Best Heat Gun for Car Repairs

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When it comes to price and performance, here’s a surprising top winner when it comes to pitting several brands of heat guns against each other…and it is not Harbor Freight!

While doing car repairs, I am leery of any job requiring an open flame to generate a significant amount of heat anywhere near the engine and the undercarriage of a car or truck; the potential for a sudden and uncontrollable fire is a reality that requires careful consideration.

The Safest Open Flame Approach

When an open flame is unavoidable, I use nothing bigger than one of those tiny gas self-contained micro torches you see in hardware stores to heat directly on a bolt head that refuses to let go due to rust or a thread locker product someone used on the bolt.

You will be surprised how easily those thread locker products melt and release a bolt that is going to twist in two before giving up its grip using a breaker bar.

However, no matter how small a flame is, a fire is still a fire, and you have to apply common sense and precautions.

Personally, I would never recommend using fire to remove a stubborn bolt; but instead, to lift an engine out for better access and a less hazardous means of removing said bolt. In cases such as this you might as well use it as an opportunity to make some preventive maintenance and modifications, or upgrades to your car.

An Alternative Tool Approach

Fortunately, there are alternative solutions to a flame when it comes to a job requiring a high amount of heat focused on a small area: a high temperature heat gun with nozzle attachments.

In fact, a recent Project Farm YouTube channel episode tested several brands against one another including corded and cordless models in three performance tests that helps viewers determine which brand of heat gun best fits their needs and their tool budget.

Here is the video posted below that reveals a surprising winner in price and performance. In case you do not want to see the entire video, posted at the end of the article are two very affordable choices with one recommended as the best for your home DIY garage.

Best Heat Gun? Will Harbor Freight Dominate? Let's Find Out!

 

Do You Need a Heat Gun for Car Repairs?

Do you really need a heat gun for DIY car repairs in your home garage? In short―YES!  A heat gun is actually a versatile tool in car repair, offering several uses due to its ability to produce high temperatures safely. Here are some common applications:

Paint Removal: When you need to strip paint from a car's surface, especially in localized areas, a heat gun can soften the paint, making it easier to scrape away without damaging the underlying metal or plastic.

Vinyl Wrapping: When applying vinyl wraps to vehicles, a heat gun helps in shaping and stretching the vinyl to fit contours and curves smoothly. It can also be used to activate the adhesive for better adhesion.

Decal and Sticker Removal: Similar to paint removal, a heat gun can soften the adhesive of decals, stickers, or vinyl graphics, making them easier to peel off without leaving residue behind.

Plastic Repair: In cases where plastic components are cracked or warped, a heat gun can be used to soften the plastic, making it more pliable for reshaping or welding. This is particularly useful for bumpers, trim pieces, and interior components.

Dent Removal: For minor dents in metal panels, heating the area around the dent with a heat gun can make the metal more malleable, making it easier to pop the dent out from the inside or to push it out from the outside.

Adhesive Removal: Heat can be effective in softening adhesives used in various parts of a car, such as trim pieces, weather stripping, or badges, making them easier to remove without damaging the underlying surface.

Thawing Frozen Components: In cold climates, a heat gun can be used to thaw frozen components like door locks, hinges, or window seals.

Sealant Application: Heat can help in activating certain types of sealants or adhesives used in car repairs, ensuring better bonding and sealing of parts.

Rust Prevention: After repairing rust spots, a heat gun can be used to properly dry the area before applying primers or rust inhibitors, helping to prevent further corrosion.

Window Tinting: A heat gun is useful during window tint installation to conform the tint film to the curved surface of the windows and to remove any creases or bubbles by gently heating the film.

Remember to use caution when using a heat gun, as they can reach high temperatures and may cause damage if not used properly. Always follow safety precautions and manufacturer instructions.

The Best Heat Gun(s) Test Results

When it comes to price and performance there are two clear winners:

  1. The Craftsman corded model came out on top at a price of just $55.
  2. The Harbor Freight Hercules brand came in third at a price of just $60. The second-place brand heat gun for overall performance was the corded Makita at a cost of $157!

For more details about how the other brands compared, be sure to check out the video above.

For more articles on car tool reviews, here are some additional articles for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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