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If you’re hunting for the best heat guns in the UK, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re stripping paint, shrinking tubing, loosening bolts, or tackling DIY plumbing, a heat gun is like a Swiss Army knife for modern handymen and hobbyists. In this guide I’ll walk you through where to buy them, what features matter, and how to use one safely — all in plain English and with helpful tips you can actually use on your next weekend project.
Have you ever tried to strip paint with a chemical and sworn never again? A heat gun offers a cleaner, often faster solution. Think of it as a focused hairdryer for your project — it concentrates hot air to soften paint, adhesives, and plastic in a matter of seconds. For head-turning repairs and creative crafts alike, a heat gun packs serious value into a compact tool chest.
Not all heat guns are created equal. The market splits into a few clear types: corded heavy-duty models for tradespeople, lightweight corded guns for home DIY, cordless variants for portability, and speciality guns for electronics or heat-shrink work. Knowing which type matches your use case saves money and frustration.
Corded models deliver steady power for long sessions. They’re great for paint stripping, soldering large joints, or bending plastics. You’ll often see temperature ranges up to around 1200°F, which is plenty for most household tasks. Expect a bit more weight, but also consistent heating.
Cordless heat guns trade runtime for freedom. If you need to work in a tight spot or outside away from sockets, a cordless model is a lifesaver. Battery life varies, so treat them like any cordless tool — have a spare battery handy if you plan long jobs.
Smaller, precision guns are designed for electronics, shrink tubing, and model work. These often offer lower temperature settings (e.g., 250°F–500°F) and narrower nozzles so you don’t bake nearby components. Ideal for delicate tasks where control matters more than brute force.
When shopping, it helps to know which retailers stock reliable models and which stores offer the best deals. Below are reputable outlets you’ll commonly find offering a wide range of heat guns, from budget starters to pro-grade tools.
Expert Electrical is a retailer that appears in many tool listings and often stocks heating devices and electrical accessories. If you’re shopping for tools related to home heating, wiring, or general upkeep, Expert Electrical can be a good place to compare options and check for specialist items.
Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople. They carry brands like DeWalt, Bosch, and Black+Decker, plus commercial-grade models. Their stores make it easy to inspect weight and feel before buying — and their online site often lists customer reviews that help you judge real-world performance.
Toolstation offers competitive pricing and an extensive range, including compact heat guns for hobbyists and tough models for contractors. Their collection tends to balance quality and value, which is perfect if you’re buying your first gun or need a reliable backup.
High-street DIY chains like B&Q and Wickes stock mainstream heat guns suitable for household tasks like paint stripping and plastic bending. These outlets are ideal if you want to pick up a tool during a weekend run to the store and compare popular brands in person.
Amazon and Homebase offer wide selections and fast delivery, while Machine Mart tends to focus on heavier, trades-oriented equipment. Online marketplaces can be great for price hunting, but always check seller ratings and product specifications before hitting buy.
Choice comes down to three key things: temperature range, airflow control, and ergonomics. Ask yourself what jobs you’ll do most often and pick a gun tuned to those tasks — for instance, paint stripping demands higher temperatures than shrink fitting a cable sleeve.
Temperature is usually the headline spec. For the widest range of jobs, look for a heat gun that goes from about 250°F to 1200°F. Lower temps are useful for shrink tubing and electronics, while higher temps handle paint, rust-busting, and bending tough plastics.
Adjustable airflow helps you control how fast a surface heats. Most jobs do well with variable settings; a narrow nozzle focuses heat for delicate work, while a wide nozzle covers larger areas quickly, much like switching from a spotlight to a floodlight.
Comfort matters. Holding a heavy heat gun for 20 minutes can tire your wrist. If a job requires prolonged use, look for a model with a good balance and a comfortable grip. Weight is often under 5 pounds for most consumer models; if you see much heavier, that’s usually a trade tool intended for long-term use.
Think of a heat gun as a small, focused flamethrower for air — treat it with respect and a little common sense. Simple safety habits will protect you, the surface you’re working on, and anything flammable nearby.
Wear heat-resistant gloves and eye protection. A respirator or mask is sensible when stripping paint that might contain old lead layers or when melting plastics. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for electrical and small combustibles close by just in case.
Keep the nozzle 2–4 inches away from surfaces as a starting point and adjust based on how quickly the material reacts. Work in a well-ventilated area — a fan or an open window prevents inhalation of fumes and helps disperse heat build-up.
A heat gun is a versatile gadget: it can strip paint, soften adhesives, thaw frozen pipes, and help with plumbing and electrical tasks. Here are the most common projects where a heat gun really shines.
Heat softens old paint, making it lift easily with a scraper. Use a medium to high temperature — often around 700°F to 1000°F — and move the gun slowly so you don’t scorch the wood beneath. Think of it as coaxing the paint to let go, not burning it off.
Electrical shrink tubing is a breeze with a precision heat gun set to a lower temperature such as 300°F–400°F. Smaller nozzles help concentrate the heat so the tubing contracts evenly without damaging insulation.
When you need to bend or reform plastics, a steady, even heat will soften the material until it becomes pliable. Slow and steady wins this race — heat, test, and reshape rather than rushing and risking melt-through.
A heat gun can safely warm frozen metal or plastic pipes if used carefully. Keep the gun moving and don’t hold it too close — maintain about 6 inches and work gradually to avoid thermal shock that can crack a pipe.
Brands you’ll see often in UK stores include Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Black+Decker, Ryobi, and Einhell. Each brand tends to offer entry-level to pro models. Match the model to your budget and the job, and lean on customer reviews to learn about real-world reliability.
DIY models cost less and are lighter, perfect for weekend work. Pro models are built for heavy use and may include features like higher top-end temperatures, tougher housings, and longer warranties. If you’re a casual user, a mid-range DIY model usually offers the best balance of price and performance.
Expect to spend around £20–£50 for basic, functional heat guns, while mid-range models typically run between £50–£100. Pro-grade units, with extra features and higher build quality, can be over £100. Consider what you’ll use the tool for and pick the category that makes sense for your workload.
Buy a model with variable temperature if you’re doing multiple types of work — it’s a small investment that extends the gun’s usefulness. Also look for spare nozzles and a sturdy case if portability and protection matter to you.
Keep the nozzle clean and free of melted debris. After use, allow the gun to cool on a heat-resistant surface before storing. If your model has filters, check and clean them periodically to maintain airflow and prevent overheating.
Store the heat gun in a dry place, away from dampness and dust. If you use it infrequently, give it a quick visual inspection and a short test before any major job to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Choosing a heat gun is like choosing a pair of shoes — one size doesn’t fit all. Think about the jobs you’ll do most, set a realistic budget, and buy a tool with the temperature control and ergonomics you’ll actually use. With the right model from a trusted UK retailer, a heat gun will be one of the most versatile tools in your kit.
Before you buy, compare options at retailers like Expert Electrical, Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, Wickes, and online marketplaces to find the right balance of price, features, and warranty. That way, you’ll pick a heat gun that feels like it was made for the job — not one you have to force into service.
Now go on — pick a task, put on those gloves, and enjoy how much a little focused heat can change a project from “meh” to “masterpiece.”
