The blowtorch allows one to breach metal doors and make windows in them. In most cases it is a faster alternative to the silent drill, but it breaks the doorknob of any door that it opens, subsequently alerting any witnesses. Its speed can not be sped up, so drills can still be faster if one prefers speed, although most operatives favor the torch's compact size of 2x1 rather than the drills 2x2. Windows in metal doors made by the blowtorch will alert NPCs who see them, but only if the door is open, likely due to a bug. NPCs cannot see through windows created by a blowtorch.