How to Use a Red Dragon Propane Torch

Assembling the Torch

• 1

  Spread pipe joint compound onto the threads of the male adapter. Thread it into the vapor torch. Tighten securely with an adjustable wrench.

• 2

  Thread the squeeze valve onto the other end of the male adapter, ensuring that the handle portion faces away from the vapor torch. Tighten the adapter to the squeeze valve with the adjustable wrench.

• 3

  Spread pipe joint compound onto the threads on the male end of the handle grip. Thread the handle grip clockwise into the squeeze valve. Tighten securely by hand.

• 4

  Spread pipe joint compound onto the threads of the POL (put on left) fitting. Connect the POL fitting to the female end of a 10-foot-long UL (Underwriters Laboratory)-listed LP (liquid propane) gas hose by threading it into the hose and turning it counterclockwise. Tighten the POL fitting and hose by holding the hose stable with one adjustable wrench fitted to the hex portion of the hose, and turning the hex portion of the POL fitting counterclockwise until it is tight, with another adjustable wrench.

• 5

  Spread pipe joint compound onto the threads on the male end of the 10-foot long hose. Attach the hose to the grip handle by threading the grip handle onto the hose and turning it clockwise until it is tight.

Connecting the Torch to the Propane Cylinder

• 6

  Inspect the POL fitting to ensure that the O-ring is present and there is no damage to the fitting. If there is any damage to the fitting, replace it. If there is damage to the O-ring or it is missing, replace it.

• 7

  Inspect the propane cylinder to ensure that there are no dents or damage present. If there is damage to the propane cylinder, replace it. Ensure the supply valve on the propane cylinder is off.

• 8

  Thread the POL fitting into the cylinder valve outlet clockwise until it is hand tight. Finish tightening the POL fitting snugly with an adjustable wrench.

Starting the Torch

• 9

  Open the propane cylinder valve by slowly turning it counterclockwise until it stops, ensuring the round flame-adjusting valve on the squeeze handle is closed.

• 10

  Check all hose and squeeze valve connections for leaks by drizzling a solution of soapy water onto each connection. If any leaks are present, the soapy solution will bubble at the point of the leak. If leaks detected, close the propane cylinder valve and repair the connections by further tightening the fittings or replacing them if they are defective.

• 11

  Open the flame-adjusting valve 1/8-turn. Ignite the propane at the end of the torch by creating a spark with a spark once the propane starts to flow out of the end of the torch.

• 12

  Adjust the size of the pilot flame with the flame-adjusting valve. Ensure that the flame is large enough to stay lit, considering environmental conditions at the time.

Burning Weeds

• 13

  Move the cone of the vapor torch into proximity with the weeds.

• 14

  Depress the squeeze handle slowly, allowing a greater flow of propane fuel. The result will be a flame that will generate enough heat to kill the weeds. Adjust the distance between the cone and the weeds to ensure that enough heat is applied to the weeds.

• 15

  Move the Red Dragon Propane Torch's cone slowly from side to side while walking through the weeds with the squeeze handle depressed to ensure the treatment of all weeds with the heat of the torch.

• 16

  Release the squeeze handle and turn the flame-adjusting valve off by turning it clockwise until it stops and the pilot flame goes out. Close the propane cylinder valve by turning it clockwise until it stops.