Propane torches mix vaporized propane with air to create a controllable flame used in plumbing, brazing, preheating, and light metalwork. Oxygen enrichment raises flame temperature; verify manufacturer BTU or temperature claims before purchase. Prioritize ventilation, correct regulators, hoses, and flame-arresting devices because propane is heavier than air and can pool.

What a propane torch is

A propane torch mixes pressurized liquid propane with air and burns it to produce a hot, directed flame. Compact cylinders and regulators make these torches portable for workshop and field use. Small handheld units are common for plumbing and hobby work; larger torches attach to bulk bottles for industrial tasks.

Flame temperature and oxygen

A propane flame in air reaches temperatures high enough for soldering and brazing. Textbooks and reference tables list adiabatic flame temperatures for propane-air in the range of several thousand degrees Fahrenheit (and roughly 1,900-2,000 °C) . Adding pure oxygen or using an oxygen-enriched supply raises the maximum flame temperature further; propane-oxygen flames are significantly hotter than propane-air flames 1.

Manufacturers sometimes quote heat output in BTU ratings for a torch assembly. Some commercial torches and multi-burner rigs are marketed with very high BTU figures; verify whether a quoted number (for example, 500,000 BTU) refers to per-hour output, peak input, or a bundled multi-burner system before comparing models 2.

Common uses

Propane torches are widely used to solder copper water pipes and for brazing dissimilar metals. They also serve for metal preheating, loosening seized fasteners, paint or adhesive removal, thawing frozen pipes, light welding/brazing work, and some roofing or weed-control applications. Small propane/butane torches are used in kitchens for finishing dishes, though culinary torches are typically designed and rated differently from plumbing or roofing torches.

Safety and handling

Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure and vaporizes when released. It is heavier than air and can pool in low spots; that makes good ventilation and leak-checking essential. Use a regulator sized for the tank, keep hoses in good condition, and fit flashback arrestors where required. Follow local codes when using torches on buildings or near flammable materials.

Always wear eye protection and gloves, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and let heated metal cool on a fireproof surface.

Choosing a torch

Match the torch to the job: small handheld units for soldering and light brazing; multi-burner or high-BTU rigs for heavy preheating or roofing. Look for features such as push-button ignition, comfortable handles, thermal shields, compatible regulators, and safety valves (excess-flow or shutoff). When evaluating manufacturer claims, confirm the testing conditions and units used for BTU and temperature ratings.

  1. Confirm numerical adiabatic flame temperature values for propane-air (original article cited ~3,623 °F / ~1,990 °C) and provide authoritative source.
  2. Confirm maximum flame temperature for propane with pure oxygen (original article cited ~5,110 °F) and provide authoritative source.
  3. Verify the 500,000 BTU claim for the Western Enterprises 'Hotspotter Propane Torch' (clarify whether this refers to BTU/hr, a multi-burner assembly, or a marketing figure) and whether the product is still offered.

FAQs about Propane Torch

How hot does a propane torch get?
A propane flame in air reaches several thousand degrees Fahrenheit - sufficient for soldering and brazing. Oxygen enrichment increases the maximum achievable temperature. Exact figures depend on torch design and fuel/air mix; verify specific numbers from manufacturers or engineering references .
Is propane safer than other gases?
Propane is convenient and energy-dense in liquefied form, but it is heavier than air and can pool in low areas. Safety depends on proper storage, leak checks, ventilation, and using regulators and safety valves - no fuel is inherently risk-free.
Can I use a propane torch for welding?
Propane torches are suitable for soldering, brazing, and light heating tasks. For most fusion welding of steel, oxygen-acetylene or electric welding processes are more appropriate. Oxygen-enriched propane setups can reach higher temperatures but still differ from dedicated welding systems.
What safety equipment should I use?
Wear eye protection and heat-resistant gloves, use a regulator and good-quality hose, install flashback arrestors where required, work in a ventilated area, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.