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Best Heat Gun for Phone Repair: Fix Your Phone Using Heat Guns

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Do you frequently get cracks in your smartphone screen but get tired of taking it to a cell phone repair shop or another repair service?  Or do you wish you could replace the battery in your cell phone once it starts losing its charge instead of buying a new one?

Let’s say you like your current phone, but the charging port has become loose and doesn’t charge your battery half the time you plug in the charger cable. Then what do you do?

You can use a heating gun to repair your smartphone screen and keep your favorite cell phone for longer instead of buying a new one.

When you have a cell phone, one of the best investments you can make is in a heat gun. Heat guns are great tools for fixing your smartphone screen and other minor electronic repairs. With a heat gun, it’s easy to fix cracks in your screen or replace the battery that has gone bad over time without taking it to a repair service.

Many people don’t know this, but using a soldering iron with your heating gun allows you to do another handy job: replacing the “non-replaceable” battery when it starts losing its charge. Not only will you save money on buying new phones (or repairing them), but these two simple tools will help keep your current phone running like new!

I have used different heat guns to replace my phone screen and listed my best heat guns for cell phone repair below, along with things to consider when buying a heat gun to repair your cell phone.

Best Heat Guns for Phone Repair – My List:

ImageProduct NameHighlightsPrice
#1: My Top Choice
Chandler Tool HG603D Heat Gun

Chandler Tool HG603D Heat Gun

  • Hold with 2-3 Fingers
  • Dual Heat and Airflow Settings
  • Nozzle Guard
Buy on Amazon
#2: Another Top Choice
Wagner Spraytech HT400 Mini Heat Gun

Wagner Spraytech HT400 Mini Heat Gun

  • Unique Finger & Palm-Holding Shape
  • Dual Temperature Settings
  • Concentrator Nozzle
Buy on AmazonBuy on Walmart
#3: Full-Featured Traditional Design
SEEKONE MF300 Heat Gun 1800W

SEEKONE MF300 Heat Gun 1800W

  • Variable Temperature Dial
  • Multiple Nozzle Types
  • Overheat Protection
Buy on AmazonBuy on Walmart
#4: Small But Powerful
TACKLIFE HGP35AC Mini Heat Gun

TACKLIFE HGP35AC Mini Heat Gun

  • Hold with 2-3 Fingers
  • Overheat Protection
  • Longer Power Cord
Buy on Walmart
#5: Compact Design
Worx MAKERX WX743L.9 Mini Heat Gun

Worx MAKERX WX743L.9 Mini Heat Gun

  • Fastest Heating Time
  • Overheat Protection
  • Compact Design
Buy on Amazon

What to Consider Before Buying Heat Gun For Cell Phone Repair – A Buyer’s Guide

If you are new to heat guns or have never used a heat gun to repair your phone screen but are good with tools and want to give it a try, here are some considerations.

If you came to this page directly, start by reading my short introduction article on heat guns.  If you have watched a few YouTube videos about repairing your cell phone, read my heat gun vs. hair dryer article.

For cell phone and other electronics repairs, you want to buy a heat gun with the following features:

  • Temperature settings with a lower range end of 200 ℉ / 93 ℃ to 600 ℉ / 315 ℃
  • Smaller size
  • Concentrator nozzle
  • Easy to hold
  • Lightweight

While heat guns are known for their hotter temperatures, when it comes to repairing cell phones, you want relatively lower temperatures to avoid damaging the sensitive parts in your smartphone and melting any plastic pieces.

Plus, smartphone manufacturers have switched to adhesives instead of metal screws for the many parts inside the phone, including keeping the screen attached.

Starting at 200 ℉ to 300 ℉ (93 ℃  to 148 ℃), most of the adhesives and glues start to loosen without losing their sticky properties (also known as becoming pliable).  Therefore, you want a heat gun that has this lower temperature range, but that can also go higher for the most stubborn adhesives.

I prefer smaller size heat guns with preset temperatures and a nozzle guard to avoid finger burns when working in the tight spaces of a cell phone. Many articles and videos will suggest holding the heat gun about 10 inches from your hand while it’s warming, and then once it starts to get too hot to keep your hand there, it’s at a good working temperature.

But why risk burning your hand and waiting for the heat gun to warm up when you could set up your phone and organize your replacement parts?  Therefore, using a heat gun with preset temperature options and nozzle guards is definitely helpful.

