Butane torch suggestions, plz.

[bigcase100]

I've been thinking of picking up a decent torch for annealing kanthal - tired of using the bic lighters. Anyone out there have any recommendations for a decent butane torch that won't break the bank ($20-30), leak gas when not in use, or fall apart after a few uses. Something in a smaller form factor would be preferred, as I would like to be able to store it in my tool(vape) box. Figured I would poll the experts here prior to plopping down some hard-earned bucks! Thanks!

 

[bacc.vap]

I just keep it simple, I've had 2 of these for years, one of which I've kept in a tool box that I used almost daily. Nice rugged ,little, cheap torch, though my hand is just a bit small for it. Comes with what amounts to a refillable Scripto lighter to hold the butane, any Scripto will do though. I bought a couple of cheap bulk packs.

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I also have one of these, but it cost me close to twice what your looking to spend. There's about a million different micro torches on the market. What to buy? What to buy?

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[Dogeggs]

I have been using a Bernzomatic ST200, build quality is good, price is good, performance is good! Get one.

 

[SneakyBob]

i already have a large torch but was considering ordering a couple Honest 503 torch pens from fasttech (cheap but decent quality) or replace my lost micro jet type torch just to have something more portable

 

[molimelight]

I use this one that I like very much. Comes with a solder tip also, so it has more than one use. It fires every time and has a nice, accurate flame. Picked it up at Home Depot: Bernzomatic Model # 330194 Butane Micro Torch

 

[Sgt.Rock]

I use this one that I like very much. Comes with a solder tip also, so it has more than one use. It fires every time and has a nice, accurate flame. Picked it up at Home Depot: Bernzomatic Model # 330194 Butane Micro Torch

View attachment 342472

I have that exact torch as well and it's been reliable for over 5 years.

 

[Baditude]

My Mag-Torch is like the one pictured above. Purchased for around $23 at a hardware store. Mag-Torch 3-In-1 Butane Micro Torch - Mills Fleet Farm

 

[bigcase100]

Appreciate the input guys. As bacc.vap stated: what to buy, what to buy! I'll check out the Bernzomatics next time i'm at the Home Depot. 5 years of reliability has me pretty much sold, if it's not a big, giant thing.

 

[RichRod]

i use one of these bad boys, get it from any hardware store. cost is about 15 with the self igniting nozzle. plus this will last you forever and if it doesnt, tanks are only 4-5$

 

[joecil]

I've been using this even longer than I've rebuilt coils. I used it for some soldering I was doing. At any rate it still works great, is cheap with the only thing that no longer works is the auto striker so I start it with a bic lighter. It locks on, has a stand to hold it pointed at about a 30 deg angle of a bench and just easy to use as well as about $10.

Etou Jet Flame Pencil Butane Gas Welding Soldering Pen - Soldering Iron Tips - Amazon.com

 

[K_Tech]

Appreciate the input guys. As bacc.vap stated: what to buy, what to buy! I'll check out the Bernzomatics next time i'm at the Home Depot. 5 years of reliability has me pretty much sold, if it's not a big, giant thing.

Try to find one that will lock "on", and can be operated with one hand.

 

[dhdaniel]

The Bernzomatic from Home depot has a lever to make it stay on. Its a good little torch, lotsa uses,
I really dont like the little safety button that you have to depress before each light, but
thats a minor thing. Great torch

Dave

 

[stylemaster2001]

Ordered my torch from FT, looks like the Benzomatics pictured above, but only cost $15-18 I believe...seems to be holding up well so far but still on the first fill-up of butane.

 

[Rwb1500]

I use this one that I like very much. Comes with a solder tip also, so it has more than one use. It fires every time and has a nice, accurate flame. Picked it up at Home Depot: Bernzomatic Model # 330194 Butane Micro Torch

View attachment 342472

I have that exact torch as well and it's been reliable for over 5 years.

I'm using the same torch, everything from kanthal to creme brulee.

 

[bigcase100]

I'm using the same torch, everything from kanthal to creme brulee.

Is the base at the bottom of the Model # 330194 removable, or is permanently attached?

 

[Buster282]

I just ordered one from Fasttech. They have em under cigar lighters. very cheap.

 

[ScottChensoda]

Here's a nice torch. Pretty mobile too. If you have a towing eye on the car.

 

[havinfun1]

Picked up the 503 pen style from FT. Works great, heats up the wire/coils fast. Can use it with one hand & fits easily into my toolbox. If you can wait for the shipping it's great.

https://www.fasttech.com/p/1134600

 

[bigcase100]

i use one of these bad boys, get it from any hardware store. cost is about 15 with the self igniting nozzle. plus this will last you forever and if it doesnt, tanks are only 4-5$

Is this also a BernzoMatic setup? I dig the stickers. When that thing goes empty though, you have to toss it and start over with a new tank, right? Fresh canvas, I guess!

Try to find one that will lock "on", and can be operated with one hand.

You're right! both of those features sound like the way to go.

The Bernzomatic from Home depot has a lever to make it stay on. Its a good little torch, lotsa uses,
I really dont like the little safety button that you have to depress before each light, but
thats a minor thing. Great torch

Dave

Are you referring to the Bernzo T200 Pencil-type, or the Model #330194 Micro Torch?

 

[dhdaniel]

Not sure what the model is. But i got both the bernzomatics
Pen style. & the micro torch. The pen is my least used
Its cheesy

Dave