Butane for soldering irons?

[mr.lemons]

I use a couple of gas soldering irons that sometimes burst into flames during use. I've also had previous irons that did the same thing so assumed it was an inherent issue with gas torches.

Today I refilled a kitchen torch with the same butane I use in the soldering irons and turned this.....

Into this

Is there different types or qualities of butane? I noticed that the kitchen torch now spits out lots of heavy liquid rather than a fine spray/mist. Can someone recommend butane suitable for gas torches and irons available in the UK please?

 

[American Locomotive]

I found that some torches after filling seem to spew liquid butane/large flames out. If I had to guess, it's because the refill cans sometimes overfill the reservoirs on the torches. Most of torches that started spewing fire after a refill would calm down after a minute or so of running.

 

[rlitman]

It's not the butane brand. Sometimes liquid gets up into the torch head, and when it spits into the flame, that's what happens. Try not filling it so far up to the top.

 

[jcthorne]

I gave up on butane soldering iron and went with a Milwaukee cordless. No more flames, no more refills, no more problems. It just works and heats up even faster than the butane one I had.

 

[Luciferi]

The only thing I use Master Appliance Ultratane. I have tried other butanes and actually destroyed a soldering iron. Hard to find in the US without ridiculous shipping prices, I have to get it from the snap on truck. Not sure about Uk

 

[dacan23]

There are different qualities of butane, a better refinement process removes impurities to reduce clogging of parts. Learned about it long ago in my heavy cigar days.

https://www.xikar.com/products/butane/butane-101/

 

[MattT]

The only thing I use Master Appliance Ultratane. I have tried other butanes and actually destroyed a soldering iron. Hard to find in the US without ridiculous shipping prices, I have to get it from the snap on truck. Not sure about Uk

IIRC Zoro carry it and don't charge "hazmat" shipping.

Aside from Ultratane I've also used name brand lighter butane with no problems. Ronson and Zippo are the two I've used in the US. The OP might be able to find them in the UK. Or maybe Colibri.

 

[epmills]

Let it sit for a while after refilling, the freshly filled tank is ice cold and causes pressure issues. Give it a while to warm up.

 

[nsula_country]

I use the Weller brand in irons and lighters.

CT

 

[dacan23]

Didn't see pics on PC, now see pics on my phone... I don't see the problem, a flame thrower is much more useful lol. Your can says ultra refined so....

 

[mr.lemons]

Thanks for the replies. I emptied the torch and refilled with Weller butane as it's intended use is soldering irons and got a flame thrower again. Tried it again only half filled and it works fine. Think it's just a case of overfilling as stated above. Cheers.

 

[nsula_country]

Glad you solved it. Seems I remember if I refill my Weller Portasol too much it flares up.

CT

 

[btoonsis]

I just refilled and used my Portasol iron this past weekend with this stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DJ7EQFQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Got 12 cans for less than $25 shipped via eBay... seemed to work fine... so guess the Portasol isn't too picky on brand.