Flashback out of Smiths little torch using acetylene

Hi all, I have a Smiths Little torch and after years of problem free use I have suddenly had two flashbacks (from out the bottom of the handle). There was a sharp bang and flame came out the bottom of the handle. My Dad checked it for leaks with soapy water and removed about 10cm of hose and reconnected. The hose seems in perfect condition. Today when I used my torch it started making a whistling sound so I turned it off. Has anyone else had this kind of problem? Dad has ordered flashback arresters, the type that go at the gas bottle end. But this won’t stop flash backs at the torch will it? We are running oxy/acet tia

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The valves on a little torch are made of plastic. the first thing i would do is unscrew the valves and inspect them. if you have a habit of turning the torch of tightly you might have compressed and worn out the valves. they can be easily replaced. you might also just have dirt and carbon build up between the male ad female parts of the valves. give them a gentle clean with damp cloth and let them dry completely before resembling. Do not use solvents or acetone you will destroy the components. if you must gentle soap and warm water.

try not to turn off your torch to tightly if that is your habit. be gentle. just snugly not tightly it will last longer.

Les

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Hello Kristi, This can happen with too much line pressure. Tom

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Greetings.
Check that you Dad has used a new brass ferrule on your hose.
They are probably impossible to get off without damaging.
New ferrules are available but remember to purchase the special plate that “used” to be sold with the ferrules as a set, plus a copy of the instruction sheet.
That will make the repair job a real breeze.
You have a good Dad make him a great one.

I have recently experienced the same problem after many uneventful
years of use. I checked the line and all connections and everything is
good, no leaks. I have not cleaned the torch tip in a long while and
wonder if that could be part of the problem? I cleaned the tip with a
little dawn and warm water, used a wire to scrape the end of the tip
then more dawn and warm water. Very frightening experience and need
advice on how to prevent it from happening again. all advice welcomed

-----------------------------------------From: "Kristi Van der Lelie"

To:
Cc:
Discussion] [Ganoksin Orchid]

kvdl848
January 9

Hi all, I have a Smiths Little torch and after years of problem free

use I have suddenly had two flashbacks (from out the bottom of the
handle). There was a sharp bang and flame came out the bottom of the
handle. My Dad checked it for leaks with soapy water and removed about
10cm of hose and reconnected. The hose seems in perfect condition.
Today when I used my torch it started making a whistling sound so I
turned it off. Has anyone else had this kind of problem? Dad has
ordered flashback arresters, the type that go at the gas bottle end.
But this won’t stop flash backs at the torch will it? We are running
oxy/acet tia

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