This post is sponsored by Bernzomatic. Whether you’re a pro plumber or a DIYer, if you’ve ever sweated copper pipes you know the name Bernzomatic. Their lineup includes everything from flux, solder and brazing rods to gas cylinders and torch heads. For a limited time, there’s a red-hot deal on one of their best torches – the Bernzomatic TS8000 Max Heat Torch kit. Read on for more info, and our hands-on look at the torch.
So what’s the deal? The Bernzomatic TS8000 kit, which includes the torch head and a cylinder of Map-Pro gas, normally sells for $54.97. Just in time for the holidays, the Home Depot has whacked up to ten bucks off the price; it’s available right now for $44.97 To keep the flame alive, they’re also offering a two-pack of Map-Pro fuel for up to $6.59 off the normal price. There’s a buy now link at the end of this review, but, in case you can’t wait, you can find the deal here too.
Answering Those Burning Questions On The Bernzomatic TS8000
Long a favorite of professional plumbers, this torch is a workhorse. The Bernzomatic TS8000 produces a large, swirl flame, designed to maximize heat output. This makes it the ideal choice for soldering large diameter copper pipes, brazing, and heat treating. According to Bernzomatic, the TS8000 can even handle a bit of light welding.
If you’re used to the basic turn-the-knob, squeeze-the-sparker torch, you’ll really appreciate how easy it is to get the Bernzomatic TS8000 flaming, even with gloves on. Ready to solder? Turn the dial to the “unlocked” position, and squeeze the trigger. Want to lock the flame on? Push down the little button on top. Finished? Pull the trigger, the flame goes out, turn the dial back to the “locked” position, and admire your work. Easy peasy.
To get the maximum heat out of the Bernzomatic TS8000, you need to use Map gas. It burns a lot hotter than propane, and it will give you much better results on large projects. Got a few canisters of propane fuel that you don’t want to waste? The Bernzomatic TS8000 is compatible with propane, so for lighter jobs like 1/2” or 3/4” copper pipe, you can break out the cheaper propane.
The Bernzomatic TS8000 has a lot of features that make it easy to use. One of the features I like best is that the company has been around for over 140 years and is based here in the USA. Here’s the list of features and specs from Bernzomatic:
• Auto start/stop ignition easily ignites and extinguishes flame
• Adjustable flame control easily sizes flame for different applications
• Run-lock button keeps torch lit for continuous use
• Cast aluminum body construction for durability
• Pressure regulated for consistent performance when tilted or momentarily inverted
• Ultra swirl flame provides maximum heat output for large diameter soldering, brazing, heat treating and light welding
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
Firing Up The Bernzomatic TS8000
The first thing you notice when you take the Bernzomatic TS8000 out of its packaging is how substantial it feels. The cast aluminum body and sturdy tip give the torch the look and feel of a quality tool. It threads easily onto the gas canister, and you’re ready to bring the heat.
I’m not a plumber, but I’ve done a lot of renovations over the years, including some that involved totally replacing the plumbing system, so I’ve soldered a fair amount of copper. When Marc asked if I wanted to do a review on the Bernzomatic TS8000, my first thought was “I wonder if that’s the model I already have?” Sure enough, it is – I’ve been using a Bernzomatic TS8000 torch for probably a dozen years or more. I bought it to replace one of those basic turn-the-knob propane torches.
What a huge step up that was – turn the knob to the ON position, pull the trigger, flame on! The Bernzomatic TS8000 has saved me a lot of time and frustration over the years. And it still works as well as it did when I got it; the thing is built like a tank. I told Marc I’d be happy to do this sponsored review.
The new and old versions of the Bernzomatic TS8000 are pretty much identical in size and shape. There are a few cosmetic differences; the old one is silver, the new one is black, and the Bernzomatic logo is a little different. And the graphic designers have struck again – where my old unit says “OFF” and “ON,” the new version has a little pictogram of a padlock locked and unlocked. I’m pretty sharp, though, and I was able to figure it out without using the instruction sheet.
The Bernzomatic TS8000 can really crank out the heat – over 3,700 degrees at full throttle. If you need a little more finesse, for smaller diameter soldering or household projects, you can dial the heat back. Way back. Here’s a quick demo video we made showing how low – and how high – you can go:
The new Bernzomatic TS8000 torch works every bit as well as the old one, which is to say: very well. I used it to solder a shutoff valve and some fittings on some 3/4” copper pipe. It heated the large brass valve body up quickly, and all the joints came out looking great. From my many years experience with the older version of this torch, I would expect this torch to hold up very well.
Carrying A Torch? Make It The Bernzomatic TS8000
We bought an old farm a few years ago, and we’ve been renovating pretty much everything. On a farm, there is no shortage of “stuff” to repair, including our old Kubota tractor, some metal outdoor furniture, and some sketchy plumbing in the house. The Bernzomatic TS8000 Max Heat Torch has plenty of oomph to tackle most of the jobs I can handle, and I look forward to regaining my brazing skills that haven’t been called upon in a very long time.
If you do your own soldering, whether professionally or as a handyman / DIYer, I’m betting you’d be VERY happy with the Bernzomatic TS8000 torch. It’s a very well-designed and well-built tool, that can work on a wide range of materials, and it works great. What more can you ask for?! Since I’ve personally used the torch for many years, I know first hand how well it holds up. I recommend it unconditionally; I’ve had nothing but excellent performance from it. The Bernzomatic TS8000 Max Heat Torch is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Grab one from the Home Depot before this hot deal melts away.
Save up to $10 on the TS8000KC kit (normally $55) and up to $6.59 on a 2-pack of MAP Pro fuel (normally $15) at Home Depot:
