SUPPORT

TROUBLESHOOTING FAQS

Occasionally customers may encounter issues using out heat tools, and we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions. If you continue to experience issues or can’t find a relevant answer, contact your local distributor or SF Tools™ directly at 603.863.7719 or via email at info@SFTools.com.

Tool will not fire

Trigger not depressed fully
Depress trigger all the way until igniter fires with a click.
Trigger activated too quickly
Squeeze trigger slowly to make sure mixture has entered combustor before firing.
Pressure too low
Check regulator and make sure the PSI reading is at least 20. Anything below 20 PSI will damage the heat gun
Trigger not fully released
Release both the safety and the trigger to make sure the igniter is reset
Spark plug gap too small/big
Open the spark plug gap to 3mm (about the same thickness as a nickel).
Defective igniter or connections
Disconnect from fuel source and check for a spark or return for service
No click from trigger
Replace trigger. It is a good idea at this time to replace all o-rings.
Gas timing screw needs adjustment
With the gas on, turn the #16 screw clockwise until the gas begins to flow. Then back off the screw until the gas stops even when light pressure is exerted on the trigger without actuating the safety. (This suggestion is recommended for authorized service technicians only).

Combustor turns red (insufficient air flow)

Under normal conditions the inner tip of the combustor will turn red. However, if more then 1” of the combustor turns red, then trouble is indicated.The outer shell of the combustor should not turn red.

Wrong fuel
Make sure you have a vapor withdrawal propane tank (similar to a BBQ grill tank).

Do not use liquid propane tanks (similar to fork truck tanks). Propane and natural gas are the only approved fuels for use with the heat tools.
Tank has ice build up or the tank pressure is below 20 PSI
Propane is low so change the tank. Change tank to allow iced tank to thaw.
Excess flow check valve not open
Open tank valve and wait 10 to 30 seconds. You should hear a faint click in the POL when ready. This allows the hose to pressurize properly before using the heat tool.
Clogged orifice or filter
Remove items and clean with compressed air or replace.
Clogged hose
Remove items and clean with compressed air or replace.
Clogged fuel line
Blow out or replace

Large flame (fuel flow)

Leak in orifice assembly
Tighten orifice in holder or replace.
Wrong pressure
Make sure pressure gauge is between 20-30 PSI (factory preset to 22 PSI).
Line clog
Clear the hose, fuel line, valve and filter of debris.
Worn or damaged O-rings
Replace all o-rings.

Tool shuts off after short burst of ignition

Excess flow check valve not open
Open tank valve and wait 10 to 30 seconds. You should hear a faint click on the POL when ready. This allows the hose to pressurize properly before using the heat tool.

When the trigger is released the tool continues to fire or gas continues to leak

Worn valve
SpitFire 200- replace valve
975- replace or rebuild valve

TECHNICAL LINKS

The links listed below will lead you away from the our website. These sites are not under the control of SF Tools™ and SF Tools™ is not responsible for the contents of any linked site, or any changes or updates to such sites. SF Tools™ is providing these links as a convenience to our customers, and allow the ability to gather additional information regarding your shrink wrap requirements and setup.


Propane Specific (links courtesy of Wikipedia®)

National Propane Gas Association  (U.S.)

Propane Education & Research Council  (U.S.)

Propane 101 (U.S.)

UKLPG: Propane and Butane in the UK

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Propane Properties Explained


OSHA Safety and Health Standards Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/federalregister/1971-08-17


U.S. Energy Information Association

http://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=propane_home


Marshall Excelsior Regulator Specifications

http://www.marshallexcelsior.com/index.php


Plastic Industry Specific Links

http://www.plasticsindustry.org


Recycling Industry Specific Links

http://www.recycle.net/assn/rs000181.html

http://www.plasticsrecycling.org

http://www.grn.com/assn/

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDE

SF Tools™ heat tools are powerful products used by thousands of customers around the world. Like any power tool, great care should be placed on the end user’s training and safety.

This guideline is not intended to replace a company’s safety procedures, but rather enhance the overall safety precautions used when working with SF Tools™ heat tools. If you have any questions regarding training or safety precautions, please contact your local distributor or SF Tools™ direct at 603.863.7719 or email info@sftools.com

Pre-Operation:

  • Read all safety instructions and the Operations Manual before using any heat tool.
  • When working with any type of heat or open flame, always keep a fire extinguisher close by.
  • Always wear safety glasses and gloves (flame retardant or leather is suggested).
  • Never obstruct or cover the back air inlet of the heat tool. If the air flow is reduced, the heat tool will not work properly.
  • Keep the work area clear of debris, wood shavings, paper products, flammable chemicals and anything else that may catch fire from the heat of the tool.
  • Do not wear loose clothing while shrink wrapping and always keep long hair tied back.
  • Check all fittings for leaks and inspect the hose for cracks or loose connections.
  • When shrink wrapping indoors, make sure the work area is well ventilated.
  • When shrink wrapping outdoors, do not shrink wrap when the wind is harder the 10 mph.

During-Operation:

  • Never operate the heat tool below 20 PSI. Doing so will damage the internal components of the heat tool and void the warranty.
  • Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the heat tool. Do not use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating the heat tool may result in serious personal injury.
  • Do not overreach and keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the heat tool in unexpected situations.
  • Never operate the heat tool with the combustor nozzle hard up against a surface; this could ignite any material you are shrink wrapping.
  • Never keep the heat on one area for more than a few seconds. Once heat is applied to the shrink film, it will continue to shrink even after the heat is moved away from the area.
  • Do not place the combustor nozzle next to anything while it is hot.
  • Never touch the combustor nozzle with clothing, skin or anything flammable.
  • Do not look down the combustor nozzle while the heat tool is turned on or attached to a fuel source.
  • Do not insert anything down the combustor nozzle of the heat tool.
  • Never use the heat tool to shrink wrap an area that you cannot see.
  • Do not use this heat tool to remove paint.
  • Hidden areas such as behind walls, ceilings, floors, soffit boards and other panels may contain flammable materials that could be ignited by the heat tool when working in these locations. The ignition of these materials may not be readily apparent and could result in property damage and injury to persons.
  • When working in these tight locations, make sure to keep the heat tool moving in a back-and-forth motion. Lingering or pausing in one spot could ignite the panel or the material behind it.

Post-Operation:

  • Each time you complete a shrink wrap project, turn off the propane tank and purge all gas from the hose attached to the heat tool.
  • Make sure the regulator gauge reads "0" PSI before storing away the heat tool.
  • Never modify the heat tool in any way and only use SF Tools™ replacement parts.
  • Please refer to the SF Tools Heat Tool Maintenance Guide for instructions on daily and monthly maintenance suggestions.