DeWalt DCE530B Heat Gun Review

Here are the key features:

Dual Temperature

You can select between 500 or 990 degrees Fahrenheit output, via the top-mounted slide switch — giving you the choice between HIGH and LOW. This robust and tactile switch is easy to manipulate — making it ideal for use when wearing gloves or for those with little dexterity.

Hence, for jobs requiring gentle heat application, such as forming foam, select LOW — for more intense temperature requirements, like stripping paint — click onto HIGH.

Cordless

You don’t need to be a prisoner to power with the DeWalt gun DCE530B.

Unlike many units — this machine is cordless, powered by a rechargeable 20-volt lithium-ion battery. This gives you the freedom to cast aside the cable and work in environments where there’s no mains access.

Furthermore, this release from cord shackles means you don’t need to string together dangerous numbers of extension cables — thus reducing the risk of entanglement. Additionally, it also enables you to work in restricted areas — where mains power cords would otherwise be preventative to completing your project.

One charge of the Li-ion battery should allow for 42 minutes of continuous use. So — if you’re completing a lengthy job — I recommend that you have a couple of spare batteries on standby.

This cordless heat gun uses the standard DeWalt Max XR power pack — used by the majority of this brand’s tools. If you’re already a DeWalt fan — you’ll probably have some of these cells in your workshop. Bear in mind, the DCE530B does not arrive complete with a powerpack.

Trigger Operation

When you’ve been to the grocery store in your car, you don’t leave the engine running while you remove your purchases from the trunk and then let it continually tick over until you go to pick up little Jimmy from school later in the day.

It just wastes fuel.

Hence, I welcome the innovative power-saving and safety feature of this DeWalt heat gun — the trigger operation. The unit only emits hot air while you squeeze it — meaning it’s not running constantly — needlessly draining your power cell.

However, if you do require non-stop heat — you can ‘lock-off’ the trigger, enabling it to deliver continuous hot air.

Hands-Free Use

I tend to consider DIY a particularly enjoyable solo pursuit.

It’s me time — allowing me to be alone with my tool in my hand — ready to work hard. It’s not exactly a group experience.

While this has its benefits — it can mean some projects are a challenge with a heat gun. Jobs such as bending plastics require you to have two hands to manipulate the material — meaning holding the heat gun is impossible.

However, it’s reassuring to see that the DCE530B has a hands-free feature. Simply turn the unit on its end and its flat rear and battery provide a stable base — allowing it to point upwards. In this position, it delivers a vertical stream of hot air — giving you two free hands to wield and mold your material above this plume.

Naturally, in this position, you will use the unit’s ‘trigger-lock’ facility to ensure a continual heat blast.

Compact Design

The DeWalt gun DCE530B has a stubby head — measuring just 6.6 inches — much smaller than many of its competitors.

Hence, if you’re working in restricted environments, such as beneath floorboards, under sinks, or in engine bays — you’re able to reach areas others cannot access.

What Users Say About The DeWalt DCE530B

For me, the DCE530B is a highly versatile tool that will suit the keen DIYer, plumber, or mechanic, where cordless freedom is a requirement.

But is it a shower and not a go-er?

To find out, I donned my Sherlock Holmes deerstalker and investigated what industry experts, home DIYers, and professionals thought of this heat gun.

The responses were highly positive. Users remarked on its impressive power output for a battery model, useful trigger-lock function, and LED illumination. Admittedly, some guys indicated that it wasn’t suitable for extended use — unless you have backup power cells. But then, that’s the case with the entire cordless tool world.

Alternative to DeWalt DCE530B

In my opinion, the DeWalt heat gun DCE530B is a hot air tool particularly suited to those confined and low-light areas.

However, if the features of this unit aren’t turning you on, consider some other worthy examples:

Milwaukee 2688-20

However, it differs in that it has a smaller head — allowing for use in even tighter spaces — and heats up faster than the DeWalt.

• One temperature setting, the DeWalt has two.
• Also includes an LED illuminator.
• Has no additional nozzles, unlike the DeWalt.

Wagner HT1000

Aimed at the casual DIYer, it’s budget friendly and boasts a useful integrated hook for storage — which the DeWalt lacks. While practical, it forgoes the ultra-modern aesthetics of the DeWalt — which may not appeal to the image-conscious tool wielder.

• Higher operating temperature than the DeWalt, at 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lighter on the wallet than the DeWalt.
• A three-inch longer head than the DeWalt means it’s less practical in confined areas.

Porter Cable PC1500HG

An easy-to-use dial provides a power range of 120-1150 degrees Fahrenheit — meaning that the Porter Cable is suitable for a greater degree of applications than the DeWalt. Although, being mains-powered, it lacks the freedom of the cordless model.

• Easier on the bank balance than the DeWalt.
• It’s large — a 10-inch head, compared to the DeWalt’s 6.6 inches.
• No additional accessories, unlike the DeWalt model.

DeWalt DCE530B Heat Gun FAQ