The heat gun may not be the first tool people think of, but it’s invaluable in renovation. It can strip paint, loosen adhesives, thaw frozen pipes, and even bend plastic.
During a window renovation, I used a heat gun to soften old paint layers for easy scraping. It cut the work time in half compared to chemical strippers. I also used it to loosen stubborn flooring adhesive, which made removal much easier.
The danger lies in overheating surfaces. I once scorched wood by holding the gun too close for too long. Maintaining a safe distance and keeping the gun moving prevents damage. Proper ventilation is also important, especially when heating old paints that may release fumes.
Lesson Learned: Patience and control are key when using heat tools. Overuse can cause more harm than good.
Conclusion: The heat gun may not be glamorous, but it’s incredibly versatile. It’s the kind of tool that, once you own it, you’ll find countless uses for in renovation projects.