1lb propane cylinder refills?

[greelhappy]

I just read here that someone picked up the thrown away propane cylinders that some very inconsiderate people litterd the ice with. (good for him). But he also said that he refilled them. First of all I heard you cannot do this because it is a dangerous practice. Secondly, if someone does refill them, where do they go? If they can be refilled safely now I'll sure want to refill my empty cans. I have a propane company less than a mile from my house, as soon as they open I'm going over there a check with them. This is just a throw in question. I have a 5gal.tank, with the heater attachment for my pull over shanty. I have to prop up the front of the shanty to let some cool air inside because at it's lowest setting it's still way,way to hot inside. Is propping the front the only solution or does someone have a better idea? Thanking you in advance, and GOOD FISHING TO ALL.

[gilly]

here's some info for ya greelhappy....


http://fishingminnesota.com/ubb/Forum30/HTML/000933.html

[jig head]

I have been refilling my small tanks for a few years now.
I also use a opd 20lbr to fill with follow the directions on the fitting that all sporting good stores sell.

[greelhappy]

Thanks for the comeback Gilly. After reading all the comments on the refills I think I'll pass on that. I think I'll go to plan B. My birthday is in Nov. and Christmas soon after. So instead of a shirt or tie, Propane tanks will be on my list. Actually thats what I asked for this year and recieved 4. ( all used up) When I informed my family what I wanted the question was " you want what?" And I also asked for batteries.

[sean]

Thanks for the comeback Gilly. After reading all the comments on the refills I think I'll pass on that. I think I'll go to plan B. My birthday is in Nov. and Christmas soon after. So instead of a shirt or tie, Propane tanks will be on my list. Actually thats what I asked for this year and recieved 4. ( all used up) When I informed my family what I wanted the question was " you want what?" And I also asked for batteries.

I work for a propane co. and do not know of anywhere to fill up 1#'s. The problem with filling them up yourself is not knowing when they are at 80% full. Not having a good "spitter" on them, I would rather use a 5 or 10#er. My old boss used to try to full the 1#'s and he stopped doing it cuz its such a pain.

[bigbob]

harbor fraight has a kit 9.00

[Steve]

I just stopped refilling them this year. Switched to a 5lb.

[woodie slayer]

i bought a coleman gasoline lantern. it runs on regular gas.,light it and set it in a 5 gallon pail. gives you plenty of light + very warm..awhole lot cheaper to operate

[steelslam]

im the one that wrote about refilling 1 pounders. ive been doing it for atlest 15 years an NEVER had a problem. the piece i use to fill them is call ez-coupler. or a name darn close to that. can be found for like 15 or so dollars. you have to keep the propane at room temp 65-70 degrees. the small tanks have to be frozen in the freezer. ya, my wife lovs that. also keep those caps to cover the tanks while in the freezer, keeps the frost out of the opening. then when filling them i take the 20 pound gas grill tank into the garage to do this. you screw the coupler into the 20pound tank. then screw in the 1 pound tank. turn the 20 pound up-side down an turn on the valve. in 60 seconds the tank will be full. turn off the valve. stand the tank an unscrew the one pound tank. a small amout of propan will leak as you disconnect it. then put the cap back on the one pound tank. you can fill 15 one pound tanks from a full 20 pound tank.

[ih772]

I pretty much do the same thing but I take an additional step. Take a full one pounder and put it on a scale and calibrate it to read one pound. Then refill your empties and put them on the scale. If it reads one pound you're done, if not add too or bleed out until it's there. The totally empty cylinders will almost always fill up without overfilling, the cylinders that are a quarter or more full will almost always overfill. After you've done a few of them you'll be able to tell what going on by the sounds they make but always weigh them.

[WALLEYEvision]

im the one that wrote about refilling 1 pounders. ive been doing it for atlest 15 years an NEVER had a problem. the piece i use to fill them is call ez-coupler. or a name darn close to that. can be found for like 15or so dollars...

It's called a MacCoupler from K-M Products.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/537/mac_coupler.jpg

K-M Products
5141 Porsche Dr.
Traverse City, MI 49684

Phone: 231-645-0149
Fax: 231-346-6446

[walleyeman2006]

well for winter time its a lot safer there not going to get hot and spit out the saftey valve right now lol.....i looked into it and as long as you take a wieght on a full cylinder you can get them filled to safe level

[steelslam]

thats the coupler there in the picture ive been using. man they sure got some good advertizing here now. thanks walleyevision for the info for everyone looking

[Buddwiser]

the small tanks have to be frozen in the freezer.

