RIDGID RT-175 - Manual (Page 8)

Do not leave the unit unattended while in use.
1. Make sure unit is turned OFF. Plug unit into a ground-
ed 15 amp outlet making sure to position the power
cord along the clear path selected earlier.
2. Thoroughly clean the copper tube and fitting and
apply the flux (Figure 3).
NOTE! When using the RT-175, proper soldering tech-
niques should be followed.
Figure 3 – Cleaning Copper Tube and Fittings
Figure 4 – Control Switch
3. Turn the unit ON (Figure 4). Use the following guide-
lines for choosing between the HIGH and LOW set-
tings:
LOW .............................. 3 /
8
″
– 1 1 /
2
″
50/50 Soldering
3 /
8
″
– 1 /
2
″
95/5 Soldering
HIGH .............................1 1 /
2
″
– 3
″
50/50 Soldering
1 /
2
″
– 3
″
95/5 Soldering
50
′
Maximum Extension Cord
NOTE! On HIGH setting, the maximum length of exten-
sion cord should be 50
′
!
4. Squeeze handles together to open the carbon tips to
fit of the joint. Be sure to place the carbon tips over
the joint to allow capillary effect to draw the solder into
the solder cup of the fitting (Figure 5).
Figure 5 – Positioning Carbon Tips
Figure 6 – Soldering Joint
5. Hand solder wire at fitting lip until the solder begins to
flow freely (Figure 6). When this occurs, squeeze
handles and remove solder gun.
Do not overheat fitting.
Solder gun stainless steel sleeves and
carbon tips remain hot. Do not touch. Do not lay on sur-
faces that may be damaged until sleeves and tips have
cooled.
6. If the joint to be soldered is in a difficult to reach
location, it is not necessary to clamp the carbon tips
around the tube. The carbon tips only have to be in
contact with the fitting (Figure 7).
Do not clamp or touch stainless steel
sleeves, threaded studs or lock nuts against the tube or
fittings. If this happens, electrical arcing or excessive cur-
rent draw may occur, kicking out the circuit breaker.
7. Switch the unit OFF when not in use.
Do not store the handle in the case until
it has cooled. They can damage the power cord or sol-
der gun cables if they are too hot.
Model RT-175 Electric Soldering Gun
Ridge Tool Company 6
WARNING
WARNING
Fitting
Copper Tube
WARNING
WARNING