DC-AC power inverter

[StarQuest]

I've been pondering with the idea of buying one of those lighter plug in Solid-State inverters to operate a small hair dryer for my truck fleet accounts. Just wondering if anybody had product background info to share?

Thanks,

[desertstars]

Does the Xantrex Mobile Plug 75 meet your needs?

Available through 4lots.com @$30.00.

[GlassStarz]

I bought one at Home depot puts out 800 watts still not enough to run a blow dryer they take to much power. I use it for a uv/black light once in awhile but really was a waste of $80

[Ridge Runner]

StarQuest, Any inverter you can plug into a cigarette lighter/accessory receptacle will not operate a hair dryer or heat gun. I have a Cobra 1,000 watt continuous/2,000 watt surge inverter hard wired to my van battery ( fused to protect vehicle electrics ). The only hair dryer that has low enough wattage to not trip the breakers is a little travel one & it's pretty ineffective. You're better off using vehicle's defroster & a Delta Drystar ( probably cheaper ). I also have other uses for the inverter, but not $156.00 worth. GlassStarz is exactly right; don't waste your money. I believe it was Coitster who had a previous post on how to utilize the defroster without spreading the break.

[StarQuest]

Thanks for the advice and saving me some money. Probably the only thing this inverter would power ok is my laptop.

The reason I wanted it for the trucks is because lately I've been running into frost on inside glass with the temps being in the single digits. Unfortunately, I don't have access to starting these big rigs up and using the defrost option.

I already have a drystar but it seems to be taking for ever to heat up and melt this frost. Maybe I should look for good lower heat butane pen or torch.

[sunshine wr]

You should try one of the ceramic heaters that plug into the cig. lighter, Coleman makes one. I see them from time to time in the northern tool catalog for around $20.00.

[glassdoctor]

You could try what I do... use a good propane torch. I use an automatic self-igniting torch. I think it's a Bernzomatic 4000. Pull the trigger for an instant blue flame "hair dryer".

I am not kidding, either. It works great. Just fan the glass quickly and warm the entire area of the windshield. You can easily control how much heat you apply... so you can warm it slowly or very quickly.

It's the fastest, easiest way I know of. I use mine every day.... you can't have it.

[Ridge Runner]

Hello everyone, I have a Coleman ceramic heater. I rigged up a 35mm camera tri-pod that gets it close to the WS if I can get inside the vehicle. Also have an old pivoting handset bracket that I rigged to a suction cup for mounting to outside of windshield ( you still need to defrost a spot to mount it ). It works, but if there is much of a wind, this method is rendered ineffective. Another $20+ that didn't produce results I was looking for, but then, I like to experiment. glassdoctor your method sounds great. I have an auto-ignite torch with a pistol grip & mounted to the wide propane bottle for a stable base. Supposed to be in the teens tonight, so will give it a try in the morning on one of the resin test windshields I have outside.

[StarQuest]

glassdoctor,

Great idea! This is exactly what I need to get some of the frost off these big trucks fast. Now why didn't I think of that Only about $39 too! I better be smart and set my practice shield outside tonight to get the feel of this first. The neighbors will probably think I'm a some kind of nut but so what!

Thanks,

[glassdoctor]

Yeah, it can get some funny reactions... an interior repair guy I see frequently on the car lots says it makes him nervous to see me "torch" a car... he he. He thinks I'm nuts.

I will give a little caution... I used this method for about a year without a problem but then did have one break crack out when I "torched" it. BUT, this was an unusual, semi-circle crack. The type I refer to as coke bottle breaks... cause they look like the bottom of a coke bottle. That's the only one I can think of that busted while warming the area. I also had one crack a long time ago just using the car's defrost, so I guess I could say the torch is as safe as the defrost for me.

Actually, it's very safe if you use half a brain... you know, the half with the common sense that's on the endangered species list.

You can keep the flame several inches away from the glass or you can "flame" the glass directly. If you keep it close to the glass, just keep it moving... use a motion just like you were fanning the glass to cool it. If you stick the flame right on the break and leave it there it can bust it pretty quick.

A good way to "know" that what you are doing is safe is to put one hand on the glass as you work the torch... you can fan the flame right over your hand without getting burned. Try it... but don't hold me responsible if you burn yourself!

One more tip: When it's real cold... like 20 degrees or below, you will notice that the glass warms up nice, then may cool quite a bit in just a few seconds. The windshield is absorbing the heat you feel on the surface. So, you can check it and re-warm if needed. After the second or third time, you will notice that the the glass stays warm a lot longer... because it is heated clear through.

BTW, I even use my torch to re-warm the glass if need as I am working the repair and the glass is getting cold again. If it's not too windy, you can hold the torch back a couple feet and "aim" the heat toward the area. It blows heat about like a hair dryer doing this. Again, to be safe, put one hand at your repair and feel the heat being applied... you can then move the torch closer or farther back to get how much or little heat you want.

I have been doing this for so long, I forgot it was uncommon.