Chicago Electric 66098 Installation manual

1600W HEAVY DUTY HEAT GUN
Model 66098
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
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.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Cover Revised 11a

Page 2SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Keep this manual for the safety
warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and
cleaning procedures. Write the product’s
serial number in the back of the manual near
the assembly diagram (or month and year of
purchase if product has no number). Keep
this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry
place for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
In this manual, on the labeling,
and all other information
provided with this product:
This is the safety alert
symbol. It is used to alert
you to potential personal
injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.
DANGER indicates
a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION, used
with the safety
alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to
address practices
not related to personal injury.
CAUTION, without
the safety alert
symbol, is used to address
practices not related to
personal injury.
General Power Tool Safety
Warnings
WARNING Read all safety
warnings and instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and
instructions may result in electric
shock, re and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and
instructions for future reference.
The term ″power tool″ in the
warnings refers to your mains-
operated (corded) power tool.
1. Work area safety
a.Keep work area clean and well
lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite
accidents.
b.Do not operate power tools in
explosive atmospheres, such as in
the presence of ammable liquids,
gases or dust.
c. Keep children and bystanders
away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose
control.
2. Electrical safety
a.Power tool plugs must match the
outlet. Never modify the plug in
any way. Do not use any adapter
plugs with grounded power tools.
Unmodied plugs and matching
outlets will reduce risk of electric
shock.

Page 3SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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. 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 cord. Never use
the cord for carrying, pulling or
unplugging the power tool. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Damaged
or entangled cords increase the risk
of electric shock.
e.When operating a power tool
outdoors, use an extension cord
suitable for outdoor use. Use of a
cord suitable for outdoor use reduces
the risk of electric shock.
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.
3. Personal safety
a.Stay alert, watch what you are
doing and use common sense
when operating a power tool. Do
not use a power tool while you
are tired or under the inuence of
drugs, alcohol or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating
power tools may result in serious
personal injury.
b.Use safety equipment. Always
wear eye protection. Safety
equipment such as dust mask,
non-skid safety shoes, hard hat,
or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
c. Prevent unintentional starting.
Ensure the switch is in the off-
position before connecting to
power source picking up or
carrying the tool. Carrying power
tools with your nger on the switch or
energizing power tools that have the
switch on invites accidents.
d.Do not overreach. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times.
This enables better control of the
power tool in unexpected situations.
4. Power tool use and care
a.Do not force the power tool. Use
the correct power tool for your
application. The correct power tool
will do the job better and safer at the
rate for which it was designed.
b.Do not use the power tool if the
switch does not turn it on and
off. Any power tool that cannot
be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
c. Disconnect the plug from the
power source and/or the battery
pack from the power tool before
making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing power
tools. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting
the power tool accidentally.
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 operate the power tool. Power
tools are dangerous in the hands of
untrained users.
e.Maintain power tools. Check
for misalignment or binding of

Page 4SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
moving parts, breakage of parts
and any other condition that may
affect the power tool’s operation.
If damaged, have the power
tool repaired before use. Many
accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
f. Keep cutting tools sharp and
clean. Properly maintained cutting
tools with sharp cutting edges are
less likely to bind and are easier to
control.
g.Use the power tool, accessories
and tool bits etc. 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.
5. Service
a.Have your power tool serviced by
a qualied repair person using
only identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the
power tool is maintained.
Heat Gun Safety Warnings
1. Hidden areas behind walls,
ceilings, oors, soft boards,
and other panels may contain
ammable materials that could
be ignited by the heat gun 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
locations, keep the heat gun moving
in a back-and-forth motion. Lingering
or pausing in one spot could ignite
the panel or the material behind it.
2. Extreme care should be taken
when stripping paint. The peelings,
residue and vapors of paint may
contain lead, which is poisonous.
Any pre-1977 paint may contain
lead and paint applied to homes
prior to 1950 is likely to contain
lead. Once deposited on surfaces,
hand-to-mouth contact can result in
the ingestion of lead. Exposure to
even low levels of lead can cause
irreversible brain and nervous system
damage; young and unborn children
are particularly vulnerable. Before
beginning any paint removal process
you should determine whether the
paint you are removing contains lead.
This can be done by your local health
department or by a professional
who uses a paint analyzer to check
the lead content of the paint to be
removed. LEAD BASED PAINT
SHOULD ONLY BE REMOVED BY
A PROFESSIONAL AND SHOULD
NOT BE REMOVED USING A HEAT
GUN.
3. Exercise CAUTION when using
this product outdoors. To reduce
the risk of electric shock, keep
extension cord connection dry and off
the ground.
4. Persons removing paint should
follow these guidelines:
a. Move the work piece outdoors. If
this is not possible, keep the work
area well ventilated. Open the
windows and put an exhaust fan
in one of them. Be sure the fan is
moving the air from inside to outside.
b. Remove or cover any carpets, rugs,
furniture, clothing, cooking utensils
and air ducts.

