The Bernz-O-Matic Self-Igniting Butane Torch
By Nate Bezanson
All pocket butane torches are handy, but this Bernz-O-Matic really stands out. It ships with a catalytic burner that slips over the torch head to convert it to flameless heat-blower operation, it includes a soldering tip that screws into the catalyst body. You can also lock the gas valve on with a button so you can set the torch down and pass your work in front of it – especially handy for heatshrink or soldering.
When you add up all the features, it kicks the crap out of most little “lighter” torches, where you’re likely to get a thumb cramp before you get anything done.
My favorite feature, however, is the Bernz-O-Matic’s finger-adjustable gas control. If you’ve ever hunted around for the right size screwdriver to adjust the little brass valve on a lighter, you know how big a deal this is. To top it all off, it’s got a piezoelectric igniter, which means no fumbling with a cap-mounted flint sparker like the one on its closest competitor.
Granted, its kid-proof lighting mechanism is nearly adult-proof, too, but that’s really my only complaint. And while at $35 or so it’s not the cheapest butane torch, the features more than justify the price. My brother has one of these and adores it.
Note: Continuing our series of silly product photographs, check out the fake flame that Tecra painted in over the soldering tip! Sad.
Bernz-O-Matic Butane Torch [Home Depot]
Bernzomatic Butane Soldering [Google Products]
Via Amazon
July 23rd, 2007 at 7:52 pm
OMG this is too funny. Years ago my better half bought _the_exact_same_ torch, but it came from a fancy kitchen-stuff store, and it was marketed as a creme brulee tourch. I think it was $30+ CAD, and did not come with the soldering tip (of course). This thing is powerful enough to make said desserts in like less than one minute
Of course I’ve also “borrowed” it from my wife to use on projects, like desoldering old pipes.. This lets me get away from having to buy a full blown propane plumbing kit
July 23rd, 2007 at 10:18 pm
I found the little safety trigger to be a real PITA, so I just wrapped a little piece of solder around it, making it a true one handed tool. Don’t forget to take it off before you toss this into your toolbag
July 23rd, 2007 at 10:55 pm
I too found the safety trigger a nuisance. Besides that, the flame would sometimes pulsate erratically despite it having plenty of fuel left.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Personally I only use charcoal to brulee my creme. I would never use gas…no wait thats a different running argument! By the way what do you guys think of pegboard
On a more serious note I have this torch and it works well. I was just sing it last weekend to tin some stranded wire pig-tales on new lighting fixtures. As noted the safty can be a bit of a bother but I do like the fact that it stands up and is not to tippy.
July 27th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
I’ve had one of these for a few years now, useful little torch. As do many, I found the little metal safety pin to be annoying, so I ripped it from the torch with a pair of needlenose.
July 28th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
I also removed the safety feature on mine - as I recall you can open up the torch (screws on the side) and pull it out without damage.