Just curious, but whats the reason for keeping them in the freezer prior to refilling them?

[walleyeman2006]

creates a vaccume inside the cylinder so it will take the fuel easier

[Burksee]

Been using the Mac-coupler style valve for more years than I care to mention. I usually take a milk crate full of them in the car/van/truck and take out a hand full when I head onto/into the ice/river/woods. If I do need more I'll have them handy enough to get back for more. As Ih772 mentioned using a scale is the way to go. I've got a small dollar store one that works great, you do have to watch refilling the ones that have any left in them. By putting the one pounders in the refrig the cold contracts the gas/liquid and allows refilling from a warm 20 pounder so much easier! Another suggestion is after you remove the one pounder, turn it upside down and tap the end on a scrap piece of wood. This helps/makes sure the valve is seated and wont leak. ;)

[msujberry]

After burning up 4 1#'s this cold weekend this thread caught my eye. I dont have the fridge space or space in general for a 20 lb tank(to refill) in my apartment at the time but hate to see so much junk created. Does anybody know if there is any company that reuses them?

[BOEDY]

DONT LET YOUR 1 POUNDERS GET TO OLD THEY"LL LEAK AND CATCH FIRE!Happend to my buddy the other day - melted his lantern. It was leaking out of the Pressure release valve.

[William H Bonney]

DONT LET YOUR 1 POUNDERS GET TO OLD THEY"LL LEAK AND CATCH FIRE!Happend to my buddy the other day - melted his lantern. It was leaking out of the Pressure release valve.

Wow,,,, luckily it didn't erupt into a ball of flames inside his shanty and him have to struggle out and heave the 1lb. ball of fire out his shanty, then jump out and boot this ball of flames across the ice and watch his lantern burn for 15 minutes. You mighta not been able to fish for a while because it still wasn't really a safe distance away,, even after he booted it across the ice. Hopefully your buddy only lost all the hair on both his hands. :SHOCKED:

[glnmiller]

Does the refilling work with the newer 20lb tanks with the OPD device? I thought (in addition to preventing overfilling) if the tank was turned upside down the device would prevent the lp from coming out.

[Burksee]

After burning up 4 1#'s this cold weekend this thread caught my eye. I dont have the fridge space or space in general for a 20 lb tank(to refill) in my apartment at the time but hate to see so much junk created. Does anybody know if there is any company that reuses them?This time of the year just leave the one pounders outside. ;) Twenty pounder at room temp is recommeded. Never re-fill indoors! Always refill outside in a well ventilated area. The 20 pounder will stay warm enough (at outside temp of about 32 F.) to get a dozen done before it needs rewarming. :)

Once refilled, take the one pounder off, turn upside down and tap top on a piece of scrap wood to help seat the needle. Once I started doing this I've only had one that wouldnt seat. Pushed to valve a couple of times with a pocket screwdriver to get that one to seat. ;)

Dollar store kitchen scale is a must as well! :idea:

[alex-v]

Interesting thread, especially since I brought the 20 lb tank into the back room to warm up a couple of days ago and there is a row of 1 lb cans sitting in the garage (which is probably as cold as a freezer right now).

Have been refilling the small cans every couple of winters now for almost 20 years. Most of the valves seat and if not a quick poke with the small screwdriver does the job.

Interesting msg about the lantern melting. I thought that they were made of metal and glass. Takes a lot to get that stuff to melt.

[William H Bonney]

,,,,
Interesting msg about the lantern melting. I thought that they were made of metal and glass. Takes a lot to get that stuff to melt.

That was actually me that happened to.:( This was one those small single mantle lanterns with the tiny globe on it, mostly plastic. When I lit it,, the whole thing burst into flames:tdo12: ,, I immediately shut off the gas,,,, didn't help. I had a helluva time getting to the zipper on my shanty, tripping all over my stuff, flames in one hand, zipper in the other, I got the door open and chucked it. I only got it a few feet away from the shanty so I hop out and kicked across the ice, still in flames,, only it didn't go very far, about 20 feet. Neither one of us wanted to go near it, since it was still flaming. We walked back to a safe distance(thinking this thing would explode we didn't wanna catch any shrapnel) and watched it burn for about 15 minutes. I remembered it was a full tank and this could take a while for it to burn off, so I crept up to it and started kicking snow on it as fast as possible, it was buried under a foot and a half of snow and finally went out. When I was done fishing, I went and uncovered it,,,, the gas was still leaking out of that "other little valve" on the tank. Totally scared the $h!t outta me. Anyone else have that "other valve" leak on them??

