Comparison Metabo HGE 23-650 LCD vs Makita HG651CK

The power normally consumed by the building dryer during operation. This parameter primarily determines the scope of the tool, as well as its performance, temperature and heating rate: more powerful models are better suited for large volumes of work, they produce a more intense air flow (see "Maximum Productivity") can be heated to higher temperatures and heating up is faster. At the same time, it must be taken into account that high power also has a downside: heavy weight, large dimensions and high cost of the tool, as well as a serious load on the power grid and significant electricity consumption. Therefore, when choosing by this parameter, it is worth proceeding from what work it is planned to use a hair dryer for and how important high power is for them. And don't forget about other features. After all, even the most powerful tool will be useless if it cannot provide, for example, the required temperature.

The number of fan speeds provided for in the adjustments of the heat gun. The intensity of blowing the workpiece, or rather the amount of air supplied and the pressure of the air flow, depends on the fan speed. And since different jobs require different intensities of air supply, the more speeds a hair dryer has, the more versatile it is, the easier it is to adjust its parameters for certain tasks. Most modern models have 2 – 3 speed adjustments, however, there are also very simple single-speed options, and even advanced devices with smooth adjustment, which allows you to select the fan speed as accurately as possible for a specific purpose.

The maximum amount of air that a heat gun can pass through during operation. The higher the performance (at the same temperature), the more intensively the workpiece can be heated and the better the hair dryer is suitable for large-scale work related to blowing large surfaces. On the other hand, high performance usually requires corresponding power, with all the ensuing consequences (see "Power consumption"), and the need for large volumes of air is not always there. Therefore, when choosing, you should not chase maximum performance — first of all, you need to take into account the specifics of the tasks for which you plan to use a hair dryer.

This option assumes that the volume of air supplied is regulated steplessly. The regulator is most often represented by a classic slider that directly changes the level of fan resistance, affecting the speed of rotation of the impeller. Smooth flow control is necessary for a wide range of process operations, during which it is extremely important to avoid sudden (step) temperature changes.

The number of outlet air temperature adjustments provided for in the design of the heat gun. The adjustment itself is an almost mandatory function for such a tool — after all, different types of work and different types of materials require their own temperature values, and without it you can either “underheat” or “burn through” the workpiece. The more adjustments provided in the design of the hair dryer — the finer the temperature settings, the easier it is to choose the mode that is optimal for a particular task. At the same time, it is worth noting that in this case we are talking about step temperature control, while the most advanced option today is smooth control (see below).

The highest outlet air temperature that a hair dryer can provide. As with the minimum temperature, this parameter determines how wide the operating range of the tool is and for what range of work it can be used. High operating temperatures are important not only for refractory materials — they can significantly speed up the processing of large surfaces. On the other hand, it is worth considering that for strong heating, appropriate power is required, which affects the weight, energy consumption, and often the price of the hair dryer.

The ability to quickly set the required temperature and blowing performance — the necessary settings are “entered” into the device’s memory in advance, after which to activate them, you just need to start the corresponding mode. The user can choose from 2 to 10 different modes of operation of the hair dryer. Pre-setting modes for the most part refers to the line of professional heat guns. Some models allow the operator to use their own temperature and airflow settings, while others are pre-programmed by the manufacturer.

— Case. Cases are special containers designed for storing and transporting tools. Typically, such containers are made in the form of characteristic suitcases made of hard materials, with handles for easy carrying on the outside and nests for tools and accessories inside. In addition to protecting the contents from adverse effects (dust, moisture) and contact with foreign objects, such suitcases also perform another important function: they allow you to keep the hair dryer and its accessories in one place, reducing the risk of losing any of these items. . Improvised packages can also be used for such tasks; however, complete cases tend to be more practical and convenient.

— Scraper. Availability of a scraper in a set of delivery of the heat gun. The scraper is used in the processing of various surfaces, mainly to remove old paint, dirt, etc. The working part of such a tool has the form of a small plate, the edge of which scrapes over the surface to be treated.

It should be noted that in this case, it is the traditional hand-held scraper held by the user during operation. Among heat guns, there are often nozzle attachments that have a similar purpose, but they are not included in this category. Returning to the hand tool, we note that in some situations it turns out to be more convenient than a hair dryer with a nozzle. First of all, such devices are noticeably lighter and more compact, whic...h makes them very convenient for working in hard-to-reach places, as well as for work that requires precision and accuracy. Also, a hand scraper can be useful if the surface to be treated does not require heating.

— Spatula. The presence of a spatula in the delivery set of a heat gun. A spatula is a tool resembling a small spatula — it consists of a plate (most often metal) and a handle. This tool can be used for different purposes. So, in some cases, it can serve as a replacement for a scraper — a spatula can easily cope with putty, wallpaper and other coatings that do not require too intense exposure. Another popular use of such devices is the application and leveling of various coatings, primarily putty (which got its name from the spatula).

It is worth noting that in this case, the presence of a traditional manual spatula in the kit is implied; there are nozzle attachments for a similar purpose, but in this case they are not considered spatulas. In some situations, a hand tool is much more convenient than a hair dryer with a nozzle. So, the classic spatula has a small size and weight, thanks to which it handles well with work in hard-to-reach places, as well as where precise and accurate action is required. Also, this particular tool is best used in cases where the surface to be treated does not need to be heated with a hairdryer.

— Nozzles. The number of additional nozzles per nozzle supplied with the building dryer.

Interestingly, in this case, the most extensive configuration option is most popular — 4 pcs. This is due to the fact that nozzles are inexpensive, and thanks to them, the capabilities of the hair dryer are noticeably expanding. A smaller number — 2 pcs, 3 pcs, is noticeably less common, 5 pcs and more — almost never occurs.

Note that the design and purpose of the nozzles can be different, so these details should be clarified in each case separately. Traditional options include a constrictor nozzle, a reamer nozzle, a scraper nozzle, and a spatula nozzle. The purpose of the first two varieties is clear from the name — they are designed to configure the flow of hot air to suit the particular situation. Thus, the narrowing of the flow allows you to increase the intensity of the impact and reach hard-to-reach places, and the expansion speeds up the processing of large surfaces for which productivity is important. As for the last two types, they should not be confused with hand scrapers and spatulas (see the relevant paragraphs): we are talking about nozzles that are put on the nozzle. They are similar in application, but they have their own specifics of work: the metal plate (the working element of the scraper / spatula) is bent so that the hot air flow from the hair dryer is directed to the surface in front of the working edge of the plate. Thus, the spatula / scraper moves over the heated surface, which greatly facilitates processing.

The total weight of the tool. On the one hand, heat guns are held in the hands during operation, which means that a lot of weight is undesirable for them — heavy devices are less “agile” and tyre the operator more. On the other hand, too little weight can mean low quality materials, a small thickness of insulation and, accordingly, unsatisfactory safety performance. Therefore, in most modern models, the weight is at least 500 g, and in the most advanced models it can exceed 1 kg. Also note that some "heavy" hair dryers may have a design that allows you to install them on a flat surface during operation.

If there are additional nozzles in the kit, the weight of the tool without them is usually indicated.