Thursday, August 15, 2013

Troubleshooting Tips for your Butane Torch

Sometimes, as your butane torch gets older and well used, it stops working. Usually, this means that the automatic ignitor has stopped working and the torch doesn't light. Before you throw that torch away, try these tips to fix it!

You can also catch some of these tips on our free video that I made with Beaducation: Butane Torch Safety. Troubleshooting starts at 15:56.

Safety: 

Please, before you work on or use your torch - wear safety glasses! It just makes sense. And never use a torch that is misbehaving so badly that it feels unsafe.

1 • Is the gas on?

Sure, it seems obvious, but sometimes the torch won't light because the gas lever is turned down. Turn the gas dial to maximum and try lighting again. Maybe it just wasn't getting enough butane to spark!













2 • Not enough oxygen? 

Another culprit is a lack of oxygen, which along with the butane can help the torch ignite. On some butane torches, there is a silver or black sleeve on the nozzle that rotates, opening and closing a vent that allows oxygen to mix with the fuel. If it's closed, the ignitor may not be able to spark the butane into a flame. Open it all the way and try again.













3 • No spark? 

The ignitor might be broken or clogged. How can you tell? Use a manual torch lighter, also called a sparker, to try lighting the torch. Start up the torch as usual, holding the trigger down to keep the butane flowing. Place the cup of the sparker a couple of inches in front of the nozzle and slide the flint back and forth to make a spark. If the butane lights, then the torch is fine, but the ignitor isn't working. Most torches require an external tool like a sparker to light them. Don't waste this torch just because the ignitor isn't working. Use the sparker instead. In fact, sometimes the problem is temporary, and I've seen the ignitors come back to life, days, weeks or even months later.




4 • Bad Butane? 

Not all butane is created equal. Cheap butane is oily and can clog your torch, preventing it from lighting. Check the opening of the nozzle for residue. If it's dirty, try cleaning it with a cotton swab or pipe cleaner, and maybe a little rubbing alcohol. Be sure to let the alcohol evaporate away completely before trying to light the torch! If that doesn't work, you may have to empty the torch and refill it. We've seen torches function better as their fuel is gradually replaced with better quality, premium butane. To speed things up, empty the torch by turning it on and locking it, so that the butane is venting out. This is best done outside in a safe place where the torch won't be disturbed for 20 - 30 minutes. If the torch ignites while you're trying to vent it, the flame can be blown out with a strong puff of air - from your mouth. Just keep your lips away from the heat! Once the torch is empty, refill it with the good stuff. Let it rest for 5 minutes, and then try it again.

5 • Missing something? 

This is a real life problem that has happened to me with large flame butane torches. The torch won't ignite - even with a sparker. When I checked the nozzle, the brass part inside was missing. This seems to work like a choke or something similar to make the butane focused enough to spark. Without it, your torch won't work. Often, when I look around, I'll find the little guy on the floor or on the bench. Replace it in the nozzle, pressing it in firmly with your tweezers. Usually works like a charm!
















6 • Is the torch leaking? 

Have you ever noticed butane bubbling out of the nozzle or the fuel port on the bottom? This is a good sign that the torch is too full or that it's damaged. If the torch is too full, the pressure has to release somehow, so butane will bubble and spit out, usually from the fuel port. You can release the pressure by pressing on the little nipple inside the fuel port with a flat head screw driver or something similar. A jet of butane will come out. Check for butane spittle. Repeat until the dribbling stops. If it doesn't stop, your torch is probably damaged and shouldn't be used.


7 • Is your torch a spitter? 

Does the torch light but the flame goes crazy, losing it's focused blue shape and expanding into a yellow tipped blow torch? Well, first, turn it off. Something is obviously wrong. It may be temporary or the torch may be broken. A temporary problem would be an air bubble in the fuel line. This will either keep the torch from lighting or cause the flame to sputter and expand, usually ending by putting itself out. If it's an air bubble, one of two things will solve the problem: time or patience. Over time, the bubble will work its way out and the torch will work again. Maybe 20 minutes to a few hours. If you can't wait, try running the torch in a safe place where the big flame won't cause any problems. Re-ignite the flame as necessary until, after much patience, the flame settles back to normal.

If it never stops misbehaving, the problem may be a little more serious. Press the trigger down half way, enough to start the butane flowing, but not enough to ignite the sparker. Do you see a jet of liquid butane coming out of the nozzle? If so, release the trigger. Something is wrong and the torch is spitting liquid butane in a way that is messing up the flame. What to do? Try steps 4 and 6 to release pressure or change butane. If that doesn't work, the torch may be too damaged to use.




