A heating hair dryer is a universal tool that is very popular among people. The functional unit is called a hot air gun, hot air gun or blower.
This affordable and simple device is used in various technical work and does not require special skills to operate. What is a hair dryer on the modern market?
Design and use of a construction hair dryer
Technical hair dryers do not differ greatly in design. Their main components:
- heating element - heating element;
- Electrical engine;
- Fan;
- Frame;
- Additional details depending on design.
The principle of operation is simple: nichrome wire wound on a ceramic base is a heating element. The fan drives air through a hot spiral, and the output comes out with hot air at a temperature from 300 to 700? C.
Scope of application of a technical hair dryer
- So, a construction hair dryer - what is a simple unit needed for? The device is used in various areas of construction activities:
- When soldering plastic pipes;
- When “steaming” and removing paint and varnish coatings;
- Soldering linoleum and melting synthetic-based materials;
- For heating or cooling any products and surfaces;
- For simple household needs, etc.
Selection and features of using a hair dryer
Construction hair dryer, hot air gun, technical hair dryer, thermal blower - all these are names for the same construction device. From its name it is clear that it is intended for drying, like a regular hair dryer, but is used by builders in the process of performing a number of works.A technical hair dryer consists of a fan, a heating element (usually a spiral) and an electric motor, enclosed in a housing made of heat-resistant material. Reflective mirrors are installed in the nozzles of some devices, and in some models they are an integral part of the nozzles. Mirrors contribute to more intense heat transfer, which reduces the time of exposure to hot air. The principle of operation of the entire device as a whole is also quite simple: thanks to the fan, warm air from the heated coil is blown with force in a certain direction.
Construction hair dryer with attachments
The advantages of a hot air gun are that it does not require special fuel to operate, it itself is quite safe, and its capabilities can be significantly expanded with additional attachments. The latter can either come complete with such a hairdryer or be sold separately. The most useful ones include a temperature reduction nozzle, a glass protection nozzle, a reflector nozzle and a regular flat nozzle.
Areas of application of a hot air gun
Hot air guns are used in their work by builders of various specializations. Most often, a construction hair dryer finds its application in the following situations:
- removal of old layers of paint from any surfaces: walls, ceilings, door and window openings, pipes, etc.;
- drying rooms with high humidity levels, painted surfaces, mortars, etc.;
- sealing seams and joints;
- removal of linoleum and any coatings based on synthetic materials;
- softening of fusible materials: resin, solder, wax;
- heating of roofing materials (roofing felt and tiles) during roof installation;
- antiseptic treatment of wood surfaces;
- heat shrink treatment;
- melting ice on frozen construction (and other) mechanisms, defrosting locks and pipes;
- soldering of thin-walled copper pipes, plastics and garden hoses;
- changing the shape of all types of polymer pipes;
- removing stickers from any surfaces (for example, price tags, labels, posters, protective stickers);
- making decorative candles.
Removing old coating with a hair dryer
This is just a small list of what a hair dryer can do. In fact, it has long been chosen not only by builders, but also by motorists, owners of summer cottages, workers in warehouses and retail premises.
What to look for when choosing a hot air gun
So, you have appreciated all the advantages and possibilities of using a hair dryer and are now planning to become its owner. When going shopping, you should accurately determine several basic parameters of this construction assistant.
One of the most important characteristics of a hot air blower is its power. In most models it ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 kW. The higher the power, the more situations you can use a heat gun. It is always easy to adjust this parameter down in a high-power model, but the reverse operation, unfortunately, is impossible.
Forming pipes with a construction hair dryer
No less important for the choice is the performance of the device, which is expressed in the volume of hot air blown per minute. Here it is worth paying attention not only to maximum performance, but also to the number of available operating modes in which its value can change. For wider possibilities of using a hair dryer, it is desirable that it can work in at least two modes.
The operating temperature range is usually indicated by the manufacturer as two temperatures for heating the air in a hair dryer: minimum and maximum. And again the already familiar rule applies: the larger the range, the more situations in which a hair dryer can be useful. Most models support operation in the range from 50 to 600 °C. It is highly desirable that the model you choose allows for smooth temperature adjustment. This recommendation is explained by the fact that even materials with similar characteristics can have different melting temperatures, and the result of the work largely depends on the choice of the correct temperature. Less preferable are models in which there are only a few fixed temperature values to choose from. Usually there are three of them: maximum, average and minimum temperature. In expensive professional models, the exact temperature value is displayed on a small LCD display, while in others, with stepwise adjustment, there is usually one indicator or a line of LEDs, which allows you to roughly navigate this issue.
