The Best Heat Guns from DeWalt in 2024 — Buyers Guide, Review and Comparison

If your hot air projects require the pinnacle in versatility and temperature control — then it’s time to consider a DeWalt heat gun. Ignoring the basic machine market, DeWalt instead concentrates on tools that combine technological progress with user friendliness. Not only are its units sufficiently flexible to deal with any heat gun project you can imagine — DeWalt is one of the very few companies to successfully manufacture a cordless hot air machine.
Our Top Pick
DeWalt DCE530B
The DeWalt cordless heat gun exemplifies this brand’s determination to take hot-air tech to the limit. Offering temperature settings of either 532 and 990 degrees Fahrenheit, two additional nozzles, and an inbuilt LED lamp — it’s perhaps the most unique heat gun available.
Features
  • Trigger operation to save cell power.
  • Easy to use.
  • Snub-head design allows for restricted work area projects.
Product Rating: 4.7/5

Top Dewalt Heat Guns 2024

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
DeWalt DCE530B
  • Wattage: 1550 watts.
  • Temperature: 532 and 990 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Weight: 1.4 pounds.
  • Cord length: Cordless.

Features

  • Dual temperature.
  • Built-in LED lamp.
  • Trigger lock.

Product Rating: 4.7/5

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DeWalt D26960K
  • Wattage: 1550 watts.
  • Temperature: 150 through 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Weight: 2.3 pounds.
  • Cord length: 6 feet.

Features

  • Includes seven nozzles and numerous scrapers.
  • Arrives with a carry case.
  • Features a cord protector.

Product Rating: 4.6/5

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DeWalt 26950
  • Wattage: 1550 Watts
  • Temperature: 120 through 1100 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Weight: 2.1 pounds.
  • Cord length: 10 feet

Features

  • Includes two nozzles.
  • Two-handed operation.
  • Incorporated kickstand for additional stability.

Product Rating: 4.5/5

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DeWalt Heat Gun Buying Guide

If you’re looking for a hot air machine with a true all-American pedigree — there’s nothing to beat a DeWalt heat gun.

Being the go-to tools of many commercial specialists — DeWalt’s products are known for being high-specced, easy to use, and impressively reliable. While not the most price-friendly hot air machines — their durability makes them a cost-effective purchase in the long term.

The DeWalt Brand

Unlike this company’s main competitor, Wagner SprayTech — which has its roots in Germany — DeWalt is American through and through,

Back in 1922, a young inventor from Pennsylvania, named Raymond E. DeWalt, invented the world’s first radial arm saw, which he called the Wonder-Worker. Immensely proud of this novel and time-saving device, he began touting it to established US tool companies — hoping that one of them would purchase the design and begin mass production.

Unfortunately, none of those industry behemoths were interested.

So, being totally disillusioned, Raymond DeWalt gave up his dream of being an inventor and became a car salesman instead. And that’s the end of the story.

But, of course, he didn’t.

It’s a testament to this man’s tenacity and interminable belief that the US was indeed the land of opportunity, that he wouldn’t allow rejection to hinder his creative nature. So, with genuine entrepreneurial spirit, he founded his own business in 1923 — the DeWalt Products Company — to produce and market his radial arm saw.

It was a phenomenal success — with the company struggling to keep up with the demand for the Wonder-Worker. In fact, this machine is so effective that, even today, some companies produce reproduction saws to this original design.

Over subsequent years, DeWalt Products expanded its range to encompass the most popular power tools — including heat guns. Its market share grew so rapidly that it soon began to challenge the established brands who had initially rejected his radial saw.

One of these companies, Black and Decker (another US business), considered DeWalt as a serious threat. So, in a deal that benefitted both it and Raymond DeWalt, B&D purchased DeWalt Products in 1960.

The agreement was that Black and Decker would be the basic household DIY tool arm — while the respected DeWalt marque would remain on high-end professional-grade tools. A marketing strategy that is still current.

Today, DeWalt is run as a separate business entity to its parent company, Stanley Black and Decker, with DeWalt’s headquarters being based in Towson, Maryland. It has 13,000 employees and an annual turnover of $4 billion.

DeWalt Heat Guns Product Line

The ethos of producing top-end power tools is consistent across virtually all of DeWalt’s product categories — and the heat gun niche is no exception.

Listen up.

Let’s take Wagner SprayTech as an example. It is considered by many industry experts to be the undisputed king of the hot air machine world. Its heat gun line consists of over 15 products, spread over numerous classifications — including crafting, automotive, professional, and DIY. And, this isn’t surprising — the brand only deals in paint application and removal products. In total, it has just four different tool groups.