103 comments:

Diane (Dewdrop Designs) said...

Thank you very much for these tips. I will be trying them out on a butane torch that I was going to throw away. Maybe I can save it!

Unknown said...

I just went out and spent 50 bucks on a damn torch and NO butane or adapters will make it fill without leaking half the damn can out, and I cannot afford that haha. Idk what to do, I can't return it and I would rather throw it at the ground and break it then keep paying for wasted butane.

Herbert said...

Turn the gas dial to maximum and try lighting again. ... lightingair.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

My torch has been working fine for the last couple months, but i went to fill it today and the "hiss" sound before lighting it wasn't there? No flame without a "hiss" right? What do I do?

Trudi said...

I purchased a proxxon butane torch in June. Am using triple refined butane. The torch just quits while in the middle of project. It is not empty because have filled It right before. And the igniter is very temperamental. Half the time have to keep on pushing igniter ten or so times before it works.

Unknown said...

I've taken apart the tip & found out it has 2 O-rings 1 flat piece & what looks like a screen.
All inside the tip...
Can you help me

Joe Silvera said...

Guess I need to find some sort of alert feature to let me know when people post on this page of my blog! LOL

Yes, butane torches can be temperamental and frustrating - but hey! they're 1/10th the price of a 2 tank torch set up or less! So, of course we have to live with some quirks and sometimes you just have to replace the torch. Or as I call it, opportunity for an upgrade. Let me answer some of the previous posts.

Jennifer and the Leaky Butane: Been there with a big wet leaky refill. It usually still fills but it's just as ridiculous and frustrating as Jennifer posts. Luckily it doesn't happen too often. First choice if this happens to you: return the torch. It could have a faulty valve. If that's not an option, then we can try a fix, sort of a reboot. There could be an air bubble or clog. You can open up the butane on the torch and let it vent outside. If you can't vent without a flame, turn on the torch, but blow out the flame. Again: vent outside in open air in a safe place for 20-30 minutes. Not inside or near flames (duh!). Once the torch is empty, try refilling. Some fuel ports on the bottom of the torch can be depressed with a screw driver. This will vent out some butane, which could clean out the problem. Sometimes the problem is fixed by switching butane refills. Some torches fill better from a canister with metal nozzle, vs. a plastic one. Also, and this is a fun one: they make 2 sizes of nozzles! One for torches and lighters, one for camping stoves. So if you've got a low squat nozzle on the butane canister, it's not the right kind and won't work. Finally if all of this doesn't work, it's time to cash in for a new less frustrating torch. Test it immediately to make sure it works.

Jay and the HissLess Torch: Yup, no hiss, no flame. Something is wrong: like maybe it's not really refilled? That would be the easiest fix. Otherwise, maybe there's a clog or air bubble in the line that is stopping the flow. I have not encountered this problem with a torch before without it being a refill issue. I would carefully test the torch with it's built in ignitor or with an outside ignitor like a manual sparker torch lighter or a cigarette lighter.

Trudi and the Fickle Ignitor: Some brands of butane torches are better than others. My preferred brand is Blazer. I've used several different brands and the Blazer torches have always been the most consistent and efficient. Remember if your torch isn't lighting, it may still work, but the ignitor may be offline. Try using a manual torch lighter (sparker) or cigarette lighter to light the flame.

Unknown and the Insides of a torch: it's always fun to take apart a torch, and... risky. Before you take apart your torch, if it's a premium brand like Blazer, make an inquiry with them to see if they will repair or refurbish your torch, especially if you've had it for less than a year.



Full Throttle Lightersk said...

Agh this is a little late to the game this is whAt I hate about comments. What company makes it? Some companies offer lifetime warranties and 99% offer a 1-3 year warranty and since its brand new the company will for sure warranty it. If they don't email me at fullthrottlelighters@gmail.com I have the best torches in the business I have a 5.5 inch mini standing table torch w/ pin point flame for precision, great for cooking jewelry sweating pipes all sorts f house how odd that reaches 2500 degree for 30 with a lifetime warranty thru me or a 6in torch with a bigger flame that reaches 2600F $33 or a 10in jumbo with a fat boy flame 2700-2800 F $36.00 email me for more info. All torches lifetime warranty I will fix and if I can't fix I will help you put a warranty claim thru if it qualifies.

Technology said...
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dad said...

What mechanism on the button causes gas flow? Mine worked fine until one day gas stopped completely. Can't even light it with a lighter. I'm sure it's that the button isn't connected to the "open" switch, but no idea what that should look like

dad said...

