling-free connections of pipes and elbows for design and decoration purposes. A unit with a reflector attachment is used, which prevents the plastic from sticking to the instrument. Welding is carried out at temperatures from 240 °C to 360 °C. The air flow is reduced to minimum levels. Work is carried out on a flat, hard surface. After heating the plastic from the reflector, it softens. The ends of the pipes are pressed against each other by the end parts and held in this position for 30 seconds to 50 seconds. After hardening, a reliable and strong pipe connection is obtained.
A construction hair dryer is used to mold plastic products. When working with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polystyrene pipes, it sometimes becomes necessary to lay them at unusual angles with sharp turns. In this case, the device is permanently mounted on the table. By gradually heating the pipe sections, the desired configuration is achieved. Finished products are soldered into the base pipe using the same unit.
Soldering metal pipes or cable cores. If water, gas, ventilation, heating pipes, as well as cable and wire cores are made of copper, then soldering with a blower is possible at temperatures above 400 0C. The solder should be tin or silver. The elements to be joined are cleaned of dirt and dust, and flux is applied to facilitate soldering. The junction area heats up.
The mounted part is filled with solder, which is evenly distributed over the working surface. The hairdryer heats the seam. Upon completion of this stage of work, the soldering area is cooled, excess flux is removed, and the joining area is washed with water. The process requires precision. Overheating is unacceptable, as it leads to ruptures.
Welding linoleum. An effective way to join flooring. Provides a strong, long-term and aesthetically beautiful connection. However, the method is not suitable for thin linoleum. Heating to a high temperature destroys the structure of the material and makes it unsuitable for use. It is necessary to use a filler rod made of soft PVC, which melts at a temperature of 300 0C. The two parts of linoleum are welded after gluing to the base. It is advisable that the hot air blower have a temperature maintenance sensor. In this case, the work will be of high quality.
Defrosting of pipelines. Icing of gutters, drainage, sewer, water pipes, steps, and basement entrances is a common phenomenon in a private home, especially during periods of abnormally low temperatures. If the pipes are made of metal, then a heat gun is used without temperature restrictions. The more powerful the tool, the faster the problem will be solved. There are no obstacles to combating icing of the porch, steps, paths near the house. The main thing is to ensure that high temperatures do not damage specific products or parts. Use a heat gun with caution when defrosting plastic pipes. Sudden temperature changes in certain areas are not allowed. This leads to breaks.
The tool is convenient for cutting building materials, including foam and bitumen. Therefore, the unit is used for roofing, insulation of septic tanks and pipelines.
How to choose the right hair dryer for home use
A video about choosing a hair dryer recommends deciding on your goals before purchasing. Some jobs place very stringent demands on the device's performance.
Power
For a construction hair dryer, power is of great importance; performance depends on it. The best devices are considered to be 0.8-3.6 kW. they allow you to perform a basic range of household work.
Temperature range
To choose a hair dryer and not make a mistake, you need to define specific goals. For example, for removing paint, heating and defrosting objects, a range of 50-500 °C is sufficient. But for welding or soldering, you need to choose a tool with a threshold of at least 650 °C.
Airflow speed
The rate can reach 600 liters per minute. The higher the value, the more comfortable it is to treat wide surfaces with the device.
Advice! It is most convenient to use a tool with the ability to adjust the flow power for different objects.
Temperature adjustment
The most convenient are construction heat guns with 2-3 options for setting temperature and power. On household units, values are usually set manually. Professional models can support digital settings down to the degree and maintain a constant temperature throughout operation.
Weight and configuration
If you will be working with a hot air gun for a long time, you need to make sure that it will lie comfortably in your hand without tiring your hand. The balance between performance and weight is important; a powerful device cannot be completely light, but tools that are too heavy are inconvenient to use.
Equipment
Many models come with additional nozzles for forming an air stream. The more replaceable nozzles, the more convenient it is to use the hair dryer for a variety of tasks.
STEINEL HG2320E
at a price of 9,000 rubles.
Both the price and the characteristics say that this is an exceptionally professional hot air gun.
Features: LCD display, 4 programs, ability to regulate temperature and air flow speed. The T change step is 10 degrees per second. There is a filter for dust protection. The model is equipped with a long-lasting engine (output life - at least 1000 hours) and a ceramic heating element. In the description, the manufacturer places special emphasis on a design with a balanced center of mass, ensuring comfortable operation. The handle is open and fits comfortably in the hand thanks to its ergonomic shape. Despite the high cost, do not count on the presence of any nozzles in the kit - only a case and the hair dryer itself are supplied. Everything else, according to the manufacturer, should be purchased separately, based on the tasks being solved. Main technical characteristics of STEINEL HG2320E
| Characteristics | Values |
| Power, W | 2300 |
| Heating temperature, °C | 80-650 |
| Productivity, l/h | 150-500 |
| Adjustment | Smooth |
| overheat protection | Eat |
| Included | Case |
| Cable length, m | 3 |
| Weight, kg | 1 |
| Homeland of the brand/Production | Switzerland/Romania |
| price, rub. | 9 000 |
Watch video review of STEINEL HG2320E:
Rating of the best inexpensive and reliable construction hair dryers for the home
Most often at home, a tool is needed to warm up paint or wallpaper, process plastic, or dry surfaces. You can choose a good hair dryer for such tasks even among budget models.
