The propane torch is a very versatile tool, suitable for various home maintenance jobs. With a low heat flame, it is able to soften old paint or unlock a rusty bolt; when set to higher temperatures, it can solder pipes or electrical connections. Knowing how to use it correctly allows you to complete a manual project effectively, without jeopardizing the safety of the work environment.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Propane Torch
Step 1. Choose the model that suits your needs
Most torches consist of a small gas cylinder equipped with a regulator on which an electrical ignition system may or may not be present; if this element is not available, you need to get a flintlock to light the flame.
- If you have to work with little heat, opt for a torch that has the tip that spreads the flame that controls the temperature by dispersing the fire over a larger area.
- When you need to perform high-temperature work, such as replacing the mesh of a fence, consider using an oxyacetylene torch. This instrument has two separate cylinders: one for fuel (usually propane or acetylene) and the other for oxygen.
Step 2. Put on the safety gear
Before using such a torch you should put on a pair of thick work gloves and safety glasses; you should also wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Remember that the propane torch should always be used in well-ventilated areas.
- Pay attention to the wind; it could cause a fire and accidentally ignite objects. Do not light the torch near flammable objects.
- Avoid loose-fitting or dangling clothes; both can accidentally come into contact with fire while using the torch.
Step 3. Turn on the tool
Hold the torch with the tip pointing away from you and open the gas valve. If you have a flintlock, bring it close to the nozzle and create a spark to activate the propane combustion; if the torch has an electric ignition system, pull the trigger to ignite the gas. It may take several attempts.
- Some models are equipped with a safety lock that must be deactivated before igniting the gas.
- If you are using the instrument indoors, remember to open a window to ensure ventilation; if you are working outdoors, be careful of the wind as it could bring fire towards flammable objects.
Step 4. Adjust the flame length
Once the torch is lit, you need to adjust the flame by turning the gas valve. If you need to solder or do other high-temperature work, use a small flame, as the large flame is best suited to projects that require little heat.
The flame should have a very bright cone-shaped core and a more diffused external one; the hottest point is the tip of the inner cone
Step 5. Place the flame on the material you need to heat
To weld a pipe you have to put the tip of the inner core in contact with the joint and keep the torch still; to loosen rusty bolts, try to focus the flame on the nut or surrounding metal. When doing low-heat work, keep the fire further away from the material and continuously move the torch.
The heat causes the metal to expand; when you have to loosen the bolts, it is better to warm the surrounding area to prevent the small parts from expanding
Step 6. When done, turn off the flame
Turn the gas valve to the fully closed position at the end of each use; let the torch cool down before storing it in a dry place. Pay attention to any hisses that indicate a loss of propane.
- When finished, separate the torch from the propane cylinder to reduce the risk of accidents.
- If you feel a gas leak, check the valve and make sure it is perfectly closed; if you continue to hear the hiss, check for leaks as described in the troubleshooting section.
Method 2 of 3: Solder a Copper Pipe
Step 1. File the rough edges of the tube if necessary
Use a metal file and remove any splinters, sharp edges and metal shavings from the pipe. If you've cut the pipe to fit a plumbing project, this step is especially important.
- Once the serrated edges have been smoothed out, wipe off any debris and dust with a clean rag.
- If you don't have a suitable file, you can replace it with fine-grained sandpaper, an emery cloth or steel wool.
- If you have not been able to cut the pipe cleanly and have left a jagged surface or splinters, wear work gloves to avoid cutting or injuring yourself.
Step 2. Dry the tube
In most cases, you can simply tilt it by turning it upside down and force the water outwards; if this is not possible, use a clean dry cloth to absorb moisture or liquid near the area to be welded.
Water can interfere with the soldering process and generate a weak bond; do a thorough job when drying the tube
Step 3. Polish the metal
Shiny tubes weld better than opaque ones; use a metal bristle brush to treat the area to be joined until the copper shines. Repeat the procedure on the joint you need to join.
