This Bernz-O-Matic Micro Flame Torch kit sells for $30 (here it is on Amazon), which isn’t cheap for a butane torch, but let me show you why this one is special.

This torch comes with a nice knurled grip, a safety switch, a latch to keep it lit continuously, and a flame adjustment on the side. You also get an adjustment up top that adjusts the air mix for a less forceful flame.

But what really comes in handy is the attachment that comes included. By attaching this to the tip you can turn it into a heat gun, useful for heat shrink — which is mostly what I use this torch for. But there’s also a soldering iron tip that screws in that lets you use this as a cordless soldering iron.

It’s a neat option for off the grid soldering and the butane refills are cheap and easy to get at any hardware store. This doesn’t come pre-filled, though, so you will need to grab some butane and fill it up in order to use it.

An Amazon link to buy this exact torch is included in the show notes. By using that link you support this show and the Cool Tools blog and podcast. The latest podcast has an interview with Eri Gentry, founding President of the BioCurious hackerspace for Biology. You can find everything at Cool-Tools.org.

Update:

I’ve used this torch regularly for almost a year now, and it’s my best, handiest tool for shrinking up heat shrink tubing on electrical projects. The soldering iron tip has also come in handy for electrical or electronics projects that require high heat to get the job done (speaker wire, for example). It’s a great tool to have, especially at my electronics workbench.