18v Hot Air Heat Guns

About 18v Hot Air Heat Guns

Cordless 18v hot air heat guns have revolutionised the way tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts approach heat-based tasks on site and at home. These battery-powered tools deliver the performance of traditional corded models whilst offering complete freedom of movement, making them ideal for working in tight spaces, at height, or in locations without mains power. From stripping paint and loosening seized bolts to shaping plastic pipes and activating heat-shrink tubing, these versatile tools have become essential kit for professionals across multiple trades.

The 18v platform has become the industry standard for cordless power tools, meaning if you already own batteries from leading manufacturers like Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee or Stanley, your existing battery system will power your new heat gun. This interchangeability makes cordless heat guns an economical choice, as you can often purchase the bare unit without batteries and charger. Modern 18v heat guns typically offer variable temperature control, multiple airflow settings, and electronic temperature management to suit different materials and applications.

Leading brands in this category include Bosch Professional, DeWalt, Einhell, Makita, Milwaukee and Stanley FatMax, each offering robust construction, ergonomic designs and safety features such as cool-down modes and thermal cut-out protection. Whether you're a decorator removing old paint, an electrician working with heat-shrink, or a plumber forming plastic pipes, there's an 18v cordless heat gun engineered for your specific requirements.

Jargon Buster

Li-ion (Lithium-ion)

The battery technology used in modern 18v cordless tools. Li-ion batteries offer high energy density, no memory effect, and minimal self-discharge, providing consistent power throughout the discharge cycle.

Ah (Ampere-hours)

The capacity rating of a battery, indicating how much energy it can store. Higher Ah ratings (e.g., 5.0Ah vs 2.0Ah) provide longer runtime between charges, which is particularly important for heat guns that draw significant current.

Temperature Range

The minimum and maximum heat output of the tool, typically measured in degrees Celsius. Most cordless heat guns offer ranges from around 50°C to 600°C, allowing for precise control across different applications.

Airflow Rate

Measured in litres per minute (l/min), this indicates the volume of hot air the gun produces. Higher airflow speeds up heating but may be less controllable for delicate work.

Cool-Down Mode

A safety feature that runs the fan without heat after use, cooling the heating element and nozzle before storage. This extends tool life and prevents accidental burns or damage to the carry case.

Thermal Cut-Out

An automatic safety mechanism that switches off the heating element if the tool overheats, preventing damage to internal components and reducing fire risk.

Who Uses 18v Hot Air Heat Guns?

• Decorators and Painters - Removing old paint, varnish and wallpaper from various surfaces; softening paint for scraping on period properties and delicate woodwork
• Plumbers - Thawing frozen pipes, bending and shaping plastic pipe work, loosening seized pipe fittings, soldering copper joints
• Electricians - Activating heat-shrink tubing on cable connections, softening cable insulation, removing old cable sheathing
• Motor Vehicle Technicians - Removing decals and vinyl wraps, loosening rusted bolts and nuts, shaping plastic trim, removing tinting film
• Flooring Specialists - Welding vinyl flooring seams, softening adhesive residue, forming skirting and trim work
• Roofers - Working with roofing felt and membranes, heat-welding waterproof materials
• Window Fitters - Softening putty for removal, activating adhesive-backed weather seals
• General Builders and Maintenance Workers - Multiple applications across renovation and repair work
• DIY Enthusiasts - Home improvement projects, craft work, model making, furniture restoration

How to Choose the Right 18v Hot Air Heat Gun

Battery Compatibility: The most important consideration is whether you already own 18v batteries from a particular brand. Sticking with your existing battery platform (Makita LXT, DeWalt XR, Milwaukee M18, etc.) provides the best value and convenience. If you're starting fresh, consider which brand's ecosystem best suits your broader tool requirements.

Temperature Control: Look for models with variable temperature settings rather than just fixed heat outputs. Digital displays showing actual temperature are helpful for repeatable work, whilst basic models with stepped heat settings suit less demanding applications. Professional users should prioritise precise temperature control for working with different materials safely.

Airflow Settings: Dual-speed fans provide greater versatility. Lower airflow with high temperature suits precision work like electronics and heat-shrink tubing, whilst high airflow settings speed up paint stripping and pipe thawing. Some premium models offer fully variable airflow control.

Ergonomics and Balance: Consider the tool's weight distribution, especially when using larger capacity batteries. A well-balanced heat gun with comfortable grip reduces fatigue during extended use. Hanging hooks and stable free-standing bases are useful features for setting the tool down safely whilst still hot.

