Bernzomatic vs Mag-Torch Torches

[wjjeep]

Does anyone know what the differences are between Bernzomatic and Mag-Torch torches?

I've been looking at the following:

1. Mag-Torch Premium PRO Torch MT575C and Bernzomatic Max Performance Torch TS8000T
2. Mag-Torch Agility Torch MT560C and Bernzomatic Reach Torch BZ8250HTZKC

The products above appear to be very similar, if not the same, except colors and logos. Both brands appear to be part of the Worthington Cylinders Corporation. The Mag-Torch kit comes with a Bernzomatic gas cylinder. The Worthington Industries website mentions both brands. Locally, I can find Bernzomatic at Home Depot and Mag-Torch at Menards. As far as the regular torch kit goes, the Mag-Torch is less expensive than the Bernzomatic "equivalent".

When it comes to these torch heads specifically, I'm thinking they're the same except that one brand is for Home Depot and the other is for Menards.

Any thoughts? Is the quality better with one brand over the other?

 

[haveissues]

No thoughts on if they are the same or not but if you are buying it to sweat pipe get one of the ones with the hose. Way more useful.

 

[ForrestT]

Both very similar. I can’t tell a difference. My dad has bernzomatic. I have mag torch. Can’t tell any difference when using either.

 

[Tools4Me]

The image of the MagTorch does show a brass torch tip, while the Bernzomatic shows a stainless torch tip, but that might just be an older picture shown for one of the models. I also noticed the MagTorch Agility torch only has a 1 year warranty, but the Bernzomatic equivalent has a limited lifetime warranty. Both the cylinder mounted torches have a lifetime warranty.

They are likely the same. Look at their instruction manuals, even they appear identical except for the model numbers and brands. I've seen the canister mounted model you posted (the one without the hose) under other brands like Lenox as well. All that changes is the color scheme unless you buy the cheaper model with a fixed flame size (like a Bernzomatic TS4000 which has no flow adjustment knob).

I personally own two Bernzomatic TS8000 torches and one Bernzomatic TS4000 torch. Mine all have stainless torch tips. One's probably 20+ years old, one is around 10, and one is about 5. I haven't had any issues with any of them, so manufacturing quality control over time appears to be very good. They all light up perfectly the first time every time. I keep two of mine sitting on my workbench at all times, and they remain continually attached to a propane canister until that canister is completely used up and replaced. Neither one has ever leaked gas while sitting unused, attached to a propane canister.

I'm not a fan of plastic parts on any torch, so in general I'm not a fan of the ones you posted that have a hose and handpiece even though they might be more useful in tight areas. I would prefer one with a metal handpiece that's more ruggedly designed if I needed the flexible hose. That being said, my Bernzomatic canister mounted torches work right side up, sideways, upside down, it doesn't matter. Any orientation, it works the same with no change to the flame, so the perceived benefit of having a torch handpiece with a flexible hose isn't as great as you would think.

If it were me, and I could only pick one torch to do everything with, I would get a Bernzomatic TS8000. The adjustable flame makes it very flexible in terms of the flame btu output and it is very ruggedly built, simple to operate, and reliable.

 

[wjjeep]

Good catch with the warranty. I might go with Bernzomatic. Thanks everyone!

 

[dr_clyde]

I have both, prefer the Bernzomatic. Just is a little nicer made and a bit better ergonomics.

 

[DirtyE30]

I have the TS8000, although I use it for culinary purposes. I love it, it's pretty solidly built, and if it broke, I'd get another.

 

[CJM8515]

ts8000 here, love it. never ever ever had an issue.

 

[theoldwizard1]

ts8000 here, love it. never ever ever had an issue.

I always have had problems with cheaper Bernzomatic torches going out when held at odd angles.

 

[wjjeep]

I went to the stores today and found that the Bernzomatic Reach is made in USA and the Mag-Torch Agility is made in Taiwan for what it's worth.

 

[CJM8515]

I always have had problems with cheaper Bernzomatic torches going out when held at odd angles.

i have several of the ones that you have to light with a lighter or match, they always go out..