Heat Gun Accessories

About Heat Gun Accessories

Heat gun accessories are essential components that transform a standard hot air tool into a versatile, multi-purpose piece of equipment for professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. From specialised nozzles that direct airflow precisely where needed, to protective stands that keep work surfaces safe, the right accessories dramatically improve both the quality of work and efficiency on site. Whether shrinking tubing on electrical installations, welding plastics, stripping paint, or forming materials, having the correct attachments ensures professional results every time.

The heat gun accessories category at Tooled-Up.com encompasses everything needed to maximise the potential of hot air tools. This includes a comprehensive range of nozzles for different applications, heat shrink tubing in various sizes, plastic welding rods for repair work, temperature attachments for precision control, and practical additions like stands and feeders that make extended use safer and more comfortable. Leading brands including Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee manufacture accessories designed to work seamlessly with their heat gun ranges, ensuring compatibility and durability for demanding trade environments.

Investing in quality heat gun accessories not only broadens the scope of tasks you can tackle but also protects your investment in the primary tool. Purpose-built attachments allow for safer working practices, better finishes, and faster job completion – making them essential additions to any professional toolkit or well-equipped workshop.

Jargon Buster

• Reflector Nozzle – A curved or angled nozzle attachment that directs heat around pipes and cylindrical objects, ideal for shrinking tubing or softening materials evenly around curved surfaces.
• Heat Shrink Tubing – Plastic tubing that contracts when heated, used extensively by electricians and automotive technicians to insulate wire connections and provide strain relief. Available in various diameters and shrink ratios.
• Reduction Nozzle – A tapered attachment that concentrates the hot airflow into a smaller area, allowing for precision work on detailed tasks like electronics repair or removing small components.
• Flat Nozzle (Slit Nozzle) – A wide, flat attachment that spreads heat across a broader surface area, perfect for paint stripping, vinyl welding, or working on larger flat surfaces.
• Tack Welding Rod – Specialised plastic welding rods used with heat guns to join or repair plastic materials, available in different polymer types to match the base material being repaired.
• Glass Protection Nozzle – An attachment designed to deflect heat away from glass surfaces when working on window frames or glazed areas, preventing thermal shock and cracking.

Who Uses Heat Gun Accessories?

Heat gun accessories are essential tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Electricians and Sparkies – using heat shrink tubing, reflector nozzles, and stands for cable termination and insulation work
• Automotive Technicians – applying vinyl wraps, shrinking tubing on wiring looms, and plastic welding repairs to bumpers and trim
• Plumbers – shrinking sleeves on pipe joints and using heat guns with appropriate nozzles for plastic pipe forming
• Painters and Decorators – utilising flat nozzles and scrapers for efficient paint and varnish removal
• Plastic Fabricators – using welding rods, pressure rollers, and specialist nozzles for joining and forming plastic materials
• Sign Makers and Vehicle Wrappers – employing various nozzles for vinyl application and heat shrinking graphics
• Roofing Contractors – working with heat-weldable membranes and joining materials
• Electronics Repair Technicians – using precision nozzles and heat shrink tubing for component-level repairs
• DIY Enthusiasts – tackling home improvement projects from paint stripping to craft applications

How to Choose the Right Heat Gun Accessories

Compatibility First: Always check that accessories are compatible with your heat gun model. Many manufacturers like Bosch, Makita, and DeWalt produce accessories specifically designed for their own heat gun ranges, ensuring proper fit and safe operation. Universal accessories are available, but verify the diameter and fitting type match your tool.

Application-Specific Nozzles: Consider the tasks you perform most frequently. Flat nozzles suit large surface work like paint stripping, whilst reduction nozzles provide precision for detailed work. Reflector nozzles are essential for pipe work and heat shrinking, and glass protection nozzles prevent damage when working near glazing. Many professionals keep a complete nozzle set to hand for versatility on site.

Temperature Control: For precision work, temperature attachments and digital displays help maintain consistent heat levels. This is particularly important for plastic welding and electronics work where excessive heat can cause damage. Some accessories incorporate built-in temperature monitoring for critical applications.

Safety Equipment: Heat gun stands are invaluable for keeping hot tools safely off work surfaces during use and cool-down periods. They're essential for site work and comply with HSE guidance on preventing burns and fire hazards. Consider stands with integrated storage for nozzles to keep everything organised.

Material Quality: Professional-grade accessories from established brands withstand the high temperatures and demanding conditions of trade use. Heat shrink tubing should be rated to appropriate standards (often BS EN specifications), whilst plastic welding rods must match the polymer type you're working with – commonly HDPE, PP, PVC, or ABS.

