diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 78cd388..48fbd32 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -13,4 +13,7 @@ It has the following properties.
 Add an item name as string or a table with `name` and optional `spoilTicks` and `iconFolder`. The icon file will be `iconFolder .. "hot-" .. itemName .. ".png"`.
 
 ### `craftingCategories`
-A table containing all supported crafting categories. This mod uses a white list to prevent unwanted categories by default. Only categories used by smelting buildings like the furnace and the foundry should be added.
\ No newline at end of file
+A table containing all supported crafting categories. This mod uses a white list to prevent unwanted categories by default. Only categories used by smelting buildings like the furnace and the foundry should be added.
+
+### `skipTechUnlocksFor`
+A table containing item names that have early game variants without a hot variant. They won't be updated in technology triggers. This prevents deadlocks in the tech tree.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/hot-metals/changelog.txt b/hot-metals/changelog.txt
index 1d960bd..9e9cd3c 100644
--- a/hot-metals/changelog.txt
+++ b/hot-metals/changelog.txt
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ Version: 1.1.1
 Date: 21.12.2024
   Bug Fixes:
     - Fixed labels for hot pipe and underground pipe items and recipes (https://mods.factorio.com/mod/hot-metals/discussion/67493d0742705fa9914f61ca)
+    - Fixed technology triggers being replaced for items that have non-hot early game recipes (https://mods.factorio.com/mod/hot-metals/discussion/676668fb9ce172be6c25f87a)
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Version: 1.1.0
 Date: 03.12.2024
diff --git a/hot-metals/compatibility/space-age.lua b/hot-metals/compatibility/space-age.lua
index 3ff9d89..aa31b26 100644
--- a/hot-metals/compatibility/space-age.lua
+++ b/hot-metals/compatibility/space-age.lua
@@ -9,4 +9,11 @@ table.insert(HotMetals.items, "tungsten-plate")
 --table.insert(HotMetals.items, "low-density-structure")
 
 table.insert(HotMetals.craftingCategories, "metallurgy")
-table.insert(HotMetals.craftingCategories, "crafting-with-fluid-or-metallurgy")
\ No newline at end of file
+table.insert(HotMetals.craftingCategories, "crafting-with-fluid-or-metallurgy")
+
+-- The regular early game recipes for these items are crafted in assemblers
+table.insert(HotMetals.skipTechUnlocksFor, "iron-gear-wheel")
+table.insert(HotMetals.skipTechUnlocksFor, "copper-cable")
+table.insert(HotMetals.skipTechUnlocksFor, "iron-stick")
+table.insert(HotMetals.skipTechUnlocksFor, "pipe")
+table.insert(HotMetals.skipTechUnlocksFor, "pipe-to-ground")
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/hot-metals/data.lua b/hot-metals/data.lua
index 854ecb6..8f35c42 100644
--- a/hot-metals/data.lua
+++ b/hot-metals/data.lua
@@ -6,7 +6,8 @@ HotMetals = {
     },
     craftingCategories = {
         "smelting"
-    }
+    },
+    skipTechUnlocksFor = {}
 }
 
 require("compatibility.data")
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/hot-metals/prototypes/hot-metals.lua b/hot-metals/prototypes/hot-metals.lua
index 01e9ffa..3847ce9 100644
--- a/hot-metals/prototypes/hot-metals.lua
+++ b/hot-metals/prototypes/hot-metals.lua
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ function createHotVariant(item)
 
     -- Change technology triggers
     for _, tech in pairs(data.raw.technology) do
-        if tech.research_trigger and tech.research_trigger.item == itemName then
+        if tech.research_trigger and tech.research_trigger.item == itemName and not contains(HotMetals.skipTechUnlocksFor, itemName) then
             tech.research_trigger.item = hotItem.name
         end
     end