HEAVY DUTY HOT KNIFE
66182
SET Up AND OpErATINg INSTrUcTIONS
®
Distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight Tools .
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS mANUAl.
©
®
Copyright 2008 by Harbor Freight Tools . All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any artwork
contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of
Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for
assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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matching outlets will reduce risk of
electric shock.
equipment such as NIOSH-approved
dust maskrespirator, non-skid safety
shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection
used for appropriate conditions will
reduce personal injuries.
b.Avoid body contact with grounded
surfaces such as pipes, radiators,
ranges and refrigerators. There is
an increased risk of electric shock if
your body is grounded.
c.prevent unintentional starting.
Ensure the power Switch is in the
off-position before connecting to
power source and/or picking up or
carrying the tool. Carrying power
tools with your finger on the Switch or
energizing power tools that have the
Switch on invites accidents.
c.Do not expose power tools to rain
or wet conditions. Water entering
a power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.
d.Do not abuse the power cord.
Never use the cord for carrying,
pulling or unplugging the power
tool. Keep the cord away from
heat, oil, sharp edges or moving
parts. Damaged or entangled cords
increase the risk of electric shock.
d.remove any adjusting key or
wrench before turning the power
tool on. A wrench or a key left at-
tached to a rotating part of the power
tool may result in personal injury.
e.Do not overreach. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times.
This enables better control of the
power tool in unexpected situations.
e.When operating a power tool out-
doors, use an Extension cord (not
included) suitable for outdoor use.
Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use
reduces the risk of electric shock.
f. Dress properly. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry. Keep your
hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts. Loose clothes,
jewelry or long hair can be caught in
moving parts.
f. If operating a power tool in a damp
location is unavoidable, use a
ground Fault circuit Interrupter
(gFcI) protected supply. Use of
a GFCI reduces the risk of electric
shock.
g.Only use safety equipment that
has been approved by an appropri-
ate standards agency. Unapproved
safety equipment may not provide
adequate protection. Eye protection
must be ANSI-approved and breath-
ing protection must be NIOSH-ap-
proved for the specific hazards in the
work area.
3. personal safety
a.Stay alert, watch what you are do-
ing and use common sense when
operating a power tool. Do not use
a power tool while you are tired
or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating power
tools may result in serious personal
injury.
4. power tool use and care
a.Do not force the power tool. Use
the correct power tool for your ap-
plication. The correct power tool will
b.Use personal protective equip-
ment. Always wear ANSI-ap-
proved safety goggles. Safety
SKU 66182
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do the job better and safer at the rate
for which it was designed.
This will ensure that the safety of the
power tool is maintained.
b.Do not use the power tool if the
power Switch does not turn it on
and off. Any power tool that cannot
be controlled with the Switch is dan-
gerous and must be repaired.
Specific Safety Warnings
1. Maintain labels and nameplates on
the Hot Knife. These carry important
safety information. If unreadable or
missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools
for a replacement.
c.Disconnect the power plug from
the power source before making
any adjustments, changing ac-
cessories, or storing power tools.
Such preventive safety measures
reduce the risk of starting the power
tool accidentally.
2. This Hot Knife can create heat up to
approximately 840° Fahrenheit. Al-
ways keep fingers, hands, body, and
clothing away from the heated com-
ponents of this tool.
d.Store idle power tools out of the
reach of children and do not allow
persons unfamiliar with the power
tool or these instructions to oper-
ate the power tool. Power tools are
dangerous in the hands of untrained
users.
3. Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare
to begin work before turning on the
Hot Knife.
4. Do not allow any objects (liquid or
metal) to fall into the Heat Block
holes of the tool. Doing so can cause
short circuiting and/or electric shock.
e.maintain power tools. check for
misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any
other condition that may affect the
power tool’s operation. If dam-
aged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained power
tools.
5. Do not lay the Hot Knife down on a
flammable surface. Use and lay this
tool on a fireproof work surface only.
6. Always keep multiple class ABC fire
extinguishers nearby.
