The choice of a construction hair dryer and its use

When carrying out repair work, it is very often necessary to use a construction hair dryer. It is distinguished from ordinary household appliances by an increased air exchange rate and a wide range of operating temperatures, therefore, the use of the device is practically unlimited. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of these devices. They differ in the principle of operation and technical characteristics.

In accordance with the current GOST, when performing repair and construction work, it may be necessary to heat up the surfaces of the structures being erected or used building materials as quickly as possible. Hot air is used for this. Accordingly, building hair dryers can be used in the following cases:

• removal of old paintwork materials from metal and wood;
• uniform drying of plastered, putty surfaces, as well as gypsum structures;
• welding of joints when laying linoleum;
• work with soft roofing materials made of bitumen (shingles or roofing felt);
• cutting of melted materials;
• soldering of electronic elements;
• electrical installation of heat-shrinkable insulators;
• heating of solder, resins and other materials;
• loosening of rusted fasteners;
• defrosting locks.

A typical device includes a housing inside which an electric motor with a fan is provided. It pumps air into a separate insulating jacket with heating element. The construction ends with a nozzle through which the heated air is blown out.

The scheme provides for a handle with a start button and a switch for different work programs. It is because of this feature that the device is often called a thermal gun, as well as a thermal blower. The body is made of heat-resistant, extra-dense plastic, it performs an additional function of a heat insulator. The handle is covered with a rubber layer that prevents the device from slipping out. The heating element is represented by nichrome coils mounted on a ceramic base.

Depending on the scope of use and technical parameters, household and industrial hot air dryers are distinguished, they have a fundamental difference.

Household appliances are used when carrying out work in a small volume. As a rule, their power indicators do not exceed 1800 watts. They are distinguished by a simple design without the possibility of adjusting the work programs, or their number is minimal. Among the advantages are the reduced consumption of electrical energy.

They blow out an air stream with a temperature of 300 to 450 degrees. Such devices are not intended for long-term use, the mode of continuous operation does not exceed 10 minutes. Their price varies from 1 to 3 thousand rubles.

Professional tools are more complex technical devices and provide the ability to adjust the temperature. The power is up to 2000 W. The continuous operation mode corresponds to 30 minutes, thanks to which the device can be used for a wide variety of construction work.

Even more productive is the industrial tool, which is used to carry out complex and voluminous work. It is characterized by increased power and impressive weight. At the same time, it has a huge number of all kinds of adjustments and additional functions. This hair dryer is designed for long-term continuous use. You can buy such a model at a price of 30 to 50 thousand rubles, depending on the functionality.

The nozzle of any hot air gun looks like a tube, the end of which is covered with a grate so that no foreign objects get inside. As a result, the air is blown out in an even stream. However, when performing certain tasks, such a device may be ineffective, therefore a professional tool provides a set of additional removable nozzles.

• Focusing. These attachments allow spot heating. They are large, the diameter of the outlet opening will be slightly less than the length of the nozzle section. Such models are in demand when sealing cracks and cracks using a welding tape made of plastic, as well as when soldering copper pipes.
• Flat. They give a wide air flow, due to which they provide quick removal of paints and varnishes, putty, wallpaper and residues of other facing materials from any surfaces.
• Reflex. Relevant when it is necessary to warm up self-shrinking hoses.
• Slotted. Indispensable in situations where work is planned to weld PVC panels.
• Cutting. They are used for cutting polystyrene, and they allow you to make not only straight, but also curly cuts.
• Heat shielding. Side nozzles are used when removing old coatings from surfaces that may not withstand the aggressive effects of elevated temperatures.
• Mirrored. They are used when welding plastic parts.
• Welded. Needed for bonding synthetic cables.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the most practical building hair dryers.

Here are the top stepped devices. It is about them that the masters most often write in their reviews.

This is an easy-to-use and "indestructible" thermal hair dryer, and it is sold at a fairly affordable price. Options for temperature control and air consumption are provided. They are connected on a single two-position switch, which in parallel is responsible for de-energizing the hair dryer. The equipment is lightweight, its weight does not exceed 600 g.

The power is 1600 W, this figure is enough for most of the construction work. There are 2 modes of operation. At the first, when air is consumed, the temperature rises to 300 degrees, and the intensity is 240 l / min. The second speed heats the surface up to 500 degrees, while 450 l / min is spent. These tools are suitable for rough finishing work where precision temperature stabilization is not required.

It is one of the most reliable home appliances with 1600 watts. A mode switch is provided, which is simultaneously responsible for the operation of the blades and adjusts the power of the heater. Therefore, the stability of maintaining the temperature in such a device is a rather arbitrary concept. The device weighs less than a kilogram and fits comfortably in the hand.

At low speed, the hot air gun heats the air up to 300 degrees and drives it at a speed of 240 l / min. In a full load program, 400 liters pass per minute, and the air flow heats up to 500 degrees.

Now let's look at the next category of devices.

Most of the powerful industrial hair dryers are oversized fixtures. Such products are like a blow dryer, slightly overgrown in all directions. They are very handy when you need to work in confined spaces. The hairdryer allows you to get close to any work area, although it is deprived of the possibility of vertical placement.