Removing paint from windows with a hair dryer
Since a construction hair dryer belongs to the category of devices that must be held in hands while working, its dimensions and weight will be important when choosing. They will also be relevant if you often have to carry a hair dryer from one object to another in a special case. Unfortunately, very often compact and relatively light (weighing about 0.6 kg) models cannot provide the necessary performance and power, but even this rule has pleasant exceptions.
For some buyers, a useful argument in favor of a particular blower model may be the additional features it offers. For example, the cold blowing function will not be superfluous, although it is quite rare. With the help of such a technical hair dryer, you can not only quickly heat a certain object or surface, but also cool it. These devices do not have an additional element that would cool the air; the heating element simply does not turn on in this mode, and the powerful air flow itself will be cool.
If you are serious about protective measures when working with construction equipment, it will probably be important for you to have a protective casing in your hot air gun, which will not only more accurately direct the movement of hot air, but will also protect your hands from damage by it. True, the presence of such a casing makes this device somewhat heavier. Also, the type of handle, which can be open (pistol type) or closed, also affects the safety of work. A closed handle reduces the chances of getting burns (both in contact with hot air and in contact with a heated surface), but an open handle makes the hair dryer more compact.
Sealing seams with a hair dryer
On the body of some models there is a loop-leg, which can serve as a support for the hair dryer. Thus, by installing it vertically directly in front of the area requiring treatment, you will be spared the hassle of holding it in your hands the entire time. True, supervision of this device will still be necessary, but at this time the builder can begin preparing other tools or materials for work in the same room.
And lastly, in expensive professional models of hair dryers you can find such a function as an electronic temperature stabilization system. Thanks to it, these devices can provide uniform heating regardless of the load. In addition to certain conveniences during operation, this allows you to extend the service life of the hot air gun.
Rules for using a construction hair dryer
It’s worth warning right away that using a hot air dryer to dry hair is strictly prohibited: the power of this unit is such that the hair will heat up excessively or even melt, not to mention the condition of the scalp after such thermal exposure.
The room in which work is carried out using a hot air gun must be regularly ventilated, and there should be no flammable substances or objects in its immediate vicinity. Since various materials (bitumen, paint) are often melted with a heat gun, a person should use personal protective equipment to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
Prices and manufacturers
In Russia you can find construction hair dryers from both Russian and foreign manufacturers. Among them are hair dryers from Makita, Bosh, Interskol, Prorab, Energomash, Kolner, DWT, Skil, Metabo and others.
As for the cost, it most often depends on three main parameters: power, performance and brand.
Thus, the Prorab 6302 hot air gun for $18 (manufacturing country China) can be classified as “for beginners”. Its power is 2 kW, maximum air flow power is 550 l/min, operating temperature range is from 300 to 550 °C (step adjustment), the body is made of impact-resistant plastic, there is no protective cover, and four nozzles are included.
Model Prorab 6302
The Bosh PHG 600-3 technical hair dryer ($55) has a power of 1.8 kW, step temperature control (50, 400 and 600 °C), air flow rate ranges from 250 to 500 l/min. The device weighs 0.8 kg; additional features include an automatic shutdown function when overloaded, the presence of removable thermal protection, and a safe closed-type handle with soft pads.
Model Bosh PHG 600-3
Construction hair dryer DeWalt D 26411 (costs $90, country of origin China) 1.8 kW has step-by-step temperature control (50, 400 and 600 °C), supports dual-mode air flow (250 and 450 l/min), weighs 0.8 kg. The case is plastic, with additional holes for cooling the internal elements; the device automatically turns off when overheated. The set includes two nozzles: conical and fishtail.
Model DeWalt D 26411
And finally, the Makita HG 651 CK (will cost you $130, the country of origin is Switzerland) has a power of 2 kW, operates in a temperature range from 80 to 650 °C, and allows you to generate air flow at a speed of 200 to 550 l/min. Weighing only 630 grams, this model has an electronic regulator, the ability to program up to seven different operating modes and select them with one key.
Model Makita HG 651 CK
This hot air gun is sold in a branded case, which also contains a nozzle with a wide slot, a reflective nozzle, a nozzle for concentrating hot air and for soldering joints.
