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Ryobi Heat Gun: Facts, Uses, How To, Review

“It’s rare when I think a tool is perfect, but Ryobi just made their already perfect tool even more perfect. The all-new, updated Ryobi Cordless 18V Cordless Dual Temperature Glue Gun is simply awesome!”

A heat gun is known for its usefulness in a number of professional and DIY applications. That’s the reason almost every window tinter, craftsman, DIY enthusiast, and plumbing professional owns one. 

Whether it’s loosening and stripping tint film or paint, bending or welding PVC pipes, thawing frozen pipes, or any other similar project, a heat gun comes in handy. 

For those who are into automotive window tinting, a heat gun is a must-have tool.

In fact, one of the integral steps of professional window tinting is to use a heat gun for heat-shrinking the film. Using a heat gun helps smoothen the applied film and get an adorable appearance.

Ryobi Cordless Heat Gun

Now the question is which heat gun you should buy and what special features are important to you? There are several brands manufacturing heat guns with varying features.

The Ryobi Cordless heat gun is a well-known option in this category and is trusted by a number of customers around the world. Many professionals consider the Ryobi heat gun to be their ‘go to’ option.

If you don’t already, you might be thinking of owning a heat gun if it’s not already in your set of cordless tools.

Video Review of the Ryobi Heat Gun

Some Facts about Ryobi Heat Gun

How the Ryobi Heat Gun Works?

The Ryobi 18v one heat gun works much like a hairdryer, but certainly, it is capable of generating more hot air due to the purpose-built max temperature range.

It’s a Cordless Heat Gun

As a cordless tool, this heat gun is considered easy-to-handle equipment that can accomplish a number of DIY and professional projects. 

As it’s a battery-powered heat gun, it can help you reach the edges and tight corners where the traditional tethered power tools could be an issue. A corded heat gun is more useful when you don’t have to access tight to reach spaces.

Ryobi Safety Lock

A distinguishing feature of this product is its safety lock for the trigger making it extremely rare to cause any accidental fire. 

Ryobi Nozzles

Ryobi heat gun comes with nozzles that can fix well on the heat gun for various purposes.  If any heat gun is providing these nozzles along, this means you will find plenty of help in instances where you want focused or direct heat on a specific object or spot jobs. These nozzles also help in accurately controlling the temperature and directing the flow of heat.

There are two included nozzles in the Ryobi heat gun package,  the deflector nozzle, and the concentrator nozzle. The deflector nozzle helps achieve efficiency and effectiveness in jobs such as pipe thawing and shrink tubing.

The concentrated nozzle also called pipe thawing concentrator nozzle is effective in intensifying heat at a specific point.

LED Work Light

The Ryobi heat gun features an LED light which makes your work super easy accurate by improving your visibility in the dark.

What Can You Use a Heat Gun for? 

This gun can be used for multiple application which includes but are not limited to;

1. Automotive window film tinting. The heat can also reduce your time and effort in removing window tint.
2. Softening various types of adhesives
3. Assist in paint in stripping since it loosens up paint and helps you pull it effortlessly. Similarly, it also helps caulking, putty, and wallpaper removal
4. Heat shrink plastics for weatherproofing or wrapping
5. It helps remove hard stickers, welding as well as bending pipes
6. It assists in heating shrink tubing for electrical work and even helps to lossen rusted nuts and bolts
7. Most of all, many people face the issue of frozen pipes in the winter and your heat gun can assist with that. A heat gun like Ryobi can warm the pipes to help them thaw and improve water flow. 
8. Assist in other household DIY projects 

How Hot Can The Ryobi Heat Gun Get?

Checking the temperature range of the heat gun is important since it determines what job you can perform with your heat gun. 

At maximum, the Ryobi heat gun gets hot to 875 Degree Fahrenheit.  This temperature is considered pretty good to handle jobs such as heating shrink wrap, drying joint compound, or shrink tubing.  Also, you don’t have to wait much longer till it reaches operational temperature and you start working.

It takes about 10 seconds to reach the temperature where it can start working efficiently.

However, it is always suggested that while you are dealing with a heat gun, make sure that you are able to maintain a space of nearly 1-inch between the nozzle of the gun and the work area to avoid any burning or flaming. 

What is a heat gun Power Tool?

Before we understand how a heat gun is considered a power tool, it’s necessary to understand what a power tool is? So, all those tools which are driven by an external power source and not operated by manual effort, are known as power tools.

