Is small butane torch enough to solder?

I'm trying to put a stop valve between a outside faucet and a water line, and the spot is a bit too tight to wield a propane torch comfortably. Would a small butane torch heat the pipe enough for sweating? Thanks in advance.

NO. Not only is that torch too small, but especially so since butane does not burn as hot as Propane, Acetylene, Mapp ( now Map Pro)

Mapp

Mapp ( now Map Pro)

Not until my reserve supply runs out.

I understand your concern about soldering in tight places! I assume you have to work around floor joist and etc. and are concerned with fire. Here are some suggestions on what you can do. First, have a spray bottle of water close at hand. Then, there are a couple of ways to protect the surrounding wood from the flame. You can buy a protective blanket that from the reports I've read, do a great job of protecting. However, for a single or very occasional time, you can cut a #10 can and use that between the flame and wood. You still might end up with some scorched wood, but with the water bottle handy, it won't end up charcoal and ashes. Guess a third option would be to hire a plumber and let him deal with it while you write a check.

Good application for a Sharkbite (tm)

Lancaster said:

Good application for a Sharkbite (tm)

Click to expand...

I have to debate that.
Sharkbites don't do well under torque..I wouldn't think of using one on a connection to an outside silcock.
For that matter, I won't use them on almost anything, especially not potable water.

I prefer using a Heat barrier mat over tin as there is very low conductivity of heat to the other side.

Thank you for the answers. Saved a lot of time and headache. The pipe runs between floor joists along with electrical wires, so it's a bit hair raising.
I wish I hadn't soldered on the sillcock to the copper pipe already. I could have attached the stop valve first and solder on the sillcock from outside, saving a solder I have to make under the floor.
Could I reuse the sillcock if I was to unsolder it?

All you have to do to reuse a fitting or pipe that has been soldered is to clean the old solder off so that the parts will fit together again. It's usually not worth the time and effort on small fittings like elbow and tees, but for something as costly as a sillcock, it would be worth it.