Running out of butane for your torch is a major inconvenience, whether you're singing frayed ends on a cut rope, soldering in the workshop, or just trying to caramelize your creme brulee (so fancy). Sometimes you'll experience a drop in pressure or an inconsistent ignition. Other times the butane level plummets with no warning. If you aren't yet a pro at refilling your butane torch, this inconvenience has an added level of frustration. Fortunately, refilling it is a simple process. Here's how to get the thing done:

You'll use:

  • Butane refill container
  • Phillips head screwdriver (if needed)
  • Lighter (to purge any remaining gas)
  • Paper towel or drop cloth
Holding a butane torch and a refill bottle of butane.
Locate the valve on your butane reservoir. There are several types of butane torch lighters. Ours happens to be a culinary butane torch, a.k.a a kitchen torch. Credit: Emily Fazio

Refilling a Torch With Butane in 7 Simple Steps

  1. Purge the air from the fuel tank. In an area with good ventilation, turn your refillable butane lighter in an upside-down position and press the refill valve for a few seconds. You may want to lay a drop cloth so that it catches any drips. Holding the butane upside down releases any lingering air or excess butane under pressure from the butane tank, preventing overfilling and potential gas leakage.
  2. Locate the butane refill valve. It's usually on the lighter's bottom.
  3. Align and engage. Hold the extra bottle of butane product upright against a sturdy surface, and carefully line up the canister nozzle with the refill valve.
  4. Fuel the flame. Press down firmly on the nozzle for 5-10 seconds. 
     
  5. Check for leaks. Once the hissing sound subsides, hold the lighter upright and listen for any sneaky escapes. If you hear a leak, don't light up – contact a professional for assistance.
  6. Clean up the act. Wipe away any rogue butane drops with your trusty paper towel.
  7. Test and adjust the flame. Wait a few minutes for the butane to settle, then ignite the lighter. If it sputters or refuses to spark, repeat steps 1-4. Once you see reliable flames, you've successfully refilled the torch. Use the flame adjustment wheel to control the intensity and the flame height. Turning the flame adjuster knob clockwise usually increases the flame size (making it a hotter flame), while turning the adjustment screw counterclockwise decreases the flame size.
Refilling a butane torch
Press firmly to inject butane. Credit: Emily Fazio

Bonus Tips

  • Safety first. Keep flames and heat sources away while you're refilling the torch or lighter.
  • Moderation is key. Don't overfill – stop adding liquid butane when the hissing sound stops.
  • Quality fuel matters. Invest in high-quality butane fuel. Premium butanes offer a more consistent performance.
  • Cool and dry is best. Store your butane cigarette lighter, micro torch, or double flame mode torch and any butane gas refills in a temperature-controlled space.

Can using unrefined butane affect the performance of my torch?

Yes, it can lead to buildup or clogging in your torch’s fuel lines and valves. High-quality, refined butane burns cleaner and reduces the risk of contamination.

Torch in a workshop.
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Why is the flame height adjuster not working after refilling my torch?

If the flame height adjuster seems unresponsive, it could be due to trapped air or incomplete refueling. Purge the tank again to release any residual air pressure and check for proper butane flow by making sure the nozzle from the pump butane canister is fully engaged during refilling.

Are butane fumes dangerous during refilling?

Yes, butane fumes are flammable and can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities. Always refill your torch in a well-ventilated area to avoid fume buildup, and be sure there are no open flames or heat sources nearby.