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Ryobi recently launched a new 18V cordless heat pen, PCL916, which can best be described a heat gun without a handle.
The new Ryobi 18V heat gun features a tethered power source and cradle, where you don’t have to hold the weight of the battery during use.
It can be used for tasks such as applying heat shrink tubing, removing adhesives, or removing decals from hard surfaces.
Ryobi says that their cordless heat pen is compact and allows for precision heat applications where traditional heat guns won’t fit.
Features include dual temperature settings, on-board accessory storage, a stand integrated into the battery attachment, and it comes with 2 removable nozzles.
Features & Specs
- Dual temperature settings – 450° and 750°F
- 90-second heat-up time to 700°F
- Includes deflector and spreader nozzles
- 3100 BTU heat rating
- 6 CFM air volume
The kit comes with a charger and 2Ah battery.
Price: $60 for the tool-only (PCL916B), $99 for the kit (PCL916K1)
Ryobi’s cordless heat pen is available exclusively at Home Depot.
First Impression
Ryobi says that their 18V cordless heat pen can be used “where a traditional heat gun would not physically fit.” Such as…?
I bought a mini heat gun for applying heat shrink tubing a few years ago. I don’t recall the price, but it’s currently $15.
Not to mince words, I’m not a big fan of the tool; I’ve had much better experiences with full-size heat guns and the like.
My corded tool delivers 300W of power, and is advertised as reaching “somewhere around 250°C,” which would be ~482°, or close to the lower 450°F setting of the Ryobi tool.
The Ryobi tool can reach a higher temp and also offers cordless convenience.
I’m not running out to buy the Ryobi heat pen, but I like the concept, and am filing it away as a “good to know it exists” type of product.
Ryobi has a 4V Max cordless hot glue pen ($50 at Home Depot). I’d be sold on a cordless heat pen powered by Ryobi’s USB Lithium platform.
That’s not to say that the 18V heat pen is unappealing, but I’d want something that does away with the power cord entirely. Being tethered to a battery pack is better than having to find a wall outlet, but isn’t as convenient as completely cordless solutions.
Ryobi deserves credit for continually expanding their 18V cordless power tool system one specialty hobby tool at a time.