Because technically, a heat gun runs off of electricity to get hot and function, it’s considered a portable power tool.  

How accurate is the Ryobi Heat Gun?

Just like other Ryobi tools, the Ryobi heat gun is a worthy investment, based on some recent customer reviews. Since it doesn’t get excessively hot all at once, it is ideal for most DIY projects demanding precision and care, such as window tinting.

But some people do think that it consumes a good amount of battery. Also, it’s true that for some projects you may need a high temperature, say 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

In this case, you may switch to other Ryobi corded counterparts which are even more powerful and versatile. 

Ryobi Heat Gun: The Verdict 

According to the average customer ratings, Ryobi heat gun is the ideal product for many projects involving paint stripping, plastic bending, tint film shrinking, and similar such jobs.

This heat gun is more affordable considering its multipurpose applications and effectiveness at the same time.

The maximum temperature is 875 degrees Fahrenheit making it quite suitable for various jobs.

Also reaching operating temperature is not a long-awaited process. The availability of additional nozzles makes the tube shrink and in helping pipe thaw. As promised, this heat gun can run for up to 20 minutes as soon as it is paired with a Ryobi P193 18V 6Ah battery pack.

However, the battery is not included in the package and you need to buy one.

Also for instances when it’s dark or you need additional light, the LED work light illuminates the workspace for increased visibility and proves to be really helpful.

Some people may dislike the additional safety locks but they are for your own benefit in minimizing most risks associated with heat guns. 

Conclusion

The benefits of the Ryobi are numerous compared to the product’s low cost. The best part is its safety feature which helps you prevent any kind of hazards. 

20 Window Tint

“The tint percentage refers to the portion of visible light that passes through a tint treated window”.  This percentage is also known as visible light transmission (VLT). 

For example, if you have treated your window with a 20% window tint, it means that 20% of the light is allowed to enter your vehicle.

20 Window Tint Before and After (Picture)

Below is a before and after picture of a car that started with no window tint film and then added a 20% window tint so you can visualize the difference before and after the tint was added.

What Does 20% Tint Mean?

If you have applied 20% window tint, this means only 20% of the visible light is entering your car.  A car usually comes with a built-in factory tint ranging between 15-20%.

From this explanation, it can simply be understood that the higher the percentage of the tint, the lighter the color of the tint will be. So a 20 tint percent is darker than a 70 or 80 % tint. That’s why you may see that 20% is illegal in most states.

How Dark is 20% Tint?

20% tint is fairly dark as it allows just 20% of light to pass through the car window, blocking the remaining 80% of light. This means that the driver may have to compromise on visibility, though it is great for privacy purposes. 

The associated visibility risk becomes one of the prime reasons that most states do not allow dark tints for cars and declare them illegal for driver side and passenger windows. Although some states will allow this tint on rear windows & back windshield (back window).

Can you See Through 20% Tint at Night?

Yes. But it can be a little difficult and it depends on the circumstances outside. It also depends on how dark it is outside.

For example, in the early evening when it’s not too dark yet, you may not notice a problem driving, but when it gets darker, this window tint may become a problem.

You may also find it difficult to park your car, as parking requires looking through rear windows. You will probably have to roll down your windows at night with a 20% tint to drive safely, especially in tight corridors. 

But again,  you can’t just install any level tint darkness on your car windows, you will have to see if you are allowed to use a 20% tint film according to your state’s laws.

Is 20% Tint Dark Enough?

Yes. While this is subjective and more personal opinion, remember that the 20 tint film will block 80% of the light from passing through.

It’s dark enough and a great option that offers a high level of privacy, protection and prevents intruders from seeing inside the car.

With 20 percentage tinted windows, people outside the vehicle can see through windows when they are very close but, not very well from a distance

What is the difference between 20% and 35% Window Tint?

20% window has 20% visible light transmittance whereas a 35% window tint film has 35% VLT. This means 35 % window tint allows more light to come in and is lighter than a 20% window tint.

Although 35% car window tinting also gives a darker and more stylish look, it is comparatively easy to see through, particularly at night. 

How much Does 20% Tint Cost?

The cost of getting your vehicle tinted with 20% film or purchasing 20% tint film rolls depends on a variety of factors such as; 

• The brand you prefer as brands may determine quality and price. A quality film is certainly different than a cheap one. Some brands offer an installation tint kit alongside. If not, you may also have to purchase one.
• The material and technology you want to go for.
• The warranty
• The size of the film or the quantity of material you need to treat your windows.
• How many windows do you want to tint? That is only front side windows or the back windows too.
• Whether you are looking for professional services for a flawless installation or doing it as a DIY project. Again the details such as make, model, and year of cars matter when you want professional service.

