The heat is on! The many uses of a gas torch

A gas torch is an incredibly useful tool around the workshop, but it can also turn up the heat in the kitchen!

A gas torch, like the Grip butane torch, is a compact delivery system that creates an extremely hot and precise flame, which makes it a versatile tool. The Grip butane torch is not supplied with gas due to transportation regulations, but filling it is easy using an aerosol of lighter fluid. First, ensure the gas control knob, which is also the ignition button, is turned to the off position. Remove the base and hold the gas torch upside down. Press the aerosol can’s nozzle into the gas refilling valve – in two to three seconds the torch will be full. Allow the gas to stabilise for a few minutes before using.

To light the torch, rotate the safety lock ring to the ‘On’ position. (When the safety lock ring is in the ‘Off’ position, the ignition button remains locked, even if the gas control knob is turned on or fully to the left.) Next, rotate the gas control to the left until the sound of gas flowing is heard. Push the ignition button and… there is fire! Adjusting the flame intensity is done by changing the ratio of fuel (gas) to air. The flame can be adjusted by turning the gas control knob for more or less fuel and by adjusting the air control ring. A thin conical blue flame is an efficient burn, giving maximum heat output. Closing the air hole results in a softer, yellow and less intense, inefficient burn or flame.

So what DIY tasks can a gas torch be used for? One of the best uses is stripping paint. The torch’s intense flame, reaching in excess of 1000°C, effectively lifts layers of paint, saving time and effort. Hold the lit torch approximately 15 cm away from the painted surface and move it from side to side. The paint will start to lift and bubble, making it easy to scrape off with a paint scraper. Heat, scrape, heat, scrape, repeat.

A butane torch is also great for soldering and fixing or joining copper pipes. Heat the copper pipe with the gas torch until the flux liquefies and the solder material can melt and flow into the gaps between the copper pipes. When cooled, it solidifies, forming a tightly fitted, leak-proof joint.

If paint stripping and plumbing aren’t enough, a butane torch can also be used to heat shrink electrical connections. Just adjust the flame intensity to a cooler yellow flame for precise and consistent heat application, resulting in a durable and securely insulated electrical connection.

One of the most underrated roles of the butane torch is cleaning metal tools. Sticky adhesives, old paint or dirt easily burn off. Don’t get too close as the grime should be heated, not the metal itself. Old tools will soon look like new.

These are just some of the practical uses for a butane gas torch in the workshop, but what about the kitchen? You don’t have to be a cordon bleu chef to use a butane gas torch in the kitchen – anyone can do it.

When using a butane gas blow torch in the kitchen, ensure the air mix is adjusted to have a blue flame. A blue flame indicates the gas is combusting completely and efficiently, without generating carbon monoxide.

One of the best go-to lunches is an open ham and cheese sandwich, but even this can be made better with the judicious use of a blow torch! Place the assembled sandwich on a heat-resistant surface and hold the torch a few centimetres away from the cheese. Move the flame in a slow and even motion, ensuring the cheese melts uniformly without burning. The great thing about this method is that there is complete control over how much to melt the cheese.

Here’s a kitchen hack for peeling tomatoes and peppers. Pop the peppers and tomatoes on a heat-resistant surface, hold the torch a few centimetres away from the skin and move the flame over the skin until they blister and char. Keep rotating the tomatoes and peppers to get an even char. Let them cool or pop them into a bowl of ice water and watch as the skins peel off without any mess or fuss. The skin can also be left on the peppers and blended into soups, sauces or dips for a smoky flavour.

Time to sweeten things up with dessert. This includes meringues and crème brûlée. Using a butane torch to brown the meringue on individual lemon meringue pies is both fun and quick. Once the meringue is piped or spread over the pies, gently wave the torch back and forth across the surface until the peaks turn golden brown, giving the meringue a slightly crisp texture on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside. For a classic crème brûlée, sprinkle an even layer of sugar over chilled custard before using the butane gas torch to melt the sugar, taking care to not burn it. This will result in that perfect crack when tapped with a spoon.

Cooking isn’t limited to the kitchen, so let’s take this torch outside. Say goodbye to battling the wind when lighting a braai. The intense, focused flame of a butane gas torch will help start a fire quickly and efficiently. Position the torch at the base of the charcoal or wood pile, aiming it at the most sheltered spot. Ignite the torch and hold it steady, allowing the concentrated heat to ignite the firelighters or kindling. The continuous, high-temperature flame ensures the fire catches rapidly, even in challenging weather conditions.

From the kitchen to the workshop to the outdoors, the butane torch is a versatile, must-have tool. Get yours at Builders, either in-store or online at builders.co.za.