Handheld propane torch

I have a handheld propane torch head that goes on the little green bottles. I have used it for various tasks around the house, and have recently used it for starting the wood stove. Most times when I use it, it will run for about 10-20 seconds, and then the fire will go out, but gas still seems to be flowing. It usually will not reignite unless I turn the gas off (and that seems to be a slow stoppage even when all the way clised), wait 5-10 seconds and then start again. A few times the metal "tube" has had frost on it. I would think this torch should run for longer without issues. Is this normal, or what am I doing wrong?

I will try to remember to post a pic later when I can of the torch.

 

Sounds like too much gas is flowing.

 

Sounds like an outta the box defect. Made it China by chance?

 

Hmmm....I usually open it all the way. I will try differently next time

More than likely... Not sure if it's marked, or if I still have the packaging laying around.

 

It was more of a rhetorical question/joke. Almost everything mass produced, now a days, has poor quality control. The product usually has a warranty and the manufacturers take full advantage of the fact you can be the quality control person.

Hopefully adjusting the fuel flow will alleviate your problems.

 

How old is the bottle? My first thought was its almost out of gas...

 

When it was cold like below freezing mine wouldn't half work..I took it to be maybe ice was forming in the thing and blocking it up?

I only open mine all the way if I am starting a fire. For other things I barely have it cracked open.

 

Here is a question I have. I see on the internet it says there a different torch head. But my question is can I use my cheap propane torch head I bought at Walmart on a MAPP gas bottle? Will It Work correctly or at all?

 

No

 

Simple and precise answer!

 

Some are rated for MAPP gas, some are not.

 

I once had a large propane bottle, that when full, first hooked up, it was always a low flame on my grill. (I know, a bit different but) Once I'd unhook it, then rehook it, it'd work fine. Maybe it'll sound silly, but try removing it, then putting it back together . Maybe something is just out of whack.

 

Are you turning the tank upside down?
Propane has liquid in it. Turning it upside down could let liquid out.

Are you (re)filling these propane bottles?

 

You need to open the valve the first time slowly or the rush filling of the hose will trip the safety valve and restrict flow.

 

Ah, thanks.......I didn't know that. I had 2 20lb tanks and it only did it on one. So I didn't know what was going on. Appreciate the info!

 

It's a fairly new bottle, I've only used it a couple times. And it's never run very long due to the torch issues....

So, I am definitely turning it, but more sideways, I don't think upside down. I will pay more attention to the angle next time. And not refilling...this bottle was straight from the store.

If I get a chance, I'll take it outside tomorrow after work and try only opening it a bit, and the angle thing.

 

I've seen that several times on my gas grill with 20 lb propane tanks, when when full. I do the empty to fill tank trade in, so I think this is simply bad valves. Never had this issue before the new safety valve we s were implemented.

 

Ahhh. Makes sense.

I never knew that either. Stupid safety valves.

Thanks Screwloose !

Funny that I never heard about this in all of the "king of the hill" episodes I've watched.

 

Your regulator is bad…