7. Use the Hot Knife in a well ventilated
area only.
f. Use the power tool and its acces-
sories in accordance with these
instructions, taking into account
the working conditions and the
work to be performed. Use of the
power tool for operations different
from those intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
8. Do not leave the Hot Knife unat-
tended when it is plugged into an
electrical outlet. Turn off the tool,
and unplug it from its electrical outlet
before leaving.
9. Allow the Hot Knife to completely cool
before storing.
5. Service
10. This product is not a toy. Keep it out
of reach of children.
a.Have your power tool serviced by
a qualified repair person using
only identical replacement parts.
SKU 66182
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11. People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before use.
Electromagnetic fields in close prox-
imity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemak-
er failure. In addition, people with
pacemakers should:
grOUNDINg
TO prEVENT
ElEcTrIc SHOcK
AND DEATH FrOm
INcOrrEcT grOUNDINg
WIrE cONNEcTION:
Check with a qualified
• Avoid operating alone.
electrician if you are in doubt
as to whether the Outlet is
properly grounded. Do not
modify the power cord plug
(21) provided with the tool.
Never remove the grounding
prong from the plug. Do not
use the tool if the power cord
or plug is damaged. If
• Do not use with Power Switch (19)
locked on.
• Properly maintain and inspect to
avoid electrical shock.
• Any Power Cord (21) must be prop-
erly grounded. Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) should also be
implemented – it prevents sustained
electrical shock.
damaged, have it repaired by
a service facility before use. If
the Plug will not fit the Outlet,
have a proper Outlet installed
by a qualified electrician.
12. WARNING: Handling the Powr Cord
(21) on this product will expose you
to lead, a chemical known to the
State of California to cause cancer,
and birth defects or other reproduc-
tive harm. Wash hands after han-
dling. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
grounded Tools: Tools with Three
prong plugs
13. The warnings, precautions, and in-
structions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible con-
ditions and situations that may occur.
It must be understood by the operator
that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this
product, but must be supplied by the
operator.
1. Tools marked with “Grounding Re-
quired” have a three wire cord and
three prong grounding plug. The
plug must be connected to a properly
grounded outlet. If the tool should
electrically malfunction or break
SAVE THESE
INSTrUcTIONS.
down, grounding provides a low re-
sistance path to carry electricity away
from the user, reducing the risk of
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electric shock.
(See 3-prong plug and Outlet.)
5. If you are using one Extension Cord
for more than one tool, add the
nameplate amperes and use the sum
to determine the required minimum
Cord size. (See Table A.)
2. The grounding prong in the plug is
connected through the green wire in-
side the cord to the grounding system
in the tool. The green wire in the cord 6. If you are using an Extension Cord
must be the only wire connected to
the tool’s grounding system and must
never be attached to an electrically
“live” terminal.
outdoors, make sure it is marked with
the suffix “W-A” (“W” in Canada) to
indicate it is acceptable for outdoor
use.
(See 3-prong plug and Outlet.)
7. Make sure the Extension Cord is
properly wired and in good electrical
condition. Always replace a damaged
Extension Cord or have it repaired by
a qualified electrician before using it.
3. The tool must be plugged into an
appropriate outlet, properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all
codes and ordinances. The plug and
outlet should look like those in the
preceding illustration.
8. Protect the Extension Cords from
sharp objects, excessive heat, and
damp or wet areas.
(See 3-prong plug and Outlet.)
rEcOmmENDED mINImUm WIrE
ExTENSION cOrDS
gAUgE FOr ExTENSION cOrDS*
(120/240 VOlT)
1. Grounded tools require a three wire
extension cord.
ExTENSION cOrD
NAmEplATE
lENgTH
2. As the distance from the supply outlet
increases, you must use a heavier
gauge Extension Cord. Using exten-
sion cords with inadequately sized
wire causes a serious drop in voltage,
resulting in loss of power and pos-
sible tool damage.
AmpErES
(at full load)
0 – 2.0
2.1 – 3.4
18
18
18
18
18
14
12
18
18
18
16
14
12
10
18
18
16
14
12
10
-
18
16
14
12
10
-
16
14
12
12
-
3.5 – 5.0
5.1 – 7.0
7.1 – 12.0
12.1 – 16.0
16.1 – 20.0
(See Table A.)
