PETROMAX MANTLES

Petromax mantles and Butterfly mantles are not generally available locally, and cost about $1.10 each plus shipping. The alternative is to stockpile a bunch of Coleman mantles. Therein lies a problem. The Coleman STYLE or SIZE of mantle will work on a kerosene pressure lantern at low pressure, BUT there is a difference in the construction style of Coleman size mantles.

Petromax and Butterfly mantles are constructed with a thick thread, open mesh appearance. Coleman mantles are generally of a fine thread, dense weave construction - not the same. But the ersatz Coleman mantles, off - brand, such as the Century Model 2295 Slip - On Lantern Mantles, are constructed with an open mesh similar to the Petromax. And the Century mantles are manufactured in India - not China!!!

I have purchased some of all three varieties, but the predominant ones I use are the el-cheapo "Century" version. They will still put out over 200 watts of light, and with the open mesh style of construction should allow excess pressure to escape without blowing out the mantle: it hasn't happened to me yet, anyway.

Coleman mantles are available at Wal Mart for about $2.94 for 4, or $0.74 each. The "Century" mantles at Wal Mart are priced at $0.96 for 2, or $0.48 each. The price of the Century mantles is 50% less than the Coleman brand, but that is simply a bonus - they are better adapted to the Petromax/Butterfly pressure lanterns than Coleman brand mantles. Full size Butterfly mantles are available from SurvivalSupplyCanada.

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