Metabo H 16-500
Functional yet affordable, this ceramic hot air gun features a 1.6 kW motor and a cooling system that extends its life. It has an ergonomic design and a comfortable handle, suitable for welding and forming, removing varnish. The only downside is the lack of additional attachments included.
The average price of a Metabo technical hair dryer is 2800 rubles
Bison FT-1600
One of the best budget hair dryers is suitable for non-contact heating and paint removal. It can switch between temperature and flow modes and is equipped with several nozzles. Suitable for processing flat and shaped surfaces. The device can be used not only manually, but also using a stationary method, if long-lasting and stable heating is required.
You can buy a technical hot air gun Zubr from 1,500 rubles
Bort BHG-1600-P
An inexpensive hair dryer supports two temperature modes - 300 and 500 °C. The air flow can be adjusted from 240 to 420 liters per minute, and there is overheating protection. When it is triggered, the tool automatically turns off. Among the disadvantages, one can note the stepwise switching of heating levels; the device does not support smooth adjustment. Additional advantages include the low weight of the model, good assembly and power of 1.5 kW.
The cost of a Bort hot air gun starts from only 900 rubles
BISON FT-P2000 M2DK
at prices starting from RUB 3,365.
Equipment for amateur and professional use with precise temperature control.
For these purposes, there is an LCD display and two buttons responsible for increasing and decreasing the value in 10-degree increments. There are 2 operating positions of the switch: under constant conditions (60°C) and for setting the T value from the range from 80 to 600°C. Performance also changes by switching to one of the modes. There is even a memory - the device remembers the last air parameters set. The open handle with rubberized inserts provides a comfortable grip. The product is equipped with four attachments: flat, for glass, with deflector and reducing – as well as a scraper and spatula. Everything is packaged in a compact plastic case. Separately, it is worth mentioning the warranty. If for most manufacturers it is 1, 2 or 3 years, then for this model it is as much as 5 years! Main technical characteristics of ZUBR FT-P2000 M2DK
| Characteristics | Values |
| Power, W | 2000 |
| Heating temperature, °C | 60/80-600 |
| Productivity, l/h | 220/550 |
| Adjustment | Smooth |
| overheat protection | Eat |
| Included | 4 attachments, spatula, scraper, case |
| Cable length, m | 2 |
| Weight, kg | 0,85 |
| Homeland of the brand/Production | Russia/China |
| price, rub. | 3 365 |
Watch a video review of the ZUBR FT-P2000 M2DK:
Rating of technical hair dryers in the mid-price category 2020
Mid-budget hair dryers remain affordable for the buyer, but at the same time provide more opportunities. Such models are often equipped with temperature switches and a cooling system that protects the motor from overheating.
DeWalt D26414
The professional-grade hairdryer has a three-position speed switch and supports setting and storing temperatures. Equipped with a display for monitoring indicators, there is ventilation for cooling the motor.
The tool comes with three additional attachments that expand the application possibilities. The handle of the hot air gun is closed, preventing it from slipping out of your hands; there are also folding stops for permanent installation.
Important! Different airflow settings have different temperature limits.
The cost of a DeWalt hair dryer starts from 6100 rubles
Bosch GHG 660 LCD
A powerful 2.3 kW technical hot air gun supports four speed and temperature settings - up to 500 l per minute and 660 °C, respectively. It is equipped with two nozzle attachments for 75 and 50 mm. There is a liquid crystal display, and the manufacturer also offers a case for storage and transportation.
You can buy a Bosch construction hot air gun from 11,000 rubles
Makita HG551V
A professional-grade multifunctional hairdryer that operates in two temperature and power settings. Suitable for drying, welding, softening old coatings. It is distinguished by high-quality assembly and compactness; the set includes three replaceable nozzles. The rubberized handle of the tool prevents it from slipping out of your hand.
The average cost of a Makita technical hot air gun is 5,300 rubles
Power tool attachments
Nozzles for a hair dryer
The heat gun comes with one to several nozzles. But the market offers a large selection of these elements. Their price is low. Selecting the right product is not difficult. But they largely determine the required air flow and increase the functionality of the unit.
The following types of nozzles are common and popular:
- Flat. Used to remove old coatings. Depending on the area of the treated surface, it has a width of 3-20 cm.
