18v Hot Air Heat Guns

About 18v Hot Air Heat Guns

Cordless 18v hot air heat guns deliver professional-grade performance without the constraints of mains power, making them indispensable for tradespeople working across sites, at height, or in locations without access to 240v supplies. These battery-powered tools generate temperatures typically ranging from 50°C to 600°C, providing sufficient heat output for demanding applications including paint stripping, plastic pipe forming, heat-shrink tubing activation, and loosening seized fixings. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks cordless heat guns from leading manufacturers including Bosch Professional, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Stanley FatMax, and Steinel, offering both bare units for those with existing battery platforms and complete kits for new users.

The 18v battery platform has become the industry standard across professional cordless tools, meaning your existing lithium-ion batteries will power your new heat gun provided you stay within the same brand family. Modern 18v heat guns incorporate variable temperature control, multiple airflow settings, LED work lights, and safety features such as thermal cut-out protection and cool-down modes. Whether you're a decorator removing multiple layers of old paint, an electrician working with cable connections, or a plumber shaping plastic pipework, cordless heat guns from MyToolShed.co.uk combine portability with the performance required for professional daily use.

Applications

• Decorators and Painters: Stripping paint, varnish and wallpaper; softening finishes on period joinery and delicate woodwork
• Plumbers: Bending and forming plastic pipes; thawing frozen pipework; loosening seized fittings; soldering copper joints
• Electricians: Activating heat-shrink tubing on cable terminations; removing cable sheathing; softening cable insulation
• Motor Vehicle Technicians: Removing vinyl wraps and decals; loosening corroded fixings; shaping plastic trim; removing window tinting
• Flooring Specialists: Welding vinyl flooring seams; removing adhesive residue; forming skirting and trim work
• Window Fitters: Softening putty for removal; activating adhesive weather seals; forming plastic beading
• Roofers: Working with roofing felt and membranes; heat-welding waterproofing materials
• General Builders: Multiple applications across renovation, maintenance and repair work
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects; furniture restoration; craft work and model making

Choosing The Right 18v Hot Air Heat Guns

Battery Compatibility: If you already own 18v tools from Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch or Stanley, select a heat gun from the same brand to use your existing batteries. This provides the best value and eliminates the need to maintain multiple charging systems.

Temperature Control: Professional users should prioritise models with variable temperature settings and digital displays for repeatable, precise work. Basic models with fixed heat outputs suit occasional DIY applications.

Airflow Settings: Dual-speed or variable airflow provides greater versatility. Low airflow with high temperature suits precision electronics work, whilst high airflow speeds up paint stripping and pipe thawing.

Safety Features: Look for thermal cut-out protection, cool-down modes, LED work lights, and ergonomic over-mould grips. These features are particularly important for professional daily use and working at height.

Included Accessories: Check whether nozzle attachments are supplied. Reflector nozzles suit pipe work, reduction nozzles provide concentrated heat, and surface nozzles offer broad coverage for paint stripping.

Professional vs DIY Grade: Tools from Bosch Professional, DeWalt XR, Milwaukee M18 and Makita LXT offer superior build quality and higher duty cycles for commercial applications, whilst DIY-grade options provide excellent value for occasional home use.

Safety Information

Hot air heat guns produce extremely high temperatures and must be used with appropriate precautions. Always wear heat-resistant gloves and ensure adequate ventilation when working indoors, particularly when stripping paint that may contain lead or hazardous materials. Follow HSE guidance and COSHH regulations when heating materials that release fumes. Never direct hot air towards people, animals or flammable materials, and be aware that surfaces remain hot long after the tool is removed.

Use the cool-down mode before storage if available, or run the tool on cold setting for 30 seconds to cool the heating element. Work on heat-resistant surfaces and keep a fire extinguisher nearby when working with flammable materials. Be particularly cautious near electrical wiring, gas pipes or within cavity walls where hidden combustible materials may be present. Eye protection is recommended when scraping softened paint, and respirators should be worn when removing old paint in pre-1960 properties where lead paint may be present.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Runtime depends on battery capacity and heat setting. A 5.0Ah battery typically provides 15-25 minutes of continuous use on maximum heat, or up to 45 minutes on lower settings. Heat guns draw significant current, so having two batteries allows continuous work whilst one charges during extended paint stripping projects.

Can cordless heat guns reach the same temperatures as 240v corded models?

Yes, modern 18v cordless heat guns achieve maximum temperatures comparable to mains-powered units, typically reaching 500-650°C. They may take slightly longer to reach maximum temperature initially, but 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 daily use?

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