What mechanism on the button causes gas flow? Mine worked fine until one day gas stopped completely. Can't even light it with a lighter. I'm sure it's that the button isn't connected to the "open" switch, but no idea what that should look like

Joe Silvera said...

All butane torches will have a gas switch, like the dial on the side of the small torch shown in this post, or the red switch on the large flame silver torch also shown. I don't recommend taking a torch apart to fix it for safety reasons, so I can't tell you about the connections inside. If you turn it on and hear gas but no ignition, the ignition is broken and the torch will probably light with a sparker or lighter. Ignition problems are the most common. If you're sure it's full and no sound of gas coming out, then its clogged or broken. Either way it sucks and I hope the problem is resolved for you soon.

Unknown said...

I have a ronson lighter with the torch flame, it quit working so i threw it in a drawer and forgot about it. About a year or so later, took it out and it worked like a charm. It's been working for about another year now and suddenly it quit again. I've tried all the remedies except throwing it in the drawer again.

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Corley - Been there. I had a Blazer that stopped igniting, and then suddenly started working again months later. Remember you can usually use a sparker/striker to light it if the regular ignitor doesn't work. At least until it decides to come back from vacation!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

I wish mine had a warranty it still works sort of... Gotta light it with a lighter cause the ignition doesn't work and you gotta hold down really hard on the trigger

Unknown said...

My butane torch is brand new, just took it out of the box a couple weeks ago. The first time I go to use it on the creme brulee, I tilt it down and it goes out...every time I tilt the flame goes out. How do.i fix this?

Joe Silvera said...

Hi @Unknown - Hmm. If the torch is pointing straight down, sometimes this seems to mess up the flame and can snuff it out. Every time... that's weird. Since it's new, the best way to fix it is to return it. Get a new one or different one.

If the problem persists with a different torch, reasons for the flame going out include low butane, too much cross breeze accidentally blowing it out, or the shape of the dish creates some kind of a draft that puts out the flame (usually preceded by some fluttering and sputtering). Try different angles for the flame to see if it's more stable. Good luck! Joe

Aaron Gott said...

Hi Joe, my Newport zero stopped working after a year of working perfectly. Unfortunately I don't have my receipt so I can't register for warranty service. The last time I filled it, I think I accidentally over filled it. I held the refill down on it for longer than normal, as it didn't prompt me that it was full. After that it was shooting out a stream of butane, which caused the blue flame to become a big sputtery orange flame. And then it stopped working entirely. Now it will only make a little dome of a flame for a half second right after ignition before going out. I can no longer hear any hissing when I open the nozzle. Any ideas?

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Aaron -

That is frustrating. I would empty the torch as described in my post. Let it sit for awhile and then refill it. If it doesn't ignite, then try igniting it manually with a sparker or similar. Did you try contacting the company for advice? I know it's out of warranty but maybe they can give you some brand specific help.

Good luck - I hope you can get it to work again. Joe

Landucci said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Landucci said...

I recently bought a gasmate butane torch, uses a disposable gas canister. Worked fine for a day or two, but now when i turn on the gas nob no gas comes out at all, even with brand new full canister, could this be a block resulting from cheap gas?

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Landucci - You've probably thought of all of this already, but here are some ideas. Sounds like you've tried switching to a different canister while troubleshooting (if not, I'd try a different one and see if the problem persists). So, if you hear any butane coming out of the nozzle (hissing) when you turn it on normally, try lighting it manually with a sparker or lighter. If it lights, then we know its a problem with the ignitor. Sometimes manually lighting will help get the torch ignitor working again. But usually the best thing is if this is a recent purchase and it failed quickly, take it back and exchange it and/or the canister for new ones. If the problem persists, either there is a problem with how you're using it or the brand. Good luck! Joe

Landucci said...

Joe you are a genius,there was no hissing noise when gas control was turned but i could smell a slight hint of gas around the nozzel, I took your advice to try lighting it with a lighter and got it ignited and now it is lighting easily and gas is flowing properly again, thanks so much! I am a chef and have been wanting a gas torch for home for ages and was so excited when i found this one on special at hardware store but was gutted when it started having problems not long after purchase, you have made my day!

Unknown said...

Hi hoping for some suggestions. My torch has decided to keep burning its flame even after I let go of trigger. The longer the flame burns the longer it takes to fizzle out. Usually couple seconds. Thanks

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Stephanie -

What model torch are you using? Some torches don't require you to hold the trigger down to keep them lit. Instead you turn them off by turning off the gas or releasing the "lock" switch. Send me a link or picture of the torch and I'm happy to help if I can. In the meantime, stay safe and make sure the flame is completely extinguished when you're done. Joe

Unknown said...

