The Proper Way to Use a Tar Kettle
Knowing how to properly use a tar kettle can mean the difference between getting a job done safely and creating a dangerous situation. Tar kettles heat asphalt and roofing tar to temperatures ranging from three to five hundred degrees Fahrenheit. At these high temperatures the tar becomes liquid, and can be easily be applied to the surface of your choice. When heated, tar poses some serious safety risks. Take the necessary precautions, and use a tar kettle properly to avoid dangerous consequences. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Power outlet
- Tar
- Metal bucket
- Leather work gloves
- Hard hat with face protection
- Heavy duty tarp
- Bucket of water
- Rag
- Fire extinguisher
Instructions
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Place the heavy duty tarp on the ground where you will be operating the tar kettle. No matter how careful you are, some tar will drip onto the ground where you are using the kettle. Place the tar kettle on the tarp you have laid down.
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2
Bring the bucket of water, rag and fire extinguisher within easy reach of where you will be operating the tar kettle. Small fires can sometimes start inside tar kettles. If this happens, immediately close the lid on the kettle. Then, pour about a cup of water into the small hatch on the kettle's lid. Wet the rag and slap it down over any flames that may still exist. This should put out most tar kettle fires, a surprisingly common occurrence, but use the fire extinguisher as a last resort just in case.
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3
Put on the leather work gloves and hard hat with face protection.
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Plug the tar kettle into a power source and turn it on. If you are using a gas-powered tar kettle, you will have to turn on the gas source.
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Place unheated tar into the container labeled "cold vat" inside of the tar kettle.
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Allow the unheated tar to reach temperatures high enough for it to become liquid. The tar will begin to flow into the container labeled "hot vat" when it has reached the ideal temperature.
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Drain the tar from the hot vat into a metal bucket. It is now ready to be used. Be sure to use it immediately, since the tar will quickly cool and become solid once again.
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Tips & Warnings
In some cities one must have a permit in order to legally operate a tar kettle. Make sure to check your city's laws before using a tar kettle.
Never leave a tar kettle unattended while it is on.
Make absolutely sure that there are no flammable materials in the vicinity of the tar kettle. If you are using a gas heated tar kettle, make sure that the gas tank is a safe distance from the kettle.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