20% Tint Film – Best Choice

20 tint percentage films are available online for purchase, here are some top options based on reviews, customer feedback, pricing, and brand

TRUE LINE Automotive 1Ply Car Window Tint 

True line automotive is declared to be one of the top 10 automotive tint brands in 2022. This specific non-metalized tint comes with a 1.1 Mil thickness (0.001 inches) along with a high quality 1 ply fil. The product also features the prevention of up to 99% of harmful sun rays.  It is an easy installation. 

MKBROTHER 20% VLT 20″ in x 25′ Ft

The best part about this non-metalized 20% window tint is that it is very much affordable. It comes with peel and sticks technology with a 1.5 Mil thickness 1PLY Film. Like most of the top-quality automotive tint brands, it can prevent 99% of UV rays and 50% of heat.  Amongst the various sizes of this tint, this particular size 20in x 25Ft costs around 27.72$.

Gila® Static Cling 20% VLT Automotive Window Tint

Gila Static Cling Plus 20% VLT Automotive Window Tint features Gila’s specialty of improving your car’s aesthetics with its upgraded styles.  With this scientifically made tint, you can expect durability, scratch resistance, and 99 % UV rays.  The tint has heat rejection features that help keep your car interior cooler and save on fuel.

 LEXEN 2Ply Premium Carbon 24

This new Lexen is a  24″ X 100FT Roll 2Ply window tin that comes in a variety of tint shades including the dark  20% VLT and 5 % VLT.  This tint features particle technology which is made up of carbon pigments thus offering an exceptional amount of heat rejection and color stability. With this 20% film, you can expect privacy, interior fading protection, and cool temperature. 

Gila NRS44 Basic Limo Black 20-Percent 

For dark tint enthusiasts, this particular 20% product from Gila may prove to be an excellent option. Just like other top-rated tints, this tint allows 36% of heat rejection, minimizes glare, eye strain and protects you from 99% of UV rays. The installation with Gila complete application kit becomes very easy and you can go for a DIY. As far as the film size is concerned, the film size which is 24 in. x 6.5 ft. is sufficient enough to cover two side windows.  

Greenfilm Static Cling Window Tint 20%

This is a 24″ x 120″static cling window tint film with the ability to blocks 77% of visible light.  Also, it blocks 55% of IR and 96% thus giving you a good amount of privacy and peace of mind. However, the package contains one roll of G-Cling 20 window film and you need to purchase the installation kit separately. 

20 Tint on Cars – Pictures (Examples)

Pictures of cars with 20 tint so you can get an idea of how dark the tint is and what it could look like on your vehicle.

20 Tint Car Window Tint

20% window tint is a darker tint and undoubtedly it has an amazing appearance for vehicles along with its feature to avoid harmful UV rays and eye strain. However, before you make a purchase, check out what the law says about window films in your state. 

Also, almost all the top window tints have 20% window tint and the cost may vary depending on a variety of factors mentioned above. 

Interested to learn more about other tint percentages?

Check out 35% Window Tint

Check out 25% Window Tint

Check out 15% Window Tint

Check out 5% (Limo Tint)

Tinting Your Cars Tail Lights: Everything You Need To Know

TINTED TAIL LIGHTS – A QUICK GUIDE  

What are tinted tail lights? 

Tinted tail lights reduce the brake light output significantly, resulting in a black-cherry-like tint that may look great with darker hues, particularly reds.

Changing the hue or opacity of your tail light may provide a unique appearance to your vehicle, truck, or SUV.  

It may also draw attention and provide the “WOW” element that many people desire in a car. Most individuals opt to install taillight tinting for the sake of appearances. While there are variants to tinting taillights that can be prohibited, this application really improves the overall function of the taillight and can really provide a custom look to your car.

Tailight Tinting Video

Best tail light tint kits:

• Luxe Lightwrap Darksmoke Stealth Tint Kit – Universal
• VViViD Hex Light Air-Tint Headlight Taillight Vinyl (w/Toolkit)

Tinted Tail Lights Legal?

Are tinted tail lights illegal? Show cars look incredible because they are not legally permitted to drive on open streets and so, can be altered in extreme ways, such as with a dark tint on the taillights.

While there are no federal limitations on tinted taillights, each vehicle is subject to the state laws, which differ and may determine the required quantity of light output or light transmission, needed from your hued taillight.

