Thread: Gas Light Mantles

Yes there is. About 20 years ago they invented the Versalight.


But I do like the gas light also.

Thinking about this some more, as someone who used to use gas lights a lot. My first mantles also lasted for a long time, later ones being a lot more fragile. Something someone told me was that they last longer if they are burnt in before using. I'm not sure if it made a lot of difference though.

My experience was the opposite. The first mantle I put it in I did so without fully reading/understanding the instructions so I didn't burn it in first. It lasted ages.

The subsequent mantles *were* burnt in first and hardly lasted at all.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

Thinking about this some more, as someone who used to use gas lights a lot. My first mantles also lasted for a long time, later ones being a lot more fragile. Something someone told me was that they last longer if they are burnt in before using. I'm not sure if it made a lot of difference though.

Hi all, one strategy I have heard of but have yet to try is to spray the mantles with a cheap hairspray after they have cooled down. Presumably you have to remove the glass first. You do this only when you are about to move on as there wouldn't be any need between uses at a base camp. Happy experimenting, 130man.

Don't know about most mantles but having watched my father and now me i burn them in then ensure they are stored upright in the original box and positioned low in the vehicle and i have had to replace possibly five to seven in the past twenty years being careful. I always store it in the garden cupboard when i get home. Have heard hair spray can help never tried the cost is not worth it could use one a day camping and not spend ten dollars a year so up to you

Gippslander

[QUOTE=Slunnie;1733686]Yes there is. About 20 years ago they invented the Versalight.


Yep. Bought mine then and all I have had to replace is the switch.

Burn them in first (no gas). Let them cool. Then light.

I carry a small can of hairspray in the case with the light. Before packing away, I liberally spray the mantle with hairspray from all sides (from a distance or the force of the spray will tear the mantle).

The other point to note is twin tied mantles (top & bottom) last much better than single tied mantles. I use a coleman northstar lantern (twin tied/clipped). Your lantern has to be a twin tied design for this to work.

my coleman kero latern mantles last forever after being burnt in, even 100s of kms over coorogations doesnt effect em, the current one has been on the latern for two years