Looking for a basic torch setup for rust bolts/nuts. This will get infrequent use and not looking for additional functionality (cutting, etc). I've found Mapp/Map pro torches to be useless for this application. Is there anything else to consider besides a Port-A-Torch kit?
Torch For Rusty Bolts
- Thread starter guy2600
- Start date
scooby074
Well-known member
Stick with a name brand. Victor , Smith etc. Check for used but verify function first
Rusted Nut
Well-known member
I like these micro torches. Heats just the bolt, not everything else around it.
Chris_Hamilton
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- Dec 2, 2012
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So does a welding tip. Small butane torch can't compare with an acetylene torch. Nowhere near the heat output. A O/A setup is much, much, more economical too in the long run if used with any frequency.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
I think you already know the answer. OXYGEN/ACETYLENE OR BUST. In the old days, when you could still buy the "real deal" MAP gas that was a viable option but the new MAPP gas is 1000 degrees cooler than the old stuff. So you've got to go with the mac daddy if you're truly fighting rusty ****. About the only thing that little torch can be used for is heat shrink tubing.
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
What are the minimum requirements to owning/using an oxy-acetylene torch? I live in an apartment at the moment. So not a great idea to store that here, and also no place to use it. When I eventually buy a house, one of the first purchases might be a torch.
How do I learn the basics of what’s involved? Do I also get into welding at the same time or is that a totally different beast?
How do I learn the basics of what’s involved? Do I also get into welding at the same time or is that a totally different beast?
you could be on the lookout for deal on a torch set sans tanks and store till you get a house. tank storage in an apartment may be an issue .
welding & oxy/acetylene torches are both different ball games , unless you're gas welding with steel rod or brass.
I imagine you want a mig welder .
you tube has a gazillion videos on mig welding and probably torches too . a local community college course could be helpful too
welding & oxy/acetylene torches are both different ball games , unless you're gas welding with steel rod or brass.
I imagine you want a mig welder .
you tube has a gazillion videos on mig welding and probably torches too . a local community college course could be helpful too
pelletman
Well-known member
Death Row Dave
Well-known member
The new heaters are by far the best answer if you can afford it .
Nothing is forbidden until you get caught. Buy it, don't tell anybody about it, store it discretely and properly. I have done many breaches of contracts on apartment balconies. Spray painting, torches, charcoal grills, throwing Christmas trees off the third floor, you name it.
Just go to a Praxair and ask them all the stupid questions you want. That's what I did.
laser3kw
Well-known member
theere is an "air/acetylene" torch. Look at "Plumber's acetylene torch". It uses a small ("B" or "MC") acetylene cylinder and air. Good heat without the extra weight of an oxygen cylinder.
Lots of good suggestions. So far, I've got three alternatives imo.
Induction coil at $450:
For Air/Acetylene, there's this which seems well reviewed at $175:
There's this Oxypropane option, which has mediocre reviews at $75:
The more I think about it, the more I'm considering the induction option. I like not worrying about burning stuff in the process. Pricey but everything is. Whatever I go with, I'll post back the results. Need to pull an exhaust from a 2010 Mazda from the rust belt.
Induction coil at $450:
For Air/Acetylene, there's this which seems well reviewed at $175:
There's this Oxypropane option, which has mediocre reviews at $75:
The more I think about it, the more I'm considering the induction option. I like not worrying about burning stuff in the process. Pricey but everything is. Whatever I go with, I'll post back the results. Need to pull an exhaust from a 2010 Mazda from the rust belt.
Jswain
Well-known member
IMO skip out on the tiny bottle sets as they aren't cheap and buying new cylinders every time you need to use it will wash the savings quickly.
The air/acetylene turbotorch is a decent option, turbotorch makes nice propane/air torch tips too that might fill your needs without having to get acetylene. They work significantly better then the cheap propane torch heads & would have no problem getting smaller bolts/nuts red hot
If wanting bigger I would go propane/oxygen. No need to worry about withdrawal rate from the acetylene tank & then you have a spare for when the BBQ tank runs out. No pricey acetylene swaps, uses more o2 but the difference won't be noticeable for heating bolts.
The air/acetylene turbotorch is a decent option, turbotorch makes nice propane/air torch tips too that might fill your needs without having to get acetylene. They work significantly better then the cheap propane torch heads & would have no problem getting smaller bolts/nuts red hot
If wanting bigger I would go propane/oxygen. No need to worry about withdrawal rate from the acetylene tank & then you have a spare for when the BBQ tank runs out. No pricey acetylene swaps, uses more o2 but the difference won't be noticeable for heating bolts.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
You actually asked many questions that require many answers.
