Making Your Own Modified Torch

Cool Hand Luke

By Jeff Petercsak

Have you ever had to travel to a competition or job and try and bring a torch? It can be a hassle not to mention expensive. You could bring a small torch like the ones used for caramelizing crème brulee, but these only put out a small flame and cannot clean a large area fast. Plus, if you are doing a demo they are not as impressive to your audience. If only there was a way to bring your big torch without having to buy a large expensive gas grill propane tank when you get there, only to leave the tank behind. In this article we go over a neat way to make a small, lightweight, airplane friendly and cost effective torch for travel or regular use. That way when you arrive at your destination all you have to buy is small, inexpensive and disposable camping propane cylinder (they won’t let you pack these propane cylinders in your luggage if you are flying). Which are found everywhere.

Making a modified torch for travel.

Tools needed:

1. Hose clamp 5/8”

2. pliers or wrenches

3. Hose cutters or a utility knife

4. Teflon tape

5. Torch with hose, I bought mine from harbor freight for under twenty dollars. Save your money on the more expensive torch with a built-in lighter, they seem to break quickly.

6. 1-Mr. Heater propane fitting: Description on box reads: 1”-20 Female Throwaway cylinder thread x 1/4'” Male pipe thread. You might be able to find this at your hardware store, but more than likely you will have to order it. The Model number is: F273754, You can call Mr. Heater @ 1-800-251-0001 and ask for Customer Care Center to order a part. We will call this (A)

7. 1- Brass Plug Male, 1/4" NPT x 1/4" ID We will call this (B)

8. 1-Connector Female to Female, Brass 1/4" NPT We will call this (C)

Both of these fittings are usually found in the brass fittings section of the air tools department.

9. 1-cylinder of propane the tall skinny tall blue kind (Bernzomatic pluming kind) or the short and fat green camping (Coleman) kind. Both work equally as well.

Please see the photos below for a visual reference and step by step how-to.

Photos of Parts needed

Step by Step: Instructions for putting together:

1. Cut hose so that it is about 5-6” long

2. Wrap Teflon tape around the other male threaded end of the adaptor.

3. Insert the male hose nipple into the hose and tighten hose clamp around it, make sure it is tight.

4. Thread the end with Teflon tape into the appropriate sized opening on the female-to-female connector and tighten with your pliers or wrenches. Make sure this is a good connection.

5. Next wrap Teflon tape on the threaded end of your Mr. Heater propane fitting. Thread this into the other female end of the connector. Again tighten with wrenches or pliers and make sure the connection is tight.

6. Screw in a cylinder of propane and check for leaks.

7. Light and enjoy your new travel torch.

Remember this is a modified tool so treat it with respect. There are no expressed guarantees or warranties when using any modified tools. Use at your own risk.