Propane torch question.

[LarryFahn]

I bought one at HD for $25 that has an ignition built into it and it screws onto the tank. On the back of the handle is the on/off valve. It's in the basement and I'm the only one down there. Should I take the torch off every time? There's only one thing that makes me feel like puking. The smell of propane. Thanks

 

[skruft]

I do take the top off the cylinder with a similar torch that uses Mapp gas but am not sure whether it is necessary. You could ask the maker.

 

[astroracer]

I always take the torch head off the tank when not using it. I really don't know if it makes any difference but, it does fit in the storage box better...
Mark

 

[maxpower_hd]

I would take it off. I had one leak out on me.

 

[marinusdees]

Sometimes if you don't remove it, the next time you want to use it it has leaked and it's empty. I was taught 60 years ago to always remove it. I confess to not having removed it sometimes--I have one by my woodburning insert and leave it on in the winter--and it has never leaked empty. Maybe luck?? And now I'm jinxed. So I think you pays your money and you takes your choice.

 

[Scout3918]

I been wondering same thing. thanks for the info.

 

[nh_yota]

I've had the MAPP version of that torch for 6+ years without issue, and I take the torch off the tank if I'm not going to be using it for a while. Besides it's easier to store in two pieces rather than one.

 

[Ty.]

I have always left mine attached with no issues. When you attach them to the cylinder, you do not need to tighten them down until veins start popping out of you forehead, just snugged up is plenty.

 

[Provincial]

I have had a self-igniting propane torch like the OP described for about twenty years. I have never taken it off the tank except to change tanks. In that time, it has never leaked down.

I did take it off the tank once to test a used tank. The tank I removed it from was leaking (I noticed the odor) so I put it back on and it was fine until I used up the remaing gas.

 

[American Locomotive]

@Provincial, That is also my experience. Once the torch head has been on the tank long enough, taking the torch head off almost always results in the tank leaking from the schrader valve. I've had the same experience with at least 5+ tanks of propane and MAPP.

So now I just leave the torch head on, because they never seem to leak.

 

[Markfothebeast]

I never remove the heads with the shutoff valve. I had bought the same kit when I was learning to do plumbing. Than I saw a buddy with a MAPP torch and I went back and bought the MAPP a few months ago and never went back to using propane. I had to return the first MAPP ignitor head because the valve wouldn't shut off.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[MikeF2316]

I was taught to always take the head off after use. And I almost always do. I've never had a problem when I haven't. And as others have noted, the pieces are easier to store when apart.

 

[Ram Hemi]

I do take the top off the cylinder with a similar torch that uses Mapp gas but am not sure whether it is necessary. You could ask the maker.

I kept a cylinder of mapp pro with ignition head in my service truck for a couple years, never had a problem, it is now in my garage, I have never taken the tip off and there is still gas in there because I use it time to time. Depends on the quality of the torch head and valve I guess.

 

[wayne55]

I used to take the head off until the one time I did and the cylinder valve did not hold and the the gas started leaking. Now I just turn it off and leave the head on.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

The cylinders come with a seal to keep them clean till You are ready to use them.. The torch contains a very fine orifice that can easily become plugged.. Leaving the torch and cylinder connected should lessen the chance of dust, dirt, humidity or insects messing up the torch.

If You choose to remove the cylinder from the torch, try to keep them as clean as possible.