While mechanics, bodyshops, truck technicians, and farmers love their Mini-Ductor® Venom® and Mini-Ductor II induction heating tools, their safety and effectiveness are dependent on the state of the pre-formed coils used with them.
The Inductor® coils are vital accessories for technicians and we’re often asked by customers for tips and advice on how to extend the life of our coils.
For example, the Bearing Buddy coil (available in both 41″ and 96″ lengths) is used to free steering and suspension parts, frozen O² sensors, remove ball joints and tie-rod ends. These coils are available in regular or long sizes.
Each coil will last several hundred uses, but avoiding abrasion and overheating, which can breach the insulation, prevents premature wear.
When to Replace Coils
Bearing Buddy coils are much longer than standard coils. Made of finely twisted copper, these should be replaced when metal becomes exposed and/or turns brownish like standard coils (see image), or become brittle – as in the images below:
How to Extend Bearing Buddy Coil Life with a Plumber’s Mat
A plumber’s mat is a good way to avoid abrasion and overheating and prevent damage that can reduce the Bearing Buddy coil, which should last for at least 100 uses.
Below, we show you how a plumber’s mat can be used to separate a rusted and corroded exhaust – a task that be time consuming and frustrating. The nuts securing the bolts rust easily and the corroded exhaust pipe can be extremely difficult to separate. But there is a quicker, safer solution.
Read our step by step guide below to find out how induction heat, applied via a Bearing Buddy coil and plumber’s mat, makes this task a lot easier.
Equipment Needed
- Heat resistant gloves
- Overalls
- Goggles and a respirator mask (if smoke will be produced from heating)
Knowledge Required
- A well-reviewed proficiency of the tools safety and operating instructions
Steps
Step 1: Use a regular preformed coil to remove the nut. Remember, the nut remains very hot (you may see small amounts of smoke).
Step 2: Select the correct tool. Remove the nut while still hot – be careful.
Step 3: The nut is removed cleanly and easily, with no damage to the surrounding area.
Step 4: Wrap a plumber’s mat around the exhaust. Hold it in place.
Step 5: Wrap Bearing Buddy Coil (while not attached to the Mini-Ductor) around the plumber’s mat.
Step 6: Attach the Mini-Ductor.
Step 7: Heat the exhaust. Caution: The exhaust will remain very hot.
Step 8: The heat breaks down the corrosion and the plumber’s mat minimizes abrasion and overheating. Remove the Bearing Buddy Coil and plumber’s mat. Caution: the exhaust pipe remains hot.
Step 9: Use a hammer to loosen the joint and separate the exhaust while it is still hot.
Contact us to learn more about induction heating applications