-
3. The smaller the gauge number of the
wire, the greater the capacity of the
Cord. For example, a 14 gauge Cord
can carry a higher current than a 16
gauge Cord. (See Table A.)
-
-
* Based on limiting the line
voltage drop to five volts at
150% of the rated amperes.
TABlE A
4. When using more than one Exten-
sion Cord to make up the total length,
make sure each Cord contains at
least the minimum wire size required.
(See Table A.)
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prODUcT FEATUrES
SYmBOlOgY
FIgUrE A
Double Insulated
TEmpErATUrE
ADJUSTINg KNOB
(9)
pOWEr ON
lIgHT
BlADE
(2)
Canadian Standards Association
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
Volts Alternating Current
(22)
V~
A
clAmpINg
ScrEW
(3)
Amperes
ScAlE
BrAcKET
(1)
pOWEr SWITcH
(19)
No Load Revolutions per Minute
(RPM)
n xxxx/min.
0
SpEcIFIcATIONS
OpErATINg INSTrUcTIONS
120 V~ / 60 Hz / 130 Watts
Power Switch: Push Button ON/OFF
Power Cord: 18 AWG x 3C
read the ENTIrE ImpOrTANT
SAFETY INFOrmATION
section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under
subheadings therein before set
up or use of this product.
Electrical
Requirements
Power Plug: 3-Prong, Grounded
Internal Temperature Control: Rheostat
Power Indicator Light: Red L.E.D.
Product
Applications
Sharp edge of Blade for line cutting.
Side of Blade for wide groove cutting.
Cutting Depth
Adjustments
(3-3/4” with Scale Bracket)
(5-7/16” without Scale Bracket)
1-Level = 0° Fahrenheit
2-Level = 248° Fahrenheit
3-Level = 527° Fahrenheit
4-Level = 725° Fahrenheit
5-Level = 840° Fahrenheit
TO prEVENT
SErIOUS INJUrY
FrOm AccIDENTAl
Temperature
Ranges
OpErATION:
Push Button, momentary, ON/OFF
Power Switch (Automatically returns to
OFF position when released).
.Additional
Features
Turn the power Switch (19) of
the tool to its “OFF” position
and unplug the tool from its
electrical Outlet before
performing any inspection,
maintenance, or cleaning
procedures.
UNpAcKINg
When unpacking, check to make sure
that the item is intact and undamaged. If
any parts are missing or broken, please
call Harbor Freight Tools at the number
shown on the cover of this manual as soon
as possible.
To Adjust The cutting Depth:
1. The cutting depth of the Hot Knife
may be adjusted up to 3-3/4” when
using the Scale Bracket. To adjust
the depth, loosen the two Clamping
Screws (3). Pull out or retract the
Scale Bracket to the desired cut-
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ting deptth. Then retighten the two
Clamping Screws. (See Figure A.)
3. Press and hold the Power Switch (19)
to heat up the Blade (2). The Blade
will reach the pre-set operating tem-
perature in about one minute and will
remain at the temperature selected.
Also, the Power ON Light (22) will il-
luminate during operation.
Work Area and Workpiece Set Up:
1. Designate a well ventilated work
area that is clean and well-lit. The
work area must not allow access by
children or pets to prevent injury and
distraction.
(See Figure A.)
4. When the Blade (2) has reached the
pre-set temperature, you may use the
sharp edge of the Blade for line cut-
ting or use the side of the Blade for
wide groove cutting.
2. Use and lay this Hot Knife on a non-
flammable surface only.
3. Always have multiple class ABC fire
extinguishers nearby.
5. When pressure on the Power Switch
(19) is released, power to the Blade
(2) is cut off and the Blade will cool
down gradually. (See Figure A.)
4. Route the Power Cord (21) along a
safe route to reach the work area
without creating a tripping hazard
or exposing the Power Cord to pos-
sible damage. The Power Cord must
reach the work area with enough
extra length to allow free movement
while working.
