I need a propane torch that works

[grsthegreat]

DO NOT leave it beside the Wood Stove.

Oh brother its in the wood box by stove.

 

[imnukensc]

I have the same problem with a Bernzomatic and with the one that it replaced. It just won’t stat lit. Won’t burn when inverted for more than a few seconds. Basically makes it useless. Sounds like the $20 unit is garbage and the $50 unit works as designed. I wish companies would stop selling things that they know are junk.

None of them burn inverted.

 

[grsthegreat]

None of them burn inverted.

? i burn inverted all the time…?

 

[MHarryE]

Bernzomatic for sure - I have an ancient one, non-self igniting, with blue cylinder for simple arson jobs (burning brush piles) and a self-igniting one with MAP gas for serious torch work.

 

[Garson]

I struggled with torches also and did several hours research. The Bernzomatic TS8000 had rave reviews and they are right. Don't cheap out on your torch. This one lights instantly, heats quickly, has a flow control valve, and with it's special "swirl" technology it even sounds aggressive.

It is important to understand the differences in torch and gases. Many retailers sell gas advertised as Mapp gas when in actual fact, Mapp Gas is now illegal in North America. The replacement gas is actually Map Pro Gas which burns only slightly hotter than Propane unless it is combined with the dual tank Map + Oxygen.

To summarize approximate gas temperatures-
5200°F- Mapp alone (now banned)
5300°F- Map Pro + Oxygen
4100°F- Propane + Oxygen
3700°F- Map Pro
3600°F- Propane

Note the torch head also affects the temperature significantly. The TS8000 burns hotter than any other torch. Great temperatures can be achieved using this torch with Map Pro + Oxygen but the oxygen tank will drain quickly (~15 minutes) and would wisely only be used if bending steel is desired or brazing.

So with the TS8000 torch, the difference between Map Pro and Propane gas is barely noticeable (see temperatures above) as verified by timing the heating of my branding iron. Also note that the TS8000 torch produces a hot but diffused flame, whereas the old propane torch produced a pointed flame similar to an acetylene flame (when tuned properly) that was better for soldering in confined spaces.

 

[barts]

>> Many retailers sell gas advertised as Mapp gas when in actual fact, Mapp Gas is now illegal in North America.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAPP_gas has some interesting info here. I don't believe MAPP was actually banned. OSHA set safety limits (it's quite toxic at high concentrations) but apparently the only US manufacturer stopped production after their plant was damaged; it just never got enough traction.

 

[stuckmotor]

As others have said, the self igniting feature is fantastic.

 

[Dhub]

Just a simple, basic torch which screws onto a disposable cylinder and burns when you light it. Heat, solder, or start a bonfire, then turn off the valve until next time. That seems like an easy request but I haven't found one yet. I've bought two Bernzomatics and another brand (I don't recall the name as it went out in the trash.) Screw the tank on, light it and it may sputter for a few seconds but then it goes out.

Has anybody bought a torch in the last 5 years that worked?

I was a plumbing contractor for 35 years and we always used the basic turbo torch with no igniter, burns propane and map gas, even upside down, easy to clean the orfice by putting it in backwards and blowing it out...I retired 10 years ago so I don't know if the quality has gone down but I'm still using the one I retired with...

 

[nysumrwind]

I have to agree. mine is 15 years old and I used it prolly 5k times already

Amazon.com: Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch - Single Pack : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch - Single Pack : Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

You can get extended warrenty with it

 

[GB540]

I was a plumbing contractor for 35 years and we always used the basic turbo torch with no igniter, burns propane and map gas, even upside down, easy to clean the orfice by putting it in backwards and blowing it out...I retired 10 years ago so I don't know if the quality has gone down but I'm still using the one I retired with...

I'll second the Turbo Torch. Workplace has older ones, probably going back decades and the things last forever.