Page 5SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
c. Place drop clothes in the work area
to catch any paint chips or peelings.
Wear protective clothing such as
extra work shirts, overalls and hats.
d. Work in one room at a time.
Furnishings should be removed or
placed in the center of the room
and covered. Work areas should
be sealed off from the rest of the
dwelling by sealed doorways with
drop clothes.
e. Children, pregnant or potentially
pregnant women, and nursing
mothers should not be present in the
work area until the work is done and
all clean up is complete.
f. Wear a dust respirator mask or a
dual lter (dust and fume) respirator
mask which has been approved by
the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), the National
Institute of Safety and Health
(NIOSH), or the United States
Bureau of Mines. These masks
and replaceable lters are readily
available at major hardware stores.
Make sure the mask ts. Beards
and facial hair may keep masks
from sealing properly. Change
lters often. DISPOSABLE PAPER
MASKS ARE NOT ADEQUATE.
g. Use caution when operating the
Heat Gun. Keep the Heat Gun
moving, as excessive heat will
generate fumes which can be
inhaled by the operator.
h. Keep food and drink out of the work
area. Wash hands, arms and face
and rinse mouth before eating or
drinking. Do not smoke or chew
tobacco in the work area.
i. Clean up all removed paint and
dust by wet mopping the oors.
Use a wet cloth to clean all walls,
sills and any other surface where
paint or dust is clinging. DO NOT
SWEEP, DRY DUST OR VACUUM.
Use a high phosphate detergent or
trisodium phosphate (TSP) to wash
and mop areas.
j. At the end of each work session
put the paint chips and debris in a
double plastic bag, close it with tape
or twist ties and dispose of properly.
k. Remove protective clothing and
work shoes in the work area to
avoid carrying dust into the rest of
the dwelling. Wash work clothes
separately. Wipe shoes off with a
wet rag that is then washed with the
work clothes. Wash hair and body
thoroughly with soap and water.
5. When working with plastics, varnish,
or similar materials, gases develop
that are easily ammable and can
lead to explosions. Be prepared for
ames to develop and keep suitable
re extinguishing means at hand.
6. The Nozzle becomes very hot. Do
not lay the Heat Gun on ammable
surfaces when operating the Gun or
immediately after turning the Gun off.
Always set the Heat Gun on a at,
level surface so that the Nozzle tip is
directed upwards and away from the
supporting surface.
7. Do not use the Heat Gun near
ammable materials.
8. Do not point the Heat Gun at people
or animals. The intense heat can
injure them.
9. Do not touch the tube of the heating
element or the Nozzle when they
are hot. They will be hot enough