09/06/2013 Soboleva Svetlana
Classification of technical construction hair dryers
In fact, the heat gun is divided into three main types:
1. Household - a simple and inexpensive option, with a set of minimal functions. A small drawback is the lack of cold flow. Large overloads are undesirable - the device is weak;
2. Professional - has an extended thermostat scale, with precise temperature setting. Must be equipped with a cold mode. Additionally, professional models are equipped with electronic components for temperature control and input voltage stabilization.
The service life of advanced hair dryers is longer than simple options. The functionality has a wide profile, necessary for professionals - for home use the model is overly technological;
3. Industrial - a powerful unit with great capabilities. Temperature maximum - 700? C. Precise adjustment in combination with a heat-resistant housing makes the industrial hair dryer an indispensable assistant for a significant amount of work. The price corresponds to the quality.
Additionally, hair dryers are divided into subtypes:
- A hair dryer gun is a reliable tool with a handle perpendicular to the body, although it is a little clumsy in a cramped room;
- Straight hair dryer - there is no handle, so operation is unsafe;
- Combination hair dryer - the handle is removable or rotating, which is preferable to previous types.
How to use a hair dryer - use at home
In the arsenal of professional craftsmen, in addition to the usual set of tools, there is always a construction hair dryer, which differs from a household hair dryer in the speed of air exchange and high operating temperatures. There are several types of this equipment, and each model differs in technical parameters and configuration.
A hot air gun is the best device for quick and high-quality repairs
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.
Recommendations from experienced users
The main list of what can be done with a regular industrial hair dryer will be of interest to those who are planning to renovate a house or apartment. It is also recommended to watch several video reviews on the operation of a hot air gun.
How to remove paintwork
Removing paint or varnish is a very common operation for a hot air gun. If earlier this procedure required a lot of time, then with the help of a hairdryer the problem becomes a minor task. Using various attachments, the user removes the top coating from any material whose temperature or melting time is higher than the paintwork material.
For this method of removing top layers of paint, you will need a hair dryer operating at a temperature of 550 - 600 ° C. The hair dryer nozzle is directed to the treated area and held until bubbles appear. Afterwards the paint peels off and is removed with a spatula. The operation is easiest to perform on wood products (windows, fences, window sills), but it is more difficult to remove paint from metal. The high thermal conductivity of the metal structure dissipates heat, reducing operating efficiency.
It is even more difficult to remove paint and varnish from plastic; such work will require considerable skill and good theoretical knowledge of the minimum and maximum melting temperatures.
Connection of plastic pipes
Another popular area of using the tool in everyday life is connecting plastic pipes with a technical hair dryer. Using a hot air gun and a reflector attachment, you can lay a water pipe. High air temperatures will not only melt and glue the couplings, but will also help shape the pipe.
To achieve a strong connection, you need to correctly determine the moment of welding. Two parts of the pipe are brought to the nozzle and heated to a soft state at a temperature of 200-300°C. Afterwards they are connected to each other, holding for 30-40 seconds.
Seam welding
Bonding linoleum or PVC seams with a hairdryer is performed in several steps. First, the materials to be welded are adjusted, after which, at the gluing site, their edges are trimmed at an angle with any knife.
An additive tow is applied to the future seam, then it is blown in the desired place with a hot air gun at a temperature of about 300°C. When the composition becomes liquid, spread it over the seam with a regular rubber spatula and allow to dry.
Bonding films
Another example of why a hair dryer is needed is working with films. The material used is easily affected by temperatures, so all actions must be as clear and fast as possible. The film is welded overlapping, one edge overlaps the second by about 3 cm along the entire length of the seam. When working with such materials, it is enough to set the minimum temperature, treat the gluing area, and then roll this area with a roller.
If the temperature turns out to be insufficient, the operation is repeated with a slight increase in productivity until the seam becomes strong.
The construction hair dryer is very popular among experienced craftsmen. The tool is widely used on a construction site, in design or repair. With its help you can make various crafts or decorative elements, weld, melt, dry or deform materials and building compounds.
Selection of technical hair dryers
The model is purchased depending on the intended purpose. For frequent use, purchase a professional or industrial hair dryer with temperature control; for home use, a household option is suitable.
A device with a smooth temperature regulator is preferable - it is more convenient. The presence of a cold mode is welcome. Also, the set of nozzles must include at least four types of nozzles.
It is important to pay attention to the possibility of safe operation - a unit equipped with protection for the nozzle and handle is more correct. It is more convenient to work if the hair dryer is placed on a handle or equipped with a hanging loop.
