Milwaukee M18 Compact Heat Gun 2688-20 vs Corded Milwaukee 8975-6 400w Heat Gun

Price the Milwaukee M18 18v Compact Heat Gun Kit 2688-21 on Amazon: amzn.to/2AS1a8n
M18 vs Corded Heat Gun - Milwaukee has some pretty stout claims for the new M18 Compact Heat Gun, model 2688-20. Milwaukee Tool claims it reaches an operational temperature in less than 7 seconds. We wanted to see what that operation temperature was and show our audience the performance of the tool so you can make an educated decision if this tool is worth the investment. For most of us who use heat guns, the cord is a pain. we are all ready to drop the cord but we want the performance to get the job done fast!
First, the new Milwaukee M18 Compact Heat Gun has some features that are a bit nicer than our full-sized corded Milwaukee Heat Gun. The M18 has a guarded nozzle for protection against burning work surfaces or your skin when using the heat gun. The ladder hook gives the user one more option of how to set the tool down without damaging surfaces. The small size makes it easier to get in tight places, along with the lack of the cord.
2688-20 Features
High Performance Heating Coil
Temperature management system provides maximum life
Compatible with all M18 Battery Packs
Compact heat gun 6.4” long
Guarded Nozzle
Ladder Hook
LED Light
Heat Gun Testing
In our shop, we use heat guns to remove stickers or apply tint. there are many more uses and we wanted to get information out to you in a way that covers all basis. Our testing begins with a normal meat thermometer. We use the M18 and our larger, more powerful corded model to heat up the probe over two minutes. In the KZbin video, you can notice that by 30 seconds, the probe is about as hot as it will get. That is a cool test to see how fast both units heat up, but the size of the probe might be a limiting factor. it is clear the corded model heats up faster and hotter as it should since it is a larger model.
We then thought we would see if the M18 or corded heat gun would heat a quarter to a higher temperature in 30 seconds. Since the heat is off in our shop, it is 55 degrees and with the coin in the vise, the Milwaukee thermal Imager only shows the coin at 72 degrees. Up next, the corded Milwaukee heat gun pushed up the temperature to 92 degrees. We feel that the M18 was at a disadvantage because it went first, having to heat up the vise a bit also.
Next, we pulled out some solder thinking that this is a fair test. The time it takes to melt the solder will show the speed the tool heats up and the intensity of the heat. There is no doubt that the higher rated corded model heated the solder up faster, but the M18 was still very impressive.
Overall
Our testing made it clear that the 1,000 degrees rated corded version was superior to the 875 degrees rated M18 compact heat gun. That seems obvious right! But the goal of the testing was to include time and temperature ratings as each gun went to work allowing you to watch and see if this compact gun will work for your situation.

[@thethinblueline2444]

I've had my m18 heat gun since the day it was released. Ive Been using it quite a bit. I've been using an 5ah battery with it and I've yet to run it all the way down on any project. I did notice when using a 9 ah vs the 5 ah, it is easy to see the increase in power with the bigger battery. The LED light is not nearly as bright as I expected from a "Milwaukee LED", but is still much better then not having an LED on the gun. Overall, it's a great heat gun and high quality as expected from Milwaukee.

[@Asyss_Complex]

How has it been performing so far?

[@sytran666]

Great review, I'm a window tinter as well. I'm getting a cordless heat gun! Have you used the old corded Milwaukee heat gun? It feels lighter and more balanced. I also feel that the old one got up to temp much quicker as well.

[@WeldingForJesus]

I just ordered one. Living in Norway can be interesting in the wintertime. I experienced having to heat the engine room just to get my car to start. At home I have a corded heat gun, but stopping for longer durations away from a power outlet has at times been a gamble.

[@wftseriously6694]

can't wait to get one

[@nics-systems-electric]

Maybe not the most common use but we use this heat gun for fire alarm testing in the school district I work for setting off heat detectors works great for them

[@jericochavez209]

I used kzbin.infoUgkx4ynqaujg7rZKFapA8s29kTpRszJGa3-K this for the first time today to replace the front wheel bearing on my rwd 98 dodge dakota. This had absolutely no issue removing or reinstalling the lug nuts and it took off the axle nut without any struggle. Sounds like it's got some muscle to it. Time will tell

[@brianleabo6295]

I use a cored one at work on a/c coils and srink tubing. This looks great for me it's hard to find an outlet sometimes. And the lower temp would help keep from burning .

[@jimmygordon5045]

I'm looking into this Because I do HVAC work as well and thought the same thing. Smart minds think alike. Glad to see i am not the only genius. LOL.

[@toolfein5079]

This is a Sweet little gun!!

[@DoresoomReviews]

Ya'll ran a great battery of tests - I especially liked the back to back with corded! Did you let your bench vise cool back down to ambient in between the coin tests? That's a lot of thermal mass sinking heat off of that coin, and a heat transfers slower across lower temperature gradients.

[@WorkshopAddict]

Agreed.. We did let it cool for about 15 minutes, but the vise is a huge heat sink as you said. Not sure that was a good test as mentioned in the video.

