safety concerns with propane torches?

[Former_Member]

After months of comparison shopping and penny pinching to save up the needed $$, I recently went ahead and ordered the EZ Torch from Otto Frei. I thought the price was right and I liked the idea of only needing one tank, and using propane, which is easily available. It came yesterday and I went off to Home Depot today to get a tank of propane. I guess they sell mostly for bbq grills, since the only size they had was a 20 lb. But that looks identical to the one on the website, so I took it home. Problem is my husband had a major freak out about having the tank in the house. Visions of explosions, fire, etc. And, naturally, he pointed out that it says on the tank that it's only for use outdoors. I pointed out to him that propane torches are widely used indoors and that he's got no problem with my MAPP torch, so why the drama about the EZ Torch? I can't return it because I got it on sale and frankly, I think he's melting down for no good reason. If anyone uses this type of torch, I'd be interested in knowing what your experience has been. I really don't want to send the torch back, but I can't cope with the drama that will ensue every time I use it either. Advice, anyone?

[CopperTreeArt]

I also was very concerned with having a tank of gas in my house. I opted for a small propane torch from Home Depot. It is a small (camper size) bottle of propane with a torch that screws on. It is not the easiest way to solder, however it is a large enough flame to do decent size pieces. It is a little clunky to hold while soldering. If you want more info, please feel free to message me!

[Former_Member]

Handled properly, no fuel gas will be dangerous.

Handled improperly, any fuel gas will be dangerous.

It's my understanding that there are different types of propane tanks (bottles/cylinders) for indoor and outdoor use. The widely available cylinders for backyard grills are not properly equipped for safe indoor use. You should probably talk to a propane gas supplier about what you're doing to get the right equipment.

[Former_Member]

BTW, whatever fuel you use, check the bottle for leaks first thing, before even hooking it up. And of course check for leaks after you hook it up, too.

[Former_Member]

Matt, thanks for replying. I've been googling around but haven't found any propane tanks specifically for indoor use. The smaller propane bottles such as those for camper stoves are disposable. I'd like to avoid using those both for environmental reasons and because I think I'd end up running up to the camping supply store (30 miles away!) every time I needed a new one. Also, the model of the EZ Torch I have is specifically for refillable tanks. I'll take your advice to find a propane dealer for more info.

[PPennee]

Agnes I ordered the 4.5 lb tank from Otto Frei- does it say for indorry use no- but at least according to a lecture I got to hear in my bench jewelers class, it's the volume of gas in a room that is dangerous. If you have a giant tank outside and it leaks and catches fire ( we got to see photos of that) it's dangerous. Same thing with indoor- but the smaller volume, the less problems. Other than disposables which are a pain- the small tank seemed my best solution- so far so good.

[Former_Member]

Hi, I have a full size propane tank and a mid sized oxygen tank in my house that I use with the the Smith Little Torch. I have had it in my home, indoors for years without a problem.

There is absolutely no reason to be concerned if everything is hooked up properly and you periodically check for leaks. I also would make sure it's not sitting baking in the sun or anything, just as an extra precaution.

Also, just make sure there is proper ventilation in the room. I know it seems weird to have the tanks indoors, but I have worked for ten years as a jeweler and every jeweler I know has the tanks indoors and I have never not once heard of an issue arising.

Happy metalsmithing!

[Former_Member]

I store my 20 lb. tank outside of a window and run the hose in. NEVER keep propane in an enclosed building. Propane is a heavy gas and does not disperse easily, it will pool at floor level and be hard to detect. Always be safe! Many a tragedy has occurred due to leaks.

[Former_Member]

As a counter point to "everyone has tanks indoors and no problems", I know someone - not a jeweler - who had propane appliances in her house, and burned her house down. One appliance had a leak, and another appliance lit it. She and her housemate got out, but the house burned to the ground.

I'd be very cautious with propane indoors because of the way it pools and collects. It's different from other fuels that way. If they make special tanks for indoor use, then those should be safe. That's why I'd check with a propane company, they should have a good grasp on what the safety rules are (even if they don't follow all of them themselves!)