Weed torch

[soloz2]

I've had bad luck killing weeds in my driveway and patio using chemicals. I've sprayed multiple times and the weeds just keep coming back. On top of this, I need to be careful and rotate when I spray because one of my dogs licks everything
I was going to try a propane torch and went to HF yesterday to grab one, but they were recalled. Looking at pictures a bit closer, I see some torches have a flow regulator built in and others do not. Is this something I should be looking for?
HF torch I was planning on getting: $24 after coupon
https://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-with-push-button-igniter-91037.html
sample torch on Amazon for $20 more that has a regulator
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004Z2FP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Farmall450]

I'd spend the $20 extra and get a Red Dragon.

 

[hsvtoolfool]

Red Dragon products are nice, but overpriced. I use the cheapest HF torch without the piezo igniter and it's fine for weeds. Use an old-fashioned oxy-acetylene cutting torch flint spark lighters for $2 instead. It lasts forever and is more reliable.

I never pull the torch trigger for a full flame. Pulling the trigger is Harrier Jump Jet LOUD! I swear the Redstone Arsenal rocket engine tests aren't as loud. The adjusted idle flame is plenty to boil weeds. Don't ignite the weeds or put direct flame on the plant. That's overkill. Just get close for a few seconds. When the plant starts to curl and wilt, move on to the next weed. You've boiled the water in the cells and the weed is a deader.

That small hand-truck from Red Dragon is like $60 or more. I got an ancient yard sale $5 hand-truck and bungeed down my propane tank. My neighbors think it's hilarious to see me pulling the tank around with the torch. But it does a great job on weeds and bermuda that grows into my pavers. So about once every couple months I hit the bricks. The rig is worth the trouble just to keep spurge under control.

 

[Jazz1]

That HF is decent price considering has igniter. My tiger torch is ancient, no igniter, no regulator. Never used on weeds yet, used for warming cold diesel engines

 

[ken w.]

I take care of a few yards and can't use any harsh chemical due to heath problem of the owners. I use the Dragon and it works much better than the HF version. You need to char the stem of the plant to kill it. Most will tell you flame it just until the leaves wilt , but it will come back unless you char the stem. I do this in the yard as well for weeds. It will leave a dead spot in the yard for a couple of weeks , but grass will grow back over the spot.

 

[bas157]

I have a HF one, it works fine. I like that is has the ignitor built in. Had previously bought one from HD without the ignitor but returned it before even opening it since it didn't have the ignitor and thought that might be a PITA.

 

[jessesandy]

Here's a picture of the Turbo Blast Torch on Amazon.....$57.94.


A now the Greenwood Propane Torch from Harbor Freight....$19.99.


The Red Dragon model you listed looks like a better unit with a 10' hose and extra regulator.

 

[BajaScout]

I have the dragon. Had it several years now. No issues. Also is it to fire up my smoker and camp fire.


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[dr_clyde]

I have a Mag-Torch brand, I got it from Menards. I use it mostly for pre-heating weldments. I want to say it was around $50 or less.

I can't imagine needing more torch for burning weeds. It's a very simple device, just a hose, valve, tube, and nozzle/burner. I use an oxy-acetylene flint sparker to ignite it. I run it off a 20lb propane cylinder outside, and a 100lb tank in the shop.

 

[Maui]

I just take a long regular screwdriver and dig up as much of the root as I can as I pull the weeds from the top. Seems to work pretty well. No expense, no chemicals, no fire involved.

Maui

 

[Bretny]

I have a old one from prob the early 90s. Just a valve on a handle basicly. Make sure the handle is long enough so your not bent over doing the job. I have to use a burner because my well is right next to my driveway that im keeping the weeds out of. I have to do it about every month. After a few good rainy days the weeds really seam to come back strong.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I was imagining a very different conversation when I saw the thread title. Then I remembered where I was.

 

[el monte slim]

I just take a long regular screwdriver and dig up as much of the root as I can as I pull the weeds from the top. Seems to work pretty well. No expense, no chemicals, no fire involved.