The model is lightweight - only 610 g. In this case, the declared power corresponds to 2300 watts. The design provides a two-position speed switch as well as a temperature controller. The device is distinguished by well-thought-out ergonomics; the set includes a large set of attachments.

Such tools can be safely attributed to the universal. User reviews indicate that, despite the roughness of the temperature control mechanism, its stability is at a high level. Another advantage is the dust filter: this is especially true when used in the carpentry shop.

The building hair dryer is in demand due to the favorable cost-quality ratio. The model is convenient for vertical placement thanks to a retractable stop and an extended heel counter. The power corresponds to 1800 W. There are two modes of operation. On one, the travel speed is 250 l / min with a maximum heating of 400 degrees. On the other, the volume of processed air corresponds to 450 l / min.

Vibration is low and noise is within acceptable limits. The fit is comfortable. The only drawback is the high price, but it is fully compensated by the excellent performance characteristics.

The last category of hot air guns are models with a digital installation.

This is one of the most reliable and durable models. Power characteristics correspond to 2000 W, air consumption volume - 500 l / min. This hair dryer is characterized by temperature stability, and the body can withstand even impressive mechanical stress. It is distinguished by well-thought-out ergonomics. The design provides for a narrow nozzle, which makes it possible to perform even the most delicate work, for example, desoldering printed circuit boards.

The temperature is regulated in the range from 50 to 450 degrees at speeds of 250 l / min and from 50 to 600 at a speed of 450 l / min. The set temperature regime is fixed in an independent memory, that is, even after the device is turned off, it will not go astray. The model is convenient as a stationary, the back fits well on any horizontal surface. At the same time, the air is taken in rather high, due to which the risk of sucking in excess debris is minimized. The package includes two nozzles: "fishtail" and "cone".

This model should be included among the best tools. With a power of 2000 watts, this is a fairly compact device in which four attachments are provided, as well as a stitching roller. It is an ergonomic piece of equipment that is small in size so it can be used in confined spaces.

The control is very simple: there is a full-fledged informative monitor, and the built-in microcontroller option allows you to control the specified modes using additional buttons. If necessary, you can set the activation of the cooling of the hair dryer. Manual metal welding mode is also provided.

The models with the Soyuz and Patriot thermostat are also very popular.

When choosing a construction hair dryer, you need to focus on its power, performance level and maximum temperature of the air stream. It is on these indicators that the possibility of using the model in everyday life and in production will depend.

Among the important additional options are the following.

• Temperature regulation. One of the most useful options that allows the hot air gun to work with a solid range of building materials. The most budgetary models have a switch among 2 levels: this is approximately 300 degrees at low temperature and 500 degrees at maximum. Industrial adjustments are smoother and more accurate.
• Adjustment of the absorbed air masses is especially in demand when working with elements that need a weak air flow. For example, it can be vinyl elements.
• The liquid crystal display is present in devices with an electronic control module. It allows you to set the operating temperature range as accurately as possible. Indispensable in situations where the construction technology allows a temperature deviation of no more than 10 degrees.
• An air filter is mandatory when working in an environment where there is a lot of dust from construction or any other nature. This is the case in production halls and in carpentry shops. If such protection is not provided, then microparticles can cause serious damage to heating elements and thereby disable the device.
• The cold air option is very useful. It is in demand in cases where you need to cool the heated area as quickly as possible.
• The overheating protection option will significantly extend the life of the tool. In professional devices, it is implemented in the form of an electronic circuit for maintaining the set temperature.
• It is desirable that the kit includes a large set of attachments. The more there are, the more functional the tool will be, since any type of work (welding, removing old coatings, cutting or soldering) will require its own separate nozzle.

Depending on the source of energy, building hair dryers can be network or battery.

• Mains are connected to the electric current, they provide long lasting performance. The only drawback is the length of the cord, which limits the area of ​​use.
• Rechargeable wireless options optimal for use in conditions where power outages are frequent or access to the network is not possible. Power is supplied by a rechargeable battery, and if necessary, you can replace it yourself at home. The disadvantage is the need for periodic recharging. And the cost of such models is higher than that of network counterparts.

Any building hair dryer is a truly versatile tool, so you can use it not only for its intended purpose. For example, this equipment allows you to quickly defrost the refrigerator. And not only household, but also industrial.

With the help of a hot air gun, you can warm up a frozen tap with water, as well as a frozen car keyhole. Another unconventional use of a thermal hair dryer is to heat barbecue coals in case there is no special ignition at hand. This tool allows you to quickly and thoroughly dry firewood. You can even heat a frying pan with a hot air gun and fry, for example, scrambled eggs without any problems.

Regardless of the scope of application, you must adhere to the rules of safe use.

• Do not use the appliance near liquids or parts that are prone to quick flames.
• Do not drop a hot hair dryer, as the heating element becomes very fragile when heated.
• Do not obstruct the airflow path to avoid melting the case.
• Carrying out work at elevated temperatures, after their completion, do not immediately turn off the device. At this time, the heating element is still quite hot, the air flow to cool it no longer comes.Therefore, it is advisable to gradually lower the temperature before switching off.