How to Attach Torch Handles

Oxy-acetylene torches are a common tool on jobs that require modification to steel. Torches are used to cut, notch, and braze thick steel beams and heavy metal plate. Unlike other methods of cutting heavy metal, torches can be carted anywhere and perform without electricity. Hoses attach the torch handle to a tank of oxygen and a tank of acetylene. The two gases are then combined within the torch handle to create a hot flame capable of melting heavy plate steel.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bottle of oxygen
• Bottle of acetylene
• Oxygen regulator
• Acetylene regulator
• Two clean rags
• Oxy-acetylene hoses
• Oxy-acetylene torch handle
• Adjustable wrench
• Soapy water

1. Quickly open and close the valve (crack the valve) of the oxygen tank to remove any debris from within the threaded nozzle. Clean the threaded area around the oxygen valve with a clean rag. Crack the valve of the acetylene tank and clean the threaded nozzle with another clean rag. Inspect the threaded areas for grease and oil, which create a fire hazard when the torch is used.

2. Thread the connector of the green hose onto the oxygen regulator, by turning the connecter clockwise. Set the adjustable wrench to fit on the connector. Fully tighten the connector to the oxygen regulator. Attach the oxygen regulator to the oxygen bottle.

3. Thread the connector of the red or orange hose to the acetylene regulator, by turning the connector counterclockwise. Set the adjustable wrench to the size of the acetylene connector if the size differs from the oxygen connector. Fully secure the connector to the acetylene regulator. Left-handed threads are only on acetylene bottles to eliminate connecting the wrong hose to the threaded nozzle of the acetylene bottle. Secure the acetylene regulator to the acetylene bottle.

4. Attach the green oxygen hose to the torch handle. The right-handed threads of the oxygen hose will only connect to the oxygen inlet of the torch handle. Set the adjustable wrench to size and secure the oxygen connector. Assemble the left-hand threaded acetylene connector to the torch handle. Remember to turn the connector counter-clockwise to tighten the connector to the torch handle. Fully tighten the acetylene hose connector to the torch handle. Check all connections to ensure that each connection is tight.

5. Slowly open the valve on the oxygen bottle and then open the valve on the acetylene bottle. Pour soapy water over each connection. If the soapy water bubbles, check the connector that bubbled to ensure that the connection is tight. If the connector was tight, loosen and remove the connector. Check the threads of the connector and the nozzle for debris. Clean the threads of the connector with a clean rag. Reattach the connector. Turn on the gas and recheck the connector for leaks.

6. Turn off the oxygen regulator and then the acetylene regulator. The torch handles are safely connected and ready to use.

References

• Manual Torch Handle and Attachments
• Mobile Max Manual

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