- Round focusing. Convenient for sealing cracks. Typically, work is carried out using special construction tapes or cords. This attachment is used for soldering copper pipes.
- Welding. Effective for soldering cable cores.
- Nozzle for cutting foam plastic. It is also used for shaped cutting of other products made of polymer composites.
- Heat-protective. Necessary for working with surfaces that change their structure at high temperatures (plastic, glass). Prevents melted plastic from sticking to the tool.
- Reflex. Heats up plastic pipes before interlocking them.
- Splined. Needed for welding polyvinyl chloride products that are overlapped.
- Geared. A necessary element for spot welding.
The nozzles are made of metals because they operate in high temperatures. Their operation requires caution and precision. A product that has not cooled down may cause injury or damage the material. The tool must be on a special stand.
Choosing a hair dryer is not an easy process. The main thing in it is a clearly defined purpose for the intended use of the tool. For apartments in multi-storey buildings, inexpensive models of a domestic nature are quite sufficient. The world's best manufacturers pay increased attention to this segment, since they form the basis of product sales. In individual farms, the requirements for heat guns are more professional.
Top 10 best premium construction hair dryers
If construction and repair work is carried out frequently, it makes sense to purchase a more expensive premium-level tool. Such a unit will cope with most tasks and will serve for many years without complaints.
Steinel HG 2220 E
A professional hair dryer with a powerful motor maintains temperatures up to 630 °C. You can switch modes using a dial; there are nine settings in total. The set includes professional attachments; the tool itself weighs little and fits comfortably in the hand.
The average cost of a Steinel construction hot air gun is 11,000 rubles
Bosch PHG 600-3
The universal technical hair dryer supports three built-in modes and can be used manually or stationarily. Suitable for drying surfaces and separating adhesive joints, heating frozen pipes or car engines. Effective in cleaning old paint and warming up stuck nuts.
You can buy a tool from Bosch from 8,000 rubles
Rupes GTV20LCD Case
The Italian construction dryer is suitable for removing old paint, drying plaster and molding plastic pipes and acrylic panels. Power is 2 kW, temperature range is from 80 to 650 °C. The hot air gun supports as many as twelve installed programs, and two more can be configured independently according to your needs.
The tool is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, there is an engine cooling function and a standby mode. Thanks to the rubber inserts, the handle does not slip in the hand, the hair dryer weighs little and does not cause rapid fatigue when used.
The average cost of a Rupes technical hair dryer is 18,000 rubles
Leister Triac ST
One of the best technical hair dryers has perfect balance. Equipped with air filters and an automatic engine shutdown system when overheating. The manufacturer offers more than 80 attachments for the tool. The device is suitable for any construction work requiring heating with hot air.
The temperature range of the hot air gun is 40-700 °C. With expanded capabilities, the tool remains lightweight - only 1 kg.
You can buy a construction hot air gun Leister Triac from 29,000 rubles
Steinel HG 2620E
An expensive professional hairdryer of Swiss origin creates an air flow of up to 500 liters per minute. Equipped with an LCD display, supports step-by-step temperature adjustment up to 700 °C in small increments of 10 °C.
Highly durable thanks to the ceramic heating element. There are four preset temperature and speed modes. The hair dryer weighs 840 g, the internal electronics are protected by a dust filter.
The average price of a professional Steinel hair dryer starts from 25,000 rubles
Bosch GHG 20-63 Professional
The reliable 2 kW construction hot air gun supports two-stage flow rate adjustment and smooth temperature adjustment. The range of the latter is 50-630 °C. The instrument is equipped with a display that displays the current settings; it operates quite quietly, the noise level is 70 dB.
The safety of the device is ensured by cold airflow and automatic protection that triggers after 40 minutes of continuous use. The weight of the construction hair dryer is 650 g.
You can buy a Bosch Professional technical hair dryer from 9,600 rubles
Makita HG651CK Case
The professional construction hot air gun supports 14 main programs and two individual user settings. It quickly heats up to the specified values, can be used manually and stationarily, and is equipped with engine protection against failure.
Among the disadvantages, users note the appearance of a “cobweb” on the LCD screen when high temperatures are reached and an English-language menu with the inability to switch to Russian. In addition, the front part of the case is non-removable, which means that it will not be possible to reach hard-to-reach places with a tool.
Makita construction hot air gun can be purchased from 7,000 rubles
Metabo HE 23-650 Control Case
A powerful construction tool with a power of 2.3 kW is equipped with several software settings and the ability to smoothly adjust the temperature. Perfectly balanced and does not tire your hands after prolonged use. Comes complete with a carrying case and numerous attachments.
Among the advantages are a 4 m long cord; you can use a hot air gun at a considerable distance from the outlet. All information about the current mode is displayed on the LCD display with bright backlight.
