How to Use a Hair Dryer to Soften Adhesive

Written By: Clay Eickemeyer

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How to Use a Hair Dryer to Soften Adhesive

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

No estimate

Introduction

Follow these instructions to use a hair dryer to soften adhesive. If you're using a heat gun (which emits much hotter air), follow this guide instead.

A hair dryer is a handheld device that emits a warm stream of air ranging between temperatures of 70 °F and 200 °F (21–93 °C).

Refer to your specific repair guide for detailed instructions on adhesive locations and sensitive components. Check your hair dryer's user manual for operating and safety procedures.

Tools

Hair Dryer

Step 1

Before you begin, make sure you have a plan in the event of a fire. If you have a swollen battery, take appropriate precautions.
Keep the hair dryer switched off and unplugged when not in use.
Avoid using extension cords to power your hair dryer. Since hair dryers require a high current draw, cheaper or old extension cords pose a greater fire risk.
Never heat a battery directly. If you're heating adhesive near or underneath a battery, make sure you've completely discharged the battery before applying heat.

Step 2

The next four steps show how to use the hair dryer to soften strong adhesives, such as screen and frame adhesives.
Place your device on a clean, heat resistant surface or mat.
Keep flammable materials away from your work area.

Step 3

Set the temperature of your hair dryer to its "hot" setting.
Set the fan setting to "Low" for small parts, such as cables or tape.
Set the fan setting to "High" for large surfaces, such as screens or back covers.

Step 4

Position the nozzle of your hair dryer 2–3 inches above the device.
Move the hair dryer along the surface of your device.
Never leave your hair dryer in one spot for an extended period of time.
Heat the surface until it's hot to the touch, or as directed by the repair guide.
If you’re heating an OLED screen, don’t heat it over 176 °F (80 °C) or you may damage the OLED screen.
If you’re heating the adhesive underneath the battery, make sure the battery doesn’t go over 150 °F (66 °C) or you may damage the battery.
Make sure to turn off your hair dryer before setting it down to continue the repair.

Step 5

Keep your hair dryer in motion while heating smaller surfaces by moving it in circles above the device.
Some components, such as large screens, require multiple cycles of heating and slicing. Take your time and apply more heat if the component feels stuck.

Step 6

This step shows how to use your hair dryer to loosen protective tape and stickers.
Position the nozzle of your hair dryer 2–3 inches above the device and set the fan setting to "Low".
Apply heat in small circles over the tape or sticker for 30 seconds.
Peel the tape from the device.

Step 7

This step shows how to use your hair dryer to loosen cables adhered to your device.
Position the nozzle of your hair dryer 2–3 inches above the device and set the fan setting to "Low".
Apply heat in small circles over the cable for 30 seconds.
Peel the cable from the device.