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Posts Tagged ‘butane torch lighters’

A torch lighter usually refers to a butane torch or propane torch used to light the flammable gases butane and propane respectively. Be it for smokers or for campers, here are some tips about torch lighters in general.

Propane or Butane torch lighter—which one to pick?

Both the gases are similar in characteristic, but when it boils down to efficiency, butane wins hands down. This literally means that for the same quantity of gas, butane would provide more energy than propane. Additionally, butane is also available at a cheaper price than propane. Unfortunately, unlike propane, butane tends to freeze up as soon as the temperature drops below 0°C and it cannot be handled by being shaken around.

These limitations can prove disadvantageous, if you are a camper with a backpack and if you wish to hike in the cold outdoors. This is one reason why campers and hikers prefer propane torch lighters to the butane alternative, but it does not make much of a difference to smokers in moderate climates. Propane is definitely capable of handling more rough treatment than butane, but if you are using a torch lighter in a place where the temperature is on the higher side, then there is no reason to opt for the latter. In addition, in today’s market, special butane torch lighters are available, which can achieve higher temperature much quicker than the traditional ones. This is good for campers and smokers both, since they have no need to hold the flame for a very long time to light the fire.

Torch lighters can help fix simple home hardware problems—unbelievable but true! You must have come across daily problems at home, wherein you have found it difficult and sometimes impossible to loosen the stray stubborn nut or bolt. Greasing or hammering also doesn’t seem to help sometimes. This is because of the natural weld because of years of corrosion and it could hold up your work for hours. However, one of the best ways to deal with these simple home problems is to use heat.

A regular lighter will not help, but you do not need to call in professionals for the same —just use a propane torch lighter. If you use it indoors, ensure plenty of ventilation. In addition, do not fret about the cost. There are mini propane torches available for household use, which could be just what you are looking for.

Finally, traveling with torch lighters and matches can be cumbersome, especially in airplanes. Most liquid-filled lighters or disposable butane lighters are all right for plane travel, but cannot be checked in. Torch lighters are disallowed completely. Used by many pipe smokers, it can create a needle-like flame capable of being reaching up to 1370°C — much hotter and more intense than the less malevolent cigarette lighter.

Lighting Charcoal in a Weber Smoky Mountain Smoker with a 100000 BTU Propane Torch (aka “Weed Burner”). Only really needs 1 minute or so but went for 2 minutes for viewing purposes. These can be had for -50 online easily and bolt right up to any standard Gas Grill Propane tank.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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