Shrinkfast 975 User manual

Operating, Field Maintenance, and Parts Manual Model 975

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TABLE OF CO TE TS
G N RAL SAF TY PR CAUTIONS AND SAF TY C RTIFICATION ...................pages 2-4
R GULATOR OP RATION & MAINT NANC ........................................................ pages 5-7
STARTING TH H AT TOOL ............................................................................................ page 8
R GULATOR MAINT NANC & SAF TY F ATUR S ......................................... pages 9-10
XC SS FLOW D VIC ............................................................................................. pages 9-10
CHOOSING TH CORR CT PROPAN TANK ....................................................... pages 11-12
TANK PR SSUR , T MP RATUR & OP RATION ............................................ pages 13-14
V NTILATION R QUIR M NTS .................................................................................. page 15
G N RAL INFORMATION ON SHRINK FILM & SHRINK BAGS ...................... pages 16-20
SHRINK WRAPPING T CHNIQU S
(PALL T BAGS & ODD SHAP D OBJ CTS) .............. page 22
OP RATING OV RVI W .......................................................................................... pages 23-24
H AT TOOL PARTS BR AKDOWN ........................................................................ pages 25-26
ASS MBLY AND DISASS MBLY............................................................................ pages 27-31
H AT TOOL S RVIC INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................ page 32
DAILY H AT TOOL INSP CTION .................................................................................. page 33
MONTHLY H AT TOOL INSP CTION .......................................................................... page 34
TROUBL SHOOTING GUID ................................................................................. pages 35-36
T CHNICAL SP CIFICATIONS ..................................................................................... page 37

2
GE ERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIO S -
READ ALL I STRUCTIO S
BEFORE OPERATI G THIS HEAT TOOL
•Do not ope ate this heat tool below 20 PSI o damage to the heat tool will
occu .
• Before using any heat tool, check all parts for proper function and damage to
component parts including the hose, regulator and heat tool.
• "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 locations, 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."
• Do not use the heat tool to remove paint.
• Do not point this heat tool at anyone and do not operate in an area where there
is a risk of an explosion or fire.

3
GE ERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIO S
• 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)
when shrink wrapping. Never obstruct or cover the air inlet at the back of the
heat tool. If the air flow is reduced the heat tool will not work properly.
• When shrink wrapping outdoors, do not shrink wrap when the wind is stronger than 10 mph.
• When shrink wrapping indoors, make sure the work area is well ventilated.
• 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 also keep long hair tied back.
• 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. 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.
• Do not place the combustor nozzle (where the flame comes out of the heat tool) next to
anything while it is hot. Never allow the combustor nozzle to come in contact with
clothing or skin.

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• Do not look down the combustor nozzle while the tool is in operation or
attached to a fuel source.
•The heat tool should be kept 6” – 8” away f om the sh ink film when in ope ation.
Neve keep the heat on one a ea fo mo e than a few seconds. Once heat is applied to
the sh ink film, it will continue to sh ink even afte the heat is moved away f om the a ea.
• Never modify the tool in any way and use only Shrinkfast replacement parts.
• Never operate in a basement or closed in, non-ventilated area.
• Never operate the heat tool on an area that you cannot see.
• Always operate the heat tool with the UL®Guard installed. (UL Guard not included with
Metric style heat tools.)
SAFETY CERTIFICATIO
This model 975 heat tool kit has been safety certified by Underwriter’s Labortories (UL).
This kit was inspected following the safety and testing procedures listed in the ANSI/UL
147 Safety Standard for Hand Held Torches For Fuel Gases. Shrinkfast has successfully
completed these testing directives and has permission to apply the UL Mark to the 975
heat tool Further information can be found under the “XMHT” Fuel Gas Torches product
category in the UL certification directory (Product iQ).

5
REGULATOR OPERATIO & MAI TE A CE
Regulator Technical Overview:
• The M GR-6120 is a high capacity, pounds to pounds, industrial gas regulator.
It is designed to conform to UL®Standard 144 for use with LP Gas. The maximum
supply pressure is 250 PSIG. The maximum output pressure is printed on the regulator
nameplate.
• This regulator is not intended for use in pressure applications below 3 PSIG and
the heat tool should not be operated at a pressure below 20 PSIG. The operating
temperature range is -40 to +200 degrees Fahrenheit.
POL – Attaches to
the Propane Tank
Adjustable Hand Wheel
– Adjusts PSI Setting of
the Regulator
Hose Adapter –
Attaches to the
Supplied 25’ Hose
0 – 30 PSI Pressure Gauge

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This is a variable regulator assembly and the heat tool will operate
properly between 20 PSI and 30 PSI. The pressure can be changed by
loosening the hex nut located under the black, round hand wheel on the
regulator assembly and then turning the hand wheel to the desired pressure.
However, the optimum and factory recommendation is that you do not
adjust the pressure and keep the regulator set at the factory setting of 22 PSI.
Regulator Installation:
1.Remove the yellow cap from the POL (brass, bull nose fitting) and connect the
POL to your propane tank and tighten with the supplied wrench (all threads
are left handed thread, so tighten counter clockwise).
Propane Tank Regulator POL