DeWalt is different.

This company delivers more than 50 power tool categories. Hence, if it made a vast number of items beneath each of these umbrellas — it would have a catalog larger than the California phone directory.

So, it concentrates purely on the design and manufacture of the most technologically advanced products — including heat guns. Meaning there are currently only three separate models currently in production.

There are no sole temp or corded dual temperature hot air machines. DeWalt’s attitude is — you want basic? Choose another brand.

Here’s a brief overview of what’s in its line-up:

Multi-Temperature Product

Having a wide range of temperature settings increases the versatility of the heat gun — meaning you can address a broader spectrum of working materials.

DeWalt’s D26950 has the lowest spec of all its hot air machines — incorporating a dial for heat control. That said, low spec for DeWalt is what some other manufacturers would consider to be cutting edge.

This multi-heat gun is most suited to the serious DIYer who intends on completing projects such as paint stripping, pipe thawing, and putty softening.

Digital Product

DeWalt’s flagship heat gun is its D26960K model. This machine incorporates an LCD screen, which allows digital control of the temperature output.

This allows for more precise heat control than the dial-operated D26950 — enabling you to adjust the temp setting in 50-degree increments.

The D26960K comes complete with a carry case and seven interchangeable nozzles — although you can purchase just the gun itself — which DeWalt markets as the D26960.

Cordless Product

Perhaps nothing exemplifies DeWalt’s emphasis on quality and technological excellence more than its cordless machine.

The DCE530B is a Dewalt battery powered heat gun — somewhat of an anomaly in the hot air machine category. Running one of these tools without an AC cord presents numerous challenges to designers — which I explore in my Cordless Heat Gun article.

However, DeWalt — in its pursuit of excellence, has managed to achieve this Holy Grail of hot air delivery — making the DCE530B one of the few cordless units on the market.

This model comes complete with two additional nozzles but no power cell. Alternatively, you can purchase the DCE530P1 — an identical heat gun, but comes with a lithium-ion battery and a charger unit.

Why Choose DeWalt Heat Guns?

Well, to be honest, you don’t have to!

These high-end guns aren’t suitable for all users. If your hot air requirements are only occasional, you won’t need the temperature versatility inherent in the DeWalt product line. Instead, I’d suggest going for a more applicable dual temp machine.

Alternatively, if you’re planning on simply stripping paint — and don’t anticipate desoldering or plastic pipe molding — I recommend opting for a basic paint removal hot air gun.

However, if you’re a frequent DIYer or professional tradesperson that demands the ultimate in precise temperature control — it’s tough to beat a DeWalt unit. In addition to its market-leading heat adjustment, I’d recommend its hot air guns, as they are:

  • Complete with impressive warranties.
  • Favored by tradespeople.
  • Backed with industry-leading customer service.
  • Fuelled by nearly 100 years of power tool innovation.
  • Usually available with accessory options.
  • Supported by a nationwide network of service centers.
  • Tested for durability.
  • The most technologically advanced heat guns on the market.
  • Simple to use, despite their high-tech nature.
  • Packed with serious kudos on the construction site.

Our Reviews of Best Dewalt Heat Guns

DeWalt DCE530B

Best Cordless

Our Rating: 4.7
Combining unparalleled versatility with a plethora of accessories — this heat gun is the ultimate hot air set for the committed DIYer — and possibly the best unit on the market.

It delivers a massive temperature spectrum of 120 to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit — presented on a clear digital display and selectable in exact 20-degree increments. Add this to an option of five fan speeds, and you have the flexibility to tackle any heat gun project.

This machine arrives complete with a hard storage case — ideal for safe carriage and to avoid misplacement of the numerous accessories. What’s more, it includes four interchangeable nozzles and a handheld paint scraping tool.

Features

  • 500 or 990 degrees Fahrenheit DeWalt temperature gun.
  • One charge will provide around 40 minutes of use.
  • Snub-head for access to confined areas.
  • Trigger operated.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

DeWalt D26960K

Best Complete Kit

Our Rating: 4.6
Durable construction, precise temperature control, and packed with a multitude of safety enhancements, the DeWalt D26960K heavy-duty heat gun with an LCD display is the ultimate machine for the professional or fanatical hot air DIYer.

An easy-to-read LCD screen and intuitive push-button controls allow you to set your operating temperature — from 150 to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit — in 50-degree increments.

With a mighty number of seven nozzles — you will always have the consummate heat distribution for the current project. And, arriving with its own hard carry case — it’s easily transportable, protected from dirt and detritus, and ensures those numerous accessories aren’t lost.

