Hobbies And Interests
Fuel Source and Design
Torch lighters are generally fueled by liquid butane, just like regular lighters. The difference, however, is that a torch lighter forces the butane gas out through a narrow opening at high pressure prior to ignition, causing the flame to be much hotter. Ignition is caused by a small hammer striking a piece of quartz and creating a spark whenever you press the button on the lighter.
Shapes and Sizes
Torch lighters come in numerous shapes and sizes. Most of them vaguely resemble a regular plastic lighter except that, due to a higher price, they are usually more stylistically designed. A common feature in torch lighters is having an extended flame aperture that's at an angle to the ignition button, instead of having the flame come directly out from the top of the lighter as is the case with normal flame versions. Torch lighters can also take on numerous novelty appearances, such as the shapes of pistols, gas canisters and other objects.
Uses and Benefits
Torch lighters create a much hotter and more forceful flame that is resistant to wind. This makes them ideal for outdoor use and for trades where a small portable flame might be needed for very minor heat-treating work. Also, torch lighters are far better at evenly lighting large cigars and some types of pipes.
Problems with Torch lighters
The main problem with torch lighters is their expense. Unlike normal plastic lighters, they are not designed to be thrown away once empty and thus cost a lot more, selling for as much as 20 times the price. Torch lighters also run out of fuel quite fast and have to be frequently refilled.