7
2.Connect one end of the supplied 25’ hose to the hose adapter on the regulator
and the other end of the hose to the heat tool. Tighten all fittings with the
supplied wrench (left handed threads, so tighten counter clockwise).
3.Open the propane tank valve and check for any leaks by spraying a soapy
water mixture on the fittings. If any bubbles are visible, shut off the propane
tank and tighten the fittings.
4.When you first turn on the propane tank, the pressure gauge on the regulator
will slowly move toward the factory setting of 22 PSIG. Once the hose is fully
pressurized, the needle on the gauge will stop at 22 PSIG. Now the heat tool is
ready to be fired.
Pictured: Hand wheel
on top of your supplied
propane tank.
To open the flow of
propane, turn the tank
hand wheel in a counter
clockwise motion and
watch the regulator gauge.

8
STARTI G THE HEAT TOOL
1.With your fingertips, pull the yellow safety first. If you do not pull the safety first,
you will not be able to depress the trigger with the palm of your hand and ignite the
heat tool.
2.With the safety pulled, slowly depress the trigger with the palm of your hand so you
first hear a slight “hissing” of propane flow, then depress the trigger completely
and the heat tool will “click” then ignite.
3.Should the gun fail to ignite, release both the safety and trigger fully to ensure
that the igniter is reset and repeat the starting procedure.
WAR I G: MA Y EW USERS DEPRESS THE TRIGGER TOO
QUICKLY A D MULTIPLE TIMES BELIEVI G THIS IS THE BEST
WAY TO IG ITE THE HEAT TOOL. DEPRESSI G THE TRIGGER TOO
QUICKLY DOES OT ALLOW THE PIEZO CRYSTAL I SIDE THE
IG ITER TO SE D PROPER VOLTAGE TO THE SPARK PLUG, SO
DEPRESS THE TRIGGER SLOWLY I ORDER TO IG ITE EVERY TIME.
WAR I G: DO OT TOUCH THE WIRE METAL SHIELD (UL®
GUARD) AFTER THE HEAT TOOL HAS BEE FIRED.

9
REGULATOR MAI TE A CE & SAFETY FEATURES
• Because the Shrinkfast UL®approved regulator assembly is assembled and tested at the
factory to conform to UL®Standard 144, any maintenance or repairs should be in
accordance with this listing as well as any other applicable regulations. Regulator parts
showing wear should be replaced as necessary. Contact your local distributor or
Shrinkfast directly for descriptions and part numbers.
IMPORTA T SAFETY FEATURE: Inside the POL fitting on the
Regulator Assembly there is a safety featured called the “Excess Flow Device”.
• This safety feature is designed to stop the flow of propane if the hose becomes
cut or detached from the regulator or heat tool during operation.
• The xcess Flow Device does not stop the propane flow 100%, but it does
reduce the flow so the user has time to get to the tank and shut off the propane
and prevent a dangerous situation from occurring.
How the Excess Flow Device Works:
• When the propane tank is first turned on the xcess Flow Device believes there
may be a downstream leak and temporarily closes the POL. The POL does not
stop the flow entirely, so there is enough propane entering the hose to begin
pressurizing the system.

10
• Once the fuel has filled the entire hose and the regulator gauge reaches 22 PSI,
the xcess Flow Device reopens and the heat tool is ready for operation (you
will hear an audible “click from the POL when the pressurization is complete).
• This pressurization process can take anywhere from 7-10 seconds from when
the tank is first turned on and may take a little longer with propane tanks that
are partially filled. This feature is all for the safety of the user, but you must
wait the 7-10 seconds for the pressurization to complete before operation.
Attempting to Ignite the Heat Tool before Pressurization is Complete:
• If the user attempts to fire the heat tool before the pressurization is complete,
the pressure gauge will drop down to 0 PSI and the heat tool will not ignite.
In order to ignite the heat tool, the user must wait for the system to pressurize
(22 PSI) and then the heat tool will operate properly. *This wait time will only occu
when the use fi st tu ns on the p opane tank.*
WAR I G: As the amount of propane in the tank drops, the pressure
gauge on the regulator will decrease accordingly. Do not ope ate the heat
tool once the p essu e d ops down to 20 PSIG. Ope ating the heat tool
below 20 PSIG, will esult in damage to the heat tool’s inte nal components.

11
CHOOSI G THE CORRECT PROPA E TA K
• There are two types of propane tanks commonly available:
A. Correct: Vapor withdrawal—Use this style (exactly the same as a BBQ grill tank)
B. ot Correct: Liquid withdrawal—Do not use this style (used on fork trucks)
WAR I G: Using a liquid withdrawal (fork truck) propane tank will clog
the orifice in the heat tool and result in an extremely long and dangerous flame.

12
CHOOSI G THE CORRECT PROPA E TA K (CO TI UED)
• Propane tanks are available in a variety of sizes. The most popular tank sizes:
• 20 lb. tank similar to a BBQ propane tank for smaller applications.
• 40 lb. tanks are commonly used in most industrial applications.