Features

  • A DeWalt temp gun with 150 to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit heat range.
  • Overload protector.
  • Complete with nozzles and case.
  • Incorporated kickstand for hands-free use.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

DeWalt D26950

Best for Cord Length

Our Rating: 4.5
Offering a choice of single or dual handed-operation — this machine should help to stave-off hand and wrist fatigue — making it ideal for seriously extensive projects. And, with a hot air gun niche-busting 10-foot mains cable — in the majority of jobs there will be no need for an extension cord.
This heat gun boasts a peace-of-mind enhancing cord protector — ensuring that the cable doesn’t overstretch or become worn — elevating both safety and its lifespan.

Heat control is via a seriously substantial rear-mounted rotary dial that may appeal to those with little finger dexterity. It permits a temperature spectrum 120 through 1100 degrees Fahrenheit — making this machine applicable for car vinyl wrapping, paint drying, and floor tile lifting.

Furthermore, to facilitate optimum heat delivery, the gun comes with two interchangeable nozzles.

Features

  • Mammoth 10-foot cable.
  • Complete with two additional nozzles.
  • An integrated kickstand ensures stability.
  • Twin fan speeds.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Conclusion


It may not have the largest range of heat guns on the market — but DeWalt’s machines are undoubtedly the gold standard.

Its focus on producing only the most versatile and technologically impressive hot air tools makes it the solid choice for the professional and ardent DIY enthusiast.

Your purchase is backed by comprehensive warranties and the support of numerous service centers. You’ll have peace of mind, knowing you’re buying a wholesome and 100 percent USA product.

Admittedly, for occasional and casual users, their features could be considered overkill. These guys should opt for a more basic dual temperature unit instead.

But — for the most demanding of hot air lovers — a DeWalt heat gun is the perfect partner.


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DeWalt Heat Guns FAQs

Q: Is There a DeWalt Heat Gun 2000W?

Currently, all the DeWalt heat guns are rated at 1550 watts. Historically, the company produced the D26414 model for the UK market — which was a 2000-watt machine. However, this has now been discontinued.

Q: Can You Buy a Battery Operated Heat Gun DeWalt?

Yes! DeWalt is one of the few manufacturers who have tackled the difficult problem of making an effective cordless heat gun. Its impressive DCE530B hot air machine boasts a choice of two temperatures, features an LED lamp, and has a trigger lock function. To check it out, take a look here.

Q: How Much Is a DeWalt Heat Gun?

While not budget machines, DeWalt heat guns are affordably-priced, considering their high-tech features. The easiest unit on the wallet is the D26950 variable temperature model. To check out the current cost of the DeWalt Heat Gun.

Q: What’s the Difference Between DeWalt D26960K vs D26960?

DeWalt markets these two products as different models — but they are identical. The difference arises in that the D26960 is just the heat gun. The D26960K is a complete hot air kit that comes with the gun, additional nozzles, and a hard carry case.

Q: Will Dewalt Make a Cordless Heat Gun?

It already has! The DCE530B is a lithium-ion battery-powered hot air machine that runs off a 20-volt cell. This increases its versatility, by allowing you to work in locations that do not have an AC outlet.

One charge should deliver around 40 minutes of continuous use — and the machine is compatible with standard DeWalt batteries.

Q: How Hot Does a DeWalt Temp Gun Get?

The upper temperature limit varies across DeWalt hot air machine models. The D26950 and D26960K examples both reach 1100 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cordless DCE530B hits 990 degrees Fahrenheit.

All of these top-end heat settings should be sufficient for stripping paint and varnish.

Q: What Are the DeWalt Heat Gun Uses?

With two of DeWalt’s heat guns offering multi-temperature settings, and one model offering a cordless capability — the applications of the DeWalt heat guns are vast. They ideally suited to:

  • Stripping paint.
  • Thawing pipes.
  • Dying spackle.
  • Drying paint.
  • Removing varnish.
  • Tinting car windows.
  • Softening putty.
  • Removing stickers.
  • Melting glue.
  • Lifting linoleum.
  • Vinyl wrapping cars.
  • Restoring plastic.
  • Molding Formica.
Q: Can I Wrap My Car With a DeWalt Hot Air Gun?

Yes. With variable temperature settings, the D26960K and D26950 models are ideal for vinyl wrapping your automobile. Ideally, use your heat gun in conjunction with a fishtail nozzle, to ensure even heat distribution and reduce the risk of creases and bubbles.