The last thing you want is to be pulled over by a cop at a stoplight because your taillights do not comply with local laws.

There are many grey areas in the USA, so verify your state’s vehicle code to confirm you have the legal capacity to tint your taillights. In New York, for instance, no car made after 1952 is permitted to have rear taillights where the light bulbs cannot be seen from 1,000 feet away. A fast online search for your jurisdiction plus the words “vehicle code” can yield the legitimate information you need to decide whether your tinted taillights are legal. 

Black Tail Lights illegal? 

All states mandate that vehicle tail lights be visible from a specified distance away, particularly at night. This holds true for both tinted and non-tinted taillights.

This implies you might be pulled over if your taillights are obstructed by dust or snow, making them hard to see. A law enforcement officer has a legitimate reason to stop you even if you have one taillight that isn’t visible, such as faulty light bulbs. 

Taillights that have been completely blacked out are unlawful in all 50 states. Your tinted taillights are considered prohibited if their appearance results in not being able to see anything through them, including your turn signal when it’s switched on.

This is for your protection and other drivers around you. Other drivers must be able to see when you are slowing, coming to a halt, or preparing to turn.

How much does it cost to tint tail lights? 

It’s probably less than you’d imagine. For professional results, you can receive a perfect fit tail light tint job for between $65 and $150 per lens at the wide range of pricing. This is based on the vehicle and the shape and size of the tinted tail lights. More precisely, most drivers can expect to pay between $85 and $95 for each lens. 

Where to purchase tinted tail lights:

There are many tail light tint options on the market. Pre-cut tail light tint, dark smoke style taillight tint, tint for LED tail lights, light smoke options, below is a curated list of great quality tinted tail light options:

• VViViD Air-Tint Extra-Wide Headlight Taillight Vinyl Tint 
• NDRUSH Blackout Taillight Vinyl Tint Film 
• VViViD Air-Tint Smoke Black Gloss Vinyl Headlight Foglight Transparent Tint Wrap 
• Bogar Tech Designs Taillight Side Markers Tint 
• VViViD Air-Tint Dark Black Taillight Headlight Tints

How to tint your tail lights? 

• Cut the film to roughly the form of your reverse lights. It’s fine if you have a little excess tint on the borders since you can always trim it later once the film is placed to ensure a perfect fit. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-cut film to make the installation easier.
• Make sure there is no dirt/debris on the lights. For a quality job, you want to operate on a clean, dry, smooth surface. 
• Install the tint film. You must apply the film rapidly and with an even layer since any trapped dirt under the surface might produce bubbles and creases in the film. Careful to avoid touching the sticky side and leaving behind finger prints.
• Flatten the film out. Once installed, this is when the squeegee comes in, as it allows you to flatten and smooth out the film and remove any surplus water or bubbles.  
• Apply Heat. Once the film has been applied, use a heat gun or hair dryer to provide the final touches to guarantee the film is completely dry.
• Remove and cut away any extra film tint to match the shapes of your lights. 
• And you are all done. Enjoy your newly modified rear taillights.

ProTips: If your taillight is about 12 inches wide, a 13 or 14-inch cut should be sufficient. Separately, while the adhesive side of the film is not extremely adjustable, you should be able to reposition it if you need to cover the lenses or make a minor adjustment.

Chameleon Window Tint: Is it legal and how much does it cost?

Chameleon tint is different than your ordinary window tint film in that it has colored dye in the film. This color, generally of a purple, blue, and green gradient, will appear to change colors as the tinted vehicle is in motion or the angle of the sun/light changes. This gives the windows of the car a shifting look and the impression that they are always changing colors, just like a chameleon.

What Is Chameleon Window Tint?

Chameleon Window tint is an automobile window tint film style that provides a gradient-like coloring to the tint, it is available in different shades and colors.

One of the most distinctive features of this tint is that it can change its color according to the outside environment. The factors responsible for this color alteration include weather conditions, temperature, different angles of view, and lighting.

This means that the tinted window or headlight tint that is treated with the chameleon film will appear to be changing its color depending on the sun and other technical indicators. The best part is that treating your car with a chameleon tint won’t affect your visibility from inside the car. However, people outside will not be able to see the inside.

Why Use Chameleon Tint film?

Chameleon tint film ensures high-level privacy, acts as a UV protection tool as well as adding a unique aesthetic appeal to your vehicle.

