How to Change a VARIMAT Element

11/26/2016

If tool is on, turn down heat and allow to cool fully
Ensure the VARIMAT is unplugged
Tip the Electron nozzle up and place in locked position
Unscrew the four screws of the nozzle with a flat screw driver or a T20 torx bit

Carefully slide the heater tube, mica tube, and gasket off leaving the element attached to the tool; set removed items aside
Inspect the mica tube, if it is flaking or curling replace it

Unscrew the ground ring at the base of the element with a flat screw driver. Remove the ground ring and gasket, set aside.
The thin silver wire running through the center of the element is a thermocouple. The thermocouple must be handled gently or the outer shield or internal wires will break.
If needed, gently bend the thermocouple straight while looking at it from the end.
While holding the element at its white base, rock the element up and down gently to work the three pins of the element out of its socket without bending the thermocouple.
Gently pull the element forward. If the element gets stuck behind the thermocouple, reassemble the Varimat and send it to STANMECH for service.

Install the new element
Be careful not to bend the thermocouple
Be sure to purchase the same part number element, some elements look identical but are in fact different. The element’s part number can be found printed on its white base.
Reattach the gasket and ground ring, then the mica tube and nozzle. Turn the four screws in but do not tighten them fully.
Twist the nozzle counter-clockwise as far as it can and tighten the four screws to complete the installation.

Look at the old element for signs of premature failure.

Look through it toward a light to see if it is plugged. If so, check the next element from time to time and blow it out from front to back to keep it from plugging.
If the ceramic is cracked in small pieces, the element was heated while wet. If the tool gets wet, run the VARIMAT cold for 10 minutes and at low heat for 5 minutes to dry it safely.
Make sure that the VARIMAT is cooled down before it is shut off, every time it is used.

Have questions? Contact us at info@stanmech.com or 905-631-6161 for help.