Lastly, since you most likely will be either holding the smartphone in your hand or putting it in a holder or on a flat surface when using your free hand to move pieces around, I prefer heat gun models that are easy to hold, lighter weight, and have built-in stands as it will typically take several minutes of sustained heat for the screen adhesives to become pliable.

While many heat guns are shaped like hair dryers or guns for standard holding, I prefer the cylindrical-shaped models when repairing my cell phones, as I feel they allow you to be more precise and are easier to use.

Finally, keep in mind that my list of recommended heat guns for cell phone repair can be used for many other tasks and crafts, including removing stickers and wax, embossing, drying and removing paint, and general electronics repair.

Types of Heat Guns

The heat in a heat gun can be generated from different sources, but they all blow out hot hair without producing flames. Here are the different types of heat guns you might come across as you find the best for your phone screen repair.

Electric Heat Gun

An electric heat gun is the most commonly used heat gun. It uses a power outlet or rechargeable battery to heat and power the tool. You will find that many battery-operated or cordless heat gun options often have a shorter run time because it takes a lot of power to heat the gun. However, this is a more portable heat gun and is a good choice for someone who only needs short bursts of hot air.

Gas Heat Gun

When using a gas heat gun, you will attach it to a propane tank or butane tank, and this is what creates the hot air. Since it is powered using gas, you will experience a much higher temperature range, allowing you to get the job done faster. This type of heat gun also allows for more portability, but you will have to purchase replacement tanks.

Infrared Heat Gun

The infrared heat gun is new to the scene and not as common as the other types. It is similar to using a hair dryer or electric paint stripper. It uses a lower temperature, causing less damage while still being able to work quickly.

Hot Air Station or Rework Station

A hot air station or rework station is a type of electric heat gun, except all the controls and mechanisms, are stored in a separate box. This makes for a sleek and thin design. So, if you have a narrow workspace and are short on space, a rework station is more comfortable to use.

Heat Settings

Next, we have to look at the heat settings of these heat guns because each has its own temperature adjustments.

  • Single Temperature Heat Gun: This heat gun only has one heat setting and is often used for a specific task. Since it is a single temperature, it assures a more reliable and consistent temperature as you work.
  • Dual Temperature Heat Gun: This heat gun has low and high settings. This offers you more in the way of versatility and is one of the most common features.
  • Variable Temperature Heat Gun: With these heat guns, you will find a much larger temperature range that can be controlled through a dial or button. This kind of heat gun is best for a professional electronics technician who needs versatile and industrial heat guns for many applications requiring different heat levels for mobile phone repair and beyond.

Best Heat Gun for Phone Repair – My Reviews:

#1:  Chandler Tool HG603D

Best Features Heat Gun for Crafts, Mini Dual Temp Hot Air Gun Tool for Epoxy Resin, Shrink Wrapping, Vinyl Wrap,...

  • Cylindrical Shape
  • Nozzle Safety Guard
  • Dual Heat and Airflow Settings

Key Specs

  • Low Heat Setting: 200°C or 392°F
  • High Heat Setting: 300°C or 572°F
  • Watts: 150 to 300 watts
  • Cord Length: 5 feet

My Overall Rating

(5 / 5)

 

More detailed review ↴

My first choice is the cylindrical-shaped Chandler Tool HG603D heat gun.  Combined with its dual temperature settings and affordable price, it makes an excellent heat gun for cell phone screen repairs, electronics work, and general arts and crafts activities.

What I like most about this heat gun is its dual temperatures and ability to be held with 2-3 fingers for electronics-type detail work.

It has two temperature and airflow setting combinations, a lower 392 ℉ (200 ℃) / 1.44 ml per hour at 150 watts that should cover your smartphone repairs and a higher 572℉ (300 ℃) / 3.61 ml per hour at 300 watts for the most stubborn adhesives, along with other uses. Plus, it has an insulated body and a nozzle heat guard to take away the worry of finger burns.

The Chandler Tool heat gun is lightweight at only 0.8 lbs (13 ounces) and well-balanced to make holding it easy for all types of hands. As I mentioned, you can hold it with 2-3 fingers in a ‘pen’ style grip. And its built-in stand helps to help you focus heat on specific areas in a hands-free manner when you need to use both hands on your cell phone or need to take a break.

