DIYbanter - View Single Post

mike[_22_]

On 1/19/2013 2:51 AM, wrote:
Why is it that whenever I use a propane torch in winter, it causes all
kinds of problems. This never happens in warm weather. And of course
the torches are needed more in winter, for thawing frozen yard hydrants
and everything else that screws up due to winter cold.

First off, the torches never seem to burn properly in cold weather. I
guess the propane is cold so it likes to shoot out flat flames that spit
an sputter and generally be a pain in the ass to use.

But that's just part of the problem. The bigger problem is when the
torch refuses to shut off after using it. I can only guess that
frost/ice builds up on the valve. They never shut off.....
So, the solution to that is to unscrew the torch head from the
disposible cylinder tank. That shuts off the torch flame, but it never
fails, the tank continues to expell gas from the valve where the torch
head was connected. The solution to that seems to be to take the tank
into a heated space, and once they heat up, the quit leaking. However,
taking a leaking propane tank indoors where there are pilot lights and
stuff, not to mention having to breathe raw propane, means that the only
thing to do is leave the tank outside.

Thus, the next day the tank is empty!!!

So, buy a new tank of propane for each and every winter job you do, and
the rest of the gas goes to waste into the air.

Has anyone ever found a solution to this????

Where do you suppose the frost that's freezing up on the valve comes
from? Unless there's water in the propane tank, how does it get
into the valve?

You don't say how cold cold is. Or how big the flame.
As the propane evaporates to feed the flame, it gets colder.
At some point, it refuses to evaporate fast enough or condenses
in the hose/pipe and spits out liquid propane. All assuming the tank
is upright.

I gotta say that I've never seen undamaged valves that refuse to shut off.

Have you tried a different torch? Perhaps the connection to the
tank is bent and is damaging the cylinders.