Safety Features: Thermal cut-out protection is essential. Cool-down modes protect the tool and prevent burns. LED work lights help in poorly lit areas. Over-mould grips reduce the risk of dropping the tool when working at height.

Included Accessories: Many heat guns come with nozzle attachments for different applications - reflector nozzles for pipes, reduction nozzles for concentrated heat, and surface nozzles for broad coverage. Check what's included or factor in the cost of purchasing accessories separately.

Professional vs DIY Grade: Professional models from Bosch Professional, DeWalt XR, Milwaukee and Makita LXT offer superior build quality, longer warranties and higher duty cycles for daily site use. DIY-grade options from Einhell and Stanley FatMax provide excellent value for occasional use and lighter applications.

Popular Accessories

• Nozzle Sets - Various attachments including reflector nozzles for pipe work, reduction nozzles for concentrated heat on small areas, surface nozzles for broad paint stripping, and glass protection nozzles for working near windows
• Scraper Sets - Purpose-designed scrapers for removing softened paint, adhesive and other materials without damaging underlying surfaces
• High-Capacity Batteries - 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah or larger batteries provide extended runtime for demanding applications like paint stripping entire rooms
• Heat-Resistant Gloves - Essential PPE when working with hot air tools, protecting hands from radiated heat and accidental contact with hot surfaces
• Carrying Cases - Protective storage for the tool and accessories, particularly important if the heat gun is part of a mobile toolkit
• Heat-Shrink Tubing - Various sizes for electrical work, cable management and weatherproofing connections
• Paint Stripping Discs - Abrasive attachments that work alongside heat guns for efficient paint removal

Safety Information

Hot air heat guns produce extremely high temperatures and must be used with appropriate precautions. Always wear heat-resistant gloves when operating these tools, and ensure adequate ventilation when working indoors, particularly when stripping paint that may contain lead or other hazardous materials. Follow HSE guidance and COSHH regulations when working with materials that release fumes when heated.

Never direct the hot air stream towards people, animals, or flammable materials. Be aware that many materials remain hot for considerable time after the heat gun has been removed. When stripping paint near glass, use a glass protection nozzle to prevent thermal shock cracking. Always use the cool-down mode before storage if available, or run the tool on cold setting for 30 seconds to cool the element.

Work on a heat-resistant surface and keep a fire extinguisher nearby when working with flammable materials. Keep the air intake vents clear of debris and never cover them during operation. Be particularly cautious when working near electrical wiring, gas pipes, or within cavity walls where hidden combustible materials may be present. On construction sites, observe all current UK building regulations and fire safety protocols.

Eye protection is recommended, particularly when scraping softened paint or working overhead. Dust masks or respirators should be worn when removing old paint, especially in properties built before 1960 where lead paint may be present. Always read the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly before first use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will an 18v battery last when using a cordless heat gun?

Runtime varies significantly based on battery capacity and heat setting used. A 5.0Ah battery typically provides 15-25 minutes of continuous use on maximum heat settings, or up to 45 minutes on lower settings. For extended paint stripping projects, having two batteries allows continuous work whilst one charges. The high current draw of heating elements makes heat guns one of the more demanding cordless tools for battery life.

Can cordless heat guns reach the same temperatures as corded models?

Yes, modern 18v cordless heat guns can achieve maximum temperatures comparable to mains-powered units, typically reaching 500-650°C. However, they may take slightly longer to reach maximum temperature initially. For most applications including paint stripping, pipe bending and heat-shrink work, cordless models provide equivalent performance to corded alternatives.

Are 18v heat guns powerful enough for professional paint stripping?

Absolutely. Professional-grade 18v heat guns from brands like Milwaukee, Makita and DeWalt are designed for daily commercial use and perform excellently for paint stripping on wood, metal and masonry. The cordless format is particularly advantageous on site work, in properties without power, or when working on exterior joinery and facades where trailing cables would be problematic.

Will batteries from my existing 18v tools fit these heat guns?

Yes, provided you stay within the same brand family. Makita 18v LXT batteries fit all Makita LXT tools, DeWalt 18v XR batteries work across their XR range, and so on. This interchangeability is one of the key advantages of investing in cordless heat guns - you can share batteries across your entire tool collection. However, batteries are not interchangeable between different manufacturers.

What's the difference between a heat gun and a hot air gun?

These terms are essentially interchangeable and refer to the same tool. "Hot air gun" and "heat gun" both describe electrically-powered tools that produce a stream of hot air for various heating applications. Some manufacturers prefer one term over the other, but there's no functional difference. Both terms are commonly used across UK trade suppliers and by professionals.