help with lantern mantles.

[travo]

   Are there any alternatives to the mantles for propane lanterns? I don't know what I do wrong, but it seems like I get about one use per mantle. Can't look at 'em funny or bump a sleeve into the lantern and it seems like the frickin' thing falls apart. I read and reread the directions, and nothing seems to help much. What it boils down to is that I really hate those flimsy pieces of junk. You would think a guy could make one out of a fine wire mesh or something. Any suggestions before I fill the sucker up with gas and shoot it with a pellet gun?

[webster]

these are Colman lanterns i assume they need to be burned befor lighting the lamp

[fishinfiend]

Make sure you are burning them down before you lite the lantern.  I have some mantles last several outings.  However I tried some cheap non coleman mantles and they fall apart after one use.

[ripNlips83]

Had the same problem POS it finally broke. Got a dual fuel coleman and the mantles last along time and so does the fuel. coleman fuel works the best in them i have found.

[Bullelk34]

They break faster on the propane lanterns for some reason. Buy the "gold" mantles, they cost a bit more but are longer lasting.

[trapster]

they are very fragile, as you know.  I've had some that lasted all winter long.  It just takes some very special care..  How ever I'm really "old."  Grew up in my early years with out elect. 

[djsublime]

Like stated above you need coleman mantles also you need to be very gentle with them it becomes ash after you burn them and are very fragile...also try turning on your gas on high and before you light it turn it down it seems like thats when the mantle is most vunerable and if you end up with a small hole its ok as long as its burning bright...

[webster]

They break faster on the propane lanterns for some reason. Buy the "gold" mantles, they cost a bit more but are longer lasting.

   If it don't hiss i won't run if love the sound of a gas lantern hissing

[ICEROGUE]

these are Colman lanterns i assume they need to be burned befor lighting the lamp

But you have to light the latern to burn the mantles

[hrlyridr77]

Noooooo...

When you install the mantles, you light them before starting the lantern... let them burn until they are ash.

Then light the lantern.

If you are transporting the lantern between uses (like in the truck, or even a sled) the mantles will fall apart. But if you are in a permanent, you should be able to get several uses out of them.

I've had my lantern over 20 years, love it. But I transport, so I know I'm putting on mantles each trip...

 

[Rebelss]

These are real, natural silk mantles....yes, they are extremely delicate! This shouldn't even be an issue. Just one of those things you have to live with. I've had my Coleman dual-mantle since 1979.....and I use it all summer long on the deck, and that's how long the mantles will last me...all summer. It goes in a Coleman carrying case when I'm not using it...if you are reasonably careful with it, like don't bonk it around, you'll be OK. Just treat it GENTLY after you burn those new mantles down before firing it up!!!  They'll last a long time! They've been that way for many years....just one of those things you can't improve on.

[panfishman13]

always have a carrying case, it keeps the mantles and the globe safe. i've had even cheap brands of mantles last for almost 2 years. you just have to treat them right. after you attach them to the lantern, light them on fire and replace the globe. wait till they burn out before you do anything. after that light the lantern and adjust it however you wish. usually i only have to replace mantles once a year, depending on how well they took the journey from and to home.

[graybeard1]

Definitely try to find the regular Coleman mantles. I was having trouble, breaking them every trip out last winter, but I was using some cheapie mantles from Wal-mart. The regular Coleman mantles were kinda hard to find, but when I did they worked much better. Actually, I ended up buying a little battery powered light to hang from the top pole of my Trekker, and usually just left the lantern at home by the end of the season. Wasn't as bright, but did the job.

[rgfixit]

Buy real Coleman mantles and a carry case for your lantern.
Coleman

Or buy some LED

RG

[edfalc]

i love my coleman lanterns but just bought an led light to clip-on in the shack

[jiml]

I have a PRIMUS brand lantern and use it backpacking and a mantle lasts me two seasons.  The lantern comes in a carry case though.  I also use the PRIMUS brand silk mantles which can be purchased at any EMS store or REI.  I install the mantle and just touch it with a match without turning on the gas......let it "cook" for a few minutes until it burns itself out.  Then and only then do you turn on the gas and light.  They last a long time for me but I do always carry an extra mantle just in case.

[major257]

I have had no problem with mantles from coleman. I have an exponent lantern for backpacking and have never changed the mantle. I turn on the gas, light the lantern then shut the gas off until the mantle is cured. Always had more problems breaking globes or knocking them into the than mantle breaking. That said I still carry an extra set everywhere I go.

[DR.SPECKLER]

i break more globes than mantles to.but you cant beat the ol coleman fuel lanterns for light and heat.wish they could make some kind of fine metal mesh bags for mantles.

[webster]

But you have to light the latern to burn the mantles

before turning the gas on once the mantels have been tied on light the mantle and let in burn till it goes out

[Pathfinder97]

I just bought one of these thanks for the tips!!

[ICEROGUE]

before turning the gas on once the mantels have been tied on light the mantle and let in burn till it goes out

Oh, I have always just burnt the new mantles when I lite it normaly. I have never really had a problem. I think I replace mantles once every season or two. I must just be lucky. And I use my lanterns all year long.