Propane tank dilemma

Maylar · May 25, 2015

I have a rather old 20 lb propane tank with the POL left hand threads and I'd like to use it on one of my grills. The grills have the newer acme thread connectors (I think they call it QCC-1).

I can get an adapter for about $11, but that'd be a one time use. Once the tank is empty I'll exchange it for a new style. It's too old to be refilled.

The cylinder is almost full and it'd be a shame to just vent it to the air and exchange it now. Cost-wise I think it's a wash, as there's probably $11 worth of 10 yr old propane in it.

Decisions... decisions...

IamMadMan · May 25, 2015

Sounds like a good plan, you can also use it for your weed burner....No adapter needed.

SmittyJonz · May 25, 2015

I'd take it out a Old Rock Quarry and shoot it. :mrgreen:

USMC · May 25, 2015

SmittyJonz said:
I'd take it out a Old Rock Quarry and shoot it. :mrgreen:

I was thinking the same thing!

FatCoyote · May 25, 2015

You could use it to recharge other bottles

LifeLongWNYer · May 26, 2015

Why get rid of the old tank? Get the adapter and keep using the tank.

I have a couple of the old ones, and when I get them filled, the kid usually says that he can't fill them. I tell him that I have a weed burner which needs the higher propane flow tanks, and he then fills them.

If you really don't want to do that, have your propane distributor swap the valves. There isn't a point to getting rid of the tank, if it is in good condition, just for an old valve. If you take care of the tanks, keep them clean and rust free, they will last forever.

.

kls44 · May 26, 2015

Check the inspection date on it. I believe they must be re-inspected after 12 years. If it passes a new date will be stamped on it, if not its scrap metal and can't be filled.

LifeLongWNYer · May 26, 2015

Yeah, but inspections on propane tanks are easy, especially if you've kept them clean and they have no rust showing.

They don't need to be hydro-statically tested, like gas cylinders.

.

Maylar · May 26, 2015

Around here they just won't refill a tank that's older than 12 years. Period. I'm gonna get the adapter and eBay it when I'm done. Should be able to get 1/2 price anyway.

LifeLongWNYer · May 26, 2015

Google for the inspection requirement for propane tanks and take a copy with you. Any place that knows what they are doing will take care of you.

A lot of the gas stations and grocery stores that fill tanks only have kids doing the filling and it is easier to tell them "don't fill 'em if...." than to explain the actual rules.

If nothing else, take it to one of the tank exchange places. Leave your tank in the rack and go home with a 100% tank. The only problem, is you just "gave" your tank away, in exchange for a loaner.

.

stl-rich · May 26, 2015

LifeLongWNYer said:
If nothing else, take it to one of the tank exchange places. Leave your tank in the rack and go home with a 100% tank. The only problem, is you just "gave" your tank away, in exchange for a loaner.

If you "exchange" your tank for a loaner then you will have a newish tank that you CAN get refilled if that is cheaper than exchanging it

I've used the "exchange" method with old tsnks that had old style valves or more than 12 years old.

SmittyJonz · May 26, 2015

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUHPg2zrzgk"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUHPg2zrzgk[/ame]

LifeLongWNYer · May 26, 2015

stl-rich said:
If you "exchange" your tank for a loaner then you will have a newish tank that you CAN get refilled if that is cheaper than exchanging it

I've used the "exchange" method with old tsnks that had old style valves or more than 12 years old.

Yeah, but it is no longer YOUR tank. Say it is a Blue Rhino tank. Try taking it to another swap firm and trading it! I know, my wife traded in one of mine and my daughter did another. The locals, where I always used to fill my tanks, won't touch them.

.

cheez59 · May 27, 2015

SmittyJonz said:
I'd take it out a Old Rock Quarry and shoot it. :mrgreen:

Lol this is the first thing that came to my mind as well. I've always wanted to do it but I'm too chicken.:behindsofa:

castlepines · May 27, 2015

SmittyJonz said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUHPg2zrzgk

Merica.

LifeLongWNYer · May 27, 2015

If you really don't want to use it for propane any more, use it for a portable air tank, or a float under a lake/pond deck. Cut the bottom off and use it to catch ashes in your BBQ grill or smoker.

They have too many other uses to toss them out, or sell them for scrap.

.

Wayne · May 27, 2015

Get the adapter and then pitch it. The gas is probably worth more.

Maylar · May 27, 2015

LifeLongWNYer said:
Yeah, but it is no longer YOUR tank. Say it is a Blue Rhino tank. Try taking it to another swap firm and trading it! I know, my wife traded in one of mine and my daughter did another. The locals, where I always used to fill my tanks, won't touch them.

.

It seems that all the exchange places around here have Rhino. Everybody from HD and Lowes to grocery stores does it.

I have had Rhino tanks refilled at my local gas supplier with no problems. Besides, if you peel off the label, how can they tell?

Propane tank dilemma

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