[alex-v]

That was actually me that happened to.:( .....<<snipped some>>...Anyone else have that "other valve" leak on them??
Always more to the story than most people tell.;) I had been thinking that maybe the threads on the small tank were rusted and had not sealed properly. Glad you came on board to provide the rest of the story.

But, no I have not had that other gizmo leak. My impression is that it is an overfill protection device or a bleed off valve. But, I cannot budge them. Just went out to the garage to the line of cans sitting on the floor and was unable to move that second valve on the 4 that I tried.

But, I did double check the threads to be sure that I had wire brushed all of them.

[ih772]

You can't budge the PRV by pushing in on it. Think about how it would be designed to let excess pressure out then it will make sense. :)

[alex-v]

You can't budge the PRV by pushing in on it. Think about how it would be designed to let excess pressure out then it will make sense. :)
Yes, I know, it just became another exercise in preparation for my project later today. Gotta fill about 7 of the 1 lb cans.

But, I do remember now that I had a small 1 lb can that I tossed several years ago because I could push that second valve very easily with a small screwdriver. Brings back a few memories.

[William H Bonney]

Always more to the story than most people tell.;) I had been thinking that maybe the threads on the small tank were rusted and had not sealed properly. ,,,

But, I did double check the threads to be sure that I had wire brushed all of them.

I don't think it was the threads on mine,, although that is a good idea about making sure the threads are tight and clean. I could "feel" the gas coming out of that other valve.

I think I'm understanding what you're saying ih772 ,, maybe you could explain it fully???

[alex-v]

I think I'm understanding what you're saying ih772 ,, maybe you could explain it fully???
I ain't "ih772" but the valve can only be opened up from one way. The main valve in the center gets opened up when the stud in the appliance is screwed into the opening. The overflow protection valve opens when to much pressure inside the can pushes up against it.

Why it did not open up earlier is something we do not know. Most likely the pressure built up high enough after the 1 lb can warmed up or after it got moved around and the propane sloshed a bit.

[mcanes1]

I just read here that someone picked up the thrown away propane cylinders that some very inconsiderate people litterd the ice with. (good for him). But he also said that he refilled them. First of all I heard you cannot do this because it is a dangerous practice. Secondly, if someone does refill them, where do they go? If they can be refilled safely now I'll sure want to refill my empty cans. I have a propane company less than a mile from my house, as soon as they open I'm going over there a check with them. This is just a throw in question. I have a 5gal.tank, with the heater attachment for my pull over shanty. I have to prop up the front of the shanty to let some cool air inside because at it's lowest setting it's still way,way to hot inside. Is propping the front the only solution or does someone have a better idea? Thanking you in advance, and GOOD FISHING TO ALL.

For the over heated shanty issue. Keep it on the lowest setting, then turn down the knob on the tank itself. Until the heater is barely going. I have the same issue with mine.

[AmericanAngler]

nice thread lots of info

i have the fitting but was to lazy to freeze the 1lb tanks with out freezing the 1lb tank i could only fill them 1/3

since im so lazy i think ill just buy a 5 lber

AA

[mcanes1]

I have a 5 and 20 lber. The 5# cost $6 to fill. It's a lot more economical anyhow.

[AL D.]

I just stopped refilling them this year. Switched to a 5lb.
Steve, where were you able to find a 5lb tank and how much $ ? Thanks, Al

[steelslam]

a good way to store those filled one pound tanks is to use those racks that the stores have for 2 liter bottles of pop. theres 8 spaces for the tanks. the ones that hold the coke-pepsi bottles. plus they can be stacked up if ya have like 16 or 24 tanks.

[Burksee]

a good way to store those filled one pound tanks is to use those racks that the stores have for 2 liter bottles of pop. theres 8 spaces for the tanks. the ones that hold the coke-pepsi bottles. plus they can be stacked up if ya have like 16 or 24 tanks.Milk crates hold 12 and are high enough you can stack stuff on top of them! :)

[fishindude644]

it works great

[JimDandy]

Gander Moutain had the 5 lbs. think they were a little pricey

[JWheeler]

I also have a 20# tank and wanted to downsize to a smaller tank. It was a little more then I wanted to spend. The 20# tank is the cheapest. Gander Mt. has them for sure, 5# & 10#, don't remember if there was another one there too er what. Also maybe check a hardware store that fills propane, probably a good bet that they can help you..
Good Luck

[Ed Michrina]

All are right on and good tips. Here is a CAUTION. If you fill your 20 lb tank and bring it indoors without getting some gas out of it first, the gas can expand and will pop the relief valve in the house.

