propane hand torch

[bowlofturtle]

I think i should add one to my toolbox. Ive encountered a few brake caliper bolts that were froze in the brackets and some other random bolts that were seized in something. I've always taken it to the shop down the block for me. The guy would fire up his big acy torch and take care it for me $25 each item.

Now i realize propane does not get anywhere as hot as acy. but i think it should get the job done just need time. Should i just go get any handtorch from homedepot?

Something like this... http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-UL100-Basic-Propane-Torch-Kit-334458/203665003


edit--- actcually this one looks more ideal...
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-BZ8250HTKC-Map-Pro-Hose-Torch-Kit-331665/203391035

 

[Vern_in_IL]

Buy some ROAD FLARES,

 

[expat]

MAP gas certainly burns hotter than straight propane, and the self ignition feature is nice. But that price seems a little high.

What does HF have to offer?

 

[Chris142]

Propane won't do it. You need oxygen and fuel. We use natural gas

 

[Brad_C]

Actually Propane will do it. The problem is to get the heat you need you have a *big* flame which tends to heat up stuff surrounding where you actually want to put the heat. Oxy is nice (I use Oxy / Propylene) because it allows you pinpoint accuracy with the heat, but if it's a big bolt/nut or stuff surrounding it is not critical or sensitive then I just use the Bernzomatic TS8000. For really precise stuff, the TIG is the way to go.

 

[punisher]

http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-TS4000-Trigger-Start-Torch/dp/B00008ZA09

This is the one I have. Home Depot has them for $35. TS8000 is nice to.

Main thing is to get a setup that shuts off your flame when you don't need it on. Safety is the main reason (you won't scorch the bathroom cabinets when sweating some copper) and you save propane/MAPP.

 

[Brad_C]

I traded up from the TS4000. The TS8000 puts out significantly more heat on Propylene which I needed for silver soldering. With the TS8000 I could just manage 1/2" copper without needing to resort to oxy.

I'm with punisher, the ability to instant on/off the flame is brilliant.

 

[larryinnewyork]

Just for home use:
I use MAPP Gas for the extra heat.

But what I really like is that I have a flexible hose (6 ft.)
It's nice not having to hold and swing the tank around,
it just sits on the floor.

 

[buck91]

Had great success with mapp and a turbo or vortex style head, but I forget the exact model. Currently have an oxymapp torch but haven't needed anything more than kroil and my 2 foot breaker in years, or at least since the last 80s era car I worked on.

 

[Tdbo]

Originally Posted By: punisher
http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-TS4000-Trigger-Start-Torch/dp/B00008ZA09

This is the one I have. Home Depot has them for $35. TS8000 is nice to.

Main thing is to get a setup that shuts off your flame when you don't need it on. Safety is the main reason (you won't scorch the bathroom cabinets when sweating some copper) and you save propane/MAPP.


I have a similar torch under the Ace Hardware name. Nice torch.

 

[Wheel]

Don't forget that you can still light a torch that has a piezo lighter with a flint, long after that part goes bad. It will still shut off when you let go of the button.

I still don't trust a torch to be off with a cylinder attached, at least to store it.

 

[HerrStig]

The "MAP" formula has been replaced with something called "MAP-PRO" which is hotter than propane alone but not as hot as MAP was. The company which made MAP is out of business.

 

[Brad_C]

Originally Posted By: HerrStig
The "MAP" formula has been replaced with something called "MAP-PRO" which is hotter than propane alone but not as hot as MAP was. The company which made MAP is out of business.


Not quite. MAPP was a Dow product (they are still in business) and was a witches brew "stabilized mixture of methylacetylene (propyne) and propadiene". It turns out this was a byproduct of an industry which turned out to be useful because of its flame characteristics. It also turns out to be even more valuable for the manufacture of plastics, so no more for burning.

MAP/PRO is just 100% propene (Propylene) and bears no resemblance to MAPP other than it being a hydrocarbon. It burns hotter that propane in both air and oxygen. Not anywhere near what acetylene is, but its hot enough to make it a worthwhile upgrade if you need the heat and it's cheap.