Customer Reviews

Propane Turbo Torch - 3 Nozzles - Turbo-Blast Trigger with 60" Hose

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Needed a torch to kill weeds. This item was competitively priced and arrived promptly from etoolscity, well packed. As other reviewers have noted, there are absolutely no instructions. It is was not difficult to hook to my propane tank, but no instructions on lighting or adjusting the valve. The connection will only work with larger refillable propane tanks, like those that come with barbeque grills, which are not very portable. After playing with this for a few minutes and trying all the three nozzles, I was unable to keep the torch lit for more than a few seconds. There should be directions with this. Pay the extra amount to get one with an auto-lighter and some instructions, and a fitting that will accept smaller propane cylinders. This may be better for melting snow, etc. if you can keep it lit but I cannot recommend for spot control of weeds around the average home.

I bought this as a Christmas gift for my sister who lives in Maine and wanted it to melt ice on her patio bricks. They had iced up to the point that she couldn't open the fence gate or her utility shed door. She said it works great! Anther added benefit is to use it to kill weeds instead of weed killers which pets feet pick up and then they lick it off. The seller was very prompt and it arrived in good condition. My sister is happy with it.

I bought this hoping to burn weeds (dandelions mostly) because I won't use chemicals and we had a bumper crop of weeds this spring.

First I tried a regular propane torch, but when you bend the tank over, the liquid goes into the valve and the flame goes out.

So I shopped around and found this item. It looks good, isn't expensive, and comes with 3 nozzles. But it just doesn't work.

First, the hose works with a large tank (think gas BBQ). So you either need to drag the tank or get a dolly. Fortunately I had a dolly. Needless to say, it's a bit clunky to be roaming around the lawn with this contraption, but that seemed a small price to pay for eco-friendly weed control.

When I got it all set, I lit 'r up and was instantly frustrated by the need to get the gas flow just right. Unless I pressed the trigger as gently as possible, the gas came out too forcefully and would blow out the flame.

There is a trigger valve with an adjusting nut and a flow knob on the handle, but they have almost no impact. No matter how much I fiddled with each of them individually or jointly, I couldn't get the combination right. The trigger was too sensitive and the flame always went out. I even adjusted the tank valve to restrict the flow, but the trigger was still too touchy. The slightest movement off the 'magic' position and the flame went right out.

Even when I was able to get it just right, the torch required a fair amount of time (> 30 seconds) over the plant to burn it. If you get too close, out goes the flame again.

I didn't have any more time and I had to give up on it. I do plan to get back to it at some point and see if I can take the trigger and handle apart to make the trigger work more effectively. We'll see if that ever happens.

The only positive is that this wasn't too expensive at about $22 plus shipping. Save your money. You have been warned.

The only other option I found were large ice and tar melting devices at Home Depot/Lowes which went for about $59. I didn't want to spend that much, and they only come with a giant 2" nozzle which seemed like it would leave a rather large burnt patch around each weed.

Ordered the subject weed burner. Received it on time but with absolutely no instructions for use! It has two valves for propane control, but no idea which one is for what. Not knowing how to control the flame created some scary moments! Send instructions, please!

Okay, Did it work? Yes, BUT...
I read the other reviews about it being hard to keep lit, but through my arrogance I thought I could do it better. While I did manage to get and keep it going, it was on accident. I'll explain in the end.

First- DON'T buy this unless you are willing to listen to the constructive criticism so many ppl have already given about having a hose clamp (or two)at the ready if you don't have the proper crimping tool to tighten theirs. Mine leaked from the hose-tank fitting.

It was hard to keep lit. I could get it going until i went to pull the lever the second time and it would go out, every time no matter how much or little I opened it. I did however manager to find that sweet spot that never, not one time, blew out. This is a problem and the solution for mine. My torch would not turn off at the torch valve. It seamed to be off, but after turning the tank off I went to purge the line it fired back up. I turned the tank back on, pulled the jet/lever and it worked every time, as long as I wanted, no matter how many times I pulled and let go of the lever. So, on my torch, there is no off valve for it to be laid down safely, but the torch valve in the off position stays lit better than anything else did from cracked to wide open. No it isn't the hottest flame the torch valve produced, just the most constant. I bought it for weeds and it still had enough volume (in the off position) to instantly catch some dried out firewood I had. If I cared more I would make a video of it but...

I'm tellin ya, I was skeptical at first, when I purchased it, I was pleasently surpised when it arrived. It blow torched like mad.

Shipping was very quick. This torch arrived approximately two days after I place the order. Outstanding. The product seems to be well built. The only problem I encountered (and was prepared for after reading other reviews) was that the hose connection leaked from the torch handle end and from the fitting to the propane tank. I purchased two hose clamps and was on my way. Does the torch work? Like a champ. For me, $20.00 and a trip to the hardware store for two clamps beats the heck out of spending two or three times what I paid for this product. Thanks for the other reviews and the heads up on the leaky connections. Next alteration is to attach a longer (10') hose (still won't have spent as much on this one as others sell for).

Propane 'Turbo Torch' - 3 Nozzles - Turbo-Blast Trigger - 60" Hose

Propane Torch with 2 Extra Nozzles
Great buy for the price if not for the crimped clamp that holds the hose on the handle, and the annoying need to keep relighting. I would have rated it a 4, but it LEAKS Propane when used on a full bottle! Someone is going to get hurt! I noticed this problem on mine before bursting into flames, and promptly replaced the crimp clamp with a real hose clamp. I feel much safer now and it does work OK when the lighter is handy.

(Update)
After owning this item for several months the hose has begun to disintegrate. Leveraging my previous modification, a quick trip to the auto parts store should took care of that. Despite all the safety issues I more than got my $20 worth. Hey, I like living on the edge.

Thankfully the torch worked well enough for me to do my small roof repair, however I found it's blast trigger not effective. Additionally, the nozzle had a tendency to loosen as the torch got hotter which produce lovely little 'accent' flames emerging from the connecting nut. FUN !!

As there seemed not to be a 'pilot light' setting (the small adjustment knob didn't do diddly) I had to relight between all sessions.

I'll blame myself for not noticing prior to ordering that there was no safety stand which would have made laying down the hot torch between sessions less hazardous.

Not electronic ignition (TURBO BLAST TRIGGER) might be cool if it worked. Cannot get the wand to stay lit, burns for a few seconds then shuts off. There are really no instructions for this very dangerous item, I would not recommend this product to anyone. Packaging big and bulky, would like to return it but I don't think its worth the trouble. Go to store and buy one so if it does not work you can take it back and do more shopping.