KNOW YOUR HEAT GUN
The Home Handyman|January/February 2023
Electric heat guns have now largely replaced the 'old fashion' paraffin and bottled gas blowlamps for stripping paint on timber.
KNOW YOUR HEAT GUN

The paraffin and bottled gas blowlamps still have a place in the tool kit where electricity is not readily available but they have to be used with care to avoid scorching the wood, setting fire to the stripped paint or cracking the glass when working on a window frame.

The hot airflow of a heat gun is less dangerous than a naked flame but it can still cause highly flammable items to catch fire, crack glass and injury if directed onto skin. One great advantage is that the heat is almost instantaneous so the heat gun can be switched off during pauses in the work while the flame blowlamps have the inconvenience of needing to be relit if the flame is extinguished.

The electric heat guns now available are lightweight, easy-to-use tools which make it far less likely to scorch wood or crack glass when used correctly to strip paint.

How heat guns work 

Heat guns look a lot like hair dryers - but, as many instructions thoughtfully point out, should never be used for drying hair! The method of operation of a hot air gun is similar to a hair dryer: a fan pulls air into the body of the tool and drives it across an electric heating element and out through a nozzle.

For stripping paint, the heated air is directed onto the painted surface, causing it to soften so that it can be easily stripped off - either by using a stripping knife or hook. For best results it is best to work up the surface with the heat gun above the stripping tool, softening the paint just before the stripping tool reaches it. The tool is used one-handed, with the other hand to hold the stripping tool.

Temperature settings

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE HOME HANDYMANView all
MAKE SOME NOISE!
The Home Handyman

MAKE SOME NOISE!

Are you ready to embark on a musical adventure and create your very own drum kit from recycled materials? Get ready to unleash your creativity and make some noise with this fun and eco-friendly DIY project. Let’s dive into the step by-step guide and bring your mini band to life!

time-read
3 mins  |
July/August 2024
DIY HOME APPLIANCE REPAIR
The Home Handyman

DIY HOME APPLIANCE REPAIR

From the whirring of the washing machine to the gentle hum of the refrigerator, our trusty home appliances keep our households running smoothly. But what happens when these essential gadgets start to falter?

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR A PEST-FREE HOME
The Home Handyman

EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR A PEST-FREE HOME

Pests, those unwelcome guests, can turn our homes into uncomfortable environments, disrupting our peace and posing health risks.

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
COMMON SEALANTS FOR DIY USE
The Home Handyman

COMMON SEALANTS FOR DIY USE

By familiarising themselves with the diverse array of sealants available, mastering proper application techniques, and prioritising safety at every step, DIY'ers and homeowners in South Africa can tackle sealing projects with confidence and achieve lasting results that enhance the comfort, efficiency, and aesthetics of their homes.

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF ANGLE GRINDERS
The Home Handyman

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF ANGLE GRINDERS

In the world of DIY, few tools are as versatile and indispensable as the angle grinder. From cutting and grinding to polishing and sharpening, this powerhouse tool is a must have for any homeowner or DIY enthusiast.

time-read
7 mins  |
July/August 2024
DRYWALL DECODED
The Home Handyman

DRYWALL DECODED

Drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, is a ubiquitous building material used in the construction of interior walls and ceilings.

time-read
4 mins  |
July/August 2024
DIY PROJECT IDEAS for a stylish cooking space
The Home Handyman

DIY PROJECT IDEAS for a stylish cooking space

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, a place where culinary magic happens and memories are made.

time-read
6 mins  |
July/August 2024
MÖLKKY, A THROWING GAME (NO POWER TOOLS)
The Home Handyman

MÖLKKY, A THROWING GAME (NO POWER TOOLS)

In this article we’ll be making a backyard throwing game called Mölkky, which originates from Finland.

time-read
9 mins  |
July/August 2024
Building your own SAUNA: PART 1
The Home Handyman

Building your own SAUNA: PART 1

Growing up, I was always intrigued by saunas. I usually avoid extreme temperatures, but there’s something about a sauna that speaks to the soul. They’re relaxing, cleansing, and a great way to soothe your body after a long day’s work in winter.

time-read
7 mins  |
July/August 2024
KITCHEN LIGHT MADE FROM SCRAP
The Home Handyman

KITCHEN LIGHT MADE FROM SCRAP

I made a simple and modest lamp for our kitchen table. The goal was to use scrap wood, as I like to turn things we have no use for, into something nice and needed.

time-read
2 mins  |
July/August 2024