[Brent Deines]

I have found there is a big difference in heat guns as well. I once purchased a used one that looked like it had been drug behind a car for a couple hundred miles. I later found out it was about 15 year old, but it still performed very well for me for many years. It was an all metal work horse but a bit bulky to pack around.

I have heard the Steinels are very good, but when my old standby took its last breath I had to get something quick and the Makita was the best one I could find at the local hardware store. I don't remember what I paid, but with accessories I think it was over $100 as well. Since I have tried a few of the cheapos for backups, but they just don't do what I want them to, and don't hold up to constant use.

I do also have an all plastic one that I mentioned in another post. It's a great gun for shrink wrapping and due to the fact that the tip is plastic is safe to throw back in your tool box, or even lay it on a hood protector right after use. The only draw back is that it does not have as many temperature settings as the Makita.