Heat Gun

[Denco]

Heat guns and blow dryers look alike and have similar wattage. Is there really a distinct difference? I'm starting to think, that for occasional use, a blow dryer is a less expensive option. I'm sure there's something I'm missing in this. Any thoughts?

[mnmphd]

Hair dryers tend to have lower temperatures and higher air velocity.

For occasional use, I'd check Harbor Freight for a heat gun, I paid
less then $20, maybe less than $10 for mine, with a few scraper
accessories a few years back.

[Stytooner]

I have burned through half a dozen or so of the HF heat guns. They have a newer type that is a little better, but burnt through the element on one of those as well.
I sprang for the Milwaukee made one now. It would actually be worth ordering parts for this one if it breaks down.
Heat guns have a much higher temp range that hair dryers. While you could use a hair dryer for some of the same things you use a heat gun for, the reverse is not true unless you are Johnny from the Fantastic 4.

[LCHIEN]

Hair dryers tend to have lower temperatures and higher air velocity.

For occasional use, I'd check Harbor Freight for a heat gun, I paid
less then $20, maybe less than $10 for mine, with a few scraper
accessories a few years back.

I agree with mnmphd - heat guns have lower air flow and higher temps.
With a heat gun you can get a smaller area to a higher temperature. You would not want to use a heat gun to dry your hair, you'll burn a small spot on your head. Similarly you probably can't use a hair dryer for many tasks.

Basically, even tho they use the same power, one uses it for a larger area, lower temperature rise, the other for a smaller area, larger temperature rise. Same amount of work done.