The thread is screwed on but there are no key points on it, just a nut that goes behind and rubs on it. Adjusting the torch taut by hand seems normal, but be sure to slowly increase the cutting pressure. I suspect the cutter was a bit loose and when it touched the material it immediately crossed the cutter onto the shaft. No amount of force will remove it (I'm talking about the force of a pipe wrench) and emailing Blair didn't help as they don't guarantee it, so now the kit is useless to us unless I give another $45 on the pavilion.