Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I am looking for a torch to use for simple plumbing repairs and to solder numerous leaks in my copper gutters. I see both propane and mapp gas at the local HD. Anyone have experience with Mapp Gas?

Smitty, never used it, always used propane.

Here's some info on it though with a feedback page at the bottom you might want to check out?

Corp Brothers, click on Mapp gas

I've used both in different  plumbing situations around the house.  I use MAPP gas when I need a hotter flame.  Propane will work fine for most 3/4 and 1/2 plumbing, but anything larger, I prefer the MAPP gas.  Given the mass of a copper gutter, my first choice would be mapp gas, but I will be the first to admit never soldering a gutter before.  Good Luck! Rob

As I understand, MAPP burns hotter.

hickster

i've used both, and i'd say for the gutters, i'd look to use mapp, but with 1/2" or 3/4" i felt it would be too easy to get the pipe/fitting too hot, if you weren't paying attention while doing the little stuff.

I have a Dual fuel torch. Regular propane is CHEAPER by a long shot, and is fine for regular plumbing. I only use Mapp gas if Im Brazing a joint or repairing a pipe with a bunch of water trapped inside.

Good advice above...
Propane fine for plumbing up to 3/4
Cheap fuel

MAPP Almost too hot for small plumbing
Expensive fuel
Extra heat when needed
Much more useful when trying to break rust bonds and do other high heat chores.

Pete

Smitty, I have a Bernzomatic TS4000. It is capable of using both propane and MAPP. The one BEAUTIFUL feature is that it has a "pushbutton" ignition. (no matches, separate ignitors, etc! Great invention!) Although MAPP is more expensive, moderate use around the house doesn't burn through massive amounts of the gas. (I have installed two kitchens, a water heater, and done numerous repairs around my house and still haven't gone through two cans of gas. Some of the work entailed 2" copper and the MAPP gas was great. Along with the others on the board, Propane is usually fine for 1/2 & 3/4 inch repairs (although MAPP also works well (just quick to heat the fittings)). On the downside, MAPP is much hotter (and I don't know exact temperatures but that is what I am told) so I take special care that I use heat shields so I don't burn down the house. (Please be careful on your gutters with whatever you use if they are in place). P.S. If you are doing pipes, I like the "green lid" Oatley flux, as it both tins and allows the solder to flow. For me, it is easier than the "red lid"; although both are usable for most repairs/installations. I hope this helps. Walt

              Mapp gas sometimes has the nasty habit of cooking the flux out of a joint before the solder is applied. This is normally because first time users don't relize how fast it can reach the melting point of the solder.

              I would be careful using it on something as thin as guttering but with some care it should do an excellant job.

        Watch out for hot dripping solder if your planning on doing this off a ladder .

                     
                    Tom

Thanks for all the great info and tips Guys!