Consumables Stock: For regular users, buying heat shrink tubing, welding rods, and other consumables in bulk or assorted packs offers better value and ensures you're never caught without the correct size on site.

Popular Accessories

• Nozzle Sets – comprehensive assortments covering all common applications from one supplier
• Heat Shrink Tubing Kits – assorted sizes in various colours for electrical insulation work
• Plastic Welding Rod Assortments – multiple polymer types for different repair applications
• Heat Gun Stands – bench-mounted or freestanding options for safe hands-free operation
• Scrapers and Blades – designed to work alongside heat guns for paint and adhesive removal
• Pressure Rollers – for consolidating plastic welds and vinyl applications
• Temperature Attachments – LCD displays and probe thermometers for precision control
• Protective Gloves – heat-resistant options from brands like Portwest for safe handling
• Storage Cases – organised systems from Stanley, DeWalt TSTAK, or Milwaukee PACKOUT ranges
• Feeders – for controlled material feeding during welding and fabrication tasks

Safety Information

Heat guns and their accessories operate at extremely high temperatures (typically 50-650°C) and require careful handling to prevent burns, fire hazards, and damage to materials.

Personal Protection: Always wear appropriate heat-resistant gloves when changing nozzles or handling the tool during or immediately after use. Safety glasses protect against debris when stripping paint or working with materials that may splinter under heat. Ensure adequate ventilation when heating plastics, paints, or adhesives, as fumes can be hazardous – follow COSHH regulations for workplace exposure.

Safe Working Practices: Use a heat gun stand whenever possible to prevent contact with flammable surfaces. Never leave a hot heat gun unattended, and ensure it has fully cooled before storage – this can take 15-20 minutes even after switching off. Keep a suitable fire extinguisher nearby when working with heat tools on site, particularly in older buildings or where flammable materials are present.

Electrical Safety: Heat guns draw significant current (typically 1500-2000W on UK 240V supply), so ensure your electrical supply is adequate and use a properly rated extension lead if required. Check accessories are securely fitted before operation – loose nozzles can detach under heat and airflow pressure. Always disconnect from the mains supply before changing attachments.

Material Considerations: Be aware that certain materials release toxic fumes when heated, particularly older paints containing lead, some adhesives, and certain plastics. Work outdoors or with extraction where possible, and consult material safety data sheets for specific substances. When using heat shrink tubing or plastic welding rods, ensure they're appropriate for the application and rated to relevant BS EN standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are heat gun accessories universal or brand-specific?

This varies by manufacturer and accessory type. Many nozzles use standard diameter fittings and work across multiple brands, but some manufacturers like Bosch, Makita, and DeWalt produce proprietary accessories designed specifically for their heat gun ranges. Always check diameter measurements and fitting types before purchasing. Consumables like heat shrink tubing and welding rods are generally universal, provided you select the correct size and material specification for your application.

What size heat shrink tubing do I need for electrical cable work?

Heat shrink tubing should have an internal diameter approximately 20-30% larger than the cable or connection you're covering before heating. Most tubing has a 2:1 or 3:1 shrink ratio, meaning it contracts to half or one-third of its original diameter. For standard domestic electrical cables, 6-12mm diameter tubing covers most applications. Electricians often keep an assorted pack covering 2mm to 20mm for versatility on site.

Can I use plastic welding rods from different manufacturers?

Yes, provided the rod material matches the plastic you're repairing. The critical factor is polymer compatibility – HDPE rods for high-density polyethylene, PP for polypropylene, PVC for polyvinyl chloride, and so on. The rod manufacturer is less important than ensuring the correct material match. Many automotive and fabrication professionals keep assorted packs of different polymer types for various repair scenarios.

Do I need a stand for my heat gun?

Whilst not strictly essential for occasional DIY use, a heat gun stand is highly recommended for anyone using heat guns regularly or professionally. Browse the selection at Tooled-Up.com to find stands that prevent burns to work surfaces, reduce fire risk, and allow hands-free operation for tasks like heat shrinking or forming materials. They're particularly valuable on site work where HSE regulations require proper tool management, and many stands incorporate storage for nozzles and accessories.

How do I know which nozzle to use for different applications?

Flat or slit nozzles work best for broad surface coverage like paint stripping. Reduction nozzles concentrate heat for precision work on small components or tight spaces. Reflector nozzles curve around pipes and cylindrical objects for even heat distribution. Glass protection nozzles deflect heat away from sensitive surfaces. Most professional users invest in a complete nozzle set, as different jobs require different approaches. Many heat gun manufacturers provide application guides with their accessory ranges to help you select the right attachment.