This is probably the easiest tool to use – but that many people don’t have.
A Heat Gun.
I didn’t have a heat gun until last year – and I didn’t get it out of the box for a month or so after I got it because I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it.
Let me tell you – it can do so many things.
And it is so easy to use.
How to use a Heat Gun
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My heat gun is the HomeRight Digital Temperature Heat Gun. I have only used it and the Heat Pro Deluxe II Heat Gun. I can’t attest to other heat guns, but these have always worked well for me and are easy to use. Gina at Shabby Creek Cottage is doing her Power Tools 101 post today on using the Heat Pro Deluxe II Heat Gun.
The digital heat gun comes with a handy case and a few tools to go along with the gun:
There is a scraper for paint and nozzles that you can attach to the end of the gun to focus your heat or change its direction. Typically, I just use the heat gun as is, without an added-on nozzle.
To start, simply plug in the heat gun. This is all electric. I suggest using an extension cord if you are working on a larger project and need to move around a lot.
There is a temperature display screen and two buttons on the back of the gun.
The left button will decrease the temperature (the lowest it goes is 120 degrees) and the right button will increase the temperature (the highest it goes is 1000 degrees).
You turn it on with that switch on the back of the handle there.
Super hard, right?
The biggest question with a heat gun is what temperature do I use for what projects?
There is an instruction manual that comes with the gun and has suggested temperatures for different things. However, I typically just feel it out for myself. I start with a lower setting and work my way up until the gun has accomplished what I need it to. Its always better to start at a low temperature, rather than starting at a higher one and messing up whatever project you are working on (a.k.a. melting something into oblivion).
I recently stripped the top of a dresser. To strip the paint that was on it, I had to turn the heat gun all the way up to 1000 degrees. When I made the snake bowl and snake vase, I was more at a “medium” degree setting.
Now, the question is what all can I freakin’ do with a heat gun?
Let me tell you…..
Age Galvanized Metal Roofing (and make a cool arrow sign in the process)
Make a Snake Bud Vase out of a Toy Snake
Have you used a heat gun before? What do you use it on?
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Anna says
Great post Jenna! Thanks for including a link to my project. 🙂
Anna
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Love that candleholder, Anna!
Skaie Knox says
Thanks for including my plastic animal bowl project! Love your blog and am definitely gonna have fun with your “Lucite Tray” 15 minute project! Fun!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Love that animal bowl – so cool!
Lory Robinson says
Thanks for the great info about the heat gun! I had never thought about using one for so many different projects.
Lory xo
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Glad it was helpful, Lory! Its an awesome tool!
Anna says
This is an awesome post. I use my heat gun for making Halloween props for my yard haunt. I will be using your snake ideas! I used mine to add texture to foam boards and also to singe paper for the Snow White spell book.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
That’s such a great idea to use it for that, Anna!! Love it!
jenny says
You’re amazing, I have never tried these tools，thanks
A says
I tried to do the melted crayons with a blow dryer. DISASTER! I will buy or borrow one if I need to do it again. 🙂
Thanks for sharing on #HappinessisHomemade
Jenna says
Was it? I’ve always wondered how that one would work out. Thanks for letting me know!
Lori says
Great ideas… I always wondered what to do with a heat gun or why I’d want one… 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It! Looking forward to seeing more of your creativity!
Jenna says
They are so cool, Lori!
Cristina at Ava's Alphabet says
This Power Tools 101 series is just the best. I’m pretty sure I need a heat gun now! Pinned and sharing! Thank you for joining us at Family Joy Blog Link-Up Party. I hope you will join our next party starting Sunday at noon EST.
Jenna says
So glad you like the series, Cristina!
Debra Needles says
Wow. I have never even heard of a heat gun! Looks like a pretty handy tool!
Thanks for sharing with us at the Funtastic Friday Blog Hop!
Jenna says
It is! I love mine!
Mother of 3 says
So many great ideas! I have a small heat gun I use for paper crafting and I do just love it. Pinned.