Message Forums

Following on from a previous thread, I have recently bought a Tilley off Ebay, serviced it and everything works fine. However I now need to purchase some new mantles and notice that Tilley produce two - the Happy ring mantle and the cord mantle. Can you please explain the diffenece and what the benefits are of either.

Thanks Nigel

Hi Nigel, congrats on purchase Not much of an expert someone will be along soon I'm sure!

I don't know the difference but I buy happy mantles and I am happy!!! I get them direct from tilley, ordered online and I find them a very friendly company to deal with, very helpful!

Good luck!

Hi

The happy mantle (164H) has an integral metal ring to make fitting over the top burner easier. The 'standard' mantle (164X) doesn't.

It's worth the extra £, as fitting them can be a PITA, and the less tugging and pulling at the delicate mantle will make for a better 'formed' mantle.

Fit the new manltle and arrange so it hangs down evenly all round. I usually double prime (make sure everything is HOT), pump it well up and fully open the valve. The mantle's shape is formed in that first split second, so this gets it fully 'inflated'

Pp

I agree, the H mantle is alot easier to fit.

When lighting dont pump it up too high as this will cause it to flare up. About 5-10 strokes should be enough (depending on how good your pump is and how much paraffin is in the tank) let it burn for about 30 seconds and then pump up until you get a nice steady hiss and a bright white light, mine needs between 15-25, again this is dependant on fuel levels. Over pumping will lead to flaring and you will see a yellow flame surrounding the mantle, it will also give off black smoke which will discolour the glass.

Fitting new mantle. Access the mantle by springing the lantern handle slightly apart and lifting off the enamelled hood. Ensure all of the old mantle is removed, especially any 'string' in the groove around the brass burner body.
Fit the new mantle by sliding the larger opening over the spigot and stretch it into the groove around the burner body. Then stretch the smaller end into the groove at the bottom of the spigot.
Arrange the fabric of the mantle evenly around the burner to ensure correct shape when the mantle is burnt. Replace enamelled hood back on the lantern ensuring the vapouriser tube passes up into the centre of the spigot.
When the spirit torch is applied for the first time after fitting the new mantle will burn and smoke. This is normal, after burning the mantle will have the property of white ash and is very fragile, DO NOT TOUCH!
With practice it will take less time to light your lamp than read these instructions