Bought a 20 lb. propane tank and propane torch with connections where the connection to the torch without using a regulator. Natural gas and propane devices use a regulator to reduce pressure going to stove, heater or any other device. A propane torch is used to clean up yard where a lot heat is required. No one seems to know a lot of those torches where they sell them at farm stores and some other tool places. The torch is about a meter or 3' long.

Robert, not sure I read a question there, but will share with you my experience.

I have sold this type of torch and repaired propane/LP tanks where I work for years.

I have used them many years without incident.

These type of torches don't need a regulator to operate. The intensity of the flame is regulated by either a valve on the torch or directly using the valve on your tank.

The main problem I have found is several years ago when the government mandated all valves on tanks of capacity of less than 100#'s of liquid be replaced with safety valves, OPD valves that have a triangular shaped handle.

The new valve has an automatic flow restrictor built in to limit the maximum amount of gas that can be released.

This new valve is called an OPD valve, "Overfill Protection Device" because it also has a float device attached that hangs down inside the tank that prevents overfilling by closing the tank refilling process from the inside.

Somewhat how a toilet fill valve does when the tank has filled to the proper level after a flush.

This new OPD valve will automatically stop or reduce the flow of gas if it senses that too much gas is flowing out of the tank, like for instance if a line is cut and and gas is released uncontrolled.

The torch you are using does require a high flow of gas to operate properly. So when lighting this torch using a tank that has a OPD valve, turn on the valve very slowly to prevent a sudden rush of gas that will activate the flow restrictor inside the safety valve.

You can avoid this gas limiting problem by using a larger 100# capacity tank or an old style 20# tank most commonly found on BBQ grills.

Since it is normally illegal to refill tanks with the old valve, you can bypass that requirement by writing "TORCH TANK" on the tank itself that lets a place like ours that refills tanks know the user is aware of the differences between the operation of old high flow valves and the new OPD valves.

Side note, places that exchange the 20# propane cylinders in our area do not fill tanks to rated capacity of 20# like we do. If you read the label it will say tank only has 14#-18# of gas in it.

We currently charge $20 to refill a tank to 20# and the exchange places here charge $20-$22 so you are paying about 30% more, but the normal person sees the same size tank and doesn't realize they are getting much less gas for their money.

Hope this helps.

Greg

Thanks for the post. You maybe are about to get another customer. When I get to your side of the state I will stop in and talk to you. (When I remember. It's an age thing)

I have a little run-down tax sale place over in Circle City (nine miles other side of Dexter). Been wanting to clean it up but too much work. I did buy me a little bulldozer a bit back. It is mfg. by ATECO. It’s not a D9 – more like a D 0.5 (small). Went over and played with it and got a lot of brush cleaned up in just a couple of hours.

Now I need to decide if to doze the house down or fix it up.

Anyway. Thanks for the info on the tanks.

I’ve used a weed torch on brick pavers and found it tedious work w uneven results as most weeds have tap roots. Hi test vinegar and salt have been better in my opinion but you need to wear ppe.

the weed torches you pick up at Tractor Supply or Harbor are probably unregulated. the ones we use on the roof are regulated and cost more than the ones you'd use for the weeds or snow. both have a valve on the torch before the trigger to tweak the flow. for weeds the cheapos are just fine.