How to Choose and Use a Blowtorch | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey explains how to get the most out of each type of blowtorch. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.) SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse Shopping List for How to Choose and Use a Blowtorch: - Solder - Flux - Emery cloth - Brush - Flint (if needed) Tools for How to Choose and Use a Blowtorch: - Propane-fueled torch - MAPP-gas-fueled torch Steps for How to Choose and Use a Blowtorch: 1. Richard says your choice of blowtorch depends on the type of job you are doing. 2. For smaller jobs involving _-inch copper pipe, it’s best to use a pencil-tipped propane-fueled torch. 3. For larger jobs involving copper pipe _ inch or more, it’s best to use a hotter flame from the MAPP-gas-fueled torch. 4. To make a copper-pipe connection: Clean the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting with an emery cloth. 5. Apply flux to the pipes and make the connection. 6. Apply the tip of the flame to the flux connection. 7. Once the flux begins to melt and drip, place solder on the opposite side away from the flame. 8. The flame will draw the solder all the way around. 9. Once the solder is drawn around, remove the flame from the pipe and let the connection cool. About Ask This Old House TV: Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we re ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook. Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House: Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter http://bit.ly/AskTOHTwitter Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG http://bit.ly/AskTOHIG Tumblr: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTumblr For more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsite How to Choose and Use a Blowtorch | Ask This Old House https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/