Many car enthusiasts are of the opinion that chameleon window tint in varying colors such as blue, purple, and more enables your car to shine in the crowd, both in terms of function and style. 

Simply put, it’s an attention-grabber. Not to mention, this type of film will considerably help you protect the condition of your interior from fading. Also, there is better temperature control inside your car. Among other things, if there is broken glass, the chameleon film can act as a safety net and security, keeping the glass from entering the cabin of the vehicle.

Is Chameleon Tint Legal?

The short answer is “ Yes” it is legal in the United States.  However, the exact laws regarding the application of chameleon-style window tints on a state-by-state basis. 

Usually, Chameleon with 85% visible light transmittance is legal in most states and it’s even possible to use it on your windshield, up to the car’s AS-1 line. Chameleon films with a 78% to 70% visible light transmission are impermissible for the front windshield. The aspect you will want to double-check from a legal standpoint is how much is light transmitted through the film and is that percentage acceptable in your state.

Internationally, most countries set a legal limit to not allow tint darker than 70% for the front windows (driver side and front passenger). But, if you prefer a darker tint, you can install them on the rear side windows (typically the back two side windows allow for a darker tint, allowing less visibility.

To be smart, before you purchase chameleon films, make sure you select a professional tinting company that will comply with the legal request of the state. Even if you are shopping online, make sure you are purchasing the right shade and percentage for your vehicle, as per your state limits. These precautions will help you avoid any kind of issues on the road as well as unnecessary citations.

How much does Chameleon Tint Cost?

Just like any other type of window tint, the cost of the chameleon tints vary and depend on a variety of factors. For instance, the amount of tinting material you want and the quality of the film will impact the price.

However, on average you should expect to pay something in the range of $100-$400 for the full car. These figures can be less or more than this bracket depending on your unique circumstances. You can also check ultravision chameleon series and choose one that fits within your price range.

Factors  Affecting The Cost Of Chameleon Tint

Let’s deep dive and check out a few factors that act as a determinant for the cost of chameleon tint

Vehicle Type

Of course, the type of vehicle, its make and model, and how many windows need to be tinted is number one. A vehicle with fewer windows will need less tint film and will cost you less. Similarly, a vehicle with an easy-to-handle window will need less time and effort and will cost you less. A unique vehicle model with a complex design may cost you more. 

Applying Chameleon Tint

The installation process is very similar to your traditional tint film application methods. The chameleon film can be applied right to the surface of your windows. Sometimes if your windows were already treated with tint film, the service provider will have to spend time removing and cleaning the glass before window tinting. In this condition, they may charge you more. Overall, the chameleon window tinting costs have risen considerably due to the labor and installation process involved. If you want to install it as a DIY project and you think you have a steady hand to do this job, you will need to buy the chameleon film roll that you need along with some necessary tools such as a heat guns for window tinting.

Chameleon Tint Film Quality 

The old saying “you get what you pay for” is certainly true here. You may be able to find some inexpensive chameleon tint films for your car, though you may have to compromise on the look, quality, and functionality.  A higher-quality film will often last longer, look better and perform better at blocking our more light.

Top Chameleon Tint Brands

There are several quality chameleon tint brands that you can purchase online. For example; 

ATMOMO Dark Blue Chameleon Windshield Tint

 This is a beautiful chameleon tint shade with a purple and blue color gradient. ATMOMO is a high-quality product that’s film features include blocking UV rays and harmful sunlight thus protecting your vehicle interior for longer. Pricing varies depending on how much film you need.

XhuangTech Window Tint Film for Cars

XhuangTech is a well-known high-quality window tint film manufacturer.  This particular deep blue chameleon tint shade has a cool reflection effect, excellent heat, and scratch resistance.

JDM BESTBOY Chameleon Color Window Film

JDM BESTBOY is a reputable brand that offers chameleon window film in multiple sizes with your standard cold colors (green, blue, and purple). This is a self-adhesive film which means you just have to peel and paste.  It’s a multipurpose tint film and the high-level blockage of up to 80% UV rays makes this specific tint film worth investing money.

Conclusion

No doubt Chameleon window film will turn heads and can be a big attention-getter in the world of window tinting.

There is a great selection of options online that you can review and read other customers’ feedback on and have it shipped directly to your door. The installation process is very similar to your traditional tint film application methods.

Alternatively, contact your local tint shop as they may have a few different brands you can physically check out or at least have pictures of cars with different chameleon tints applied. Some folks even apply chameleon tint on their headlights!