Articles
December 3, 2024
Selecting the best hand torch and fuel source for your project is essential. You need to ensure you can work effectively and efficiently to complete your soldering, brazing or welding tasks.
There is a wide variety of torches, torch kits and fuel options available on the market. Read on for a comprehensive guide to selecting the correct fuel type and torch flame type for your job.
When considering the best heat torch and fuel for any trade project, it is important to note the following:
The melting points (°C) of metals that may be used in soldering, welding and brazing applications.
One of the major ways torches can be classified is by fuel type. Here are some of the major types of fuels for torches and the unique advantages each of them offers.
Soldering Irons are one of the few torches that can be electronically powered. An electric soldering iron can be used for tasks like soldering electronics and jewellery repairing. Soldering irons can be purchased as an all-in-one wand with a cable the plugs into the wall, – or as a soldering station that can remain plugged in on a workbench.
As electric soldering irons have a small heating point, these torches have the lowest risk of catching surrounding elements on fire. They are suitable to use for DIY or hobby projects.
Small torches such as soldering irons and precise blow torches can be powered by butane. Butane-powered soldering irons do not require an electrical cable and are therefore highly portable. These irons can also heat up more quickly. Unlike electric torches, butane requires replacement cylinders.
Butane blow torches can produce a small heating flame, making it suitable for cooking and heat shrinking applications. These torches are a popular choice amongst chefs as they are compact for one-handed use and supply enough heat to char desserts and other food.
Propane offers more heat than butane and is a great affordable fuel for at-home use. Propane torches are available in a variety of torch heads to customise flame size and precision. Propane can be used for lighting grills, heat shrinking, loosening rusted nuts and bolts removing paint and more.
Due to their affordability and flame temperature, propane torches make a great all-rounder choice for home projects. For more information, check out our complete guide to propane torch temperature.
MAP-Pro torches use premium MAP-Pro fuel to offer more heat than propane and butane. These torches are popular for DIY enthusiasts and trade professionals. MAP-Pro can be used for similar applications as propane. As this gas offers extra heat, it can also be used for projects such as brazing and soldering copper pipes over ¾”.
Air acetylene torches require only acetylene gas to operate. These torches can produce even more heat than MAP-Pro torches. Because of the high heat and safety risks of acetylene gas, air acetylene is mostly used by trade professionals for brazing and light welding applications. As air acetylene relies on using oxygen from the air, it cannot produce as much heat as oxy-acetylene torches, which are partially fueled with pure oxygen.
Oxygen and MAP-Pro torches offer even more heat than MAP-Pro alone, as pure oxygen mixes with MAP -Pro inside the torch. Due to the high-heat and expertise required to handle a dual-gas system, these torches are designed for professional tradespeople such as plumbers, HVAC technicians and automotive technicians.
Oxy-Map torches can be used where high heat is required, such as in brazing, light welding and thin metal cutting applications.
Oxygen and acetylene gas torches offer the highest heating potential. They are fuelled with a combination of pure oxygen and acetylene gas. These torches must be used by professional tradespeople due to the high safety risks and skill needed to handle a dual-gas system. Oxy-acetylene torches can be used for larger brazing, welding and cutting applications.
The flame type is the size, shape and type of flame that the hand torch produces. Different flame types are suited to different applications. Types of flame include:
Flame Type | Flame Characteristics | Typical Use | Torch Examples |
Micro / Precision flames | High precision Short reach |
Electric soldering Jewellery repairs Detail work |
Bernzomatic ST2200T ST550K Sievert Pro 86 Pin-Point Burners |
Webbed flame | Low/medium heat Medium spread |
Home & DIY projects Lighting grills Light soldering Thawing/melting Small diameter soldering Wood working |
WT2301C TS3500T |
Jumbo/jet flame | High heat flame Concentrated |
Home & DIY projects Lighting grills Heating Soldering Heat shrinking Paint stripping |
1811620 |
Swirl flame | Higher heat flame Medium spread |
Home & DIY projects Copper soldering Light brazing Woodworking Cooking |
TS4000T
|
Ultra swirl flame | Higher heat flame Medium spread |
Large diameter soldering, light brazing, woodworking and cooking | TS8000T
|
Cyclone flame | High heat Flame wraps around pipe |
Soldering Brazing |
Sievert Promatic Cyclone Burners |
Wide brush (Soft) flame | Large opening for a wide-spread softer flame Does not overheat materials |
Heat shrinking Cable work |
Sievert Promatic Soft Flame Burners |
Power burner | Ultra long-reaching flame Wide spread |
Waterproofing / roofing Welding |
Sievert Pro 88 Series Power Burners |
Common torch flame types and sizes used in various heating applications. This includes the micro flame for detailed work – to the power burner for professional waterproofing applications
Explore Bromic’s range of gas torches and torch kits to find the perfect product for your soldering and brazing needs.
When selecting the flame type of your hand torch, we recommend the following:
STEP 1: Select your application.
STEP 2: Match application to the corresponding fuel.
STEP 3: Choose a flame type.
STEP 4: Choose a torch with the right handle and/hose. For example, do you need a long handle or hose for better reach?
In the table below we outline each of the fuel types and the recommended flame type for each application.
Use this table to determine the cylinder fuel type you’ll need as well as the type of flame that will suit your project.
At Bromic Plumbing & Gas we have a range of soldering, brazing, and welding hand torch brands to choose from.
Bernzomatic hand torches and fuel cylinders set the standard in safety, durability, and performance. Bernzomatic believes in providing the right tools and inspiration to take on projects and redefine what you can achieve with passion for craftsmanship and creation. Bernzomatic products have been manufactured in the US for over 140 years.
Sievert products represent the most advanced technology in heating tools and accessories. Sievert develops, manufactures, and supplies innovative and premium quality tools and tool systems for all types of soldering and heating applications. This brand has been delivering Swedish design and quality for over 130 years.
Bromic offers a range of welding, cutting, plumbing & HVAC kits for professionals. Our innovative mobile brazing solution, Oxyset, is a lightweight portable system ideal for highly mobile tradespeople or for working in hard to access areas. Bromic has over 40 years’ experience in providing gas and water solutions for technicians.
Here is a breakdown of the variety of applications where a quality hand or utility torch can be used. Remember that the correct fuel and flame type is essential for the best possible result.
With over 40-years’ experience, Bromic are experts in the manufacture and supply of quality gas and water products for technicians. Our range of hand torches, blow torches, soldering irons, welding and cutting kits and accessories makes Bromic the perfect partner for your brazing and soldering needs. Product design and quality are at the forefront of what we do, and our products are specifically engineered for trade environments.
Browse Bromic gas torches and torch kits today to find the right tools to help you excel in your next project.