Combine all those features with its long 6ft power cord, UL certification, and dual colors to choose from, and you have an inexpensive but versatile heat gun made for cellphones, electronics, shrink wrapping, vinyl wrap, and other craft-related uses.

What We Liked:

  • Dual Heat & Speed Settings – Two setting combinations of  392 ℉ (200 ℃) / 1.44 ml per hour and higher 540 ℉ (300 ℃) / 3.61 ml per hour to meet most of your electronics, crafts, and household needs
  • Insulated Body & Nozzle Guard – Avoid finger burns while maintaining precise heat targeting control
  • Lightweight Cylindrical  Shape – You can hold it with 2-3 fingers for hours at a time or set it up on the built-in stand.
  • Extra Long Cord – The 6ft power cord means you can move it around the room freely without having to unplug and plugin again.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Comes with only one nozzle type

 


#2:  Wagner Spraytech HT400

Best Features Wagner Spraytech 0503038 HT400 Heat Gun, Dual Temperature Hot Air Tool 680 and 450 Degrees, Shrink...

  • Unique, Easy-hold Shape
  • Dual Temperature Settings
  • Built-In Concentrator Nozzle
  • Integrated Stand
  • Wire Heat Shrink Tube

Key Specs

  • Low Heat Setting: 450°F
  • High Heat Setting: 680°F
  • Watts: 360 Watts
  • Cord Length: 6 feet

My Overall Rating

(5 / 5)

 

More detailed review ↴

The Wagner Spraytech HT400 model is an easy-to-hold, precision-based heat gun.  Combined with its dual temperature settings and affordable price, this is another good heat gun for cell phone screen repairs.

What I like most about this heat gun is its dual temperatures, and it combines the best design advantages of a cylinder-shaped and a gun-shaped tool.   

The HT400 has two temperature settings, a lower 450 ℉ (230 ℃) at 170 watts that should cover most of your smartphone repairs, and a higher 680 ℉ (360 ℃) at 350 watts for the stickier adhesives and other uses, along with one fan speed.  Its unique shape enables you to hold it either in a precise ‘pen’ style grip or in a sturdy ‘palm’ style grip.

Combined with its double-insulated body, cool-touch side finger grips,  and built-in concentrator nozzle, t is perfect for the smaller areas involved in cell phone repair.

The Wagner Spraytech heat gun is also lightweight at just under 1lb (14.9 ounces), and its retractable stand helps to help you focus heat on specific areas in a hands-free manner or for the heat gun to cool down.

Combine all those features with its long-enough 4.9 ft power cord, 2-year warranty, and UL certification. You have a durable and inexpensive heat gun made for cellphones, electronics, shrink wrapping, and other craft-related devices uses.

What We Liked:

  • Easy-Hold Unique Shape – Pencil-grip and palm-grip all in one
  • Dual Temperature Settings 
  • Heats Quickly – Under 1 minute
  • Lightweight – Still under 1 lb

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Lack of a nozzle heat guard
  • No overheating protection

 


#3:  SEEKONE MF300 Heat Gun 1800W

Best Features  SEEKONE Heat Gun 1800W 122℉~1202℉(50℃- 650℃)Fast Heating Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun Kit...

  • Variable Temperature Dial
  • Multiple Nozzle Types
  • Overheating Protection
  • Fast Heating
  • Two Flow Modes

Key Specs

  • Low Heat Setting: 122°F
  • High Heat Setting: 1202°F
  • Watts: 1800 watts
  • Cord Length: 5.25 feet

My Overall Rating

(5 / 5)

 

I included a higher-power “gun” style heat gun on this list for cell phone repair, and this SEEKONE has loads of features for an affordable price.

What I like most about this heat gun is the variable temperature control dial on the back and the fact that it meets the lower temperature settings.

You can start the heat gun at the low end of 122 ℉ / 50 ℃ and increase it up to 1202 ℉ / 650 ℃  in under 1 minute due to its high-power 1800-watt motor.  A separate switch offers two fan speeds (airflow rates).

Plus, this model has an extra switch that quickly allows you to switch between two preset temperature range and speed setting combinations if, by chance, you don’t need to use the variable temperature dial:

  • 122 ℉ to 840 ℉ and 190L-210L/min
  • 122 ℉ to 1200 ℉ and 250L -500L/min

While the “gun” style shape is still lighter weight (under 2lbs) and well-balanced, making it easy to hold with one hand for longer periods of time.  It also has built-in overheating protection, which pairs well with its wide temperature range.

