Propane Heat Shrink Guns: A Buyer's Guide for Pallet Shrink Wrapping

By US Packing Equipment Team ·

For most warehouses, a propane heat shrink gun with adjustable output, automatic gas cut-off and a complete kit is the right tool for pallet shrink wrapping. Choose a high-output gun for daily use and thick film, a lighter gun for regular use, and a shrink column once pallet volumes outgrow hand work.

Why shrink wrap pallets with a heat gun

A pallet shrink cover is a hood of polyethylene film pulled over the load and shrunk tight with heat. Unlike stretch wrap, which is wound around the sides, a shrink cover protects the top as well, so the load is sealed against rain, snow and dust on five sides. A tight cover also shows at a glance whether the load has been opened. That is why shrink covers are common for exports, outdoor storage and sensitive goods.

A propane heat gun is the most flexible way to shrink the cover. It works on any pallet size and also on loads that are not pallets at all: machines, boats, scaffolding and building containment.

How a propane heat shrink gun works

The gun is connected by a hose and pressure regulator to a propane cylinder. When the operator pulls the trigger, gas flows to the burner, a piezo igniter lights it, and the gun blows hot air onto the film. Polyethylene shrink film contracts when it is heated, so the cover tightens around the load as the operator moves the gun over it. The heat output, given in BTU/h or kW, sets how fast the film shrinks.

Heat output

Higher output shrinks thick film faster and makes large jobs quicker, but it also asks for more care with thin film. An adjustable gun covers both. The Ripack 3000 is adjustable from about 154,000 to 273,000 BTU/h (45–80 kW) and is built for heavy daily use, including thick construction and marine film. The Ripack 2500 is adjustable from about 116,000 to 205,000 BTU/h (34–60 kW), which is enough for most pallet covers.

Ripack 3000, Ripack 2500 and Turbopack compared

Criterion Ripack 3000 Ripack 2500 Turbopack V2
Type Hand-held gun Hand-held gun Mobile shrink column
Heat output About 154,000–273,000 BTU/h (45–80 kW) About 116,000–205,000 BTU/h (34–60 kW) 75–280 kW depending on height
Weight Gun 2.7 lb (1,220 g) Gun 2.07 lb (940 g) 185–309 lb empty, on wheels
Gas Propane; natural gas with conversion kit Propane Propane
Shrinking a pallet By hand, any load By hand, any load About 40 s per pallet per Ripack
Extension poles Yes, with folding arm rest Ask before ordering Not needed
Suited to Daily use, thick film, large jobs Regular pallet wrapping Many pallets per shift

Safety features to look for

Propane tools must be safe even when something goes wrong. Look for these features:

  • Automatic gas cut-off if the hose breaks. Both Ripack guns stop the gas flow in that case.
  • Overheat protection. Ripack's Securipack system detects the pressure in the gas cylinder and helps prevent overheating.
  • A cool nozzle. A stainless steel heat diffuser that stays cool during extended use reduces the risk of burns and film damage when the gun touches the load.
  • A fail-safe regulator between the cylinder and the hose. Both Ripack kits include one.

Weight, balance and handling

An operator may hold the gun for a long time, often at arm's length. A lighter gun such as the Ripack 2500 is easier on the arm; a gun with a good handle and arm rest, such as the Ripack 3000 with its folding arm rest, is easier to control with extension poles. If several people share the gun, let them try both before you decide, because comfort affects how evenly they work over a long shift.

Gas supply

Both guns run on propane from a standard cylinder, which is not included in the kits. The Ripack 3000 can also run on natural gas with a conversion kit, which is practical at a fixed workstation with a gas line. Plan where cylinders are stored and how they are moved: a gas cylinder trolley such as the Ripack 936 V5 carries an 11–30 lb tank and holds the hose and gun on an arm. Store and handle cylinders according to local rules.

Accessories that matter

Extension poles let you reach the top of a tall load and the lower edge of a pallet without bending or climbing. Ripack offers lengths from 1′10″ to 6′8″ for the Ripack 2200 and 3000, for example the Combo 4-9. A pallet raiser such as the Calpack V2 lets you pull the film under the pallet, so the cover holds the load to the pallet. A hose reel keeps the hose off the floor. See Gun Accessories.

Technique: shrinking a pallet cover

Pull the cover over the load and let it hang evenly. Start at the bottom: shrink the skirt first so the cover is anchored to the pallet. Then work up the sides in steady, sweeping passes, keeping the nozzle moving at a constant distance from the film. Finish with the top. Holding the gun in one spot can burn a hole; moving too fast leaves loose film. Our step-by-step guide How to Shrink Wrap a Pallet covers each step.

Film thickness

Thicker polyethylene film resists punctures from heavy or sharp-edged loads and suits outdoor storage; thinner film is enough for light loads that stay indoors. Thicker film needs more heat, so a higher-output gun helps. Use the Pallet Shrink Calculator to estimate film per pallet.

When to move to a shrink column

If your team shrinks many pallets per shift, the gun becomes the bottleneck. The Ripack Turbopack V2 is a mobile shrink column: the operator walks it once around the pallet, and per Ripack the cover is shrunk on all sides and the top in about 40 seconds. It comes in six heights from 2.62 to 10.5 ft.

Safety rules

Propane heat tools are operated only by trained personnel, following Ripack's instructions and local fire and gas codes. Keep the work area free of flammable material, check hoses and connections before each use, and never leave a lit gun unattended.

Heat guns: the Ripack 3000 for daily heavy use and the Ripack 2500 for regular use. Both are listed in Shrink Wrap Heat Guns.

For higher volumes: the Ripack Turbopack V2 and the Multicover systems in Pallet Shrink Systems. Accessories and parts: Gun Accessories and Ripack Spare Parts.

Machines in this guide

Frequently asked questions

How much heat output do I need?

For regular pallet covers, a gun with about 116,000 to 205,000 BTU/h (34–60 kW), such as the Ripack 2500, is enough. For daily heavy use and thick construction or marine film, a gun with about 154,000 to 273,000 BTU/h (45–80 kW), such as the Ripack 3000, shrinks faster.

Is a propane cylinder included with the gun?

No. The Ripack kits include the gun, a fail-safe pressure regulator, a 26 ft hose with swivel connector, a wrench, an instruction booklet and a tool bag. You connect your own propane cylinder, stored and handled according to local rules.

Can I use a heat gun indoors?

Follow Ripack's instructions, local fire and gas codes and your company's safety rules. Keep the area free of flammable material, make sure there is adequate ventilation, and have the rules for propane use in your building checked by the responsible person before you start.

When is a Turbopack better than a gun?

When you shrink many pallets per shift. The Turbopack V2 shrinks a pallet cover on all sides and the top in about 40 seconds per Ripack while the operator walks around the load once. A hand-held gun remains more flexible for odd-shaped loads, boats and structures.

Which warranty applies to Ripack guns?

Each machine is covered by its manufacturer's warranty; the terms are listed on each product page. If you have a question about a specific model before ordering, call +1 469-809-4363 or send a quote request, and we will answer it in writing.