I always fill 2 or 3- 1 lb cans before bringing the 20 lb inside. Instead of leaving the tank unwatched . I'll put it in the sink and run cold water over it for 5 min's then Luke warm water for a few min's . shake the 20 pound tank and its ready to fill.

i use my rapalla dig. fish scale to weigh the 1 lbers. if you over fill a little not a big thing but in the summer when the gas gets warm they will pop the relief valve.

If you go to a large park like Metro or a dnr ramp. look in the trash. guys throw the new, once used tanks out . Never had a problem. if they get old the threads wear and the seal will leak when attached to the heater.

Ive been filling for years now. its good to place a date on the tank with perm marker. After 3 years find new ones.

[duckman#1]

Yesterday I called and spoke with a company that makes LP tanks. I asked about pricing of 5# tanks if I buy a large quanity. The said the best price they can give is $42 per tank and thats by the skid (20 tanks) plus shipping.
I talked extensively to them on how places like Gander sell them for $44 and they claim theres not much mark up and its expensive for them to make small production runs of 5# compared to 20# tanks.

Sure seems like some small company would realize the demand that could be out there if the 5# tanks where same price as 20# tanks.
Once the jigs & fixtures are set-up, it shouldn't take any longer to make.
Guess I will have to bite the bullet and buy a couple :(

[AmericanAngler]

i am thinking of getting a 5# er my buddy cked them at gander he said the price was 39 if i remember right but he said they had a 10# that was the same price he had them ck the prices and was wondering why there wasnt a price break for the smaller 5# er since its a smaller tank
but there price match is pretty good if u find it cheaper some where they will match it
i guess they get you anyway they can

AA

AmericanAngler

[glnmiller]

It's all about volume, since the 5 and 10# are low volume they cost more, even though they are less material than a 20# tank. Also, there are not that many manufacturers of the smaller tanks. If a lot more 5#er's were sold then a manufacturer might tool up for higher volume, but I really doubt the price will ever match that of the 20# tanks.

[ifish4eyes]

I haven't refilled any in a few years but I check for leaks with a spray bottle with a little soap/water mix. Better safe than looking like a crispy critter.

[alex-v]

I doubt that there is much demand for the 5 lb tanks beyond the winter ice shanty crowd and a few backyard grillers who feel the need to haul a propane grill around a couple of times a season.

Most of the backyard grillers will not want to be taking a 5 lb tank to the station a couple of times a summer to be refilled. Plus, are there any propane tank exchange places like there are for the 20 lb tanks. Gotta remember that some of society does not want to be bothered taking the tank to a propane filling station. They would rather go to the local gas station and exchange at twice the price.

[Ed Michrina]

I haven't refilled any in a few years but I check for leaks with a spray bottle with a little soap/water mix. Better safe than looking like a crispy critter.

You can take regular water and fill the cap, watch for bubbles. Its almost not worth it though. the little seal (ball baring) can and will rust. Its better to keep the one pounders dry. If you want to check for leaks use your nose. as stated prior you can use a non metal object to tap on the top to get the ball to seal. If your truly worried about the function of our can, hook it up to your heater and give it a sniff. When they get old they can leak when attached.

[Ed Michrina]

I doubt that there is much demand for the 5 lb tanks beyond the winter ice shanty crowd and a few backyard grillers who feel the need to haul a propane grill around a couple of times a season.

Most of the backyard grillers will not want to be taking a 5 lb tank to the station a couple of times a summer to be refilled. Plus, are there any propane tank exchange places like there are for the 20 lb tanks. Gotta remember that some of society does not want to be bothered taking the tank to a propane filling station. They would rather go to the local gas station and exchange at twice the price.

Thats funny. I never quite got that idea of an exchange. unless I had a junk tank:rolleyes: I'm sure a lot of guys do that to get a nicer tank.

I had a 5 pound tank in the old style. It was nice but with a whole day fishing I would always bring a one pound, just in case. When I purchased my new portable tank I went with an 8 lb tank. It will go all day without worries. The 20 lb tank is for actual weekend trips where I'll leave the shanty set up and the heat on all night to keep the holes open.