13
TA K PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE & OPERATIO
• Tank pressure depends on the temperature of the tank. At room temperature (72°F) the
pressure in a full tank is 110 PSI and drops to 22 PSI at 0°F.
If the propane tank ices up during operation:
When the heat tool is in operation, the temperature of the tank drops due to the
evaporation process of liquid propane to propane gas. After prolonged use and
continued drop in propane pressure, the temperature of the tank may drop to 0°F
usually accompanied by icing on the outside of the tank and regulator.

14
WAR I G: Icing of the tank and regulator is quite common when
running the heat tool continuously with a partially filled propane tank.
However, if you are ever in doubt regarding the safety or operation of
your heat tool, shut off the tank and contact your authorized Shrinkfast
distributor or Shrinkfast directly.
• Small or nearly empty tanks ice up faster than larger, full tanks. Typically, a
full 20 lb. tank, if operated continuously, will run for 90 minutes before ice
builds up on the outside of the tank.
• If your shrink wrapping project requires continuous use of the heat tool, try the
following methods:
• Use multiple tanks — Switch the heat tool from one tank to another.
• Use a portable fan — Point an ordinary desk fan at the tank, and
the air flow around the tank will help the tank from icing up.

15
VE TILATIO REQUIREME TS
WHE OPERATI G HEAT TOOL
WAR I G: During operation, the heat tool consumes propane and air
and produces carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide (CO), and water vapor.
Prolonged exposure to Carbon Monoxide is lethal and adequate ventilation
must be provided if the heat tool is to be operated indoors.
• To maintain a safe CO concentration (50 parts per million as set by OSHA
Standard 1910.1000 – Air Contaminants), ventilation requirements are 2,000
cu. ft. /min. of fresh air while the heat tool is operated at a maximum operating
pressure of 30 PSI.
• Based on a 1 1/2 minute heating cycle per pallet, the fresh air requirements are
3000 cu. ft. /pallet. xample: If the production rate is 10 pallets per hour, a
ventilation system needs to provide 500 cu. ft. /minute.
• In areas where ventilation is provided by open doors or windows, a safe level of
CO will be maintained as long as the room temperature does not rise above 150°F.

16
GE ERAL I FORMATIO O SHRI K FILM & SHRI K BAGS
Shrink Wrap (#4 LDPE):
• The shrink wrap is manufactured in multiple colors and is typically a 6 or 7 mil,
low density polyethylene (#4 for recycling purposes). What makes this material
different than construction plastic sheeting is that it contains shrinking resins,
UV inhibitors, anti-brittling compounds, and strengtheners so that it will not rip
or tear. Make sure the shrink film is manufactured using only virgin resin material.
WAR I G: Shrink wrap can burn. If heat is applied incorrectly, shrink
wrap can ignite into open flame. It can also drop down on to other
combustible material and cause secondary ignition and fire. If at any time
you observe the shrink wrap on fire, immediately stop what you are doing
and carefully inspect the area where you are working for a possible fire.
Keep a fire extinguisher available at all times.
Measuring for the Shrink Film:
• Regardless of the shape of the object you are covering, it must be viewed as a
cube in order to find the proper shrink film size. In general, you measure the
width by starting at the lowest point of the object or however far down you

17
want the film cover to reach. Measure up the side, over the top, and down the
opposite side to the lowest point. Add one foot to this number to accommodate
heat welds and this will indicate how wide your shrink wrap should be. This
process will determine the square footage of the object being shrink wrapped.
• For boat wrapping or storage purposes, a 6 or 7 mil shrink film is installed, but
the mil thickness depends on the project requirements and can be best
determined by a shrink film distributor.
Measuring for the Shrink Pallet Bags:
• For shrink wrapping a pallet, a 4 mil shrink bag is typically used for loads of
1,000 lbs. or less. You should always add at least 2" to the length and width of
your measured object when sizing the correct pallet bag and at least 4-6" to the
height (including the pallet) to account for the material shrinking when
applying the heat.
• Again, not all plastic bags are shrink bags; therefore, be specific. Shrink film
should be made of virgin resin, and not reprocessed material.

18
MEASURI G FOR A SHRI K PALLET BAG
1) Measure the length, width and height of the
pallet to be covered.
2) Determine the length (L) of the bag, by
adding 2” to the length of the pallet.
3) Determine the Width (W) of the bag, by adding
2” to the width of the pallet.
4) The Height (H) of the bag is determined by
measuring the height of the pallet (including the
height of the pallet itself) and adding 4-6”. The
added length allows you to tuck the ends of the
bag unde the pallet befo e applying heat so
that it does not pull up ove the pallet edges.
Example: If the pallet size is 48” (length) x 40”
(wide) x 50” (height), the bag dimensions are as
follows: Length (L) is 50”, Width (W) is 42”
Height (H) is 56” (always go higher in height if
they do not have the exact bag height available).