6. The residual
heat on the Blade
(2) takes several minutes to dissi-
pate. Use caution while the Blade is
still hot.
5. There must not be hazardous ob-
jects, such as utility lines or foreign
objects, nearby that will present a
hazard while working.
7. Unplug the Hot Knife from its electri-
cal outlet.
8. Once the Hot Knife has completely
cooled store the tool in a clean, dry,
and safe location out of reach of chil-
dren and other unauthorized persons.
general Operating Instructions
1. Plug the Power Cord Plug (21) into
the nearest 120 volt, grounded, elec-
trical outlet.
2. Turn the Temperature Selector Knob
(9) to the desired temperature.
(See Figure A.)
• 1-level = 0° Fahrenheit
• 2-level = 248° Fahrenheit
• 3-level = 527° Fahrenheit
• 4-level = 725° Fahrenheit
• 5-level = 840° Fahrenheit
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TO prEVENT SErIOUS
INJUrY FrOm TOOl
FAIlUrE:
mAINTENANcE AND
SErVIcINg
Do not use damaged
equipment. If abnormal noise
or vibration occurs, have the
problem corrected before
further use.
Procedures not specifically
explained in this manual
must be performed only by a
qualified technician.
TO prEVENT
SErIOUS INJUrY
FrOm AccIDENTAl
1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the
general condition of the Hot Knife.
Check for loose screws, misalignment
or binding of moving parts, cracked or
broken parts, damaged electrical wir-
ing, and any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
OpErATION:
Turn the power Switch (19) of
the Hot Knife to its “OFF”
position and unplug the tool
from its electrical Outlet
before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or
cleaning procedures.
2. AFTER USE, clean external surfaces
of the tool with clean cloth.
3.
WArNINg! If the Power Cord (21)
of this power tool is damaged, it must
be replaced only by a qualified ser-
vice technician.
TrOUBlESHOOTINg
problem
possible cause
possible Solution
1. Check power at outlet.
Hot Knife will not turn on.
1. No power at electrical outlet.
2. Power Switch not pressed.
2. Press and hold Power Switch.
Hot Knife turns on, but does not
heat up.
1. Temperature on Selector
Knob not selected.
1. Turn the Temperature
Selector Knob to the desired
temperature setting.
Hot Knife does not maintain pre- 1. Power Switch not pressed
1. Press and hold Power Switch
throughout operation.
selected heat temperature during
operation.
and held.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the Hot
Knife. Disconnect power supply before servicing.
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pArTS lIST & ASSEmBlY DIAgrAm
part #
Description
Scale Bracket
Qty.
1
part #
12
Description
Self Tapping Screw (ST3 x 14)
Housing (B)
Qty.
3
1
2
Blade
1
13
1
3
Clamping Screw (M4 x 8)
Blade Bracket
2
14
Sheath
1
4
1
15
Electric Wire
1
5
Nut with Cover (M4)
Nut (M4)
2
16
Rubber Grip
1
6
2
17
On/Off Switch
Housing (A)
1
7
Insulating Patch
Heating Assembly
Temperature Selector Knob
Circuit Board
1
18
1
8
1
19
Power Switch
1
9
1
20
Rating Label
2
10
11
1
21
Power Cord/Plug
Power ON Light
1
Pan Head Screw (M4 x 15)
2
22
1
22
21
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lImITED 90 DAY WArrANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high
quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this prod-
uct is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from
the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly,
to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities,
criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance.
We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental,
contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTy IS ExPRESS-
Ly IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, ExPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITy AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with
transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the com-
plaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will ei-
ther repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase
price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return re-
paired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect
resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost
of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353
plEASE rEAD THE FOllOWINg cArEFUllY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLy
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLy. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANy REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTy OF ANy KIND TO THE BUyER THAT
HE OR SHE IS qUALIFIED TO MAKE ANy REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS
qUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANy PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR
DISTRIBUTOR ExPRESSLy STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD
BE UNDERTAKEN By CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT By THE BUyER. THE
BUyER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITy ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE
ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER
INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
record product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not avail-
able individually as replacement parts.
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