I fave a blazer gb 2001. The little brass fitting inside the nozzle fell out and got lost. I called blazer to get a fitting, and they wanted me to send it in for repatr. Any idea where I can get that fitting?

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Kim - I don't know of any sources for the brass nozzles. Sorry. Sending it in for repair might be your best option. If you find out t, you can push it back into place and it will probably work fine. Good luck!

Unknown said...

I have the newport 5.5 ans it wont light theres no gas coming from the nosel plz help

Unknown said...

Meant and

Joe Silvera said...

Hi "no music SD..." - Sorry to hear about your torch troubles. No ignition. No butane. That's not good. I'm guessing you refilled the torch with butane (the torch equivalent of making sure the plug is in the outlet and the outlet works). A quick search suggests this is a budget torch, at under $40. If it's new, try to return it. Get a Blazer torch. They're great. We've been very happy with the Blazer Stingray and Blazer Big Shot at our school. We have had only one torch fail in two years (out of 12 in service) since we switched to Blazers. Good luck! Joe

kefka said...

Ah you are a legend man, I almost threw away this butane torch that I ordered off ebyay last year. I knew it must be something simple as I can see the spark and smell the butane. It was the little brass piece - it was in the drawer where I kept the torch. Works fine now that I replaced it.

THANK YOU

Daniel

Joe Silvera said...

You're welcome! :^)

Unknown said...

My torch is clogged, with no hisses no sound and no smell. I'd like to try bleeding out the butane from the bottom (where you refill it) because I think I've way overfillied it, thinking it just needed more (and more) fuel. I want to get rid of this torch. Any recommendations on how to release the gas from the bottom
? I'm tempted to stick the end of a paperclip or wire into it.

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Patricia - Sorry to hear about your torch! Overfilling usually shows itself as a hissy dribble of butane from the refill port or the mouth of the torch where the flame comes out. What you're describing sounds more like an empty torch. When you refilled it, did it ever reach the point where butane sprayed back out a little bit around the seal? You may be getting such a tight seal that no butane is transferring into the torch. And this probably isn't your case, but I've had students get the same results because the butane canister was empty.

So here's some ideas:

Let's see if anything is in there. Use a flat head screw driver to gently depress the nozzle in the fuel port on the bottom of the torch. Be sure to wear safety glasses, since butane will spray out. If butane comes out you can relieve the pressure. If no butane comes out, maybe it's empty.

Try a different butane canister next time you refill. Maybe a different brand of butane or different canister will have a better fit.

We use Blazer Stingrays and Blazer Big Shots at our school for great, dependable torches.

We have free videos on using and refueling your torches at SilveraJewelrySchool.com/videos.

Thanks and best, Joe

Blahhhhg said...

Lost my brass little o ring ... any chance these are purchaseable somewhere?

Joe Silvera said...

Hi - I haven't found a sorce for those yet. Best bet is to search out the manufacturer of your torch and contact them. Keep looking. Sometimes those little brass rings show up. Blazer Big Shots in my experience do not seem to have the same problem with losing the brass nozzle, in case it's easier to replace it. Thanks, Joe

Unknown said...

What would make the flame adjuster on a Butane torch lighter suddenly quit working? i have opened it up the turn up or downs lever is not broke and is still connected to the little gold colored valve thing that has like teeth on a gear or bicycle crank. so its actually working and moves freely it just does not make a difference if i turn it all the way down or up it stays at one flame size that looks more like a bic lighter flame instead of a torch flame. any suggestions.. thank you Michael

Unknown said...

I have a Blazer torch gp2001. Took it apart do to no or very little gas coming out. Found the small screen in there and washer with the orifice pic. Now I can't get a good flame. It's a long yellow lazy flame. any suggestions.

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Ann and bigblockcutlass123 - Sorry to hear about your torch problems. Sounds like your flame is not getting oxygen. There's some kind of blockage. Usually it's the cylinder ring along the torch nozzle that can be turned to adjust the oxygen. You can see it adjusted in this video (or at least the thumbnail!) https://www.google.com/search?q=blazer+torch+diagram&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjEyo-HweDZAhUWz2MKHc8aD48Q_AUICygC&biw=1920&bih=983#imgrc=ljiwpU9SU807AM:

Otherwise, there's some kind of abnormal blockage that isn't letting the torch draw air to the flame. It draws air through that hole so look for something around there. Hope that helps. Joe

Unknown said...