You can buy a Metabo construction hot air gun from 6,000 rubles
Bosch GHG 23-66 Professional
Another technical hot air gun from a well-known brand supports temperatures in the range of 50-650 °C. It has a very sensitive heating sensor installed directly in the nozzle, so you can set the instrument settings with maximum accuracy.
The device is well-built, has an ergonomic body, and is equipped with high-quality thermal protection. When working at maximum temperatures, the tool will not overheat, but will simply turn off when the limit values are reached.
The average cost of a Bosch GHG 23-66 construction hair dryer is 7,000 rubles
Black+Decker KX2200K Case
A powerful hot air gun produces a stream of hot air with temperatures up to 645 °C. Supplied in a case with eight attachments. During operation, you can remove the casing for easy access to difficult surface areas.
The average price of a Black+Decker construction hot air gun starts from 3,100 rubles
Main characteristics
The body, heating element and fan are important parts of any technical hair dryer.
The ability to change each of these parts has led to a wide range of products with different technical characteristics. What to consider when choosing? Main selection criteria
| Criteria | Varieties | Note |
| Power, W | up to 1,500 | For rare and short-term use at home. For example, minor shoe repairs, gluing bicycle tires, removing old paint for subsequent renovation of furniture, doors and windows. |
| from 1,500 to 3,500 | For amateurs and professionals. Removing paintwork materials, repairing polymer sheets and removing damage from plastic elements, gluing seams to seal the coating, connecting polypropylene pipes, installing electrical wiring and much more. | |
| Productivity, l/h | up to 200 | The parameter determines the maximum volume of heated air per unit of time. A high value and the ability to adjust the parameter indicate the professional purpose of the tool. Often given in conjunction with temperature conditions. For example, low-performance devices are suitable for shoe workshops, repairing rubberized or plastic products, or when drying paintwork or plaster applied to the base. Higher productivity is needed at construction sites: when laying pipes and electrical, laying large areas of linoleum and tiles. |
| from 200 to 500 | ||
| from 500 to 800 | ||
| Operating temperature, °C | from 25/50/60/80/150 to 600-800 | Most models provide two operating modes: at a preset temperature (fixed) and when operating within a temperature range. The more customization options, the more expensive and professional the equipment. |
| Adjustment method | Stepped | From 2 to 9 modes with preset temperature.
|
| Smooth | Adjustment in steps of 10 °C in the operating temperature range.
| |
| Work control | LED indicators | Installed in inexpensive models with step adjustment. When the indicator lights up, it indicates that the operating temperature has been reached. |
| LCD display | A more visual solution installed in advanced models. Displays the current operating air temperature. | |
| Additional functions | Programming | To speed up operation, some devices have internal memory and allow you to configure preset temperature operating conditions. Or they remember the last values. |
| Air supply adjustment | A rare feature even in professional models. For jewelry work, when you need to balance the air pressure, for example, so that the air flow does not displace the material. | |
| Purge mode | At the end of the work, the temperature is manually gradually lowered to increase the service life of the hair dryer. Modern models provide automatic blowing, which turns off the heating element and only the fan runs. | |
| Cold air | The presence of an additional nozzle allows you to supply both cold and hot air. The heating element does not turn off, which provides quick access to the functionality of the device. | |
| Air filtration | As an option, an air filter can be installed in the device to prevent dust from entering the heating coil. It is desirable that it be easily removable and washed with plain water. | |
| Handle design | Open | Provides a compact housing shape, but there is a risk of burns from reflected hot air. When working with gloves, this disadvantage is easily mitigated. |
| Closed | The hand holding the tool is protected by a piece of plastic. The handle is made in the shape of an inverted letter D. This increases the size of the device. | |
| Complete set (the most common types of attachments are shown) | Glue Welding Attachment | For welding seams with glue rod. |
| Soldering nozzle | Point direction of hot air for soldering polymers and low-melting alloys. | |
| Nozzle with wide flat nozzle | For welding plastic sheets. | |
| Crevice nozzle | For overlap welding of polymer sheet materials. | |
| Reflex nozzle | For soldering and heat shrinking of pipes. | |
| Case | Comes included with most models. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of locks. |
Tool layout and shape
Most models are very similar to each other and represent something similar to a pistol. The shape of the handle can be open or closed, protecting the operator’s hand from hot air. But there are also other designs, for example, with a rotary handle or a straight body. Such tools are convenient when working in confined spaces or when working on parts that are difficult to access.
Professional hair dryers can have various rubber linings for ease of use and protection of the unit from impacts, as well as hooks, pendants, stands and other “useful things”. Most models have a small platform for mounting the tool in a vertical position.
Some modifications provide filtration of incoming air; for example, when drying paint and varnish coatings, this option will come in handy. However, when deforming or gluing various decorative products, the ingress of fine dust is also unacceptable.
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 .
