What I’m not what I need

[adileo]

Hi guys

I M not a welder. However, I often find myself needing heat to get a difficult nut or bolt off. I’ve been using my plumbers propane bottle with attachment torch. Using this with the bottle often is difficult in tight spots.

So I started searching online. Seems all are only 3’ hoses and made in China or Hong cong.

Lookin for your advise. Map or propane - don’t feel comfortable with O-A

[skidmarks]

I have seen those induction heaters and look like they work well but I have never used one. They are expensive.

[Jack E/NJ]

I use propane for light pieces. Mapp for a slightly heavier pieces. And gingerly use an arc torch with care (due to the danger of melting) for really big pieces. Jack E/NJ

[adileo]

Most of the hoses fit both propane and map. Anyone have or recommend a decent one?

[skidmarks]

You can buy the hose by the foot and the fitting from your local welding supply.
Type T hose for propane

[adileo]

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Thanks I wasn’t aware of that I’ll give it a look see

[JSeery]

Another suggestion is to check with a local welding supply store about a complete setup. I know plumbers sometimes carry smaller units.

[adileo]

Couple more questions

B bottles - is that indicate size?
Can B bottle be filled w propane or map or just one?
If one which

[skidmarks]

B tanks are acetylene so are mc tanks. No you can not put propane in them.

[JSeery]

Each tank can only be filled with a specific substance. They are coded for each fill. Mixing things up can become dangeous and is controlled.

[flatheadmurre]

If it´s only for heating stuff the small induction heaters have come down in price and may be an option to...no open flame and no refilling bottles.
Oyherwise my experience is that whatever you run for fuel MAP/Propane/Acetylene...you need oxygene to get some serious heat.
I run Oxy/Propane for cutting/heating since Propane is way cheaper the Acetylene here.
I see Oxy/Map welding kits for like $200 with disposable tanks that might be an option to...never tried them though.

[32Bee]

I've owned an acetylene B tank for some 40 plus years that I use not only for sweating
copper but for applying a little heat to stubborn, rusted nuts. As I also own a number of
different torch tips I simply put my smallest one on when it needs to be used in a tight spot.
As acetylene is supposedly the hottest gas there is it very quickly brings the item to the needed temp to remove.

[adileo]

Thanks guys

I’ve been searching online (I go to welding store when i get chance). As mentioned the small propane bottle with attachement has worked so far on stubborn bolts\nuts. Probably takes longer so now if bottle B is not too expensive, will do a faster job. I’ll go that route with a hose and good torch. Otherwise I’ll find a hose torch that will attach to disposal propane, map bottle.

As always thanks for all your excellent advice

[Royal Ryser]

I use an old fashioned blow torch when I need BIG heat. Some of you may not know what a blow torch is. It is a gasoline fueled torch that generates its heat and pressure by heating the gasoline by way of a system similar to the one used by Coleman gasoline lanterns. I doubt if these are made any longer, but fairly often are available at garage sales of tool auctions.
These things generate a lot of heat by way of a broad open flame, and are dangerous unless used correctly. Still, they produce a lot of heat and require no special fuel. I have used these torches for years with good results, as have many tradesmen, plumbers and others.

[dumb person]

Do you think this tiny induction heater would be worth a gamble?
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...632963789.html

For all i know it'd only get hot enough to melt some wax onto a rusted stud or something. Better than nothing though.

[cas3]

when trying to loosen stuck parts, the point is to quickly heat one part so it expands, before the other part gets hot and expands with it. you gained nothing when that happens. for fast heat, you need oxygen, like a real torch set up with propane or acetylene gas. blow torch or propane by itself will be too slow, wreck threads and gall when the whole (both) part is hot

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by adileo

Thanks guys

I’ve been searching online (I go to welding store when i get chance). As mentioned the small propane bottle with attachement has worked so far on stubborn bolts\nuts. Probably takes longer so now if bottle B is not too expensive, will do a faster job. I’ll go that route with a hose and good torch. Otherwise I’ll find a hose torch that will attach to disposal propane, map bottle.

As always thanks for all your excellent advice

acetylene torch is the way to go overall.


Welding store or depot might be the only way to get welding/acetylene tanks. At least here in the north. They only lease them. Had my own tanks in FL. Turned them in when I left for the money and not wanting to travel with them. No big whoop.

Might be different were you are at.

[cas3]

i got tired of paying the rent on my tanks. after 40 years i wised up and one by one bought tanks from auctions, craigslist, junk yards, friends etc. you have to pay for a safety inspection on old tanks, but then you own them. inspection cert is good for 5 years on flammables, and 10 years on co2, argon etc. when i get them filled, actually exchanged, i ask the guy for one with lots of time left on the cert sticker, then i never pay that again

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by cas3

i got tired of paying the rent on my tanks. after 40 years i wised up and one by one bought tanks from auctions, craigslist, junk yards, friends etc. you have to pay for a safety inspection on old tanks, but then you own them. inspection cert is good for 5 years on flammables, and 10 years on co2, argon etc. when i get them filled, actually exchanged, i ask the guy for one with lots of time left on the cert sticker, then i never pay that again

It's a one time fee, so I don't pay a yr fee and they own the tanks so like it's more like a deposit as i get the money back once tanks are returned (I did ask if I could buy them). They won't refill tanks that are not theirs. Just where I'm at I guess. New to how it works here. Been fine for me I as switch out the 80/20 from tig to mig ( I don't do aluminum or stainless). Wish I could get a couple 3/4 tanks one for each though (full argon and a 80/20) like I had before, but they only offer full size tank. Might have to search around I guess.

Oh well. It works for me as I don't do a lot of welding on a regular basis anyway.