Popular models of construction hair dryers:
- Black & Decker;
- Bosch;
- Metabo;
- Interskol;
- De Volt.
TOP 8 best construction hair dryers for home
| Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |
| #1 | "ZUBR FT-1600" | ⭐ 98 / 100 | Go to model description and price | |
| #2 | "BOSCH UniversalHeat 600" | ⭐ 98 / 100 3 — votes | Go to model description and price | |
| #3 | "Patriot HG 210 Case" | ⭐ 96 / 100 1 — vote | Go to model description and price | |
| #4 | "HITACHI RH 600 T-NS" | ⭐ 96 / 100 2 — votes | Go to model description and price | |
| #5 | "Black&Decker KX1650" | ⭐ 95 / 100 | Go to model description and price | |
| #6 | "RedVerg Basic HG2000" | ⭐ 93 / 100 | Go to model description and price | |
| #7 | "Bort BHG-1600-P" | ⭐ 92 / 100 1 — vote | Go to model description and price | |
| #8 | "Whirlwind TP-2000" | ⭐ 91 / 100 1 — vote | Go to model description and price |
Which hair dryer would you recommend?
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Operating a hair dryer
A construction hairdryer is good for removing old paint, especially from wood. A temperature of 500° C is sufficient. Warming up is carried out in small areas - the swollen paint is cleaned off with a scraper.
Using a hair dryer, wooden surfaces are given a noble dark shade. Coniferous trees are better suited - spruce, pine, etc. Operating temperature - 600 ° C, high flow rate. The distance from the nozzle to the surface is 1 cm.
Joining pipes with a technical hair dryer is distinguished by its simplicity and quality. At the joints it is necessary to cut off the edges and press the ends together. The resulting groove is filled using a plastic rod and hot air, and the remaining end of the additive is trimmed.
A hair dryer allows you to bend plastic pipes. 400° C is enough, and to prevent the pipe from bursting, a spring or sand is placed inside. The bent pipe is not released until it cools completely.
The connection of linoleum or film is made through an overlap of 2-3 cm, heated from the outside with a hairdryer with a narrow nozzle at close range. Temperature - 300° C, wiring along the joint is done quickly (depending on the thickness of the material).
This is not a complete list of the functions of a hair dryer. The unit adapts to any work requiring the supply of hot air. Therefore, the heat gun is capable of fanning coals for barbecue, heating rusted nuts (for easy removal), and drying/disinfecting products and surfaces. A convenient technical hair dryer is indispensable for repair work - the use depends on the needs and ingenuity of the master.
Working with a hair dryer requires certain safety rules:
- The new unit warms up at low speed for fifteen minutes before starting stable operation;
- Do not suddenly give high power;
- Air intake grilles must be open;
- It is necessary to take a break from work every fifteen minutes.
Conclusion
The price of a construction hair dryer with temperature control varies depending on the model, manufacturer and additional equipment.
When purchasing, you should pay attention to the presence of a warranty card and a quality certificate. It is important to correctly compare the required qualities with the actual capabilities of the thermal unit.
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A construction hairdryer allows you to change the structure of objects by exposure to a hot air stream. The required temperature is selected by adjusting the distances from the hot air gun nozzle to the working surfaces . At a greater distance, a lower heating temperature is applied.
Thus, by increasing the distance from the hair dryer to the working surface to 10 centimeters, we reduce the temperature readings by half compared to the set ones. However, before starting to operate the device, it must be tested on experimental samples, which will allow a selection of optimal operating modes to be made.
What is the difference between a construction hair dryer and a household hair dryer?
In appearance and operating principle, these devices are very similar. The difference lies in the purpose of the heat gun - it is much more powerful and capable of operating at high temperatures.
So, the tool delivers a stream of air, which heats up to 700 degrees, and under such conditions even metal melts. The temperature produced by the household device is much lower - a maximum of 130 degrees, so it can only be useful for drying hair.
Important! Knowing why a hair dryer is needed and knowing how to use it, a worker can cope with any, even the most difficult task.
What is and what does a construction hair dryer look like?
Many workers are interested in the question of what a hair dryer is needed for and how to use it correctly. So, the tool supplies air to the material. Outwardly, it looks like a household hair dryer. However, the air temperature at which it operates is much higher than that of the latter.
- From the housing under which the engine is located.
- A fan is located on the internal spinner of the device.
- The casing has an outlet nozzle through which an air stream is supplied.
