After inserting a new gas cartridge into my blowtorch, the flame just dwindled to nothing and went out. This was particularly annoying as I thought I'd have to waste a brand new cartridge to check the problem.

After some thought, I figured it was worth a shot to open it up with the gas can still attached to see if I could access the jet. Worst that could happen is that the gas starts venting, so I pulled it apart outside for safety.

Supplies

Only a 7mm spanner for the jet.

Phillips/cross point screwdriver for the handle screws.

Step 1: Dissassembly.

First I removed the 4 screws holding the handle together, then I unscrewed the front nozzle and slid off the tube.

There were no hissing noises so I continued with the air inlet tube( threaded tube with the 4 holes) and unscrewed the jet.

There was a slight pffft of releasing gas, but nothing further. This led me to believe that the jet was indeed blocked. I opened the valve to check if that was still serviceable and was rewarded with a stream of gas droplets.

From the needle valve closeup, it appears that the needle seats against an oring, it might be replaceable, but I haven't needed to tear it down, so I'll leave it well alone.

Step 2: The Blocked Jet.

I'd imagine that the brass pellets are some form of flash back arrester and as such, not removable. Its also the reason why you cant use a thin wire to clean the jet out.

So, I opted for a soak in acetone followed by a blast from an air compressor.

This seems to have done the trick as will be seen in the next step.

Step 3: Yay, Its Working.

Its quite possible that during the puncturing phase some dirt got into the jet.

The can had been sitting on my work bench for some time and I'd neglected to wipe it off before before putting it into the blowtorch, it looked clean. :)