BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Fix a Curling Iron

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Electric curling irons work by using a heating element controlled by a thermostat and a thermal cutoff that prevents burnouts. Curling irons have a tendency to overheat. If you don't repair your curling iron, it can cause serious problems. Here is how to fix a curling iron.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Volt-ohm meter
Screwdriver
Sandpaper
Electrical contact cleaner

Step1

Unplug your curling iron and remove the counter rest near the handle of your unit. Shake the pins out and secure the spoon, then set the spoon aside.

Step2

Loosen the screws joining the two halves of the curling iron housing and separate the halves.

Step3

Check the contacts by looking at them to see if they appear to be burned out or broken. Replace the contacts, if they appear to be damaged. Clean the contacts by sanding them and spraying them with electrical cleaner.

Step4

Test the cord of your curling iron for continuity by using a jumper wire and your volt-ohm meter. Set your volt-ohm meter to the RX1 scale and clip the jumper to the plug. Touch the probes on the volt-ohm meter and bend and pull the cord. Your meter should show zero ohms at all times. If it doesn't, you need a new power cord.

Step5

Clean the contacts at the switch of your curling iron by spraying them with electrical contact cleaner. If your switch is not working properly, replace the switch.

Step6

Check the cutoff on your curling iron with your volt-ohm meter set on the RX1 scale. The cutoff is the part of your curling iron that shuts off your iron when it overheats. Disconnect one of the leads on the cutoff and clip the probes to the wire. Your volt-ohm meter should read zero ohms. If it doesn't, your cutoff isn't working properly and needs to be replaced.