Had exactly the same problem with mine, open up the actual handle and replace the two tiny o rings inside. Dead easy to do and solved the leaking problem, I leave mine constantly connected and it keeps pressure on the o rings. Mine had dried out after being stored without the bottle connected. Good luck.
Hi Angus. Thanks for the suggestion. They must have changed the design because there is no easy way to get to those o rings. I decided to purchase a Bullfinch torch. Fingers crossed it will last longer than the Rothenburger. Cheers Andrew
Hi, Andrew. I have a Vortex brand torch that runs on either propane or Mapp gas canisters. I bought this brand rather than Rothenberger as a couple of friends have had leakage problems with Rothenberger. The Vortex torch is all aluminium bodied with piezo auto ignition and come with 3 different sized flame nozzles. I got mine about 4 years ago fromy local plumbers merchants when they had an offer on them. I've used several brands of Mapp gas in it and never had any problems at all.
Hi Howard - thanks for the info. A few recommended a Bullfinch Firepower torch which I have just received. It's made in Taiwan so I am hopeful quality control is somewhat better. It's also got an aluminium body like the Vortex. Fingers crossed it will last more than a couple of years of light use. We will see! Cheers Andrew
I have a benzormatic that looks almost identical with the exception of the shut off valve. I have used mine quite expensively with propane and map. Never any trouble. My father has one that is going on 25 years old. Still works flawlessly and it's the reason I bought mine.
Yeah - I think you might find that yours were made in the good old USA. The newer ones are made in China and my guess is that quality control is now non-existant. Cheers Andrew
Good morning, Andrew, Thanks for this information as it has a familiar ring. Like Rich I have basically the same torch, a simple Bernzomatic without the ignitor, which I purchased many years ago and used with the Bernzomatic propane tanks. I never had a problem and would leave the nozzle always attached. Last year I changed to a MAPP tank, left the nozzle attached, and when I tried to use the torch again about a month later, I found the tank to be empty. This was quite concerning because I store the torch in my basement, the tank was full, and MAPP gas costs more than propane! I purchased another cylinder and now remove the nozzle after every use. This seems to have remedied the problem. Be well.
Hi Earl - my guess is that yours was made in USA. They are now manufactured in China. I've just purchased a Bullfinch Firepower torch which was made in Taiwan. Fingers crossed quality control is somewhat better. We will see! All the best. Andrew
I think you may have been unlucky. I have had two of these and used them as a professional Gas installer for 35+ years with no issues whatsoever. I have used them on both "Rothenberger Mapp gas" and on a hose connected to a 9kg propane cylinder. Of course there's no telling if all those years ago they used better quality components in the manufacture of them.
Hi Malcolm - I bet yours weren't made in China. Alternatively, you could be right that the quality of the components has deteriorated. If you ever buy a replacement it will be interesting to see how long it lasts. I certainly won't be buying Rothenberger again. Cheers Andrew
Sievert has the same type of small gas cilinders like rotheberger, ultramapp gas. Did buy mine years ago second hand. Its is a type "modular" for different type of burners and uses piezo to ignite. Last time I used was 2 years back, did check it now and still gas in it and starts immediatly.
Ive had the same problem! had mine for like 2 years. I only used non rothenberger gas cylinders and i stored it screwed on as i dont get the point of having to unscrew every use and wasting gas. My dad googled the problem and they said what you just said non repairable or you can risk buying a £30 odd set of parts which wont probably even work, so i bought a cheaper copy and that is doing ok atm just see how it goes😎.
Hi - I made to mistake of buying the £30 parts kit. A total waste of money. The failed component is in the body of the torch and it's manufactured in a way that it can't be replaced. Shame on Rothenberger. I've just purchased a Bullfinch Firepower - made in Taiwan. Hope it lasts longer than 2 years. Cheers Andrew
I have 2 of these. 1 of which is so old and well used the thread connection to the gas bottle has worn out. Torch still functions fine but I try not to use it because of the thread. Second one is probably 6-7 years old and functions perfectly, used every week. Sad to see this if the quality and after sales has gone
Maybe I was just unlucky - but Rothenberger were just not interested. I've just purchased a Bullfinch Firepower. Hopefully that will last longer than a couple of years of occasional use.
Hi Andrew, buy a sievert with a 4.7kg propane bottle that you can keep under the bench. They do many different sizes of handles and burners so you should be able to find something suitable. I use mine constantly in the workshop for my model engineering needs and wouldn't be without it! Great channel by the way !
I have had my Benzomatic hanging on a nail in my shop for 12 years now with the can attached any can because I'm cheap and it has worked flawlessly without fail I do however turn it off when not in use and I live in a very hostile desert environment las Vegas🙂
There's a video on RU-vid on how to replace the seal in the handle. Worth a watch. I think he just lubricated the seal and refittedvit? In any case it solved the leak from the hole in the handle. I'm regretting just buying one😩
I have recently bought one of these blow torches and the fault is the gas valve knob appears to have not fully close, this resulted in a accident to property. The flame was out from what I could see but there must of been a faint kind of invisible flame still present. First Rothenberger's response was to take it up with the retailer, I remind them of their manufacturer's responsibilities and the fact that property has been damaged as a result of a faulty product. The product is going to be returned for manufacturer testing.
