GO Fine Flame Power Torch

Blow torches and gas burners give a portable flame for soldering copper pipe, brazing, freeing seized fittings, stripping paint and finishing food in the kitchen. This category covers plumbing torches with push-button or automatic ignition, torch kits supplied with a gas cylinder, torches that screw straight onto a disposable cylinder, burners fed by a hose from a larger cylinder, small butane and kitchen torches, and accessories such as extension hoses.

Gas types

• Butane and propane-butane mixes: come in light aluminium cartridges at lower pressure. They suit small torches and general soldering, but lose performance in cold weather, as butane only boils at about minus 1°C.
• Propane: comes in steel cylinders at higher pressure and keeps working in freezing conditions, which makes it a common choice for plumbing work.
• Propene: often sold as MAP-type gas, it reaches working heat faster and suits brazing and heavier heating jobs.

Use only the gas and cylinder type the torch is made for, and check the connection thread matches.

Working safely

Before you start, move anything that could catch fire, protect nearby timber and surfaces with a heat-resistant soldering mat, and keep a fire extinguisher within reach. Never leave a lit torch or a connected cylinder unattended. Do not light the torch if you smell, hear or suspect a gas leak; take it outside to a well ventilated place away from flames and heat. Disconnect the cylinder after use and carry the two apart. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data. Work on gas pipework, appliances and their gas parts must only be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

For solder ring and end feed fittings, see fittings, or browse hand tools.