Good small torch for heating stuck bolts

[mjw]

I have several projects that require heat to remove stuck/broken bolts (gotta love salt).
I sold my portable oxy-acetylene set years ago as I didn’t use it but once.

All I have left are little hand held propane torches that will heat but take forever and throw too much heat into the surrounding area.
I am looking for hot and pin point heating.

The benzomatic ts-8000 map/pro gas keeps popping up, cost $50-$60.

A remote torch head might be nicer for at least one project, space is limited, not even sure I can get a torch head in the limited space.

Any recommendations for a small budget torch to just heat up some rusty bolts?
Or maybe even a larger oxy/propane setup, they look interesting and I have enough uses.

Obligatory tractor content- I need to get these car projects out of the way so I can tackle the bad PTO bearings on a JD 335

If I don’t get a new torch I am going to break down and take the minivan to a well trusted mechanic in town, I guess there is a first time for everything.
I cannot chance breaking off another bolt in a engine head/intake/block, at least not on my daily driver.

Just realized I posted this in projects instead of welding. Oops.

 

[dstig1]

MAPP is better than propane but don't expect miracles until you add oxygen to a fuel gas.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I have one of THESE for I don't remember what project, it's pretty nifty but the valves are very touchy and the oxygen bottles are tiny...

 

[mjw]

I have one of THESE for I don't remember what project, it's pretty nifty but the valves are very touchy and the oxygen bottles are tiny...

I saw those and liked the idea, but the reviews of them are not good at all.
I wouldn’t mind finding another brand as there seem to be a lot of issues with newer benzomatic.
Just another throw away.

 

[TractorGuy]

I have the portable Oxygen and Acetylene kit from Harbor Freight. I also bought a rose bud tip for big heating jobs. Has saved me lots of fighting on frozen shafts and bolts. You will have a fair chunk of money in it by the time it's tanks are full but there isn't a better substitute that I'm aware of. You may want to buy it piece meal and purchase your tanks from the gas supplier. If you buy the complete kit make sure your gas supplier will accept their tanks for exchange.

Better yet price the whole kit from your local gas supplier. Mine wasn't competitive and urged me to go to HF.

Home Depot actually lists a Lincoln kit for less than HF.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln...=REC-_-pipinstock-_-300055608-_-206959650-_-N

 

[hosspuller]

I have a oxy torch & welder. But if I didn't and had a need for bolt heating... An induction heater is quick and very directed … Google "inductive bolt buster" there are several makers of similar tools. No need for tanks, refills, or tank rentals.


see here >>Bolt Buster makes quick work out of rusted brake bleeder stems - YouTube

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Those little throw away tank kits are not too bad for a one time shot. Didn't know about the problem with Bernzomatic. Many many years ago I had one sold by Sears that I used some doing refrigeration service work. Not good for everything but it had its place for the quicky repair. Like MJW said check for other brands, bet Amazon has it but shipping on the gas may be prohibitive.

Ron

 

[GLyford]

I have seen the more basic TS4000 mapp unit get manifold bolts red hot to replace a tractor muffler, but I guess prices have gone up, I remember getting one for $30.

I don't know that one would do everything that you would need it to do, or used to being able to do with your oxy set, but it's at least a big step up from nothing?

 

[mjw]

I have the portable Oxygen and Acetylene kit from Harbor Freight.
...
Home Depot actually lists a Lincoln kit for less than HF.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln...=REC-_-pipinstock-_-300055608-_-206959650-_-N

I owned this Lincoln kit, used it once then sold it years later.
I just would like something inexpensive and small for very occasional use.
Regular propane torches will work for most of my uses, just take a long time.

That and my handheld torches are old, just threw one out, have one that I just tried cleaning and another with a wide flame tip.

 

[mjw]

Inductive bolt heaters are interesting, but too expensive for my limited needs.
And possibly too large for at least one job.

For $300 Don White automotive will get to do the jobs.
I am over working on cars, I still do it if I really need to, but during the job I start to question why.
When I move I will feel different, much of the time I do my own work because I have seen too many botched yet overpriced jobs that others have done.

With a trusted mechanic with reasonable rates in town I am not sure how much more of my own work I will perform. It is just not much fun anymore.

I will get another small propane/mapp torch, they are just too handy to not have around.
And I have gotten addicted to the piezo electric ignition.
I used my last push button torch as an oversized grill lighter half the time.