Good to know, thanks. So many companies are cheaping out now. We're not allowed anything good anymore. If you have stuff that was made 10 years ago, KEEP IT. Never sell it. Repair it. I had a 3D printer from 5 years ago which died on me and I couldn't fix it. I bought the same printer again and ended up taking a lot of components from the old printer and putting on the new one, even though the new one is about 30% more expensive now, it's full of cheap crap where they seem to have been cutting corners after every one they sell.
Used them every day as a professional plumber. They are worn out after a couple of years. For the money they should last longer. Worked with a commercial HVAC pipe fitter, and he was buying them three at a time.
Welcome to our throwaway society . It’s a shame the way things are made now and how manufacturers don’t stand behind their products. I do miss the days when there were fix-it shops around the corner and things were made to be taken apart and repaired.
Hi Andrew, had the same problem as you a couple of years ago, and If I remember correctly it was a seal compatibility issue with the gas. And yes, you've guessed it, Rothenberger were an utter waste of time. Currently using a similar style torch from Bullfinch, and so far so good. I think you're wise to steer clear of the Chinese copies when dealing with gas. They're dirt cheap for a reason.
Hi Steve. Maybe Rothenberger have squeezed the Chinese manufacturer so much that quality control no longer exists. It's surprising that Rothenberger don't seem at all bothered about the longevity of their products. I've just purchased a Bullfinch Firepower. Its made in Taiwan - so hopefully a step in the right direction regarding quality. The design looks a lot better too. Cheers Andrerw
I've got three at the moment, which are years old and almost used daily for work. Personally I've never had a problem. Not counting the one I ran over though!
Hello Andrew. No excuse for bad after-sales service even if you have just got a faulty example. I have had a similar Primus torch for many years and have bought a variety of different sized nozzles for different types of job. It doesn't have Piezo ignition, and it uses either refillable Propane cylinders of similar size to the one you are using, or you can get, as I have, a hose to connect to a small dumpy Propane bottle. I don't know if you can use Mapp has and I have never needed to with the nozzles I have. It has given me excellent service and I have not had any difficulty in exchanging the gas containers when the are exhausted.
Hi George - it looks like you have a good quality product. I bet it was made in the UK! I decided to buy a Bullfinch Firepower - made in Taiwan so hopefully better than the Chinese made Rothenberger. 🤞 All the best. Andrew
Had a gas leak on mine too, its leaking out of the pressure relief hole, where your middle finger goes when you hold it and its unrepairable unless you dismantle the body. As this type of torch has been copied (design flaws and all) by other manufacturers and are selling for just over £20, I am not going to spend £65+ on another one as so many people are having problems with gas leakage. Also as the service kit costs more than a new copy torch and won't repair the leakage I have, it is pointless to get one. So for me, its buy a copy torch and throw it away when it starts leaking, rinse and repeat. Definitely not buying another rothenberger every time it starts to leak.
Hi Andrew, I have the same torch (had it for at least 30 years), here in the US it is labeled Bernzomatic (mine was made in the US), I just loved the thing but it started leaking because of a deteriorated valve 5 years ago, now they are probably making them out of chinesium. it seems many companies in that country are now taking engineered obsolescence to the next level. I then looked for a repair kit but I felt it was not cost effective. I took it apart and cleaned it well and now I have a slow leak so I just remove the bottle when I am done. Rich
Hi Rich I think you have hit the nail on the head. Newer ones are made in China and distributors get the quality that they are willing to pay for. A few recommended a Bullfinch Firepower torch which I have just received. It's made in Taiwan so I am hopeful quality control is somewhat better. 🤞🤞🤞
"Chinesium" lol. Their rubber is the worst. I had nothing but problems with it all on a Taiwanese motorbike I bought a few years ago. It degrades like salt in water. They don't have any industry standards for steel or anything so as a result you buy materials that are made with all kinds of cheap filler. I swear if you buy a house brick in China it's probably 90% flour and salt that's been coloured to look like brick
Hi - some have suggested Bullfinch Firepower 3640. I've just purchased one from Bullfinch direct. Delivered next day. It's made in Taiwan rather than China, so quality is probably a lot better. The design of the torch seems better too. Fingers crossed it will last longer than a couple of years of light use.
@@learningturningmetal thanks for letting me know.i am Just about to start with my Find Hansen Diesel Engine and therefore one of the Most important Things is a good Brazing Torch.i will have a Look at it .
