How to Properly Use and Maintain Induction Heating Coils

Here at Induction Innovations, we manufacture powerful induction heating tools and induction heating coils of various sizes to help free seized parts, auto glass, moldings, bedliners, and more.

Induction heating coils, which transfer heat from our Mini-Ductor^® tools to the objects being heated, are critical elements to the process of releasing rusted or seized hardware from corrosion and thread lock compounds.

If you purchased a Mini-Ductor tool, you might notice that each kit comes with a starter coil variety pack. If you are new to the induction heat process, check out our applications page or contact an induction heating expert to help you select the perfect coil for your application 

Overview of Induction Heating Coils

Induction heating coils are essential accessories to our lines of induction heating systems, which work by generating electromagnetic waves to heat up and expand magnetic metals. Coils are inserted into each unit and then wrapped or placed around a seized or corroded item, ideally without direct contact.

While the list of applications is endless, the goal is to free ferrous metal components that are otherwise stuck and unable to be removed. Our induction heating tools can also assist in releasing parts adhered to vehicles, such as windshields, graphics, and spray-in bedliners, by heating the metal beneath the item and breaking the bond of the adhesive.

The induction heating process is a precise, safe, and reliable method for removing rusted or corroded parts. Using induction heating tools can help avoid collateral damage and potential injuries caused by the traditional torch. 

Because coils are a fundamental piece of the induction heating process, we encourage users to follow proper usage tips. Below, you will find our guide to best practices when using coils, how to choose the right one, the differences between them, and some tips for how to properly use and maintain your coils for the best results.

Don’t want to read all of this? Watch the video!

Coil Styles and Sizes

Pre-Formed

Induction Innovations carries over 30 different-sized coils to meet any need. Most of our coils are pre-formed, which means they are pre-molded into a specific size and shape. These coils will continue to hold that shape over their lifetime; however, you can also separate the leads to fit over an inline application without compromising the integrity of the coil.

Bearing Buddy^®, the Flexible Coil

The Bearing Buddy is a flexible coil for wrapping around inline applications or other objects that are not accessible with our standard pre-formed coils. Though the Bearing Buddy wire is very flexible and will not hold a shape, it works just as efficiently as one of our pre-formed coils.

Induction Innovations offers two different-sized Bearing Buddy coils in 96” and 41”. We also offer a coil pack that includes both sizes plus a heat-resistant mat. The mat helps extend the coil life by protecting the insulation against fraying or abrasion caused by direct contact with hot metal.

For best results, wrap the mat around the application and then wrap the wire 3-4 times to get the magnetic field going. The more wraps, the better results you will see.

U-Form Coil

The 23″ U-form coil can be shaped or formed into any size you need! Similar to the pre-formed coil, the U form will hold its shape.

To create a coil, take a socket the size of the bolt you want to remove and wrap the U-form coil around the socket. Wrap the coil 3-4 times around the application for optimal performance.

3 Steps for Proper Induction Heating Coil Usage

Step 1: Find the right-size coil to fit your application.

The induction heating coil should fit around the application with enough space to leave a small gap between the coil and the object to be heated. The closer the fit (without touching), the faster the unit will heat the bolt.

If your coil diameter is too large for the application, it may take longer to heat. If the coil is too small, it could burn the insulation and wear out your coil quickly.

Step 2: Secure the coil in place.

Lock the coil using the twist-lock feature on the Mini-Ductor Venom^® and Venom HP or the thumb screws if you’re using the Mini-Ductor II.

Note: The thumb screws must be turned at the same time to lock the coil in place.

See our coil guide for a step-by-step process.

Step 3: Apply heat for 5-20 seconds and see if you have loosened the application.

Repeat the process if the application remains seized until you can loosen it. These short cycles help protect the tool and the coils. In most cases, there is no need to heat the application red-hot as we do in our videos and live demos. We heat bolts to red hot to demonstrate the safe, precise, and reliable heat our products generate and the speed at which ferrous metals heat up with our tools.

How to Recognize Signs of Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage

After the first use, you may notice that the insulation of the coil will start to brown or darken; this is normal and continues with use. Following proper usage, a single coil should last between 200-300 uses.

If your coils are missing insulation or the insulation starts to fray, replace them immediately!

Using damaged induction heating coils can be extremely dangerous. Heating metal on metal can risk arcing and burning the unit out. Arcing can also cause the tool to spark, resulting in a fire hazard.

Replacement Coils

We offer a variety of replacement coils in different sizes. You can purchase them individually or in one of our many coil kits. We do not provide replacement insulation for coils and recommend replacing the entire coil if the insulation breaks. Purchase our coils through our online shop or your local tool distributor.

Shop Coil Packs & Kits

Many of our coil varieties are available in packs and kits. Shop the following coil packs and kits or select individual coils for purchase:

• Standard Coil Kit
• Essential Coil Kit
• Long Coil Kit
• Thin Wall Coil Pack
• Bearing Buddy Coil Pack
• Coil Variety Pack

Shop Induction Heating Coils