[@Friedrich687]

Can you please review the kobalt 80v cultivator or the greenworks 80v cultivator please?

[@MajorTendonitis]

I use a corded heat gun in the bucket truck to keep my hands warm while I’m working up in the power lines during winter time . Tried a hairblower , but did not produce heat below -9C . My new truck has an insulated boom,so no power in the bucket to power a heat gun. So my idea was to try a cordless heat gun , as we use Milwaukee extensively , and have batteries and a charger already. I suspect the run time is brief though

[@angelworldwidesalinas6740]

It would be great to know if I can use this for roofing application on Firestone tpo roofing material

[@justin9605]

Thank you.

[@dannyh.7490]

WOW ! A cordless heat gun ! Seriously !

[@guadalupemunoz5738]

Gracias

[@whiskeycreek4038]

Looking forward to getting one of these. Also looking forward to the m12 soldering iron. #WorkshopAddict

[@guadalupemunoz5738]

Saludos desde Ramos Arizpe Coahuila México

[@wendellgreenidge3362]

You guys always get the new hotness!!! I’m jealous lol

[@gomez5997]

I do a lot of tinting as well. Does this shrink film well? Specifically the rear windows or full windshields? Or should I just stick with the corded model?

[@WorkshopAddict]

Corded for large work. We use the cordless for getting into smaller areas because there is not as much air volume moved.

[@jparra4766]

Good video. I just bought one from Harbor Freight. The specs were similar to your corded model. We'll see if it lasts.

[@dizzy4303]

J Parra I really want the Milwaukee cordless model but my harbor freight corded one has lasted quite well for me. I don't use it daily but I've put pretty good bit of work in with it. I think the M18 will just be more convenient since it's cordless and I already own Milwaukee batteries

[@PVVP500]

Going to use to open my shed that houses two snow blowers as certain storms with wet freezing snow have made it a challenge (no fun hooking up my electric Milwaukee) Also will use to melt snow in snow blower shoot/auger area after use. Just need to remember not to leave it in the shed!

[@WorkshopAddict]

That might take a while to melt show with it.

[@PVVP500]

@@WorkshopAddict I used some blue paint tape, yes its slow but works, quick on the locks.

[@PVVP500]

To hold the trigger

[@SanchezFrank21]

I do a lot of joint compound finishing on drywall and use the MIL corded. But I want the cordless. Anyone else using it on drywall mud or paint???

[@rich-qk7dc]

I’m a plumber and have a crazy amount of Milwaukee tools but I don’t think this has the power to melt out 4” pvc fittings I’m going to stay with my $20 no name heat gun the only problem is is sometimes using 100’ plus of cords on construction sites

[@thirstbuster78]

I think you're correct.

[@philipjohn4149]

I want cordless. Another note... Really surprised at corded model having a switch that can be knocked on and stay on. Extremely dangerous.

[@SkaterDog13-h3v]

How does it go heating electrical conduit for bending?

[@WorkshopAddict]

The battery powered will be pretty slow due to the lack a a lot of air flow.

[@adamsmith3040]

Hi,can you lock in the trigger on M18 so it will continue blowing?thank you

[@WorkshopAddict]

Unfortunately no

[@MyTubeSVp]

I’d use it for electric shrink tube work, and I think it would be a great tool for that !!

[@leefiles]

thanks. currently, the Milwaukee is the only cordless heat gun.

[@WorkshopAddict]

Ridgid has one but I think it uses butane.

[@leefiles]

thanks again. I was trying to heat something and then the very short power cord wouldn't allow me.

[@stephenwgreen78]

Looks awesome...wish m12 could do it #workshopaddict

[@fionarobertson7693]

Does this have a variable heat setting?

[@WorkshopAddict]

No

[@NaluRash]

This would be great for car wrap installers

[@geoflaw275]

I am a car wrap installer, I got mine on Saturday. The 9v battery will come on Friday. I just want to see how long it will run for wraps.

[@NaluRash]

That's great man. I work in the signage industry and occasionally we do sign wraps. I hope it works great for you. Happy Holidays

[@AutoYoung]

geoffrey lawrence How's your experience been with it so far? I'm also an installcar and I'm looking at this video to probably pick one up for work. Do you recommend it?

[@Ordnajela1]

geoffrey lawrence how’s it doing so far?

[@Jjengering]

If you use a high output m18 battery will it get hotter?

[@WorkshopAddict]

It is barely noticable, if it is hotter at all. Too many safety measures in this tool for it to get hotter.

[@subradiant_music]

It seems to be OK. I'm kinda regretting it. That or battery just isn't there yet. It took like a min to shrink basic 3/8heat shrink

[@WorkshopAddict]

All of the other brands of battery heat guns will beat the milwaukee by a long shot. You can see it in my recent video on the Metabo HPT heat gun. We line them up and the Milwaukee sucks.

[@turnervideostv1295]

Just recently bought this yesterday for heating up rubber patches on the roof . Very disappointed . Just dosnt get hot enough 😢

[@carlosfraija6216]

Nice review, but with a 4.0 Ah M18 Battery how long will last turned on?

