A MAPP gas torch gives technicians a hot, focused flame for joining copper pipe without heavy oxy-acetylene sets. Sparks Plumbing Experts supplies the Westron MAPP gas torch in Kenya and across East and Central Africa to AC, refrigeration and plumbing technicians.
The torch screws onto a MAPP gas cylinder, so it is light, portable and quick to set up on site.
What is an MAPP gas torch?
MAPP gas originally described a fuel mixture of methylacetylene and propadiene. Today, most cylinders sold as MAPP or MAP-Pro contain mainly propylene, which burns hotter and transfers heat to the work faster than propane. As a result, copper joints reach brazing temperature quickly.
Brazing joins metals with a filler rod that melts above 450 °C, which makes strong joints for refrigeration lines. Soldering uses fillers that melt below 450 °C and suits water pipes. A MAPP torch handles soldering easily and can braze smaller copper pipes.
Further reading
- MAPP gas explained (Wikipedia)
- Brazing explained (Wikipedia)
- Soldering explained (Wikipedia)
Key terms explained
- Brazing
- Joining metal with a filler that melts above 450 °C.
- Soldering
- Joining metal with a filler that melts below 450 °C.
- Flux
- A paste that cleans the joint and helps filler flow.
- Nitrogen purge
- Flowing nitrogen through a pipe while brazing to stop internal scale.
- Self-igniting
- A torch with a built-in igniter, so no lighter is needed.
Features and benefits
- Hot, focused flame for fast heating
- Light and portable, with no hoses or regulators
- Screws directly onto a MAPP gas cylinder
- Flame control for steady work
- Suits brazing and soldering on copper pipe
- Quick to set up on site
Technical specifications
| Product | Westron MAPP gas torch |
|---|---|
| Type | Hand torch for brazing and soldering |
| Fuel | MAPP gas cylinder (sold separately) |
| Typical work | Copper pipe brazing and soldering |
| Users | AC, refrigeration and plumbing technicians |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
Ignition type, connection thread and flame size vary by Westron model. Ask us which model we have in stock and the matching gas cylinder.
Applications of an MAPP gas torch
- AC installation. Brazing copper refrigerant lines on split units.
- Refrigeration repairs. Joining lines when replacing compressors and driers.
- Cold room work. Brazing smaller pipework on condensing units.
- Plumbing. Soldering copper water pipe and fittings.
- Heat pumps. Brazing connections on water heating heat pumps.
- Capillary tubes. Joining fine capillary tubes in fridges and freezers.
- Copper fittings. Soldering elbows, tees and couplings.
- Seized fittings. Heating stuck nuts and fittings so they release.
- Heat shrinking. Shrinking heat-shrink sleeves on cable joints carefully.
- Workshop repairs. Small metal heating jobs in maintenance shops.
- Domestic appliances. Repairing fridge and freezer pipework.
- Vehicle AC. Repairing suitable copper or brass parts.
- Training. Teaching safe brazing in technical colleges.
- Field service. Quick repairs where gas sets are impractical.
- Jewellery and craft. Light metal heating where a hot flame helps.
How to choose and install
- Use MAPP gas cylinders that match the torch thread.
- Clean and flux joints properly before heating.
- Purge refrigeration lines with dry nitrogen while brazing.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and shield nearby surfaces.
- Heat the fitting evenly, then feed the filler rod.
- Store cylinders upright, away from heat and direct sun.
Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts
- Gases, oils and parts togetherRefrigerants, compressor oils, copper pipe, driers and tools come from one counter, so a repair needs one trip.
- Brands technicians knowOur range includes names such as Danfoss, Maxron, Suniso and Emkarate.
- Compatibility checksWe point out refrigerant, oil and voltage compatibility before you buy, which helps avoid costly mistakes.
- Tools for the whole jobGauges, flaring kits, brazing torches and gas are stocked alongside the parts they install.
- Visit or collect in NairobiOur store is at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, in the Industrial Area, so you can see parts before you buy or collect your order.
- Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
- Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
- Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
- Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
- Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya. We also supply buyers in Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Related products and accessories
Browse more: AC and refrigeration tools · Copper pipes · Straight copper pipes · Copper pipes rolls.
Ordering from Sparks Plumbing Experts
We supply customers across Kenya. We also serve buyers in Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan. You can collect from our store at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, or ask us about delivery to your site. Send your quantities and specifications, and we will reply with prices and availability.
Request a Quote WhatsApp 0726 086 895
Frequently asked questions
What is a MAPP gas torch used for?
It is used for brazing and soldering copper pipe in AC, refrigeration and plumbing work, and for general heating tasks.
Is MAPP gas hotter than propane?
MAPP-type gas burns hotter and transfers heat faster than propane, so joints heat up quicker.
Can I braze refrigeration lines with it?
Yes, especially on smaller copper pipes. Very large pipes may need an oxy-acetylene set.
What is the difference between brazing and soldering?
Brazing uses a filler that melts above 450 °C and gives stronger joints. Soldering uses fillers below 450 °C.
Does the torch include gas?
No. The MAPP gas cylinder is usually sold separately. We can quote both together.
Why purge with nitrogen?
Nitrogen stops black oxide scale forming inside the pipe, which could block valves and driers.
Is it safe to use indoors?
Yes with care. Ventilate the area, protect nearby surfaces, and keep an extinguisher close.
How do I light the torch?
Self-igniting models light with a trigger. Other models need a spark lighter. Follow the model instructions.
How long does a cylinder last?
It depends on flame size and work. Heavy brazing uses gas faster than light soldering.
How should I store MAPP cylinders?
Store them upright in a cool, ventilated place, away from heat and sunlight.
Do you deliver outside Nairobi?
We supply customers across Kenya. We also serve buyers in Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Gas cylinder transport details come with your quote.
How do I get a price?
Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp. We reply with prices for the torch and gas.
Where can I buy MAPP gas torch in Kenya?
Buy it from Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi. We are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 12 noon. You can also order by phone or WhatsApp on 0726 086 895. We deliver across Kenya and to Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
People also search for
MAPP gas torch price in Kenya
Prices depend on the torch model and whether you need gas cylinders. Ask us for a quote on both.
MAPP vs propane torch
MAPP-type gas transfers heat faster than propane, so it heats copper joints more quickly, especially on larger pipes.
MAPP vs oxy-acetylene
Oxy-acetylene burns far hotter, at around 3,100 °C, and suits large pipes and welding. MAPP torches are lighter and quicker for small copper work.
Brazing rod for copper
Copper-phosphorus rods join copper to copper without flux. Silver brazing alloys with flux join copper to brass or steel.
MAPP gas flame temperature
A MAPP-type flame reaches about 2,000 °C in air.
How to braze AC copper pipe
Clean and fit the joint, purge with nitrogen, heat the pipe and fitting evenly, then feed the rod until it flows all round.
Pencil flame vs swirl flame
A pencil flame gives a narrow, focused point of heat. A swirl flame wraps around the pipe and heats it faster.
Is MAPP gas still made?
Original MAPP gas production stopped in 2008. Today's MAPP-type cylinders, often called MAP-Pro, contain mainly propylene.
Can a MAPP torch braze aluminium?
It is possible with special aluminium brazing rods, but it needs skill, because aluminium melts close to the brazing temperature.
Can I use propane on a MAPP torch?
Many hand torches accept both, but performance differs. Always check the gas types the torch is rated for.
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