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Shop for the best heat gun for shrink wrap from our top 3 brands
A heat gun can be a super versatile tool to have at home or business.
From using it to remove paint to defrosting your pipes to doing art projects, there’s no limit to what this tool can do.
But heat guns are not created equal and some outperform others in certain applications.
This post brings you the best heat guns to use to apply shrink wrap when packaging electronics, DVDs, books, food items like meats and vegetables, bundles of paper, and more.
Best heat gun for shrink wrap (reviews of our top 3 recommended models)
Invest in one of these precision engineered heat guns whether you shrink-wrap to keep your products safe from the elements or to preserve perishable foods.
We shortlisted these three top-of-the-line shrink wrap tools after looking at dozens of competing models on account of their easy operation, greater heat output, amazing safety features, and more.
BLACK+DECKER Heat Gun, Dual-Temperature (HG1300) – best heat gun for shrink wrapping soap
This is a breeze to use and does the job fantastically.
It has two heat settings and you can shrink even at the lower setting –the 750 Degrees is hot enough to shrink great.
Plus, it heats up really fast- it’s ready for the job in just about 3-4 seconds!
The tool is sturdy (it’s a BLACK+DECKER so there is no surprise there) and outlasts dozens of competing models.
We also love that it comes with a built-in stand for hassle-free cooling off when not in use.
Something else: the handle remains pretty cool so it won’t burn your fingers.
Additionally, this is very quiet (it’s nowhere near those noisy heat guns out there) and super lightweight.
Overall, this is a fabulous heat gun for shrink wrapping projects and we can’t recommend it enough!
Pros
- A breeze to use.
- Very light.
- Works superbly.
Cons
- A longer cord would be welcome.
DEWALT Heat Gun (with LCD Display) plus Hard Case/Accessory Kit
A true gem, this Dewalt Heat Gun comes with handy easy-to-read LCD and really simple temperature controls- you increase the temp in 50-Degree increments from 150 to 1100 Degree F.
There’s a lot that impresses in this wonderful heat gun including the folding kick stand on the handle to prevent the tool from falling over when you’re not holding it.
The other lovely feature is the hang ring for easy cooling or storage.
Moreover, this is very comfortable to use even when working for long hours thanks to the ergonomically designed grip.
It also feels pretty light – in fact, it’s very compact and weighs only 2.3lbs.
Turning to your safety, an overload protection is included to prevent it from burning up (it shuts the heating element down) and comes with a useful cord protector too.
As a bonus, you get plenty of attachments including one that provides super focused heat.
Pros
- Magnificent air flow.
- Durable tool.
- Adjustable heat settings is a big plus.
Cons
- Pricier than BLACK+DECKER heat gun.
PORTER-CABLE Heat Gun (1500-Watt PC1500HG)
This heat gun design makes it quite easy to control the heat – with the awesome temperature dial- when shrinking wrapping products and is another to work like a charm.
Actually, in addition to the variable heat settings, there are 2 fan settings (high and low) here.
We also appreciate its ergonomics which make the tool feels nice in the hand.
We are again happy with the weight, the quiet operation, it’s fast heating, and the rubber that gives it some protection in case you drop it accidentally.
It’s very well made and we especially like its heavy duty cord (very few units have such as thick cord).
On top of all that, it’s another model to feature hands-free support stand so it stands upright for hands-free use, for instance, when you want to use it to in tasks such as bending pipes.
Pros
- Very well balanced.
- Oozes quality and class.
- Countless heat temperature options.
Cons
- Slightly bigger than its peers.
Best heat gun for shrink wrap – buying guide
The key items to focus on when you’re shopping for a heat gun for shrink wrapping tasks are the temperature settings, digital display, overload protection, an ergonomic grip, durability, and bonus features that might make the operation and your job easier.
Read more below:
- Temperature settings- it’s easier to get the heat just right for shrink wrap applications with variable temp settings and get the shrink wrap job on homemade soaps done quickly.
- Integrated LCD display- an LCD display makes a tool even better because it shows you the temperature it has reached besides making it easier for you to increase/decrease the temperature as needed.
- Overload protection- this feature automatically shuts down the heat gun in case it overheats and is essential for your peace of mind (it prevents fires). On a related note, heat guns made from heat-resistant materials are preferred as they won’t burn you!
- Scientific Ergonomic grip– soft rubber grip triumphs over other ‘un-ergonomical’ grip materials and design because it’s not tiring to use. Keep in mind that a lightweight design reduces operator fatigue as well.
- Durability- we all want an appliance that is durable enough to withstand abuse and heavy use for years.
- Bonus features- you want a gun with a long-enough extension cord, an integrated hanging hook (for straightforward storage), and even protection against accidental falls (where available).
- Go for accessories/nozzle attachments – checking what specialty nozzles/accessories it comes with since they increase its versatility and precision.
Wrapping it up
Shrink wrapping has a ton of applications across a variety of industries.
Not only is shrink wrapping uncomplicated but it also offers loads of benefits…
From protection (applying heat to shrink wrap creates an extremely tight seal) to food preservation (many foods are these days preserved in food-grade shrink wrap), shrink wrapping is super beneficial.
Pick the best heat gun for shrink wrap from our recommendations and get the job done quickly and perfectly.
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