best gas for heating nuts and bolts

[BrokenBiker]

I have a propane torch, on a tank, but isn't portable when its full (47kg) and also have a go systems pro/but mix torch, but flame is a bit big, and going down on flame size seems to slow down the time it takes to get any heat into the nut.

I want it mainly for automotive stuff, i usually find a stubborn nut or bolt that i really don't want to break off, but the go systems torch is useless.

also have the usual thing of neighbours/mates wanting something free'd up or brazed and again the propane isn't portable enough

so looking for a handy, portable torch with a decent flame and heat output

all suggestions welcome, would like something with auto ignite on it as i have gone through so many flints on my sparker i have lost count, and can never find the bloody thing either

 

[chevy2]

Our plumbers at work use what i think is a mapgas torch,
similar size to those throwaway argon bottles and have a built in piezo ignition switch,

they simply swap the empty at the local plumbing supplies for a refill,
think they're a one-off payment on the first bottle, not sure if they'd get hot enough for removing seized/rusted on nuts though as i've never personally used one.

 

[brightspark]

rothenberger superfire torches the flame follows round the pipe for max heaing http://www.tradecounterdirect.com/c...-Super-fire-2-brazing-and-soldering-torch.jpg i use one there the best

 

[Maker]

I use a (old) rothenberger torch with propane or mapp gas for annealing copper sheets (to make roses) and that only takes a few seconds, I think its the same thing chevy2 is talking about. My dad uses it to loosen stuck nuts in old cast iron pumps and it works fairly well.

Yep, that's the one Brightspark.

 

[chevy2]

rothenberger superfire torches the flame follows round the pipe for max heaing http://www.tradecounterdirect.com/c...-Super-fire-2-brazing-and-soldering-torch.jpg i use one there the best

Yeah thats the one i was thinking of

 

[BrokenBiker]

cheers lads, will buy on of those. looks like a quality bit of kit.

 

[Maker]

Still not as portable as the rothenberger but you could get a smaller propane bottle than 47kg couldn't you?

 

[BrokenBiker]

I have a smaller bottle, well a few actually, mostly 19kg's, but when a mate rings up and says can you come over and heat this whatever it is up for me, getting the tank in the car usually means emptying other stuff out, lifting it in, then lifting it out again at the other end etc. too much hastle for a 2-3 min job

 

[chevy2]

I know its not right but i've occaisionally used the tig torch to put heat in stuff.

 

[BrokenBiker]

well, just seen the price of the torch was expecting it to be pricey but not that high. found an identical looking torch made by monument that runs of cga600 bottles of MAPP. are they decent enough. its not gonna get a massive amount of use, but don't wanna buy crap for the sake of being cheap

 

[Sidewinder]

I have the Rothenberger, it is quite good, but, not a patch on Oxy-Acet, however, much better than standard propane.
I know that most plumbers I know go for the Rothenberger, they are very good.

 

[pedrobedro]

I have a Bernzomatic torch for mapp gas. It doesn't have piezo ignition but that's no problem. It is also solid metal so nothing to break easily, my mate stepped on his Rothenberger and broke it.

 

[brightspark]

I have a Bernzomatic torch for mapp gas. It doesn't have piezo ignition but that's no problem. It is also solid metal so nothing to break easily, my mate stepped on his Rothenberger and broke it.

i also have a piezo bernzomatic along with the rothenberger both nice torches i give 25 quid each for the torches from an autojumble new

 

[BrokenBiker]

well I have bought the cheaper torch that looks just like the rothenberger, claims to have the same type of turbine flame etc and takes same bottles of mapp gas so will give it a go.