Need a small torch that can heat up bolts on autos and maybe do other things like sweating plumbing joints. Do I just get a plumber's torch or something else?
Small torch
- Thread starter LeakySeals
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AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
One of those small ones which you just change the tank out on should work good. I seen them at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace everywhere.
Yep. I think mine was $20 at Walmart and it came with the pre-filled bottle.
This one:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bernzomatic-Basic-Torch-Kit-With-Built-In-Ignition/17128613
AutoMechanic
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Yep that’s it very handy that is going to be one of my investments soon.
I mainly use it for lighting pellets in my little extra stick burner in my pellet grill.
Probably should look for MAPP gas torch with trigger ignition. It burns hotter than regular propane. The trigger is hany since you don't have to fumble around for the igniter while under a car.
Oh no, you need a real torch where you are, using propane or Mapp you might as well use a bic lighter on badly rusted stuff. A propane torch is fine for plumbing but for automotive stuff you need this or similar small set. You exchange the empty bottles for full ones at airgas.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lincoln-Electric-Port-A-Torch-Kit/1000119507
Plumbing is best with MAPP gas as a homeowner. But many homeowners are using Sharkbite connectors or PEX. Plumbers are using compression fittings on copper pipe with an expensive compression tool.
Certainly you can heat up a bolt with a propane or MAPP gas torch. But to get it really hot you need oxy/acetylene.
And the set listed by Trav does not include cylinders of gas. You need to buy or rent the cylinders then pay for the gas.
Certainly you can heat up a bolt with a propane or MAPP gas torch. But to get it really hot you need oxy/acetylene.
And the set listed by Trav does not include cylinders of gas. You need to buy or rent the cylinders then pay for the gas.
Mapp gas is NOT what it used to be. the small "real" set shown will do better, a slightly larger setup with cheaper to fill per volume may suit as well, liquid 9/16 as my garage buddies call a cutting torch is quite valuable as well. check out some welding type forums.
This is so true, go ahead and get a small oxy rig
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Yes, entry level Victor Wrench, LoL
Yes, I just posted it as an example. HD and may be Lowes also has them with bottles in that price range. Airgas sometimes a set of Harris or Victor for a good price.
We had a few of these in my fab shop back in FL. When a welder or pipe fitter in the company needed one for a complicated job, they came to the fab shop and checked one out. There are other brands lower priced, but my company really liked LINCOLN products the best.
They come complete with all the addons for burning, cutting, and soldering.
Lincoln Electric Port-A-Torch Kit — Model# KH990 | Northern Tool
They come complete with all the addons for burning, cutting, and soldering.
Lincoln Electric Port-A-Torch Kit — Model# KH990 | Northern Tool
That is the same one I posted but as Donald pointed out it doesn't come with bottles. This one does but I would ask Airgas first if they will exchange them, they do claim they are approved.
https://www.amazon.com/Lotus-Analin...en-Acetylene+torch+set&qid=1607377605&sr=8-91
https://www.amazon.com/Lotus-Analin...en-Acetylene+torch+set&qid=1607377605&sr=8-91
The local welding supply says MAPP is enhanced propane the past 15 years, true MAPP is no longer made.
I have propane, MAPP, plumber's B tank acetylene gas for soldering and occasional heating, and a oxy-acetylene torch for heating and cutting with exchangeable torch ends I can use for cutting or heating. Propane is a waste, the B tank acetylene is so much hotter and can be found used with the torch cheaply for $75. The oxy-acetylene is expensive, expensive to buy used, expensive to fill, expensive to get the tanks water tested every 7 years.
I have propane, MAPP, plumber's B tank acetylene gas for soldering and occasional heating, and a oxy-acetylene torch for heating and cutting with exchangeable torch ends I can use for cutting or heating. Propane is a waste, the B tank acetylene is so much hotter and can be found used with the torch cheaply for $75. The oxy-acetylene is expensive, expensive to buy used, expensive to fill, expensive to get the tanks water tested every 7 years.
Here are the temperatures with each plus a mention of Mapp/Oxygen for weekend warriors.
Propane 3600 F
Mapp 3750 F (not that much hotter than propane, in a relative sense.)
Mapp/ Oxy 5300 F
Oxy Acetylene 6300 F. The big Kahuna.
You can see why Oxy Acetylene can bust rust and a guys emulating that with propane are in a much lower league. The Mapp Oxy kits are less than $100 but typically they don’t have a trigger or on/off at the torch. If you drop it, that can be a bad thing.
Propane 3600 F
Mapp 3750 F (not that much hotter than propane, in a relative sense.)
Mapp/ Oxy 5300 F
Oxy Acetylene 6300 F. The big Kahuna.
You can see why Oxy Acetylene can bust rust and a guys emulating that with propane are in a much lower league. The Mapp Oxy kits are less than $100 but typically they don’t have a trigger or on/off at the torch. If you drop it, that can be a bad thing.
If you have an electric welder, my Dad got a carbon arc torch for the welder as an accessory. Same principle as outdoor movie theaters use for light I believe. It makes nighttime like the middle of the day and heats very well. Not sure if people use them much anymore,
You can also do things like if you have a big nut stuck on a rusted bolt you can touch one of the carbon arc sticks to the left side of the nut and one to the right. The nut will carry the current and heat up quickly without heating up the bolt.
You can also do things like if you have a big nut stuck on a rusted bolt you can touch one of the carbon arc sticks to the left side of the nut and one to the right. The nut will carry the current and heat up quickly without heating up the bolt.
Getting back to the backyard mechanic mode, the U Wrench where I did some work lent me this propane outfit and I used it to heat up the area surrounding the pinch bolts on the struts. I found the stubby nature of it was more useable than a conventional long propane bottle and nozzle. Enjoy.
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That is why you exchange the bottles for full ones, they take care of the testing. I have mid size tanks and it is not very expensive to fill them considering the amount of use you get out of them.
I agree with Paul.....I've owed my Oxy/Acetylene bottles for years & simply exchange them when low/empty, Same with my CO2/Argon bottles for my welders.
The initial buy-in can be expensive, But the running cost are quite minimal. I assume everyone is turning BOTH bottles off when not in use??
The initial buy-in can be expensive, But the running cost are quite minimal. I assume everyone is turning BOTH bottles off when not in use??
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