[@redheadedrambler2549]

Carlos Fraija I second this question. I would really like to know the battery times because it's a very expensive tool and clearly it's going to take longer since it's not as powerful as a corded model. So if it's possible I'd like to see some battery run time information to determine whether it's worth the expense. Thanks !!!!!

[@WorkshopAddict]

Tell me how you want me to test that. Turn it on for a minute, off for 2 minutes? Keep it on for the whole time. Runtime testing seemed odd because we all use them differently. Also, how many want a 4.0 battery.... More would want a 5.0, right?

[@redheadedrambler2549]

WorkshopAddict I just watched the video again. Honestly for me personally I would say don't worry about it because it doesn't get hot enough to be useful for me. But thank you.

[@TheOregonOutlaw]

Whatever comes standard - weight is a factor also - however nothing says you can't show multiple results for us. Thank You.

[@carlosfraija6216]

I suggest that you test with the fully charged battery and turn it on at maximum temperature and see how long it is on

[@flat6targa]

Would this m18 be good for wiring and heat shrink?

[@WorkshopAddict]

Yes, we use it for that almost daily.

[@jamesfair9751]

The dewalt is better it gets hotter and it has high low settings as well as ability to lock the trigger on if you want.

[@NNITRED]

I just returned it. That's about all it's good for. It's just slight improvement over a hair dryer. It's good for warming the cab when the engine is cold.

[@foam27]

I believe the corded one is 1,276 watts. 110v x 11.6a = 1276w

[@fiehlsport]

Yeah, no way it’s only 400W. These dim the lights when you turn them on.

[@operator8014]

How long does it take each gun to bring a cold cup of coffee back up to temperature? We need some real-world tests of the things it will actually be used for.

[@WorkshopAddict]

1 minute and 33 seconds for the corded and 2 minutes and 41 seconds for battery. :)

[@operator8014]

WorkshopAddict - Oh. That's not bad at all.

[@WorkshopAddict]

You have to be very careful heating up chicken wings as they will burn on the outside pretty fast with both units.

[@operator8014]

WorkshopAddict - Gotcha, I should probably just wait until they make one with temperature adjustment. I hate burnt wings. Thanks for being the reviewers we needed, saved us all a lot of pain and ruined lunch.

[@Elias_Abrego]

@@WorkshopAddict so could this be used as a heater inside of a tent? You know hook it up in the air and allow it to heat the inside up or is it possible that ill get the same results as the wings?

[@robertherrera419]

Pretty cool, guys. #workshopaddict

[@TheOregonOutlaw]

TIME is $$$$- how long will a standard battery last?

[@WorkshopAddict]

See post above on how people want it tested.

[@DoresoomReviews]

The 5Ah battery I tested it with made it 18m45s until it turned off. Somewhere between the 17 minute and 18 minute mark the heating coils went from red hot to normal looking, so the last minute or so wasn't at full heat.

[@TheOregonOutlaw]

thank you

[@kennyrmurray]

I searched this video because I wanted to know how long the battery lasts?

[@suzesiviter6083]

Lets estimate, the corded is around 1100W, this one takes about double the length of time to heat, so say 550W, now P=I*V, so I=P/V= 550/18=30A, ouch that doesn't work since those batteries cannot output 30A!. Therefore I reckon the air-flow is lower on the battery version to increase temperature. Lets instead, lets assume the maximum current is 10A instead which sounds more reasonable for those lithiums, giving 180W. So a 5Ah battery would last 30mins of continuous use?

[@iggymac3473]

nice review #workshopaddict

[@MINIDISK111111]

cordless one is pants

[@jagannathvaidya290]

2000w का लेन है

[@jparra4766]

#Workshopaddict

[@michael506]

Can you do that review again...this time in Celsius...for the rest of the world? 😜👍🏻

[@chevyon37s]

Melting solder? Why even bother? You'll never be using a heat gun for that.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Some people use heat guns for desoldering PCB components.

[@SteffanoDucati]

Whats with the gloves bahahahaha hahahahaaaa

[@oreogonzalez8123]

And here comes 2020 we all are wearing gloves and masks. Go figure. Lmao

[@nono-fn3zc]

Didn’t compare shrinking heat shrink tubing; thumb down.

[@kola2018]

Easy to lose in customer s car

[@pituq129]

Garbage. Bought 2 of them. Last like 1-12 months

[@ceterfo]

"So It won't start a fire." Take the goddamn battery out of the f****** tool when you're carrying it around. Oh no it takes a fraction of a second once you get used to it how cumbersome to maintain your s***.

[@robzkie659]

Or a safety switch.

[@QasimKhan-du6oo]

Price

[@QasimKhan-du6oo]

I am from Pakistan

[@ceterfo]

@@QasimKhan-du6oo it's like 140 my guess 180 with shipping before batteries. I'd check if Makita has one they have better global distribution. Or just a corded heat gun, it would probably be more cost effective.