How To Use Bernzomatic Torch

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A propane torch is a very versatile tool for many home repair jobs. Used in low-rut applications, a propane torch can help you soften old paint or loosen a rusted commodities. With college heat, a torch tin can solder plumbing or electrical connections. Knowing how to utilise a propane torch properly will ensure that you consummate the task at hand effectively while maintaining a safe work environment.

1
Cull the correct propane torch for your needs. Most propane torches consist of a pocket-sized gas tank fitted with a regulator, with or without an electric igniter. If yours doesn't have an igniter, yous'll need to use a striker to light the torch.
- If you need low heat, opt for a propane torch with a flame-spreading tip, which will allow you to diffuse the flame to lower its heat.
- When using a loftier heat for repairing chain-link fences and the similar, consider using an oxygen-fuel torch. These torches accept 2 carve up tanks for gas (usually propane or MAPP) and oxygen.^[1]
2
Wear appropriate safety gear. Before using the propane torch, you should put on a pair of heavy work gloves and safety spectacles. It is likewise best to wear long sleeves and pants. Your propane torch should simply always be used in well ventilated areas. ^[2]
- Be cautious of current of air when using your torch. Information technology can crusade the flame to jump and take hold of unintended things on fire. Never ignite your torch near flammable textile.
- Avoid clothing that is loose or hangs. Loose or hanging vesture is more likely to accidentally catch on fire when operating a torch.
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3
Light the propane torch. Hold the torch with the tip facing away from you and open the gas valve. If y'all have a striker, place it over the torch nozzle and strike information technology to ignite the gas. If your torch has an electric igniter, pull the trigger to ignite the gas. This may take several tries.^[3]
- Some propane torches take a safety trigger that must be depressed when lighting the gas.
- If you are using your torch indoors, make sure to open up a window for ventilation. If using one outdoors, be cautious of the wind causing the flame to leap to flammable objects.^[four]
four
Adjust the height of the flame. In one case the propane torch is lit, you can adjust the elevation of the flame by turning the gas valve. For soldering or other loftier estrus applications, a small flame is all-time. A larger flame works ameliorate for low heat applications.^[5]
- The flame will accept a vivid inner cone and a more than diffuse outer cone. The hottest signal of the flame is the very tip of the inner cone.
5
Place the flame confronting the material y'all demand to heat. For soldering pipe, place the tip of the inner cone against the joint and hold the torch steady. For loosening rusty bolts, try to focus the flame on the nut simply or the surrounding metallic. For depression rut applications, agree the flame further away from the material and proceed the torch in motility.
- Applying your torch to metal will cause the metal to aggrandize. When loosening bolts, it may be best to heat the surrounding metal to forbid the bolt from expanding.
6
Turn off the gas when you are done using the torch. After use, rotate the gas valve until it closes completely. Permit the propane torch to cool down and and so store it in a dry location. Listen for running gas to ensure safety.
- Separate your torch from the fuel cylinder when you stop using it. This will provide less opportunity for accidents.^[6]
- If you hear leaking gas, check the valve and brand sure it is completely airtight. If you still hear gas, check for leaks in the manner explained in the section on troubleshooting your torch.

