Pros:
1. Has a separate on-off switch, easier to turn off, other similar torches usually only have a gas valve.
2. This item has good quality of metal finishing.
Cons:
1. Not good for a torch.
2. Hard to light.
This item is fine if you are going to use it for soldering, because if you move the torch around an object to heat it, most of the time, the flame will go off, as the other reviewer has stated. (after it goes off, you can still hear the strong hiss of gas flow, so it is not a gas amount problem) This usually won't happen when you solder, because you will hold the pencil with certain angle towards the spot you are soldering. Besides, this item is hard to light, you have to hold your match right at the tip for a while to light, before it is fully ignited you will see the flame goes on and off. Other torches I have, they just take one click of the piezo button to light. Bernzomatic ST200T Micro Butane Torch
This little torch is a real bargain! It is hotter by half again than the Blazer pencil torch and it will hold enough butane to do a full job! I am surprised by the functionality of this one.
It is easily controlled and the flame will pinpoint. I use the Smith Little Torch in my shop (making gold and silver jewelry) but this little gem is now right on the bench stand beside it! No gauges, no hoses, no hassles! Quick an easy~ It is GREAT! (I wanted to say it is the bomb... but it seemed a bad choice for something you set fire to.:)
--- About lighting it ---
When it is cold, it needs to be on for a few seconds before you light it. Like any torch, you will want to turn it down before lighting it. It has not been a problem for me, but I read in other reviews that it has been for some.
--- about staying lit ---
I have not had it blow itself out even once!!! AMAZING for any small handheld butane torch!!!
--- --- I love it.
Bernzomatic ST200T Micro Butane Torch
I bought mine after I lost the one from my Bernzomatic soldering kit: Berzomatic Micro Torch Kit Includes 3 Soldering Tips. It works fine on highly filtered Bernzomatic butane fuel: Bernz-O-Matic BF9. The only thing lacking is a piezo igniter, which some similar products have, though at much higher cost. That is why I gave it four stars instead of five.
Some people have complained that the flame gets weaker over months of use, and claim that this is caused by using less pure lighter butane. I can't verify this since I've always used Bernzomatic fuel, and the torch sips fuel. I have found that this can happen if you don't hold the pressurized butane canister in place for more than a few seconds when refilling.
Be sure to check out the Bernzomatic soldering kit. In addition to this torch, it contains several soldering tips, a catalytic soldering adapter (which you screw the tips to,) solder, a tip cleaning pad and a sturdy plastic case. Since I bought it, I haven't gone back to using any of my electric soldering irons. The variety of tips makes soldering small or large connections incredibly easy, there's no cord to get in the way, and you don't need access to power if you're working outdoors.
I mainly use this for soldering, but sometimes i like to use it as a torch. Both uses work brilliantly. First off for the people who have trouble lighting the torch with the soldering attachments or as a torch: Turn down the butane setting to 1-2 then light. The torch will light every time without fail. Keeping the torch on 3 and 4 butane strength setting pushes far too much butane to light the torch. For the people who have trouble refilling the torch: hold butane can down for 2 seconds on the pen torch until u get a drop or 2 of butane, then release and press a few more times to top off. I've never run out of fuel on any soldering or torch job I've ever used this torch for. Some people think that its not filling, because its so quick to refill, but you're wrong, it is that quick.
Excellent product for a retail price of 5.50 at home depot. if you want more power, self lighting, or a better overall product, spend more money. This is the best torch/solder pen for the price.
I own 2 of these now. One in my office for electronics soldering and one in the garage for everything else. over a year of use on the first one, and still performing the same as the first day. Note: I only use Benzo fuel.
I bought this at the local hardware store as an 'emergency' purchase for a small soldering job. Like other users I initially found it very difficult to light, but have now discovered the trick - if the manufacturers put this in the instructions they'd probably get a lot better reviews.
1) Screw the soldering attachment in place.
2) Push the plastic 'knob' (next to the plastic screw on the soldering attachment), against spring pressure up towards the soldering tip. Hold it there, exposing the oval hole.
3) Turn gas flow to high (position 3 or 4).
4) Turn gas on, pushing red trigger up.
5) Light the torch through the oval hole exposed in 2).
6) IMPORTANT - Wait - you will see the torch burning, but you need to get the grid above it red hot. This takes about 30 seconds to a minute (depends on temperature).
7) Let the knob go quickly, so spring returns to normal position 'instantly'.
8) The flame WILL go out, but the burning continues inside the grill - check that it is still glowing red (or even white) through the small hole near the tip.
9) Turn the gas down (unless you're soldering very heavy cables)
Having learned this, I'm fairly happy with the iron, and can light it every time. It is solidly built and is well balanced for soldering, and very inexpensive, but wouldn't give it a 5 for the following reasons:
- Manufacturer should have included these instructions for lighting.
- No built in lighter
- Difficult to control temperature (position 4 is way too hot, and position 1 barely melts solder; I now tend to leave in position 2 for most normal work)
My main use is as a soldering iron. I did quickly try using it as a torch, and had the same problems other reviewers reported - if the gas setting is at anything other than 4, it will blow out if moved suddenly or 'waved around'. - Refillable - Micro - Butane - Torch'
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