I also like the versatility provided by the included four nozzle types, the longer 5.25 ft power cord, and the built-in hook.  You can also stand the heat gun on the variable temperature dial, which allows you to use two hands to hand your phone or other objects right above the nozzle, but I would only do this at the lower temperature settings.

While this model is on my list of the best heat gun for cell phone screen replacement,  it can be used for different tasks such as removing stickers, stripping paint, shrink wrapping, thawing pipes, and automotive tint.

What We Liked:

  • Variable Temperature Control 
  • Separate Fan Speed Switch – Two Flow Modes
  • Heats Quickly – Under 1 Minute
  • Multiple Nozzles – 2 Reduction, 1 Deflector, and 1 Reflector
  • Built-in Overheating Protection – Protects the Parts Inside From Overheating
  • Well Balanced and Easy to Hold – Still under 2 lbs
What We Didn’t Like:

  • There’s no indicator light on the variable dial –  you have to trust that the device heats to the selected temperature

 


#4:  TACKLIFE HGP35AC Mini Heat Gun

Best Features  

  • Nozzle Guard
  • Overheating Protection
  • Longer Power Cord
  • Compact Design
  • Easy Access On/Off Switch

Key Specs

  • High Heat Setting: 662°F
  • Watts:350 watts
  • Cord Length: 6.5 feet

My Overall Rating

(4 / 5)

More detailed review ↴

The Tacklife HGP35AC model has one temperature setting of 662℉ (350℃) with an airflow of 300L/min at 350-watts power. It also heats up to this setting in less than a minute, so there is no need to wait around.

Plus, it has a nozzle guard, overheating protection, non-slip grips, and heat dissipation vents at the back, making it easy to hold and a safe-to-use heat tool for cell phone repairs.

Besides a built-in concentrator nozzle, the heat gun has an additional reflector nozzle. It has a 6.5 ft power cord for plenty of working length and a built-in stand for hands-free mode or more precise heat targeting. And it is one of the lighter heat tools at under 1lb (14.8 ounces).  To finish off the list of features, Tacklife offers a lifetime warranty.

While this model is on my list of the best heat guns for phone screen replacement,  it can be used for different tasks such as removing stickers, stripping paint, embossing, shrink wrapping, and other crafts.

What We Liked:

  • Higher Temperature and Power
  • Heats Quickly – Under 1 minute
  • Nozzle Guard – Protects against finger burns
  • Built-in Overheating Protection – Protects the parts inside from overheating.
  • Lightweight and Compact – Still under 1 lb
What We Didn’t Like:

  • Only one temperature and airflow setting; however, it’s high enough to cover most cell phone repair needs
  • No longer available on Amazon

 


#5:  Worx MAKERX WX743L.9 Mini Heat Gun

Best Features  Worx MAKERX WX743L.9 20V Mini Heat Gun (Tool Only)

  • Fastest Heating Time
  • Built-in Overheating Protection
  • Compact Design
  • Precise Nozzle
  • Built-in Stand

Key Specs

  • High Heat Setting: 500°F
  • Volts: 20 volts
  • Cord Length: 4 feet

My Overall Rating

(4 / 5)

More detailed review ↴

My final choice is the Worx MAKERX WX743L.9 Mini Heat Gun that features a compact design.

What I like most about this heat gun are the compact design and quick heating time.

The Worx MAKERX WX743L.9  model heats up to a temperature setting of 500°F (315°C) almost instantaneously.  A fully charged 1.5Ah 20V “Power Share” battery will power the Heat Gun for about 10 minutes of continuous use.  Then put the Power Share battery into the MAKERX Hub for recharging.

It’s a lighter heat gun at 10 ounces with a precision nozzle, a built-in nozzle guard, and a retractable stand for easy workability.  Plus, it has built-in overheating protection and a 4ft battery cord that provides you safety and plenty of length for working.

The Worx MAKERX tool line is designed to operate the different tools using the same Hub and its rechargeable 20V Power Share battery. The Hub is the only portable 20V power system for hobby and crafting tools on the market.

Therefore, make sure you buy both the Hub and the Power Share battery if this is your first Worx tool.

