Gas Light Glass Cracking - why?

[Mace]

Ive had a bad run with gas lamp  glasses lately, last three trips have gone thru one on each.  Previously, had one on the lamp for years.

Each time, same issue, fit new glass, turn on low, leave for a while (5 minutes), then turn up.

Each time glass has cracked soon after.

Am I just unlucky?  What have others found.

Also, Ive seen there are metal mesh replacements for these on the market now.  Has anyone tried them?  Do they throw out a similar light?

 

[LJs GU]

Mace,

A long time ago, I had one go on me after fitting a new mantle.  I must have over tightened the screw for the metal top and then that combined with the heating/expansion of the glass = CRACK

LJ

[Bongo]

A single drop of water can crack the glass.

I changed over to a mesh instead of glass - reduced the amount of light output by a large amount.

I now use battery powered sources of light.

Cheers,

[Nay-DMAX]

We had gone through a few aswell and as Bongo said above we also went to the mesh ones less light but no breakages and no worrying about unpacking the light and finding broken glass through everything.  We also have battery powered lights as well but usually have the gas light on the pole especially river type camping where no other lights.

Hope this helps

[dav]

After using gas lights in the past and having the same issues I would not have one again. I got Korr lights. More light, quiet ,no heat and safer. They use little power if you do not have a 12volt set up it would run off a cig point on a car and still start in the morning.

[Mace]

Yeah, I guess im only using it out of habit! Had them so long, but now have plenty of led lights with rechargable batteries fitted.

Mite just get a mesh screen and leave it at that for when I really need it.

Thanx for replies, Al.

[RWS]

Check to make sure there is no holes in the mantle before you fire it up. A hole in the mantle focus's a lot of heat in one spot, which seems to weaken the glass. A shiney spot on the glass around where it's cracked is usually a sign there was hole somewhere in the mantle...these day's I only use 12v lights, no such problems, flick a switch and forget.

[HKB Electronics]

Have you tried talking to the manufacture, the shades shouldn't
crack like that?

[Mace]

A shiney spot on the glass around where it's cracked is usually a sign there was hole somewhere in the mantle

Bingo!!  Noticed that one one.

Thanx.

[McGirr]

I am surprised people still use them. I have not used them for 10 years plus due to the sensitivity of the mantle and glass.

Led lights are just too easy to use.

Mark

[2003gxl]

I used to have the same problem cracking glass. After replacing a couple I brought a mesh one from the camping show ( also seen them in kmart and big W) I was a bit dubious whether the wind would affect it but I didn't notice any dfference

[brickiematt]

Had the same problem a little while ago. I noticed (too late ) that the mantle had a hole in it which was focusing a small flame onto the glass. Worked ok so i just let it be. The next morning the glass was cracked right through where the flame was hitting it. Bugger. You just need to make sure the mantle is intact before lighting.

Yeah, I guess im only using it out of habit!

Me too. I actually love my gas lamp I figure it comes from childhood memories of camping and the warm glow and hiss of the gas lamp. Still love the noise of the lamp in the background at night. I reckon I'll still use it even when i do fit the leds to the camper.

[bullfrog]

I must be lucky. As yet I haven't broke a glass & the mantle has been going for a couple of years!! Will I get rid of my gas lights?? Not likely. I still have a couple of old Tilley (wick type) laterns. Sometimes fire them up out the back on the BBQ table with the Frog pot going as well.

[LJs GU]

Me too. I actually love my gas lamp I figure it comes from childhood memories of camping and the warm glow and hiss of the gas lamp. Still love the noise of the lamp in the background at night. I reckon I'll still use it even when i do fit the leds to the camper.

You're making me feel all nostalgic as well now Matt.  Certainly is something about that hiss... 

My favorite was in the days of camping in the tent.  Last one to bed as usual, so turn the gas bottle off and let it burn the rest of gas out whilst quietly sneaking into the tent and getting into the farting bag.  And then dozing off to sleep with the 'night light' burning itself out....

And then being rudely woken with 'lie on your side, YOU'RE snoring... aaah the serenity.

LJ

[RWS]

This should be in the Pearls of Wisdom thread, but all this talk about gaslights has brought up a suppressed memory from years ago...unless you wouldn't mind having a perfectly formed round drainage hole the same size as the top of gas light in your recently bought brand new tarp, I suggest not repositioning the light by grabbing hold of the extension pole and lifting above head level 

[bullfrog]

Yep, that's a "Pearla"   

[Eagle Outback]

Try wrapping the glass in a thin teatowel and storing in it's box, that's what I do and have'nt broken one yet.

[loshde]

We've only ever had one broken glass on a gas light and that was while travelling.  We found the mantle's always seemed to fall apart while travelling.  We then went to Dual Fuel lights (single & dual mantels) and haven't ever had an issue since, probably only replaced the mantle's once in over 16 years...not bad at all (we do transport them in their purpose made carriers).  We are picking up our new Aussie Swag Camper in a few weeks and it has plenty of LED lights, but we will continue to carry the Dual Fuel lights with us, as much because I love the feel they bring to a campsite and also because I just don't think I could part with them.