Hi, I have a torch that will only light as a soft regular flame but it wont allow me to add air to make the flame more concentrated. Everytime it blows itself out. Have taken it apart the whole nine. Just wont light or stay lit with added o2. ?

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown - Sounds like a blockage or the oxygen adjustment ring on the torch is closed. This is a ring on the torch nozzle that opens and closes a simple round hole. All the way open and the torch lights more easily and the flame has a distinct, sharp blue cone (oxidizing flame). Half open, a more feathered tip on the cone (neutral flame). All the way closed and the flame is yellow and fluffy or feathered with no blue cone (annealing flame). Hopefully it's an easy fix like this or you may just need to get a new torch. Good luck! Joe

Unknown said...

Hello Joe,

Your article is really informative. We mention your blog for troubleshooting butane torches.
Thanks for sharing

Jay @ Newpport Zero
NewportButane.com

Debra Spinks said...

I use propane and MAPP canisters out in my garage for torch enameling during the temperate spring and fall months, but would like to work in my spare bedroom/studio during the winter and hottest summer months. I have doors on either end of my work room that open to the larger areas of the house and I have a fan that sits near one door and pushes air across the room to the other door. Is that sufficient ventilation to work indoors with propane? Would it be safer with a butane torch such as the Blazer Big Shot?

Emmalina said...

Lighter continues to omit gas once use is finished, either from lock or just depressing the nozzle. Sometimes flame stays other times it just hissed. No nozzle on the bottom to control gas flow, but has a slider on the side. Problem happens no matter the setting. Happened from the moment I bought it but didn’t get. Receipt so couldn’t return it. Help please :)

Joe Silvera said...

Emmalina - So sorry you're having trouble with your torch. Yup, first choice would be to return it. Unfortunately, if you can't reliably turn off the torch, it isn't safe. I recommend getting a new one. And hold onto that receipt! :^) Joe

Joe Silvera said...

Debra Sprinks: Blazer butane is great for indoors. Butane doesn't pool like propane, it dissipates into the atmosphere. But propane isn't bad. Fans are good. I would recommend installing an LP explosive gas detector - like a smoke alarm but it detects dangerous amounts of propane. And you can get a bench top fan with a charcoal filter to filter the fumes. If you want more ventilation, you can hook up a window fan to a window or door, facing outside so it blows outside. Hook up some flexible ducting from the hardware store to the fan and have that over your torch area. When on, you should get a good suction at your work area. Rio Grande and other suppliers also sell different sizes of bench fume extraction units that ventilate your bench area. Good luck with your studio! Joe

Debra Spinks said...

Thanks for the helpful information, Joe. I have been considering the Blazer Big Shot and the Max Flame torch for indoor use. Do you have an opinion of whether either better as far as range of flame size/power?

Unknown said...

I have a problem with my torch it sparks but instead of going to the middle where the flame should come from but the spark shoots downward towards the rim of the torch but anyways it won't light

Joe Silvera said...

Debra Sprinks: I like the Blazer Big Shot a lot better than the Max Flame. We used the Max Flame for a long time, but the controls are hard on the fingers and the Blazer is hotter and easier to adjust.

Joe Silvera said...

Unknown with the sparky torch: If your torch still seems safe to work with, try lighting it with a handheld manual torch lighter (a sparker) that you can get from any hardware store. It it works with the sparker, then at least it’s still usable. Sounds like your igniter in the torch is misaligned or broken, and this may be a work around for you.

Unknown said...

Thank you, Joe!

Debra Spinks said...

Thanks, Joe!

Anonymous said...

So i have a GEI dual torch clicker. It is hard to click it as to arthritis . Is there a way to loosen it so it is not so hard to click.

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown - Sorry you're having trouble with your torch ignitor and your arthritis. The Blazer torches, like the Stingray and Big Shot models, have easier ignition systems. Best, Joe

Unknown said...

OK, have an unusual problem -- torch lights great, no leaks, etc ... but the dial used to turn on the gas got stuck while the torch was on, and I could not turn it off, couldn't budge the dial to turn off the gas.

Considered removing the torch from the butane can, but with it still lit, that seemed potentially hazardous. In the end, put it on a concrete slab and let it burn itself out.

I still can't get the gas knob to budge, and the torch unit is only a couple years old, and otherwise in good shape. Is there a way to fix it?

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Tom - Sorry to hear about your torch trouble. I'm not aware of a way to safely fix your gas dial. I wouldn't use that torch anymore and would get a new one. You did the right thing to isolate the torch in a safe place outdoors until it was out of butane. Good luck! Joe

Tkam said...

