Using a torch without causing a fire?

[ukiltmybrutha]

Lol, I have used a propane torch or map gas as a source of heat over the years to help with stuck bolts without incident. However, over the fast few years I am losing my nerve as I have had a few incidents with things catching on fire when I use penetrating oil first. It happens almost instantly and every time I torch a bolt. It's like the Midas touch but backwards man.

I keep a fire extinguisher handy. I am now freaked out about using heat on anything anymore. I just use penetrating oil and an impact and cross my fingers these days.

Where am I going wrong?

Thanks.

 

[mrklean]

Little fire just keeps the heart healthy....

I usually torch something hot, then cold shock it by immediately spraying the hot surface (once torch removed) with the penetrating oil. Makes a smokey steamy mess. Have pretty good luck with this.

You'll get a bit of fire, but not nearly if you soaked something cold.

 

[Firebrick43]

I agree, heat first then oil or beeswax. Used a torch for 30 years and have yet to scare myself with any fire.

 

[RPH]

There are small hand held induction heating units. This is Flameless heating. Plug it in and choose the poroper fit coil. Go to work.

 

[jsaw]

I like the induction heater. Less chance of collateral damage.

 

[nadogail]

A tin fire shield has saved me a few times.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Great ideas. I can see the error of my ways, lol.

Thanks.

 

[dchawk81]

Update the insurance. Full send.

You're welcome.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

I like an oxy-acetylene torch and a small welding tip. You can control the heat and pinpoint the area with it. I think avoiding any sort of fire is just common sense.

Slightly OT but slightly relevant. I have worked as a metal/body/paint guy my entire adult life. Over 30 years. In that time I have caught 2 cars on fire. Both times welding. Both times avoidable if I had taken better precautions. One I was welding on the firewall of a Tacoma and caught the sound deadening on fire in the cab. Didn't notice it right away and when I did look up OMG. Flames inside of a vehicle is rather offputting. Luckily the damage wasn't too bad and It only cost me about $200 to fix. The second time was similar. Welding a used rocker/quarter section on a SUV and I again caught the interior on fire. Minimal damage though. Only the carpet and one plastic trim piece. My Boss was able to get a nice used carpet at the salvage yard we deal with along with the trim piece. Didn't cost him anything. Both of these vehicles were Insurance totals that I was doing heavy work to. Both fires could have been avoided if I had take a little more time to R&I things.

I have used a torch countless times on truck frames when pulling heavy damage. Never had the first issue with fire. You might get a localized one where some undercoating etc is burning but nothing major ever. Flame heat is safe if you use some common sense when using it.

 

[Sumboodie]

I like an oxy-acetylene torch and a small welding tip. You can control the heat and pinpoint the area with it. I think avoiding any sort of fire is just common sense.

Slightly OT but slightly relevant. I have worked as a metal/body/paint guy my entire adult life. Over 30 years. In that time I have caught 2 cars on fire. Both times welding. Both times avoidable if I had taken better precautions. One I was welding on the firewall of a Tacoma and caught the sound deadening on fire in the cab. Didn't notice it right away and when I did look up OMG. Flames inside of a vehicle is rather offputting. Luckily the damage wasn't too bad and It only cost me about $200 to fix. The second time was similar. Welding a used rocker/quarter section on a SUV and I again caught the interior on fire. Minimal damage though. Only the carpet and one plastic trim piece. My Boss was able to get a nice used carpet at the salvage yard we deal with along with the trim piece. Didn't cost him anything. Both of these vehicles were Insurance totals that I was doing heavy work to. Both fires could have been avoided if I had take a little more time to R&I things.

I have used a torch countless times on truck frames when pulling heavy damage. Never had the first issue with fire. You might get a localized one where some undercoating etc is burning but nothing major ever. Flame heat is safe if you use some common sense when using it.

A buddy caught a van trailer on fire doing some welding work. I forget exactly what the task was, but he was working at a spring/suspension shop. (Make semi truck springs, etc)

Well the trucker or owner never mentioned the trailer was back nose to tail with cardboard bales. Was assumed to be empty, doors were locked.

Totalled the trailer. Was took several fire crews and heavy equipment to get the cardboard pulled out and to stop smoldering and burning

 

[NUTTSGT]

I've kept a soaking wet (water) shop rag close at hand.

 

[Dagny]

Get the nut orange squirt water on it screw it off with your fingers.