Diverse and reliable, meet the heat gun that doesn’t let up, review and images from Jamie Gray.
A HEAT GUN is one of those specialty tools that, for many tradies like pool plumber Paul Turner, gets him out of trouble when he needs it. When it comes to fixing bent or broken pipes and pool plumbing, a top-quality heat gun is required to get the job done, to both melt the adhesive as well as soften the pipe to remove and salvage speciality and hard to replace fittings for pool pumps and alike.
The AEG’s Compact 18V Heat Gun didn’t disappoint due to its cordless capabilities and 482-degree operating temp. AEG’s 18V Compact Heat Gun (A18HGO) sports a 18V Electronically controlled heat element that provides rapid heat, reaching a max temp of 482 degree’s in less than 10 seconds. A guarded nozzle ensures this substantial rapid heat doesn’t damage work surfaces by offering increased protection. The unit has a reflector nozzle and a concentrated nozzle for varied applications. This unit from AEG is impressive with its lightweight and compact design. For end users like vinyl installers for car wraps and signs, who use heat guns most of the day, every day, the reduced weight is a significant factor in reducing fatigue or strains.
Not to mention the excellent access to hard- to-reach areas for tradies working in tight spaces. With this much heat, you don’t want any accidental start-ups. So AEG has added a built-in Lock-off/Lock-on Switch. This also improves user comfort when using for long periods as you don’t have to hold the trigger down the whole time. A bright LED sight light provides excellent illumination of dark work areas, and in true AEG style, this product comes with a six-year product warranty when registered within the first 30 days of purchase. For this test, we caught Paul Turner, who is a pool plumber and uses heat guns regularly, at least 3 or 4 times a week, as an emergency product with excellent results.
TEST #1 TURN UP THE HEAT
For Paul’s work, the primary use for a heat gun is for heating PVC pool plumbing, which he either bends or manipulates when things have gotten a little twisted or broken. Having almost instant working heat is a big bonus and a time saver for Paul. He shared “I often end up in hard-to-reach areas where the pool plumbing has been mostly hidden from view. So having a small unit like this with the sight light is excellent for working in those conditions.
Some of the 240V units I have used over the years are too strong and hot, and you can easily damage the material you are working on if you’re not paying attention. This unit provides a less intense amount of air, making it perfect for applications like heat shrinking cables and wires, drying glues, and working with signs and vinyl wraps. Electricians would love this for their delicate heat work.”
Paul continued “in saying that, you can see how I’ve used it here today in bending conduit as well as melting the glue and salvaging pool pump fitting. These are large diameter fittings and the AEG Heat Gun has performed well to complete these heavier duty Heat Gun applications.”
TEST #2 COMPACT SIZE AND BUILD QUALITY
With other tools, claims of lightweight and compact construction often equate to poor or substandard build quality. This isn’t the case with this AEG 18V Compact Heat Gun. It is compact and lightweight, weighing in at 0.64 kg (without battery) but it still feels exceptionally well made and durable, which explains why AEG is still prepared to put a 6-year warranty behind this product. “I haven’t used many AEG products before, but if this gun is typical of what they produce, then the rest of the range is well worth a look and this heat gun feels extremely comfortable with the grip and design. The compact size is just what I need for the tight areas I often end up working on, and I can feel the quality of the build. It’s light but still feels solid and strong,” said Paul.
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY
This 18V Compact Heat Gun from AEG has punched well and truly above its weight. It’s turned out to be a bit of a pocket rocket. It has excellent ergonomics and plenty of heat, and come smoko if you want to give your sambo a bit of toasting or even melt your cheese on your lunchtime treat, you have the perfect tool for the job. The AEG will have the aroma of toasted sandwiches and melted cheese in the air in minutes. You have to love a multi-faceted worksite tool! •