In this day and age the true intent of the the product was fulfilled...not to give the consumer a dependable long life product, but to give the eight people seated around the boardroom table more comfort than they deserve. It seems like planned failure is part of the engineering process. I wish you luck in finding a half decent tool my friend, hopefully someone will recommend a brand that will survive the rigors of your demanding shop. Cheers
Hi Rick - spot on I think! A few recommended Bullfinch Firepower - made in Taiwan but hopefully better quality control than the Chinese one. We will see. Cheers Andrew
Bit surprised about this Andrew, must be 100s of plumbers using them. Scary if its leaking gas unattended. I use the Sivert large gun for silver soldering but it has a large gas tank (that I use for heating in the garage during winter). Sivert have a similar gun but very very expensive. Buy some matches. Lol. Hope you get it sorted. Stay well.
Hi Dave. No doubt the Sievert is a great product and I bet it's not made in China. Quality comes at a price. I've just purchased a Bullfinch Firepower - made in Taiwan. Hopefully it will last a little longer than a couple of years. Cheers Andrew
I think you have been unlucky, I use mine professionally rattling around in my van when not in use, I think the last time I replaced it was 10 or 12 years ago.
Hi Paul - I wonder if yours was made in China using the same 'quality' components? If Rothenberger thought I was unlucky they should have just given me a replacement.
@@learningturningmetal yes I agree. There must be thousands of plumbers and other trades of course, using their burners. Last thing they need is a video of someone using it occasionally and packing up after 2 years. BTW I never take my bottle off until it's empty I think most trades do that. Weather that's your problem and a bit of muck has got into the torch handle during storage I don't know. Regards Paul
Same problem. I took the bottle off to transport safely and when I put it back on in leaked no matter what I did. I thought maybe a seal washer had dropped out unnoticed when I took the bottle off, but in view of what you've said. It's a classic case of a rotten company who don't give a damn about the consumer or the planet. WIll let you know if they get back to me with anything useful, but not expecting much. Shame because I'd been very happy with it up until now.
I have a US version for at least 25 years and have not had a problem, but I will say if they don't repair units out of warranty, I doubt if they repair units that are under warranty, they probably throw away the defective one and ship you a new one.
Hi Brian my guess is that Rothenberger had tried to cut manufacturing costs in China and that quality has suffered. On examination, the failed component is in the handle and it's not designed to be replaced. So you are correct - they won't repair products under warranty. Cheers Andrew
That one is probably made in China too. It's a long way to send something for repair. They wouldn't repair them whilst in warranty, they would just replace it. Probably only about £3 from the manufacturer.
By the way. That's shocking CS from rothenberger! They sell the repair kit OK but refuse to offer any aftermarket service! They deserve to go bust in my book.
Yeah. The seal in the handle isn't accessible without drilling it out. The service kit is a bit of a con considering that it's the seal in the handle that seems to fail in most cases. Throwing good money after bad! You live and learn!
@@learningturningmetal it seems if you drill 2 indents(not right through) the brass insert, you can unscrew the unit with needle nose pliers. Maybe worth a look? But yes, will be looking at other brands in future👍🏻. Good luck.
Yeah - they just aren't bothered about the customer. I've just purchased a Bullfinch Firepower which is made in Taiwan rather than China - fingers crossed it will last a little longer than the Rothenberger.
I have just looked on you tube. A few failures similar to yours. It appears to be an O ring. The access is gained from where the bottle screws in. It is far from just a straight forward unscrew and replace procedure. The brass workings are put in then struck and distorted so they cannot come out. This then requires drilling holes in the brass internals to remove it, and get to the O ring. I think I would just pay £50 and get a new one. I have seen the damage a faulty gas torch can do. Very nearly burnt down my parents house. It is just not worth it. I will say I have had one for more than 10 years and no issues at all.
Hi Philip - I decided to try to take to bottom end apart and you are perfectly correct. The design prevents the failed component from being replaced. I've just purchased a Bullfinch Firepower which is made in Taiwan rather than China - fingers crossed it will last a little longer than the Rothenberger.
Hi Chris - I tried your suggestion. The failed component is in the handle/body and it is designed in a way to prevent it from being removed/repaired. I think some people have tried to drill it out, but I treat gas products with respect. It's now in the bin.
Typical large company attitude they build junk never back up sale service and charge like a wounded bull. I looked their products several years ago but a mate it would be like p- ing down the toilet, so another company got my money.
Yeah - they just aren't bothered about the customer. I've just purchased a Bullfinch Firepower which is made in Taiwan rather than China - fingers crossed it will last a little longer than the Rothenberger.
One thing you dont want problems with is your gas torch. Dangerous enough when they are working properly. I invested in a Sievert and have not regretted it. I have a couple of different sized nozzles for it and run it off a small tank of camping gas. Although the tank is bulky the torch has a long hose so the tank is never in the way.
Hi Tim - no doubt Sievert is a great product but it doesn't fit with my needs. My floor space is at a premium! I've purchased a Bullfinch Firepower so hopefully this will last longer than the Rothenberger. The design and quality looks far better too. Cheers Andrew