1) If all you want to do is remove rusty bolts the induction heater is the answer. FULL STOP.
2) If you want to learn how to use a torch and how to weld and cut with it go to a community college and take a welding class. That's where I discovered that I don't like open flames that much. I can use a torch, it's really sort of simple actually, but I never played with fire as a kid and I'm not that fond of it as an adult. Most welding classes start you with Ox/Acetylene as a precursor to learning TIG welding as the two are very closely related. One uses a gas generated flame and the other an electric arc flame which isn't that much different.
3) You don't need Oxygen/Acetylene as Oxygen/Propylene is pretty close and a lot safer and much cheaper since the tank is completely filled with the gas rather than half acetone. Make sure to get the right hoses for Propylene as they are different than Acetylene hoses. Read this: https://www.adamsgas.co.uk/acetylen...ylene gas has a much,fuel gas to operate with.
1) If all you want to do is remove rusty bolts the induction heater is the answer. FULL STOP.
2) If you want to learn how to use a torch and how to weld and cut with it go to a community college and take a welding class. That's where I discovered that I don't like open flames that much. I can use a torch, it's really sort of simple actually, but I never played with fire as a kid and I'm not that fond of it as an adult. Most welding classes start you with Ox/Acetylene as a precursor to learning TIG welding as the two are very closely related. One uses a gas generated flame and the other an electric arc flame which isn't that much different.
3) You don't need Oxygen/Acetylene as Oxygen/Propylene is pretty close and a lot safer and much cheaper since the tank is completely filled with the gas rather than half acetone. Make sure to get the right hoses for Propylene as they are different than Acetylene hoses. Read this: https://www.adamsgas.co.uk/acetylen...ylene gas has a much,fuel gas to operate with.
redwrench60
Well-known member
Man I’m down for a lot of **** but storing/using an oxyacetylene torch in an apartment is just dumb. Just rule that out now. The other suggestions are borderline. Remember, if you burn down your apartment you burn down everyone else’s too. Even car fires spread from one to another in tight parking. Wait until you have a garage/shop.
Jswain
Well-known member
One reason fuel gas/oxygen torch trumps inductor is sometimes removing rusty bolts, especially when it's a through bolt or you're replacing the fastener you just cut it in a few seconds vs heat and try to remove.
Exhaust bolts are a good example....if you're in the rust belt an inductor is not going to make that 12mm that you hammer a 10mm on to half assed bite any larger, but a torch will make it liquid in a matter of seconds.
I don't think I'd ever buy an inductor without having a torch first, and since I have a torch I've never felt the need for one.
Once you have something in your arsenal you will find other uses for it
Exhaust bolts are a good example....if you're in the rust belt an inductor is not going to make that 12mm that you hammer a 10mm on to half assed bite any larger, but a torch will make it liquid in a matter of seconds.
I don't think I'd ever buy an inductor without having a torch first, and since I have a torch I've never felt the need for one.
Once you have something in your arsenal you will find other uses for it
Benny Franklin
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- Apr 9, 2023
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- 85
Either oxypropane or oxyacetylene is what you need, half size tanks will be portable but not overly expensive. You think you will only use it for removing stuck bolts, but other uses will inevitably pop up, trust me
I'm actually only looking for rusty bolt removal. Someone else was asking welding classes, etc., which is causing the confusion.
I ended up buying the Mini-Ductor II on sale for $375. For anyone else finding this in the future, I found this presentation which is informational around the various Turbotouch Extreme products: https://hvacrassets.net
Excerpt:
I ended up buying the Mini-Ductor II on sale for $375. For anyone else finding this in the future, I found this presentation which is informational around the various Turbotouch Extreme products: https://hvacrassets.net
Excerpt:
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
I have used my TIG torch to heat stuck fasteners. This has worked for me. I am able to concentrate the heating to a small area.
CommCollege. I took a summer MIG welding course (dropped out after 3 weeks, not enough time) where I learned enough in 3 weeks to give me a good basic idea of how to weld, now I just need a lot of practice.
tyyost
Well-known member
I feel late to the punch but given your parameters the mini ductor was the best choice. Oxy acetylene is great, but part of what makes it great is the fact that you can cut, heat, and weld with it. It really is a jack of all trades. That said the new induction heaters, do a great job, don’t require expensive gases that are consumables, and are much easier to store. I’ve been getting by in the rust belt with an air acetylene torch, but if I don’t already buy torches years ago, I’m not sure I would do it again. Let us know how it works out!