The Product:
The Induction Innovations Mini-Ductor Venom HP is the fourth generation of the Mini-Ductor handheld induction heater. The Mini-Ductor Venom HP offers more power than any other Mini-Ductor, making the Venom HP the highest-powered Mini-Ductor available. From a 120V/15A line, with a heavy duty 18A cord, the Venom HP allows users to heat larger metal fasteners and components fast. The Mini-Ductor product line releases metal from corrosion or thread lock compounds in a matter of seconds and without the collateral damage of an open flame, the company says. Applications include bearings, graphics, exhaust manifold bolts, lug nuts, 02 sensors, u-bolts, fuel tank straps, and more.
The Review:
Rust happens, and every technician has had to face it. Rusted fasteners and stripped screw heads can slow down an otherwise straightforward repair.
Scott Brown, ASE Master Certified L1 Technician and co-owner of Connie & Dick’s Service Center in Claremont, California, says heat will sometimes do the trick. Brown recently tried out Induction Innovation’s Mini-Ductor Venom HP at his shop to help pry loose stuck bolts and fasteners.
“Where we’re at [in California], we don’t run into a lot of rust-bucket type vehicles,” says Brown. “But the [technicians] who are in those areas will truly understand the benefits [of such a product] when you can apply a little bit of heat to a fastener that’s completely rusted.”
The goal, Brown says, is to try to increase your chances of successfully disassembling the part without breaking anything.
When Brown put the Mini-Ductor Venom HP to work at his shop, he quickly found the tool was “pretty quick and simple to use, especially if you want to avoid using an open flame.” He notes the unit plugs into the wall and has a “nice little LED light at the tip.”
The Mini-Ductor Venom HP kit comes with three adapters: one for a wheel bearing setup, a universal loop that technicians can fabricate into whatever they’d like, and the preassembled unit that technicians can form into whatever angle or shape they need. This feature, says Brown, makes the Venom an exceptional tool to use underneath vehicles and in tight spaces. “Especially when you have brake caliper conditions, like when you want to [get] the bleeder loose,” he says. “In that case you can [heat up the part], maybe add a little bit of penetrating oil to it, and then hopefully get that apart.”
The company also offers several adapter kits that technicians can purchase separately.
Brown suggests users do their homework before using this tool.
“[The Venom] comes with a quick and easy user’s manual. I highly suggest technicians read the manual ahead of time,” Brown says. He cautions, “[The tool] is only for ferrous metals; you don’t want to use it on anything aluminum.”
What is this ASE technician’s overall take on the Mini Ductor Venom HP?
“It’s a pretty cool tool,” Brown says.