1
File rough edges on your pipe if necessary. Apply a metal file to have off burrs, rough edges, and loose shavings on your piping. This is especially of import if you take cut the pipe to fit a plumbing project.
- When the jagged edges of your pipe take been filed downwardly, wipe away any remaining fragments with a clean rag.
- If you lot don't accept a proper file, substitute fine grain sandpaper, emery cloth, or steel wool to smooth crude edges on your piping.
- If your pipage didn't cut cleanly and has jagged edges or burrs, vesture work gloves when filing to prevent cuts and slivers.^[7]
2
Dry the pipage. In most cases, you can do this by tipping the pipage upside down to force the h2o out one end of the piping. If this is impossible, utilise a dry out, clean cloth to absorb all water or liquid near where you'll be applying the solder.
- Water can interfere with the soldering procedure and create a weak bond in it. Exist thorough when drying your pipe.
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3
Shine the pipage. A shiny pipe will solder more than easily than ones that are non. Employ a wire brush on the part of your pipage you volition exist soldering. Brush the piping until it shines brightly, and do the same to the joint you will be soldering.^[eight]
- Use a make clean rag on your pipe after shining information technology to wipe away any dirt or particles that take been loosened when shining.
4
Prevent the period of h2o in your pipe. Insert a drain plug, available at your local hardware store, into the pipage to prevent the flow of water. Water can remain in the line if the piping is notwithstanding attached and run to where you are soldering, negatively impacting the bond.
- Generally, piping plugs come with an applicator. Use this applicator to push the plug upward the pipe. Deliquesce the plug when you are done by briefly applying the torch to the area the plug is.^[9]
5
Apply flux to your pipe where yous volition solder. Be certain you're wearing gloves and goggles when doing this. Flux that has not been treated with heat can be harmful in your optics, oral cavity, or open cuts.^[x] Utilise the applicator that came with your flux to employ a thin layer of it to the outer surface of the pipage yous'll be soldering.
- If this is your outset time soldering pipe, yous may apply to much flux initially. Wipe away excess flux with a make clean cloth.
6
Oestrus the flux. Light your torch and concur information technology 2 in (v.i cm) from the part of the piping with flux on information technology. Pass information technology back and forth over this area for almost ten to 20 seconds. Showtime the flux will go shiny, simply and so the pipe should darken. When the flux sizzles and smokes slightly, the pipe is ready for solder.
- Exist cautious when handling heated pipe. Touching this could result in accidental burn in the same fashion touching the flame of your torch would.
- Keep the flame of your torch set to a moderate or low setting when heating flux. You only need a relatively low temperature to melt it.^[11]
7
Assemble the pipe components and heat them. Use circumspection when assembling piping components and so every bit to not burn down yourself on the heated part. Slide the pipage into the fitting until it can get no further. Twist the pipe back and forth in the plumbing fixtures to spread the flux on the inside of the joint. And then use your torch to reheat the assembled components.
- Pass the flame of your torch evenly dorsum and forth over the piping components. Failing to heat these evenly could crusade your solder to melt unevenly, assuasive water to leak.^[12]
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Apply solder to the pipe. Hold your solder to the heated pipe. If the solder runs, your pipe components are sufficiently hot enough to begin soldering. If your components glow or turn a blue colour, you've applied as well much oestrus.
- If you lot've applied as well much heat to your pipe, wait for it to absurd completely. When the pipe is cool, try again past repeating this process from the beginning.
9
Clean the pipe after soldering. While the pipe is still warm simply the solder solid, brush another thin layer of flux on the solder. Afterwards that, use a clean cloth to wipe the soldered joint make clean. Do non try to cool the joint speedily. Doing so could cause damage to it.^[13]
- Avoid tightening the fixture or moving the articulation around until the solder has completely cooled. The solder will remain soft until it is cool.

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1

Avert tipping the torch more than than 60° from upright. Tipping your torch in this style tin can cause the torch to flare. This tin can be specially dangerous on windy days. The current of air could cause the flame to jump to the surrounding expanse and start a fire.^[14]
ii
Recognize the event of temperature on your torch flame. If you use your torch in cold weather condition and if your torch is not pressure regulated, you may notice that the flame is smaller than usual. Common cold temperatures reduce the amount of pressure in the tank, resulting in a smaller flame.
- Keep your tank in a warm, indoor area and use information technology chop-chop and efficiently when out in the cold to maintain a suitable flame.^[fifteen]
- Using a force per unit area regulated torch will also prevent a modest flame due to temperature.
3
Check your torch for leaks. If you hear a hissing noise of gas escaping your torch even while the valve is off, it likely has a leak. Y'all may likewise notice that your torch is losing fuel fifty-fifty when not in utilise, which is another sign of a leak.
- In a well ventilated, spark complimentary area where there are no open flames, open the valve of your torch just do not ignite it. Use dish soap and water on all connections. If you run into bubbling course, y'all accept a leak.
4
Send in your torch for repairs. Many torches are designed to blot drop bear on so as to prevent damage to the pressurized fuel cylinder. This can sometimes effect in your torch breaking off at the airholes when dropped, or another component existence damaged.
- A damaged torch can be severely unsafe; send your torch into the manufacturer for repairs.^[16]
- The customer service number for your torch can oftentimes be found in the user manual or on the manufacturer's website. Client service should be able to inform yous of the proper process for repair.

Add New Question

Question

My flame does't stay on as I strike it. It stays on only for about a second.

If your flame doesn't stay on, your fuel cylinder may be low or out of fuel. In that location also might be damage or a faulty connectedness between the cylinder and the balance of the torch. If depression fuel isn't the upshot, you may want to send your torch in for repair.
Question

Can I utilize an open flame like a butane lighter rather than a striker to ignite the flame?

J Walter Beil

Community Respond

Yes, but you would be safer with a Cipher. A butane lighter is equivalent to a quarter stick of dynamite.
Question

If I employ a propane torch in a small room with a window open, would that prevent the build-upwardly of carbon monoxide?

No. It would only assist if yous open all windows.

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Always plough the torch off when setting information technology downwards. This reduces the risk of the torch tipping over and burning something.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

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Always use proper prophylactic gear, like work gloves and safety glasses, when operating your torch.
Failing to use your torch according to its instructions could crusade serious damage or damage.

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Things Y'all'll Need

Propane torch
Striker
Piece of work gloves
Safety spectacles

Copper pipage (and connecting fixtures/components)
Safety spectacles
Piece of work gloves
Lead-free plumbing solder (typically a tin can (Sn) based alloy with antimony (Sb), copper (Cu), and/or Silvery (Ag))
Pipage plug
Plumbing flux paste
Propane torch (and striker)
Sandpaper or emery cloth
Wire brush

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