Kiln Pointer from Paragon: Element Pins

Sidewall Elements

Ordinarily, you should not need pins in sidewall elements that use dropped, recessed brick grooves. One of the few exceptions is sometimes a large square kiln. Element pins should be avoided in a sidewall element, because replacing a pinned element takes twice as long as replacing one without pins.

If elements are popping out of a dropped, recessed brick groove, it is probably because the element was not pushed all the way to the back of each corner. The element should also be bent at the corners. The bends must be pushed the back of the corners.

If the element is too short for the corner bends to fit into the back of each corner, expand sections of element with automotive snap-ring pliers. If sections of element are too long for the corners to fit properly, shorten the element sections with needle-nose pliers. As you thread the element into the groove, maintain a constant pressure that pushes the element into the groove. If you let go of the element while threading it, it will pop out of the groove. The element is like a spring under tension.

Glass Kiln Roof Elements

When placing element pins in the lid of a glass kiln, push the pins in at a 45 degree angle. They will stay in longer when inserted at an angle rather than straight.

Insert the pins in such a way that they do not touch other nearby pins. If two element pins are angled toward each other inside the firebrick and touch, they will short out part of the element.

Copyright 2002, by Paragon Industries, Inc.