Bernzomatic Torch Issue - Recommendations

[Beemer]

My TS4000 has recently developed an odd flame pattern. It is generally clean of debris and anything that would seem to be the matter.
I spent a significant amount of time trying to set a warranty claim through but headway is tedious and questionable at this point.

Any ideas on what might be the issue would be helpful but also what would be an alternate torch brand for sweating copper pipe joints and general vehicle part heating to help stubborn disassembly. I say "alternate" brand because if they fail to stand behind their products I'm looking elsewhere.

I've tried two different cylinders and two of the same torch model and got nowhere.

Actually I have three of the brand that are all malfunctioning. The third is a simpler manual light torch that blows right out when lighting.

 

[The Cobbler]

spider webs in the air passages?

 

[Beemer]

spider webs in the air passages?

I blew it all out with compressed air.

 

[RTM]

spider webs in the air passages?

Spiders in the air passages?

Not a torch expert, but ever time someone has a torch problem around me, these two come in to play.

Seriously, look for other junk inside the torch’s guts. Use a fine nozzle, like a compressed air can, not just a blow gun nozzle. Magnification is your friend

The third is a simpler manual light torch that blows right out when lighting.

Try to turn the gas flow down lower when lighting

 

[Beerhippie]

After you throw out the Bernzo, find yourself a Lenox. I've been using the same one--sorry, no model # as that wore off years ago--since the early '90s and it's still holding up strong.

I guess someone who's bought a Lenox more recently might be able to comment on quality of current production. Seems Bernzo still made a decent product back then, too.

I've been very disappointment in Bernzo quality for about a decade now. Another fine American company down the drain.

 

[Beemer]

I've been very disappointment in Bernzo quality for about a decade now. Another fine American company down the drain.

It seems new owners of companies go in with different intentions.
I've seen it in my trade and medical offices many times.

 

[engineer2]

I gave up trying to repair my Bernzomatic torches.
No customer support or lifetime warranty (some models only) unless you have your original receipt.
They'll likely be in the free pile at next week's garage sale.
I bought a Chinese brand off of Amazon and it works much better.

 

[MyNameisMud]

Do you refill your propane bottles from a 20lb tank? I've run into issues due to oil contamination entering the torch and partially obstructing.

Did you take the little orifice out of the torch and check underneath for metal bits or shavings? Blow it out before replacing it but don't try to use a needle in the orifice unless you are sure it is small enough to fit. The orifice can be easily distorted which, along with foreign object blockages, will cause irregular flame patterns like you are seeing

The set screws are 5/64 (2mm) and the orifice is 5.5mm. If you use pliers, don't squeeze too hard as it's easily distorted

 

[BillK]

what would be an alternate torch brand for sweating copper pipe joints and general vehicle part heating to help stubborn disassembly.

For something that probably only gets used a few times a year I would say keep it simple. I have an old school Bernzomatic torch that you turn on and light with a striker. I bet it is every bit of 40 years old and still works perfectly every time I need it. You can probably pick one up at a yard or estate sale for next to nothing.