Page 6SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
to cause burns during use and
immediately afterwards.
10. Do not use the Heat Gun on glass.
11. Do not use the Heat Gun as a hair
dryer or to heat up materials that can
be damaged by high temperatures.
12. Maintain labels and nameplates on
the tool. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing,
contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
13. Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare
to begin work before turning on the
tool.
14. Do not leave the tool unattended
when it is plugged into an electrical
outlet. Turn off the tool, and unplug
it from its electrical outlet before
leaving.
15. This product is not a toy. Keep it out
of reach of children.
16. People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before
use. Electromagnetic elds in close
proximity to heart pacemaker could
cause pacemaker interference or
pacemaker failure. In addition,
people with pacemakers should:
• Avoid operating alone.
• Do not use with power switch locked
on.
• Properly maintain and inspect to
avoid electrical shock.
• Any power cord must be properly
grounded. Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) should also be
implemented – it prevents sustained
electrical shock.
17. Some dust created by power
sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling,
and other construction activities,
contains chemicals known [to the
State of California] to cause cancer,
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints
• Crystalline silica from bricks and
cement or other masonry products
• Arsenic and chromium from
chemically treated lumber
Your risk from these exposures
varies, depending on how often you
do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in
a well ventilated area, and work with
approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that are specially
designed to lter out microscopic
particles. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
18. The warnings, precautions,
and instructions discussed in
this instruction manual cannot
cover all possible conditions 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.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 7SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
GROUNDING
TO PREVENT
ELECTRIC SHOCK
AND DEATH FROM
INCORRECT GROUNDING
WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualied
electrician if you are in doubt
as to whether the outlet is
properly grounded. Do not
modify the power cord plug
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 damaged, have
it repaired by a service facility
before use. If the plug will not
t the outlet, have a proper
outlet installed by a qualied
electrician.
Grounded Tools: Tools with Three
Prong Plugs
1. Tools marked with “Grounding
Required” 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 down, grounding provides a
low resistance path to carry electricity
away from the user, reducing the risk
of electric shock. (See 3-Prong Plug
and Outlet.)
2. The grounding prong in the plug is
connected through the green wire
inside the cord to the grounding
system in the tool. The green wire
in the cord must be the only wire
connected to the tool’s grounding
system and must never be attached
to an electrically “live” terminal. (See
3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
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. (See 3-Prong
Plug and Outlet.)
Extension Cords
1. Grounded tools require a three wire
extension cord. Double Insulated
tools can use either a two or three
wire extension cord.
2. As the distance from the supply
outlet increases, you must use a
heavier gauge extension cord. Using
extension cords with inadequately
sized wire causes a serious drop in
voltage, resulting in loss of power and
possible tool damage.
(See Table A.) 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.)
3. When using more than one extension
cord to make up the total length,
make sure each cord contains at
least the minimum wire size required.
(See Table A.)

Page 8SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
4. 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.)
5. If you are using an extension cord
outdoors, make sure it is marked with
the sufx “W-A” (“W” in Canada) to
indicate it is acceptable for outdoor
use.
6. 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 qualied electrician before using it.
7. Protect the extension cords from
sharp objects, excessive heat, and
damp or wet areas.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS*
(120/240 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25’ 50’ 75’
100’ 150’
0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16
2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14
3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12
5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12
7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 -
12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 - -
16.1 – 20.0 12 10 - - -
TABLE A
* Based on limiting the line
voltage drop to ve volts at
150% of the rated amperes.
Symbology
Double Insulated
Canadian Standards Association
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
V~ Volts Alternating Current
AAmperes
n0xxxx/min. No Load Revolutions per Minute
(RPM)

Page 9SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical Requirements 120 V~ / 60 Hz / 13 A
Temperature 1100° F Maximum
4002205
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.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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.
Tool Set Up
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the
tool to its “OFF” position and
unplug the tool from its
electrical outlet before
performing any inspection,
maintenance, or cleaning
procedures.
Work Piece and Work Area Set Up
1. Designate a work area that is clean
and well-lit. The work area must not
allow access by children or pets to
prevent injury and distraction.
2. Route the power cord along a safe
route to reach the work area without
creating a tripping hazard or exposing
the power cord to possible damage.
The power cord must reach the work
area with enough extra length to
allow free movement while working.
3. Secure loose workpieces using a vise
or clamps (not included) to prevent
movement while working.
4. There must not be hazardous
objects, such as utility lines or foreign
objects, nearby that will present a
hazard while working.
General Operating Instructions
1. Plug the Power Cord of the tool into a
120 volt, grounded, electrical outlet.
2. The Switch on this heat gun has
three positions. Push the Switch up
for the heat setting.
3. Allow the Heat Gun one minute to
build up to the heat level.
4. To increase the output temperature;
use the Knob (7) to close the Vent
Cover (8).
5. The Heat Gun can be set on its Base
(35) to treat individual workpieces by
hand.
6. WARNING! To prevent serious
injury; always wear thermally insu-
lated gloves, rated to at least 1200° F,
when working directly with pieces by
hand.
7. CAUTION! To prevent personal
injury or property damage; do not