Mine has the same problem please help i dont wanna waste time sending to get fixed and not get it back for two months is there any other ways

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown - I generally don't recommend trying to replace the parts inside your torch. These torches are inexpensive, and usually the best option if a part has failed (like a hole in the line that funnels butane to the ignitor) is to get a new torch. But if you'd like to fix it, try reaching the manufacturer. I think Blazer has a repairs department. Getting a hole in the line is pretty rare, and just seems like bad luck. All the best, Joe

Unknown said...

Hi. I bought the mini Art Resin brand torch. It never lit right from the get go even with being filled . I know it was filled because it felt cold and some liquid spurted out the bottom. Itvwoukd either shoot out a flame and stop or not light at all so I exchanged it for a new one. Filled it right up til it felt cold and some liquid spiurted out. Let it sit for even a couple hours. Nothing it won’t light either. Don’t even hear the gas. I worried maybe I overfilled it, so I released all the gas outside from the bottom . Once it emptied I could still hear air escaping. Did I break it ? After filling it I still held it upside down a few seconds to let the residual liquid evaporate . Please advise. I don’t want to take it back again if I did something wrong. I got the brand mag torch butane cylinder refill.

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown - I'm sorry you're having trouble with your torch. Have you watched the instructional videos about their torches at Art Resin, on their YouTube channel? It sounds like you're filling it up correctly. I wouldn't be shy about contacting them again and maybe working with a representative over the phone to help you troubleshoot lighting your torch. My advice generally is "if it's new and still under warranty and it's giving you headaches, return it". I recommend Blazer brand torches. In our experience here at the school, they have the least amount of problems or breakdowns. I hope it all works out for you and your torch. Joe

Unknown said...

Before I refilled my butane lighter, it was working fine .I refilled it and now it only lights when I slowly and gently press the trigger causing it to hiss and hold it there before I let it click all the way down. If I try and click it at a normal speed it won't light.

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown / Lighter ignitor issues - My first question is about the butane you used for the refill. Some inexpensive butane refills can dirty the ignitor, making it hard to light. If you have a safe way to empty the lighter, try using the best quality butane. Look for qualifiers on the can like 99.999% pure, super refined, premium, etc. Hopefully that helps. If not, sometimes the lighter will get better at igniting as you use it (it's strange, but I've had it happen with a few torches). As always, be safe with your torch/lighter and good luck!

Unknown said...

Lost the click in my Zico torch. When i push down on it, it just releases fuel. Not even a spark. Almost like the spring is sprung. Its less than one month old.

Unknown said...

My Zico torch has lost the click. When i push down on it, just releases fuel. No spark. Almost like the spring has sprung. Its less than a month old

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Zico -

Sorry to hear that. Try lighting it with a manual sparker or carefully with a lighter. If the ignitor is broken, then often you can still light it with a separate source. Be safe!

Joe

Unknown said...

I bought a dab saber torch and it stopped working what can I do

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown with the dab saber. Try the tips in this article and in the comments. But if you feel like you can't get it to work while being safe, then you may need to either call the company, return it if it's defective and still within the deadline, or get a new different brand torch. I'm repeating myself, but Blazer is the best brand that we've used so far. Good luck! Joe

Unknown said...

Got a turbo blue torch lighter..ignighter has been very hard to push up since day one... Is there anyway to adjust the tightness of the igniter trigger

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown with the turbo blue torch lighter. I'm not familiar with that brand. I suggest contacting the manufacturer. Good luck! Joe

Unknown said...

I'm a fixit man from way back .this is one thing that messes up tourch lighters . When you place the lighters in your pocket it gets pocket dust or fuz or whatever in the refill tube . Then you place the refill can on the tube ,push down and the fuel forces junk into the microscopic tubes and then your clicking and clicking and getting mader and mader and mader the lighter some how gets oblitherated. And your back to a pack of matches . Unless you have a microscope and micro tools and patience you're done. Dangerous Dave

Brian7474 said...

Hello..i have a Newport Turbo Jr..i dropped it and the cast-iron/ceramic tube holding ignitor wire in position cracked in half...I'm trying to figure out what material that would be..or what the part would be called so I can either fix it or find a way to get a way to fix the problem..thanks..Brian

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Brian7474 - Since the part is broken, your best source is probably the manufacturer. Try contacting them for a part or repair estimate. Good luck! Joe

SirChivalRegal said...

I bought a jobon torch . Gas flow is a problem. Not enough gas flows to be ignited. I guess I will try to use a better brand of butane gas. Or a better brand of lighter/torch. Good advice overall.

