Handheld Torches??

[punkskalar]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w264/punkskalar/Propane.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w264/punkskalar/Mapp.jpg


I've come to you guys as the "Experts" knowing how hard we are on tools around here :laughing:


I know Mapp gas burns hotter, and is what I use most of the time. I am working on a project for school, and will be needing to redesign these products. I have a few questions, though I have an idea of some of my own answers. :D

What problems have you found using these types of tools?

What "oddball" stuff have you used these tools for? (this is the most important to me)

Do you use these on the trail? (what for?)

How could they be better?

Has the "Trigger Start" ever failed on you?

Have you ever needed to prop one of these at an awkward angle for prolonged heating?

[4x4mike]

I use these all the time but not always for what they were designed for. I have the TS4000 ( I think) that I use with propane. It's the torch head that you have in your second picture. I use it on the blue propane canisters and the camping style canisters. I believe it's a multi fuel head so it can be used with both fuels. I usually throw the head in the camping box just in case, seeing as there are always camping canisters while camping. For my Mapp gas I have the TS8000 (I think) it's silver where the other one is black. Both have the auto start which I like because you don't have to carry a sticker or lighter. Every once in a while they won't click and light but after a few tries it's all good.
I use them for starting campfires, ant/spider abatement and stuff around the shop. Heating metal and stuck parts, etc. I can't say I can come up with any upgrades though, good luck.

[BumpyDodge]

Problems - where ignitor lead attaches to end of torch nozzle needs to be constructed better. (Unscrew tip & look inside) The little metal clip that holds the wire is never quite right. An adjustable spark gap would be nice.

[catzuk]

Some of the ones I have used do not like to light in the cold of winter. Sucks when your in a crawlspace and go to press button and it won't go. Stick in jacket for a while then will, or have to crawl out and get a match or regular lighter for it. Not good when your freezing working under a house or car.

[slypig]

A flexible hose from the bottle to the tip, like the goose neck lights have (bend the hose into an S and it stays that way). This would allow you to get into tight spots. A flat side to clip onto the bottle so it can be laid down without rolling away, would be handy when heating for a long time.

[punkskalar]

Sweet guys, keep it coming if you guys have anything else. Oddball uses, and things you learned not to use it for:D