How to Build a Glass Tube Patio Heater

It is not hard to build a glass tube patio heater but it can be frustrating if you are not familiar with how to do it. There are many elements that need to be taken into consideration and for this reason it is important to have the right tools. This article will discuss some of the tools that are necessary to be in a position to successfully build a glass tube heater.

The first tool that is needed is a large steel rod that is about 30 inches long. It is a good idea to have this tool ready to use because it is going to be used. The metal rod can be cut into different shapes depending on the size of the heater you will be building. With a smaller heater it is easy to make the right shapes so that the heater can be mounted to the roof of your house.

You will also need a small torch to melt the glass tube. A magnet will also be required to keep the tube oriented properly and in place. This will also be used to keep the sun off of the tubes as they will be sitting on the roof of your house.

You should have a piece of cardboard, cut out that will fit into a large hole that is about the same size as the tube that you will be using. This cardboard should be covered by several layers of newspaper and duct tape to help hold it in place. The large hole will allow for the metal rod to be inserted. Place the top of the heater into the hole and screw it in tightly.

The next step is to insert the glass tube through the hole you made earlier. The width of the tube can be dictated by the size of the heater that you have so that it will fit into the tube. Tape the tubes edges together to keep it from being too wide and to make sure that it will not fall through the next time you make repairs.

Once the heater is in place it is time to solder the connections. Solder is very easy to do but it is important to watch out for the plastic connector that connects the heater to the electric wires. Take the time to learn how to solder before attempting to wire the heater.

Finally, you are ready to fire up the glass tube heater. Use the torch to heat the tube until it reaches about 230 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful to keep the heater from moving too fast or it may cause a fire.

You have completed the process of building a glass tube heater and are now ready to attach it to your roof. Follow these tips and you will be successful in getting this project done.