When finished, wipe the surface with a clean rag to remove any dirt or metal particles that have loosened in the process
Step 4. Prevent the water from flowing
Insert a specific cap, available in hardware stores, to prevent the passage of water. If the conduit is still connected to the system, there may be water flowing to the weld point, compromising the strength of the bond.
Caps of this type are typically equipped with an applicator that serves to push them along the tube. At the end of the welding work you can melt the block by quickly applying the flame of the torch in the area where it is located
Step 5. Apply flux to the area to be welded
Wear protective gloves and goggles while you work; flux that has not been heat treated is dangerous to eyes, mouth and open cuts. Use the applicator found in the package and spread a thin layer on the outer surface of the duct you need to solder.
If this is your first time trying to weld a pipe, you may be applying too much flux; wipe off the excess with a clean rag
Step 6. Heat the substance
Turn on the torch and hold it 5 cm from the flux area. Move the flame from side to side for 10-20 seconds; at first the product becomes shiny, but later the tube should darken. When the flux begins to fizz and emit some smoke, the tube is ready to be soldered.
- Be careful when handling hot metal. Touching it can cause an accidental burn just like touching the flame of the torch.
- Keep the flame at a moderate or low level when you heat the flux; a relatively low temperature is enough to melt it.
Step 7. Assemble the various components of the tube and heat them
Proceed carefully at this stage to avoid burning yourself with hot parts. Slide the conduit into the adapter until it stops and twist it back and forth to spread the flux inside the joint; then use the torch to reheat the pieces.
Apply heat evenly to the various components, otherwise the filler material melts unevenly causing water losses
Step 8. Put the filler material
Place it on the hot tube; if it melts, it means that the metal is hot enough to start the process. If the pieces become incandescent or blue, the heat is excessive.
If you have applied too much heat to the pipe, wait for it to cool completely before repeating the entire process from the beginning
Step 9. Clean the tube after welding
Spread another thin layer of flux on the hardened filler material while the pipe is hot; then use a clean rag to scrub the joint. Do not try to cool the solder quickly, otherwise you will ruin it.
Do not tighten the adapter and do not move the joint until the filler material has completely cooled
Method 3 of 3: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Avoid tilting the torch at an angle greater than 60 ° to the horizontal plane
Otherwise, you could generate a very dangerous blaze, especially on windy days. Air currents feed the fire pushing it towards the surrounding areas and igniting a fire.
Step 2. Learn to recognize the effect of temperature on the flame
If you use the torch during the cold months and its pressure is not well regulated, you may notice that the flame is smaller than usual; the cold in fact reduces the pressure inside the gas cylinder, producing a smaller fire.
- Keep the cylinder in a warm, indoor environment by using the torch quickly and efficiently when you are outdoors and in the cold to obtain a suitable flame for use.
- Using a torch with a pressure regulator avoids this phenomenon.
Step 3. Inspect the instrumentation for leaks
If you hear a hiss caused by the gas coming out of the torch even when the valve is closed, it is likely that there is a leak. You may also notice that the fuel level drops even when you're not using the tool, another sign of a leak.
Open the valve of the torch, without turning it on, in a well-ventilated area and away from sparks; apply soapy water to all connections. If you notice any bubbles, you have found the leak
Step 4. Send the torch to a technician for repair
Many models are designed to absorb the impact of a fall in order to avoid damage to the pressurized gas cylinder. This means that in some cases the torch breaks at the level of the air holes or another large component can break.
- A damaged torch represents a serious danger; send it to the manufacturer or a technician for necessary repairs.
- You can find the number of the customer service and authorized maintenance centers on the user manual of the instrument itself or on the manufacturer's website; telephone operators should be able to help you with the repair process.
Advice
Always turn off the flashlight when you place it on the ground; this way you reduce the risk that it can tip over and burn something
Warnings
- Always use safety gear, such as work gloves and safety glasses, when using the torch.
- If you do not follow the instructions for using the equipment, you risk serious injury or damage.