Page 10SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
leave the Heat Gun unattended while
pointed at surfaces or objects.
8. The Heat Gun can be used for:
• Shrinking of shrink tubing,
packaging and electrical
components.
• Deforming of articles made from
acrylic, PVC, and polystyrene
tubing, plates, and proles as well
as most woods.
• Welding of thermoplastic polymer,
ooring materials of PVC and
linoleum, PVC-coated fabric,
wallpaper, tarpaulins and foils.
• Soldering of tin, special silver
solder, SMD elements, cable
lugs, and for loosening soldered
connections.
• Paint removal. Removal of old
coatings of oil paint, varnish, and
synthetic plaster.
• Drying of color shade samples,
lter, adhesives, construction joints
and stucco forms.
• Joining adhesives. Large surface
gluing with contact adhesives,
activation of pressure, or heat
sensitive adhesives, acceleration
of bonding processes, releasing of
bonding points as well as releasing
or bonding of edge bond or veneer.
• Defrosting of icy stairs and steps,
door locks, trunk lids, car doors or
metal water pipes.
• Disinfection. With the tool set at the
highest setting, animal sites/stables
may be disinfected. Wood worm
infestation may be controlled. Do
not heat up the wood surface too
much or it can burn.
Never touch work
area with the Heat
Gun; it could scorch or ignite.
9. When the job is nished, move the
Switch to the “COLD” setting and
allow the Heat Gun to cool down on
an insulated, non-ammable surface.
10. When the unit has cooled move the
Switch to the “OFF” position.
11. Disconnect the power supply after
use. Clean, then store the tool
indoors out of children’s reach.

Page 11SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICING
Procedures not specically
explained in this manual
must be performed only by a
qualied technician.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the
tool to its “OFF” position and
unplug the tool from its
electrical outlet before
performing any inspection,
maintenance, or cleaning
procedures.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM TOOL
FAILURE:
Do not use damaged
equipment. If abnormal noise
or vibration occurs, have the
problem corrected before
further use.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and
Lubrication
1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the
general condition of the tool. Check
for loose screws, cracked or broken
parts, damaged electrical wiring, and
any other condition that may affect its
safe operation.
2. AFTER USE, clean external surfaces
of the tool with clean cloth.
3. WARNING! If the supply cord of
this power tool is damaged, it must
be replaced only by a qualied
service technician.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR
HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LISTANDASSEMBLY
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
THATALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS
SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND
LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE
BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND
LIABILITYARISING 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.
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions
Heat Gun will not turn
on.
1. Power Switch set at “0”.
2. No power at outlet.
3. Cord not connected.
1. Turn Power Switch to “l” or “ll”.
2. Check power at outlet.
3. Check that cord is plugged in.
Unsatisfactory results. 1. Improper heat setting. 1. Adjust heat setting (“l” or “ll”) for
correct application.

Page 12SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
PARTS LIST
Part Description Qty
1 Nose Cone 1
2 Air Duct 1
3 Pad 1
4 Heat Element 1
5 Under Pan 1
6 Block 1
7 Knob 1
8 Vent Cover 1
9 Left Housing 1
10 Spring 1
11 End Stop 1
12 Nut 1
13 Fan 1
PARTS LIST
Part Description Qty
14 Motor 1
15 Cord Stop 1 1
16 Cord Stop 2 1
17 Pad 1
18 Handle Stop Spring 1
19 Right Housing 1
20 Switch 1
21 Switch Board 1
22 Handle 1
23 Wire Strain Plate 1
24 Sheath 1
25 Power Cord 1
26 Screw 4x8 6
PARTS LIST
Part Description Qty
27 Screw 4x8 2
28 Screw 3x12 1
29 Screw 3x6 1
30 Screw 3x8 1
31 Screw 3x6 4
32 Screw 4x6 2
33 Screw 3x13 3
34 Terminal Block 1
35 Base 1
36 Connector 3
37 Connector 1
38 Wire 2
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
available individually as replacement parts.
DIAGRAM

Page 13SKU 66098 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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 veries 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 specic 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 • [phone]