Maui

This is the method I use as well. Last week I pulled a dandelion with a 9" long root stem. I figure that one must have been in the ground for a while.

 

[Treeman]

Some weeds can reproduce from underground parts. Examples are dandelions, quack grass,nutsedge, etc.. Burning the top off will not keep it from regrowing.

Many weeds reproduce from seeds. Burning the top off might kill that plant, but there are thousands, if not millions of seeds in the ground ready to replace it.

Torching weeds will just be a more fun way compared to hand weeding.

 

[HotWire]

I just bought the Red Dragon for way too much money. Works great, though.


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[marinusdees]

My neighbor managed to set his house on fire. Almost burned down. He still has his house, but his yard is a mass of weeds. He doesn't like to pollute the planet with "chemicals". I, on the other hand, am a "chemical farmer". Haven'rt set the house on fire yet.
IMHO burning the weed doesn't kill the root.

 

[WittHay]

That HF is decent price considering has igniter. My tiger torch is ancient, no igniter, no regulator. Never used on weeds yet, used for warming cold diesel engines

I have heard that people use Tiger torches for weeds, but haven't done it either. Have a couple of older ones for unthawing shifters and levers on tractors and equipment. Tiger torch and a tarp

Far as I know they are still made in Alberta.

 

[MarvinBerry]

Is this really a thing? Burning garden weeds with a flamethrower?!

Having a total uncle rob moment...

 

[Danglerb]

I picked up a sprayer of Round Up on sale for about $5 and some took a repeated dose, but eventually plant was gone for good.

 

[mmb617]

I just take a long regular screwdriver and dig up as much of the root as I can as I pull the weeds from the top. Seems to work pretty well. No expense, no chemicals, no fire involved.

I've highlighted the problem with your method. Plus your way sounds like work. I retired to get away from work.

Torching weeds will just be a more fun way compared to hand weeding.

See, this guy gets it!

Is this really a thing? Burning garden weeds with a flamethrower?!

Did you forget what forum you're on? This is a place where the Tim Taylor methods of solving problems rule.

Great, now I have another tool to put on my must have list. I can't imagine why I hadn't thought of this way of killing weeds before.

 

[hsvtoolfool]

So there you have it OP: the concise GarageJournal answer to a simple question...

- Use the cheapest one. The expensive one is overpriced.

- The cheapest one is ****, use the expensive one only.

- Don't spend extra on a piezo igniter, use a flint sparker for reliability.

- Don't use a flint sparker, the piezo igniter always works.

- Wilt the plant to boil the water in the cells and kill it.

- Wilting doesn't work. Burn the plant to charcoal or it won't be dead.

- Burning doesn't work, use chemicals.

- Here's a funny guy on YouTube!

- Chemicals and burning are bad. Dig up hundreds of weeds by hands.

- You'll burn the house down! No Red Rider BB gun for you!

And my personal favorite....

- There's a sale at Penny's! Rapunzel! Rapunzel!

Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.

 

[soloz2]

Lol, thanks for all the responses guys. I don't have time to weed my driveway by hand... It's over 350'. It does need to be replaced, but I need to get another couple years out of it before I can afford to get it redone. So, chemicals or burning it is.

 

[MarvinBerry]

Did you forget what forum you're on? This is a place where the Tim Taylor methods of solving problems rule.

Great, now I have another tool to put on my must have list. I can't imagine why I hadn't thought of this way of killing weeds before.

What tool is that, gasoline?!

Sorta forget there seems to be a strong midwest contingent here... some of ya'll have way more property then I do.

If I pulled out a tiger torch on my little 2/3 acre in NJ suburbia someone would call the cops and say there's a Silent Bob lookin' motherfuker running around with a flamethrower...

It'd end badly.

 

[nes999]

What chemical are you using? Things like glycosulfate dont stay in the ground long. You need to add a pre-emergent.

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