Propane torch head? What do you use?

[Silver dude]

Been looking for a quality propane torch head for quite a while. I use it while camping to start the camp fire, rig repair, or any other place I need fire. Makes sense as I already carry propane cylinders down the trail for my grill. Hope I'm not the only one. I've purchased a cheap worthington unit but middle of last year it rusted shut and no longer ignites. The hardware store examples are large and bulky also very $$. Is there a propane camping torch? Been looking haven't seen one.

 

[Ramjet]

Try Snow Peak. They make a good one.

 

[kingg5]

Try Snow Peak. They make a good one.

any ideas on one that isnt grossly over priced?

 

[Smksignals]

any ideas on one that isnt grossly over priced?

In this instance, you seriously get what you pay for. I cant justify buying Snow Peak gear but their torch is awesome ! I have one and love it !

 

[Honu]

Propane I just use this old manual one sweating pipes etc..
For starting fires or charcoal snow peak its in a class by itself for fire starting

The snowpeak is not propane though so in some ways both are dif use tools
Tey do go on sale once in a while for less than retail

Cheap one or good one ? Buy one once a year hope it works when you need it ?

Been looking for a quality propane torch head for quite a while. I use it while camping to start the camp fire, rig repair, or any other place I need fire. Makes sense as I already carry propane cylinders down the trail for my grill. Hope I'm not the only one. I've purchased a cheap worthington unit but middle of last year it rusted shut and no longer ignites. The hardware store examples are large and bulky also very $$. Is there a propane camping torch? Been looking haven't seen one.

any ideas on one that isnt grossly over priced?

 

[Silver dude]

Yeah the snow peak one looks awesome. It really isn't that far off price wise compared to the "nice" hardware store units. However, I don't currently carry that fuel into the back country. Though I have been considering adding a stove as well. Even when buying a stove I'm still considering the basic propane as its nice having a single fuel source in abundance rather then several souces to check over. I used to carry a white fuel stove never much cared for it. To much maintainance not as reliable as propane.

For now I'm looking at the harbor freight torch head as its only $20. Has a built in trigger ignitor for convenence. With the lower profile it shouldn't blow off a table as easily as the tall worthington nozzles I see everywhere. Always open to more suggestions though.

 

[Honu]

You can run the SP from cheap butane or whatever they are bottles also ?

Those canisters lucky are everywhere these days

Not sure if you have seen some youtube videos of the SP torch in action ? But its flat out fun to use

 

[6x6pinz]

I just use my propane plumbing torch that fits the 16oz cylinders. It is a Turbo torch brand built in ignitor and runs around $75. Works well for anything that requires heat. Lights charcoal up really quick.

 

[Ramjet]

I really don't think 29 bucks is "grossly"overpriced. As a matter of fact it's a great deal considering it runs own everything I.e butane, propane, duel fuel, etc.. If you go to your local Asian store you can pick up cans 5 for 2 bucks. If you don't buy, you don't buy. No worries. But like Honu said you get exactly what you pay for. I know every time I start that beast up, satan takes a step back and looks on in awe.

 

[Mobryan]

I also use a manual ignition torch. Much more compact than a modern one, though mine isn't much lighter(It's a giant block of brass the color of a mossy rock ). The lack of an ignitor is a small inconvenience, but I've always got something that can make a spark. I'm slowly transitioning away from canned gas for most of my uses, but that torch and a couple bottles are a staple in my truck, it's saved (and cooked) my bacon more than once.

Matt

 

[Stumpalump]

Does the Snow peak adjust down to a blue point like a regular torch or it just a small flame thrower?

 

[Honu]

Does the Snow peak adjust down to a blue point like a regular torch or it just a small flame thrower?

Its more flamethrower but the end nozzle is much larger you can still use it like a torch but just a larger one
Also can run inverted which is nice

Thats why for things like sweating a pipe propane torch

Heating a large area or fire starting the SP cause of the area it can heat quickly

Basically small pinpoint heat propane torch
for a large area all at once SP

 

[kingg5]

In this instance, you seriously get what you pay for. I cant justify buying Snow Peak gear but their torch is awesome ! I have one and love it !

ive often wondered about their products but have never been able to afford them. i totally live by "you get what you pay for" but what are the bonuses over a regular torch head?

 

[kingg5]

I really don't think 29 bucks is "grossly"overpriced. As a matter of fact it's a great deal considering it runs own everything I.e butane, propane, duel fuel, etc.. If you go to your local Asian store you can pick up cans 5 for 2 bucks. If you don't buy, you don't buy. No worries. But like Honu said you get exactly what you pay for. I know every time I start that beast up, satan takes a step back and looks on in awe.

Exactly the response i wanted. proof of why its worth the money. fwiw i bought my torch for 18$ from canadian tire and it mounts to my lp small canisters. but like many have mentioned, it doesnt always light.

 

[robert]

In the bus I carry an old brass manual ignition version I found in my grandfather's stuff when we moved him. I generally prefer to just carry some of those Duraflame fire-starters though; you can pick them up clearance priced at Walmart at the end of the cold season