Hand torch

A hand torch is the brazing tool for refrigeration pipework: it joins copper to copper, and copper to brass valve bodies, with a filler alloy rather than solder. The joint it produces is stronger than the tube around it, and it is the only joint method accepted on refrigerant lines.

The range covers twenty models in two groups. The LV models (LV-A, LV-B, LV-AS, LV-BS, LV-2B, LV-3B, LV-C, LV-2C, LV-CA) are the torch assemblies with hose, including automatic ignition versions where the torch lights from a trigger rather than a separate spark. The T models (T-9, T1S-660, T-8, T-10, T-26D60, T-030, T-042, T-033, T-039, T-1, T-001B, T-001F) cover the tips, nozzles and torch bodies used with different gas and different pipe sizes.

The two decisions when choosing are the gas supply and the pipe diameter. A larger tip is needed for 1-1/8 inch and above; a tip sized for 3/8 inch tube will not bring a 7/8 inch joint to brazing temperature, and the result is a joint that looks sound and leaks under pressure. The hose length matters too: a short hose forces the operator to move the cylinder, a long one drags on the bench.

Safety and practice points that decide joint quality: clean both surfaces and apply flux where the filler requires it; heat the fitting, not the tube, and play the flame around the joint rather than holding it in one place; feed the filler into the joint gap when the metal reaches temperature, and let the joint cool naturally rather than quenching it. On a system that is already charged, purge with nitrogen before applying heat - refrigerant plus a flame produces phosgene.