Effect of dented oxy acetylene torch body?

admin

Hello,             I am somewhat new to using torches. I have used them in the past but they was owned and set up by others. I have now my own torch set. Today I used some soapy water and found the connections to my torch head leaked. I was having trouble getting the fittings loose to fix it, so I wrapped a towel around the torch body or barrel and used pliers to hold on to it while loosening the fittings. To my horror I noticed I made a small dent on the torch head by doing this. I fired the torch up after using gas pipe tape to seal up the lower fittings and it seemed to be working OK. Is this something I should worry about? Thanks Dan
Reply:I'd be worried about several things.  Every torch I've ever seen uses conical mating surfaces for the hose fittings, and while they do require a wrench to seat, using any sealant (tape, dope, or otherwise) is not a good idea.  If you couldn't get a dry fit connection leak free, you have an issue.
Reply:Interesting,         All other fittings are fine, these two had a small leak, maybe I should have just loosened and re tightened without the Teflon tape for gas fittings? The torch and fittings are in like new condition. Dan
Reply:I wouldn't worry about the dent.. as long as there arent any leaks your probably fine. Ive used some pretty beat up torches that worked just fine.Miller ab/p 330Hobart champ 16Miller 140Lincoln Power Mig 255Lincoln SA-250
Reply:Thanks for reply, I thought so as the metal seem really too soft to be that vital, still I hated that I crimped it a little with my channel locks.            I checked for leaks with soapy water and there are none now. Dan