What can go wrong with an immersion heater spanner and how can you avoid it?
What can go wrong with an
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Immersion heater spanners are reliable tools that do not often break. Once you buy an immersion heater spanner, it should last you a lifetime if you use it in the right way. | |||
Abuse |
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‘Abuse’ is the term used for using a tool in a way it was not designed to be used. | |||
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Technically, using a hammer to rap on the handle or tommy bar of an immersion heater spanner is classed as abuse.
However, heavy duty box immersion heater spanners and one piece cast box ring immersion heater spanners have been designed with this kind of abuse in mind. This can be an essential part of the process of changing an immersion heater element if the element is jammed. |
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Spanner distortion |
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Excessive application of force can cause a spanner to ‘distort’ (become warped or bent). Immersion heater spanners are made from high quality steel, which is strong and resistant to distortion. Although unlikely, it is still possible for this to happen. If an immersion heater spanner distorts, it should not be used again. | |||
Spanner malfunction |
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Excessive force could also cause a spanner to ‘malfunction’ (crack, snap or break). This happens more often in open headed spanners – the ring or box heads on immersion heater spanners are reinforced against malfunction both because of their shape and the fact that they are made from tough, high quality steel. Again, while this is unlikely to happen, there is still a slight possibility that it might. | |||
Avoiding malfunction and distortion |
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It is important not to use anything to extend the length of the handle or tommy bar of your tool, such as a length of pipe. Doing so could cause the handle or tommy bar to distort. | |||
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Even though it can be frustrating when an immersion heater element sticks and will not easily unscrew, it is important not to stamp or stand on the handle of the spanner in an attempt to help to loosen the heater. Doing so could cause your tool to distort or malfunction, or it could cause your hot water tank or its inlet or outlet pipes to distort. They will need to be replaced if this happens, which could be costly! | |||
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Your immersion heater spanner will not require a lot of maintenance. Just make sure it’s dry when you put it away to help to prevent corrosion. | |||
Making your life easier |
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If you want to make sure your immersion heater element can be removed smoothly and without having to be heated, loosen it very slightly once per year and then tighten it back up again. To avoid leaks, do not unscrew it completely from the copper boss. | |||
