Smith Light Duty AC309 Cutting Attachment Tip Seal Design: Worst Ever

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The last thing you want in an oxy-acetylene torch are internal or external leaks at the tip seal.In my opinion, the finest torches of the past had 100% metal seats.  These would not fail if the torch was severely over heated.Then came the O-rings.  The AW1 uses them in a cylindrical bore while Victor uses them in a 45* wedge arrangement where they are crushed as you tighten the tip.I've never had a problem with O-rings.But then, the AC309 tip seals are flat faced graphite washers!They are very delicate and can be easily damaged.When removing the tip BE CAREFUL!  Sometimes the tip seal sticks to the cutting attachment when you remove the tip.  You go to use the tip and if you don't carefully inspect it, you will have installed it w/o any seal!I bot a #00 for sheet metal work from a discount shop.  I didn't give this a second thought.  These tips were imported.  The spacing between the two seals was improper so you would not get compression on both.  The seals were damaged when they were pressed into the tip recess.  And a replacement tip was just as bad.I have a genuine #2 Smith tip and it obviously works, but I would never trust it without a full visual inspection if I removed or replaced it.The AW1 handle is an amazing torch.  You can bury the tip in the puddle and it will not pop.  However, the cutting attachment is as bad as the handle is good.Big disappointment.Pic of Smith -v- Import:
Reply:Don't overtightened it like you did, all will be good.
Reply:Oh, forgot to mention if you look at about 7 o'clock on the import (RH tip) you will see where the internal flame was burning inside the tip.  Of course, the new import was all shiny and new looking so why would I give it scrutiny?  You can imagine my surprise when the tip popped out and started burning inside!As far as tightening, I just do it hand tight and I'm not known for my grip.  But the fact that you have to get both seals to seat, I'd be apprehensive with a light tightening.  Considering the nature of these seals, there should be detailed instructions how to handle, inspect, tighten, etc. since this is a whole other ball game.BTW, the import looked as you see in the pic as received.  If you look closely, it appears the import groove OD is smaller than the OE - so I'm guessing they have an OE dimensioned seal and had to mash it into an undersized bore.  Grrrr....  just makes me shiver....