Unknown said...

Hi Joe,

Thanks for this great post. I have a BernzOmatic/Surefire blow torch, and when I unscrew the cylinder, the gas continues to flow. Any ideas would be helpful.

Jason

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown with the leaky Surefire. The gas continues to flow out of the canister? That's not good! Make sure you put it outside in a safe place to vent off that gas. Does it malfunction with any cylinder or did you get a dud? I'd try it with one more and if the same thing happens, then it must be the torch head. If not, then I guess you just got unlucky with the canister. Be careful and be safe. Best - Joe

Nettsowl said...

A blowtorch can be used in a kitchen, multiple ways so you should get one for your kitchen and make lots of delicious restaurant worthy dishes at home. Plus, using blow torch is very easy and anyone can quickly learn it to use with some practice.

creme brulee torch
kitchen torch
propane torch
garden weed burner
cartridge blow torch

Drugs-n-hugs said...

Years late lol but the stream of butane squirting out of your Newport zero torch means it was overfilled. Just release some butane from it, and once you can turn it on without it squirting like a watergun.. It should work like normal.

Unknown said...

Hi Joe! I'm glad you're still here! Idk what kind of brand my torch is... It's a small, hand held, dual flame. I tried everything, but it absolutely REFUSES to take in any fuel! Same can I'd been using, even upgraded and cleansed the little tubes. No nozzle, or adapter will do. Just out of nowhere. Help?

Unknown said...

This is Charley, btw

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Charley - Well, it's a long shot but is your torch upside down when you refill it? Most manufacturers recommend that the torch is upside down, with the fuel port facing up. Press the nozzle of the canister down into the torch to refill it. I've had students come to me who had been filling their torch the opposite way (torch up, canister below) and they could't refill it. Then they filled it the right way - problem solved! Butane is heavier than air, so it flows better from the top down. Hope this helps. (if not, it's probably time for a new torch :^)

Unknown said...

Hey Joe I have a blazer micro torch and having some issues. it’s not producing a hot and focused flame despite making the adjustment to the air flow. It still adjusts the flame sightly but to to the same degree as before and advice appreciated.

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown with the the blazer that isn't getting a hot focused flame. It sounds like you've already tried adjusting the sleeve with the hole that opens and closes the air flow through the nozzle. It should be wide open to make a focused flame. Without seeing it, it's hard to say. If you want, go to our school site, SilveraJewelrySchool.com. Send me a video of your torch misbehaving and I'll be happy to opine further on your Blazer. All the best! Joe

Misty S. said...

Hi, Joe. I'm so thankful I came across your article a few weeks ago, after reading I was finally able to get my torch to work. However I'm having a different problem with it now. It's a Turbo Blue Jet with the angled head. I did read that you're not familiar with this particular torch but hopefully you can still help. The trigger pushes down to activate the piezo piece. When I tried to use it earlier, the trigger refused to go all the way down and "click". Every few attempts it would succeed but now it's not clicking at all. Any tips? Other than replacing the torch, it may be cheap but currently I'm struggling to get enough change for a gallon of gas for my car.

Misty S. said...

Oh, and I can hear the hiss when I press the trigger. Just refusing to go all the way down and click.

Joe Silvera said...

@Misty S. Sorry to hear about your troublesome torch. Sometimes these things work themselves out after a break or some time, so hopefully it's all better. Did you try lighting it with an external lighter or sparker? If so, maybe you can bypass the ignitor and still lock the torch for use. Let me know. Joe

Unknown said...

Hey Joe, great info. Is there any way to salvage a torch that stopped working after it was inverted? Happened to me a few times, then I had to Google it.

Joe Silvera said...

Hey there Unknown with the inverted torch. That's not a problem I'm familiar with, with the torch brands I've used (Bernzamatic, Blazer). I use my torches in all sorts of safe positions, including pointing the flame upwards and downwards without any problems. I also refill our torches with the torch upside down, as the manufacturer suggests. If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps above and it still doesn't work, call the manufacturer or where you bought it. Hopefully it's still under warranty. Good luck!

Unknown said...

Thank you! - Mr. U

Unknown said...

Glad to see this thread is alive. My zico gas torch has the flame recede back to the igniter, to the point where it looks like the whole torch is about to explode from its own flames. I replaced the torch but its like the 3rdtorch this happens to

MikeP said...

