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Gear talk: changing the mantle on a Primus Micron lantern

The Primus Micron is a gas powered lantern with a mantle. Every now and then, a mantle requires changing. It isn’t difficult, but can be a mystery to those new to the process.

Burning off a replacement mantle on Primus Micron gas lantern
Burning off a replacement mantle on Primus Micron gas lantern

It takes a little care and knowledge to fit and burn off a new mantle correctly, but it is not too onerous or frequent a task. If taking the Primus Micron on trail, it is prudent to carry a spare mantle or two. They only weigh 2g each so that is no hardship. This is a task that needs to partly be carried out outside, with plenty of ventilation. A windless day will aid things greatly though one of those cannot always be guaranteed.

I reviewed the Primus Micron gas lantern in a previous post. That was the model 2213, with steel globe surrounding the mantle. There is a very similar model 221633 with a glass globe surrounding the exact same mantle. Other small gas lanterns such as the Brunton Lucy Lantern, Bulin BL300-F1 and F2, Coleman F1, GoSystem Mini Lite, Kovea Firefly and others all have similarly small mantles that will at some point require changing. The mantle I have used below is a small double tied pattern mantle, equivalent to the Primus part number 730800. Look for mantles that are thorium free.

Primus Micron gas lantern, in the hand, hanging loop wound and stowed
The Primus Micron gas lantern has a sturdy steel globe, however, if handled roughly, the mantle within can fall to pieces and requires changing. If cool, twist and remove the globe from its housing.
It can be seen that the mantle is damaged inside the globe
It can be seen that this mantle is damaged inside the globe
Severely damaged mantle
Severely damaged mantle
If on trail, just blow loose debris from the jets. If at home, lightly brush off and wipe clean, then quickly blast a little unlit gas through to remove anything from the jets
If on trail, just blow loose debris from the jets. If at home, lightly brush off and wipe clean, then quickly blast a little unlit gas through to remove anything from the burner
Replacement mantles have two holes. The larger red hole goes on the bottom
Replacement mantles have two holes. The larger red hole goes on the bottom
Replacement mantle- The smaller green hole goes at the top
Replacement mantle- The smaller green hole goes at the top. Note that not all replacement mantles are coloured like this. It is the size of holes and their correct orientation that is important.
Primus Micron with globe and mantle removed
Primus Micron with globe and mantle removed and burner cleaned
Gently expand the new mantle and pull down on to the central burner. If there is a piezo igniter column, this needs to pass through the mantle slightly outside the bottom red hol
Gently expand the new mantle and gently pull down on to the central burner. Piezo igniter column needs to pass through the mantle mesh slightly outside the bottom hole
Correctly fitted replacement mantle. Ease down the edges so that it is evenly and correctly centred
The tip of the burner should be poking from the top of the burner and the bottom pulled down to the base of the jets. This is a correctly fitted replacement mantle with eased down edges and evenly centred
The new mantle requires burning off. This creates fumes so must be completed outside
The new mantle requires burning off. The gas is turned OFF during this. Light from the bottom with a lighter or match. This creates fumes so must be completed outside with plenty of ventilation
The mantle may occasionally extinguish itself, but with relighting, will eventually burn right through
The mantle may occasionally extinguish itself, but with relighting, will eventually burn right through.
Fully burned replacement mantle
Fully burned replacement mantle will be white all over
Mantle should be lit and expanded for a few seconds prior to replacing the globe
Mantle can be lit and expanded for just a few seconds prior to extinguishing and replacing the globe
With the lantern extinguished, the globe can be replaced, taking extreme care not to touch the new mantle
With the lantern extinguished, the globe can be replaced, taking extreme care not to touch the new mantle
The lantern can now be lit and used
The lantern can now be lit and used

This has been part of a series of blogs looking at small lanterns suited for lightweight backpacking, or for use in the home and elsewhere:

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