How to Replace an Impulse Sealer Heating Element

When to change the heating element

• The light comes on but the bag does not seal at any timer setting.
• The element is visibly broken, kinked or burnt through.
• The seal is strong in the middle and weak at the ends, even after tightening the end screws.
• You can see a gap or a lump in the element under the Teflon tape.

What you need

• A spare heating element of the right length (two come in the box with every PackForge sealer).
• A new Teflon tape (one comes in the box).
• A small screwdriver.
• Five minutes and a dry cloth.

Step by step – about 5 minutes

1. Unplug the sealer and let the bar cool for a few minutes.
2. Peel off the Teflon tape that covers the element on the lower jaw.
3. Loosen the two end screws that hold the element; on most models one end has a small spring.
4. Remove the old element and wipe the bar clean with a dry cloth.
5. Fit the new element: hook one end, stretch it straight along the bar, and tighten both screws so it is taut with no kink.
6. Stick the new Teflon tape over the element, smooth, with no bubbles or folds.
7. Test: plug in, set the timer to 3, seal a scrap bag and increase one step at a time until the seal is clean.

Make elements last longer

• Use the lowest timer step that gives a clean seal.
• Hold the arm 1–2 seconds after the light goes off instead of raising the timer.
• Change the Teflon tape before it is scorched through.
• Keep oil and powder off the seal area.

Need spares? Use the spares finder. Still not sealing after a new element? See the troubleshooting guide.