The Induction Innovations Mini-Ductor Venom, No. MDV-777, generates invisible heat to release ferrous and some non-ferrous metals from corrosion and thread lock compounds without the dangers of open flame. This tool will turn a 3/4” nut red-hot in 15 seconds. Venom’s feature set allows users to repair vehicles and equipment faster, safer and more profitably, and to salvage parts normally discarded, according to the company. Venom features a coil twist lock, angled design with trigger, LED usage indicator and a user-controlled LED switch. The kit includes the Mini-Ductor Venom, manual, carrying case and three basic coils. It comes with a two-year limited warranty.
The review
Seized fasteners are a common problem that every technician comes across. Whether the fastener is corroded or trapped by a thread lock compound, the most common way to remedy the situation is with heat. Heating the female threaded component – typically a nut – forces the metal to expand and helps break the stuck part free. This is usually achieved by using an acetylene torch to produce a flame.
Using a torch, however, can be problematic. Rather than concentrating the heat on just the part that needs it, a flame tends to heat the part as well as the surrounding materials, causing both to expand and not allowing the fastener to break free. A flame can also inadvertently cause damage when used near heat-sensitive or flammable materials, which then adds time and cost to the initial repair. Plus, an open flame poses a danger to the technician using it.
Eric Moore of DeMary Truck in Columbus, Ohio, found that the Induction Innovations Mini-Ductor Venom helped resolve those issues.
“In a tight spot, or where open flames are a concern, the Mini-Ductor’s induction heating shines,” Moore says.
He also notes that the small tool is much more convenient than the apparatus associated with an acetylene torch.
“[Venom is] certainly easier to navigate than dragging out the oxy-acetylene torch,” Moore says.
The tool comes in its own carrying case with a selection of adapters and an easy-to-understand user manual.
“The Mini-Ductor Venom comes in a plastic case with storage for the adapters and the tool,” Moore says. “The manual was straightforward and explains the basic operation.”
Setup is as easy as plugging the tool into an electrical outlet, Moore says, and using the tool is just as simple.
“Select the adapter, lock the holder ring, place the adapter over the item to be massaged and pull the trigger,” he says.
One feature that Moore found very useful is the ability to bend and shape the adapters to fit different applications.
“Being able to bend the adapters to fit the workspace is definitely a very key feature,” he explains. “The ‘rope’ adapter gives the ability to wrap larger or oddly shaped components.”
The technicians at DeMary Truck used Venom in multiple applications, including shock bolts and nuts, and on exhaust repairs. These types of repairs gave the technicians room to work, and allowed for a side-by-side comparison with other options for removal.
Moore found that the Venom was not quite up to the challenge of removing some of the rusty fasteners he tried it on, though he suggests perhaps one of Induction Innovations’ larger induction heating tools would have been better suited to the task. He also found a difference in performance when testing the tool as opposed to using it in real-world applications.
“We found that when we tested it on the bench with a single bolt and nut combination, it got the workpiece red hot within 30 seconds, which was very impressive,” he says. “What we found … was, when used on the vehicle, the surrounding framework or components acted as large heat sinks and the work wouldn’t get near red hot. It still got pretty toasty, and in several situations, it was all that was needed to knock the pieces loose.”
The manufacturer notes that they do not recommend getting the workpiece red hot, and that their suggested practice is to heat the piece for a few seconds (depending on the size and type of metal), try breaking it loose, and only apply additional heat if unsuccessful.
Moore also notes that when used with a lubricant, Venom actually seemed to “expedite the penetration of the penetrant,” and make the fastener more likely to break free.
“Here in the Midwest we certainly see our share of rusted and corroded fasteners,” he says. “We had some good luck using the Mini-Ductor.”
