How to Use a Heat Gun to Soften Adhesive

Written By: Alex Diaz-Kokaisl
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How to Use a Heat Gun to Soften Adhesive

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

4

Time Required

No estimate

Introduction

Follow these instructions to use a heat gun to soften adhesive. Using a hair dryer is similar, but its procedure varies slightly.

A heat gun is a handheld device that emits a stream of hot air, usually at temperatures between 100 °C and 550 °C (200-1000 °F), with some hotter models heating up to 760 °C (1400 °F).

Before beginning, refer to the specific repair guide for detailed instructions such as the adhesive location and any surrounding sensitive components. Check your heat gun's user manual for any specific operating or safety procedures.

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    • Before you begin, make sure you have a plan in the event of a fire.

    • Keep the heat gun unplugged when not in use.

    • Avoid using extension cords to power your heat gun. Since heat guns require a high current draw, cheaper extension cords may pose an additional fire risk.

    • If you're heating adhesive near or underneath a battery, make sure you've completely discharged the battery before proceeding.

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    • Place the device on a clean, heat resistant surface or mat.

    • Keep flammable materials away from the work area.

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    • Turn on the heat gun.

    • While heat guns can reach temperatures up to 1000 °F and higher, softening adhesives for electronics only requires a maximum of 200 °F. This can easily be achieved with the heat gun's low to medium-low setting.

    • Always start with the heat gun's lowest flow speed and temperature settings to avoid overheating the device you're working on.

    • If your heat gun has fine control over the temperature, keep it in the mid-to-low range. Anything higher could deform plastic or damage internal components.

    • When not in use, set the heat gun on a stable surface. The nozzle will remain hot after use.

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    • Position the tip of the heat gun 2–3 inches above the device.

    • The exposure time may change depending on the adhesive, temperature, and the distance between the heat gun and the device.

    • Move the heat gun along the area where the adhesive is located.

    • Always keep the heat gun in motion, and never leave it over one spot for too long—doing so could damage the device.

    • If the adhesive that needs softening is small, still keep the heat gun in motion, moving it around in little circles.

    • Some adhesives require multiple heating and prying cycles in order to loosen. Be patient to get the job done correctly and not quickly.

Conclusion

Allow the heat gun to cool down before you store it.

For other general electronics skills guides, click here.

Author

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 16/01/22

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