So, are all propane torches these days pieces of crap??

[Frank (N.Mi.)]

Well I just had a third torch quit working on me in about the last six months. The last two were just the basic twenty dollar units as found in TSC. The other was one of the more costly ones though. None of them will last more then a couple months of just occasional homeowner use. Flame won"t stay lit...What does a guy have do to get one that works?
 

[kevinj54]

Sounds like you need to clean the orfice
 

[Rick in Iowa]

try a different brand of gas tanks.i had same problem years ago and it was the gas i was buying
 

[Joe W.]

I have the most basic propane torch and the flame doesn't always stay lit as you have experienced usually during cold weather. When the tank is cold, the propane just sits in the bottom of the tank and won't hiss at the torch tip. I solve the problem by bringing the propane tank into my kitchen sink and letting the steel tank sit in hot water for a while. After the tank warms up the gas is, well, gassier and it lights and stays lit. There is probably a safety issue with heating the propane tank in my kitchen sink but it's not the only risk I have taken in my lifel
 

[WAYNE-N-TX]

Bite the bullet and buy a good one, I've already tried the El-cheap-O's, Trash!!
 

[Butch(OH)]

I have a bernzomatic TS4000 for about 6 years and have had zero trouble with it using maybe two tanks a year. It was close to $50 with a tank of fuel. I have started using the short fat tanks so it isnt as tipsy, that being my only complaint.
 

[Bud in WV]

Try a Turbo Torch - not cheap but they work. First one I had lasted 25 years. The replacement has been going for 6 years now.

http://www.pexsupply.com/Soldering-Torches-10155000
 

[retired farmer]

Got one at the Greeley Farm Show from a guy who sells a specialized solder. It is for Mapp Gas and cost around eighty dollars. Don't remember who it is made by. Seems to work.
 

[D beatty]

The torch that you get from TSC you did take it back ? Their torchs carry a 1 year warranty and the torchs from ACE harsware are the same.
 

[armand tatro]

In real cold weather I have set them on the deforster tube in the pickup to warm them up so they would work. Armand
 

[KIP in MX]

I bought one with several nozzles when I lived in Mexico that has a hose for a propane (BBQ) bottle. Not handy for small jobs but works great for copper pipe and heating stuff. I have an old Bernzomatic for the little cylinders that must be 30 yrs old and always works good.
Just like most tools, it seems like the old stuff last forever and the new is cheap and fails in a short time.
 

[Bill in IL]

I would put my vote on that TS4000 too. Great torch lights every time I pull the trigger. I use mine on MAPP gass or whatever variation of MAPP they put in the yellow bottles nowadays.
 

[sflem849]

[GeneMO]

All of the cheap ones I have ever had will light when pointed downward, but as soon as you set it up, it goes out. Or it will go out as soon as you try to increase the flame.

Gene