Is my heat gun a fire hazard now?

[Candlelovr]

Last night when i was cleaning my molds and stuff, after I was done using my heat gun, I sat it upright on the counter. Apparently it was touching the cord and I didnt realize it. It melted the rubber on the cord and now I have wires exposed. Can I just wrap that spot with electrical tape or do I need to just buy a new heat gun? Please help

Thanks!

[candlesprite7]

I have always been leary of rapairing cords like that, if it were me I would buy a new gun....

[Beth-VT]

If it were me.....

If the wires you are seeing are coated, meaning you melted through the black rubber sheath on the outside but are maybe seeing a colored plastic coating on the inside, I would go ahead and wrap it well with electrical tape and just be sure to unplug when you're done with it.

If you are seeing actual copper or aluminum wiring, then I would probably just get a new one to be safe. You could still wrap it well and keep it on hand for immediate use till you get a new one, and for emergencies (like if the new one ever dies). JMO.

[Candlelovr]

I dont see any copper or anything, its white underneath so I assume that the wires are still coated??

[Kaybee23]

I know it isn't funny, but I have to laugh. I have melted a few things with my heat gun over the years. Luckily the power cord wasn't one of them.

[Candlelovr]

I wish I had melted something else that maybe wasnt so important, lol. Just not MY HEAT GUN! I cant really spend the 25.00 right now for a new one. I've maxed myself out buying candle supplies since I got my DBA and am trying to get myself ready to start selling.

[flutterbye]

Have you ever considered going to a seconhand tool shop? I got my heat gun there for 5 bucks, and it works just fine.

[judyvega]

Have you thought about making a holster of some sort for your gun for the future? This is what I did with mine:

eta: I know if you don't have an actual shop area it may not be feasible, but I LOVE having this thing!

[Beth-VT]

I dont see any copper or anything, its white underneath so I assume that the wires are still coated??

Sounds like they are coated, which is good. Just wrap with some elec. tape, and unplug after each use, you should be fine until you are in better shape to get a new one.

[Daisyd'Light]

LOL! When Judy said holster, I'm thinking on her hip....now take 20 steps...DRAW:p

[judyvega]

LOL! When Judy said holster' date=' I'm thinking on her hip....now take 20 steps...DRAW:p[/quote']

Ha ha, I'll take you on anytime

[SheilaW]

Okay Judy, what is that thing? Something for a bathroom? Here I thought I was cool cause I had a big hook to hang mine on. I want one like yours!!!

And yeah I can see myself leaning over the counter to get something and wham or leaning back and wham so I would still have to put it up high but I really do like the concept of the holster.

[Scented]

Those dang guns! Man Rockin' keeps swearing to get me something useful like what was posted.

[judyvega]

Okay Judy, what is that thing? Something for a bathroom? Here I thought I was cool cause I had a big hook to hang mine on. I want one like yours!!!

And yeah I can see myself leaning over the counter to get something and wham or leaning back and wham so I would still have to put it up high but I really do like the concept of the holster.

I got it at walmart in the kitchen gadget isle - it's called a tool caddy - it was only a few dollars, if I remember right - it's just the right size!

[Candlelovr]

LOL..Um...yeah. I think a holster on my hip would hurt a lil, lol. I dont have a work shop really. Well, I do but it has a fridge, stove, sink, all that stuff. Some may call it a kitchen. To me, its no longer a kitchen

[Kaybee23]

Maybe check some pawnshops too, if you want to replace it. But it sounds like it will prolly be okay for a bit, since the wires are intact.

[giedre11]

Don't know much about these types of things, but my dog chewed up my iron wire and I just wrapped it really well with electrical tape and had no problems with it.

[Sharon in KY]

I really like your ideal of the wire catty. I am using a coffee can with rocks in the bottom for my heat gun.

[Elapid]

Another option would be to take the heat gun apart and replace the entire cord. New cords don't cost much, and you wouldn't have any concern about any repair of the old wire. That is what I would do for a repair.

JMO, Elapid----<

[topofmurrayhill]

If you stick your finger in there and get an electric shock, it's definitely not safe to use.

[shutterbugg]

Wow i thought i was the only one that did this!!!! I have two spots on my heat gun that i melted LOL pretty soon my cord is just gonna be one big electrical tape!!!

[mystical_angel1219]

Throw the damn thing out.

It could be dangerous, and they don't cost much. A good one might run you about 75.00. But average heatguns are cheap. Don't risk yourself or your families safety on something like this. It isn't worth it.

[tangerine]

You could get an embossing gun at JoAnn's -- about $12 if you have the 40% off coupon.

[Fire and Ice]

You can also get those tool caddies or utencile caddies at the dollar store for $2.00. I have several of them in black in my kitchen. You find them in the kitchen section

I would retire it myself because I worry about fires!

Fire:cool2:

[Wendy Shoofitz]

3 pages about a heat gun.

Mystical is right. It's not rocket science. Throw it out.