Automatic torch lighters

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hello Friends, About 16 months ago I purchased a Torch-Mate automatic
torch lighter which I adore. It is so much easier on my arthritic
thumb than the striker I have always used! It suddenly stopped
working! Assuming it was in need of battery replacement, I did so,
but not even a single little spark! Oh woe! Must I replace it or is
some slight repair possible? It does seem as if it could have lasted
longer… Susan Ronan in Coronado, California, where we are covered
by a marine layer today

2

Did you make sure the replacement battery is good. My torch mate is
8 years old and still going strong. Frank Goss

3

Hi Susan,

 Assuming it was in need of battery replacement, I did so, but not
even a single little spark! Oh woe! Must I replace it or is some
slight repair possible?

Did you check the switch? It’s located on the bottom, maybe it got
turned off inadvertently. Make sure the switch is positioned toward
the side with the ‘bar’ as opposed to the ‘O’ & the batteries are in
correctly.

If that doesn’t do it & you can’t fix it yourself, you’re probably
do for a new one. Last time I looked, they were around $26.

Dave

4

Susan,

I use the original Torchmate that I bought 6 years ago every day. I
liked it so much that I bought a second for another station and it
failed in a week. I replaced it and that one failed in 2 days. I
mentioned this to the vendor and they shrugged, saying that no other
complaints have come in.

When it works it’s a great tool. But finding the peach among the
lemons can be costly.

Andy Cooperman

5

years ago i started with the torch mates they are great…
however as i got them for my co-workers a problem cropped up. some
would fail for no good reason. since i can’t just leave simething
broke with out knowing why at least i discovered several things.

  1. the battery clips are fussy so try bending them out a little

  2. the contact on some is a little short and needs extra pressure to
    get it to work. bending the metal contact slightly can sometimes fix
    this.

3.for whatever reason the little cover in the back needs to clip in
tight . if its not the unit can be really fussy on again / broke
again sort of thing. (warning do not press the cover in the back and
then test the clicker by pushing down with your finger. a nasty
shock can result. trust me it’s not fun. actually, that particular
unit failed permenately about three seconds later when it reached
terminal velocity and collided with the cement wall! )

  1. sometimes they refuse to work for no apparent reason. after a
    couple of years i found that when they quit the best bet was to have
    a spare ready in your drawer and reorder a new one.the amount of
    work time saved by using this unit more than pays the cost to
    replace it no matter how poor you happen to be. :->

Talk to you later Dave Otto