The Air Force Made a Pocket Torch That Melts Through Steel

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The Air Force Made a Pocket Torch That Melts Through Steel

Like a hot, thermite knife through butter.

Breaching a locked door is hard without the right tools. Some people use keys. Other people use 5,000º F vapor jets.

In this video, you'll see the US Air Force-developed TEC torch in action. The torch comes in two different parts: an electric handle with the fire button and the thermite cartridge, which contains a proprietary mix of metals and metal oxides that form the combustive material. A 9-volt battery in the handle sparks the reaction, which shoots these flames, melting anything in its range.

It can also be wielded to melt through underwater cables, gratings, or anything vaguely metal that can obstruct your way through an emergency situation. Nifty! Also, potentially life-saving.