What We Liked:

  • Shareable Battery with other Worx Tools – Can run continuously for up to 10 minutes
  • Heats Quickly – Almost instantaneously to 500°F (315°C)
  • Built-in Overheating protection – Protects the parts inside from overheating
  • Lightweight and Compact – About 10 ounces
What We Didn't Like:

  • Lack of Built-In Battery
  • Battery and Recharging Hub Sold Separately

 


Best Gas Heat Gun

To round out our review, I wanted to share the best gas powered heat gun option and a rework station option you can consider.

Titan Tools - Propane Heat Gun

Key Specs  Titan Tools 51886 Propane Heat Gun

  • Max Temperature: 1,022°F
  • Min Temperature: 842°F
  • All Weather Flexibility
  • Rotating Collar for Hands-Free Use

 

A gas powered heat gun is a good way to produce high heat without the fuss of a power cord. This Titan Tools propane heat gun has a nozzle attachment connecting it to a propane cylinder; this is where the hot air comes from. This variable temperature heat gun has a push start ignition, and the temperature of this gas heat gun can be controlled via the dial.

The downside to this heat gun is the fact that it might not be as reliable as an electronic heat gun, but once you start using it, you will soon see why it will be a valuable addition to your tool arsenal.

This gas heat gun can be used for heat shrink tubing, bending ABS plastic, automotive dent repair, paint and adhesive removal, electronic repair, and it can even thaw a frozen pipe.


Best Hot Air Station for Electronics

YIHUA 8786D Hot Air Soldering and Rework Station

Key Specs  YIHUA 8786D I 2 in 1 Hot Air Rework and Soldering Iron Station with °F /°C, Cool/Hot Air...

  • Max Temp: 896°F
  • Min Temp: 200°F
  • 740 Watt Maximum Power
  • Real-Time Individual Temp Display
  • ETL Certified
  • Individual Station Power Switches

 

This best hot air station for electronics can be used for soldering and also acts as a rework station. It is a dual system with an advanced design allowing it to be used for more versatile applications. It features intelligent temperature control, meaning that the station can monitor and correct the temperatures at high speed with fast temperature compensation, so you can achieve the accuracy you want as you work.

It also has an anti-static and ESD-safe design, which prevents static or damage to its components. The design of this model has been upgraded with exclusive fail-safe protection. If the hot air gun stops putting out hot air unusually while in use, it will automatically set an alarm and cut power to the healing element for safety.

This rework station is also equipped with a reliable 40-watt soldering iron. This station is specifically designed for work on smaller devices like a mobile phone and remote.

Best Heat Guns for Cell Phone Screen Repair - My Comparison:

Chandler Tool HG603D Heat Gun
Wagner Spraytech HT400 Mini Heat Gun
SEEKONE MF300 Heat Gun 1800W
TACKLIFE HGP35AC Mini Heat Gun
Worx MAKERX WX743L.9 Mini Heat Gun
Product Name
Product Name
Chandler Tool HG603D Heat Gun
Wagner Spraytech HT400 Mini Heat Gun
SEEKONE MF300 Heat Gun 1800W
TACKLIFE HGP35AC Mini Heat Gun
Worx MAKERX WX743L.9 Mini Heat Gun
Power
Power
300 watts
350 watts
1800 watts
350 watts
300 watts
Weight
Weight
0.8 lbs
0.9 lbs
1.9 lbs
0.8 lbs
0.62 lbs
Temperature Range
Temperature Range
392 ℉ (200 ℃) / 1.44 ml per hour and 540 ℉ (300 ℃) / 3.61 ml
450 ℉ (230 ℃) and 680 ℉ (360 ℃)
• 122 ℉ to 840 ℉ with 190L-210L/min and 22 ℉ to 1200 ℉ with 250L -500L/min
662℉ (350℃) with 300L/min
500°F (315°C)
Feature
Feature
Nozzle Guard and UL-Certification
2-year Warranty and UL-Certification
4 Nozzles and Overheat Protection
2nd Nozzle and Overheat Protection
Nozzle Guard and Overheat Protection

Final Thoughts

If you need a heat gun for small and more detailed repairs, then any of those we have reviewed here today would be good. The best heat gun is one that applies to the job you need to do, is compact, and has a focused heat output that is ideal for what you are doing.

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We’re a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

The Tool Geeks Team

We're a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

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