Element Coil Stretching
New replacement elements for Glass Hive lampworking kilns come as a tight coil. Stretch them to their installed length before fitting them in the kiln's brick grooves.
Unplug the kiln before removing or installing an element.
Tools
- Tape measure
- Bench vise
- Locking pliers
- Safety glasses: an element can slip from the vise or the pliers mid-pull. Keep them on for the whole stretch.
How to stretch an element
Stretching is trial and error: plan to pull the element more than once before it lands at the right length. A long benchtop vise lets one person work alone; otherwise, work in pairs.
- Measure and mark the element's installed length (see the table below), starting from the end that will stay fixed in the kiln.
- Clamp the fixed end firmly in the bench vise.
- Using the locking pliers, pull the element 10% beyond the installed length, then note exactly where you stopped.
- Release the pull and let the element relax fully. It will almost always spring back short of the installed length on the first try.
- Stretch again, this time pulling slightly beyond your first mark. Mark the new stopping point.
- Repeat the pull-and-relax cycle. Each round narrows down exactly how far you need to pull to land on the installed length once the element relaxes.
Correcting an overstretched element
| If it's… | Do this |
|---|---|
| Slightly over | With the fixed end still clamped, loosely shake the element. The coil's memory effect will usually pull it back to length on its own. |
| Well over | Shaking won't be enough: compress and re-stretch the element instead. If it won't compress evenly, run a rod down the coil's interior to close it up without over-distorting the turns. |
Never cut an element short to fit. Removing coil turns makes the element draw more amperage and run hotter. Best case, that shortens its working life. Worst case, it starts a fire. If it's too long, stretch it correctly – don't trim it.
Stretch lengths by kiln
Stretch each element to this length. Kilns with two elements: stretch both to the length shown.
| Kiln | Stretch length (120v and 240v) |
|---|---|
| Short Guy | 41" (wall element) · 30" (roof element) |
| Short Deep Guy | 52" |
| Short Deep & Tall Guy | 54" |
| Regular Guy | 62" (wall element) · 33" (roof element) |
| Regular Tall Guy | 60" (2 elements) |
| Regular Deep Guy | 76" |
| Regular Deep & Tall Guy | 79" (2 elements) |
| Medium Guy | 71" |
| Medium Tall Guy | 70½" (2 elements) |
| Wide Guy | 79" |
Not sure which kiln you have, or your kiln isn't listed? Call 541-961-6978 before stretching.
Need a new element? Shop replacement elements and parts.
Questions? We're happy to walk you through it.
Call 541-961-6978 or email glasshivekilns@gmail.com. Every kiln and furnace is built to order by our family in Oregon.
Call 541-961-6978 or email glasshivekilns@gmail.com. Every kiln and furnace is built to order by our family in Oregon.