Recommendation for MAPP gas torch head

[Blast Chamber]

Hi guys,

I've been buying the Berzomatic trigger start torch heads (under $50) for when I use MAPP gas, but I've been through 3 of them now and they keep going bad. Not only do the self ignitors stop working, but the gas regulator goes bad as well and I can't get decent flow no matter what brand of cylinder I try.

I want to get a high quality unit that will last and am not opposed to paying more. I already have a large quantity MAPP cylinders in inventory so whatever I buy has to fit those. Anyone have a suggestion? The only brands I see on google are Bernzomatic (Lenox), Firepower, and TurboTorch. I like Lenox tools in general but they look the same as Bernzomatic (which I won't buy again).

Thanks.

 

[deereman75]

Hi guys,

I've been buying the Berzomatic trigger start torch heads (under $50) for when I use MAPP gas, but I've been through 3 of them now and they keep going bad. Not only do the self ignitors stop working, but the gas regulator goes bad as well and I can't get decent flow no matter what brand of cylinder I try.

I want to get a high quality unit that will last and am not opposed to paying more. I already have a large quantity MAPP cylinders in inventory so whatever I buy has to fit those. Anyone have a suggestion? The only brands I see on google are Bernzomatic (Lenox), Firepower, and TurboTorch. I like Lenox tools in general but they look the same as Bernzomatic (which I won't buy again).

Thanks.

well from what I hear, turbotorch is the industry standard, one of those might be worth a try.

 

[monckywrench]

I use an old school conventional head and a striker to ignite. Dead simple and cheap.

 

[murphy1244]

well from what I hear, turbotorch is the industry standard, one of those might be worth a try.
Thats the way to go. you will find they use less gas also.

 

[kevinj]

Turbo torch for me also. Had the first one 20 years and replaced it with same.

 

[Kays Supply]

I have used both. The Turbo Torch is the only one that has " blown up" in my hand. I am gun shy of them. I go through several of the Bmatics a year. I just figure the cost of doing business.

 

[Artisan]

If you mean for a small, like 14" or so tall tank, I usually go thru 1 small mapp torch a year. I have used many. I now use
a Turbo Torch STK-99 :thumbsup:

I will not be going back to this style;

 

[yomax4]

I vote Turbo. Have a problem, They will work it out or replace.

 

[Haywire]

I was under the impression that MAPP was out of vogue and not being used much anymore in favor of the small portable oxy/acet torches. You guys plumbers?

Ian

 

[kevinj]

I was under the impression that MAPP was out of vogue and not being used much anymore in favor of the small portable oxy/acet torches. You guys plumbers?

Ian

Depends. I use mapp for soft solder and oxy - acet for sil-phos work.
(not a plumber, but an HVAC guy).

 

[Blast Chamber]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'll try a TurboTorch and see how it performs.

I'm not a plumber, I mainly use the MAPP gas for heating up stubbornly seized fasteners. A few years back I scored a dozen bottles of MAPP gas at a garage sale for $1-each, which is like a 10-year gas supply for me.

 

[Haywire]

I was trying to braze something a few years ago and tried one of those Bernzomatic Mapp/Oxy torches. I wasn't too impressed, but it was probably me and not the torch.

Ian

 

[deereman75]

I was trying to braze something a few years ago and tried one of those Bernzomatic Mapp/Oxy torches. I wasn't too impressed, but it was probably me and not the torch.

Ian

No its the torch. I tried one, it sucked, The o2 lasted about 5 mins, seemed to have less btu output then a normal propane torch. (hotter though) Sucked so bad we got a proper O/A torch, now that puts out the heat.

 

[Artisan]

Yes I am a plumbing contractor and nope, a MAPP tank would be ill advised to try to braze IMO. It's prob possible on a small fitting, in the summers heat, with no wind. I carry an acetylene tank w/ a large tip for silver soldering.