I have an unbranded mini torch that leaks butane from the refill valve. Upon taking it apart I found that it has a small rubber o ring on the bottom of the small brass tube that goes from the fill valve into the body of the fuel cylinder. I cannot seem to find a source to buy a replacement o ring in anything but bulk amounts. Anyone know of a source? TIA.

Joe Silvera said...

Hi unknown with the Zico torch - time to try a new brand, friend. How about a Blazer torch? I love mine.

Joe Silvera said...

Mike P: sorry, I don’t know if a source. Maybe you can pick up a defunct similar torch for parts.

MikeP said...

Joe Silvera, thanks for the reply. My torch is just a cheap no name one, but I'm kind of getting "greener" as I get older and try to avoid tossing things that theoretically should be a breeze to repair instead of putting them into a landfill. I have rebuilt battery packs for my cordless tools, converted conventional flashlights into LED's, etc. I'm disappointed that I might have to toss this otherwise perfectly functional torch for lack of a 3 cent rubber o ring, lol!

Unknown said...

I'm one of those tinkerers who's pretty good at fixing just about everything and here are a couple of things I've noticed. Sometimes the little wire from the igniter gets clogged with debris or bent. simply get some tweezers and unclog it free of debris, or bend it back in place to where the spark hits the middle of it. if your ignitor wire is bent and the spark is hitting the side or somewhere else and not in the path of the fuel it will not light. Also, a lot of times when torches are used for longer periods and get really hot the rubber tube that carries the fuel to the nozzle either melts or simply pops off. Get a small screwdriver and disassemble the head of the torch and you can either pop those back on, or take the hose off of another torch and replace it. Keep in mind different torches have different lengths of hoses so make sure you choose one or cut it to where it fits. To prevent your nozzel from getting clogged try to choose a torch that either has a lid or you can make your own or just make sure you keep your torch in a place where it won't get debris in it such as lent or tobacco pieces or anything. And if you need to use your torch for a prolonged period Of time try to use more than one so that you can switch back and forth and give them time to cool so they won't melt the rubber hose. Also if the igniter itself doesn't work anymore, you can replace it just as easily as you can the rubber hose.

Unknown said...

My pencil torch with mo igniter...the gas adjustment knob is hard to turn, and I think it leaks gas also after turning it off. The brand is JOBSMART.

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown with the JOBSMART torch. Yeah... I don't think I would use that torch. And small pencil butane torches are pretty limited regarding the amount of material you can effectively heat. I'd set that one aside and get a Blazer Big Shot for jobs up to bracelets or a Blazer Stingray for jobs up to small thin ring size. Good luck! Joe

sami said...

I have a bernzomatic st2200 I went to light it and the entire tip popped out I tried to put it back in and now its like there's not enough pressure or there's too much air getting in.. I'm not sure if I put it back in the right way

Joe Silvera said...

Sami - Hard to say without seeing it. If it doesn't seem to fit right, I'd be disinclined to use it. It's unfortunate, the quality of tools these days. I hope you had some luck getting it to fit back in and working again. All the best and thanks! Joe

Unknown said...

So this is my problem. I got a torch named ScorchTorch, its rouchly 5 inches tall with a button on the side for a trigger and the dial on the other. It worked like a charm until I went to refill it one day (had emptied it fully) and went to light it, it had been on max for the dial and it spit out roughly a 1.5 ft yellow flame ontop of a small blue one. I instantly turned it off and let it sit. Tried it again, flame torch. I emptied it completely, even let it sit and continued draining it. Refilled (with premium butane) and it still is spitting out a flame like such. I had let it sit for about 20 min and it was normal for 5 seconds then shot out another huge flame. I dont have the receipt but purchased it from a headshop down the road. What do you reccomended?

-Panda

Joe Silvera said...

Hi Unknown with the butane torch with the erratic flame - If it's a recent purchase, even without a receipt, I'd take it back. Maybe if you used a credit card they have a record? It sounds like an air bubble in the line, but if you can get a new torch, then I think it's a better solution. Good luck!

BobLobllaw said...

I like to take an old broken torch, take it apart and look for the little hose that connects the fuel tank to the torch nozzle. Pull that tube out and cut off a little piece. If you cut across the tube you should end up with a little rubber ring that can be used as a gasket. Almost all of them are the "standard" size and will fit the fill port as long as you cut it thin enough. Works perfect everything once you get an idea of how thin of a sliver you need.

Unknown said...

Ok well I usually go with scorch torches only at 25 each but my lunatic wife just threw out 2 of my torches because she said they wouldn't lite duhhhhh well I was at work but anyways I was just given a eagle mini torch and this morn I thought it was gonna blow up what do I do throw it away thanks