Ice Fishing

1lb propane tanks - refill?

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1/2/10 @ 10:46 AM

INITIAL POST

Stevekeno

User since 12/21/08

Can these be re-filled?

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Displaying 1 to 15 of 36 posts

9/28/16 @ 7:57 PM

foghanson

User since 9/28/16

I can attest to the possibility of overfilling 1 pound tanks because I just did it!

I've been filling up 1lb'ers for the propane grill on my boat because I HATED the waste of throwing the metal canisters away. Plus it's a lot cheaper. Of course anytime I notice rust or corrosion on the cannister, I'd toss it. So I've been doing this for a few years with no problems. . .

Well, boating season's basically done here in Seattle, so I was consolidating all my boating stuff, including my 1 pound propane canisters. There was one that must've been down to like 1/4 full. So rather than put it away partially full, I put it in the freezer for a day and filled it up the rest of the way. I was thrilled when I was done because I could tell the tank was completely full (normally with this method you only get to about 80% capacity). Well, imagine my surprise when I'm down in the basement today and notice that the tank is bulging pretty significantly. (I'm such an idiot). . . Anyway, I wrapped it in a towel and put it in the back yard, away from the house where it won't hurt anyone if it ruptures. Cold weather will be here before long and once it gets cold enough I'll hook something up to it and drain it completely. I considered putting it back in the freezer to bring the pressure down, but I'm honestly terrified of the thing. . .

Anyone else have any good idea for disposing of it?

If I lived out in the woods I'd shoot it with a rifle from 100 yards away, but that isn't an option here. :)

In summary, I'm still a fan of refilling 1lb tanks, but I'll NEVER do it again when the tank it already partially full. I can live with 80% fills!

1/5/10 @ 2:12 PM

Kel1lars

User since 11/13/09

Yes they can be refilled! Harbor Freight Tools has a valve that you use to refill your 1lb tanks with your 20lb tank. Instructions are right on the package. Myself and a couple of friends have them, and they work great.

1/5/10 @ 10:13 AM

The Pokey Fisherman

PRO MEMBER User since 6/15/01

I would refill the 1 pounders by weight, I had a accurate scale for weighing freon and would fill it to a certain weight including the can, that way I could refill a partial full can. Never had a problem with overfilling but I quit doing it cause I kept having problems with the valves leaking when I had them on the shelf. I had to keep throwing cans away and figured I was loosing as much gas as I was trying to save in cost and it would be a explosion hazard in the garage after seeing some pictures at the welding supply store. They had pictures of a plumbers van that had exploded next to his house from acetylene fumes that had leaked from a tank in the van overnight and when he hit the key Fob to unlock the doors it blow up and it looked like a car bomb went off and took out windows near by.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23509161-Leaking-Acetylene-bottle-in-van

1/5/10 @ 8:45 AM

big green drifter

User since 9/9/09

After reading the posts I may consider switching over to running with a 5 pounder or hook straight up to a twenty pounder. I didn't think overfilling was a possibility but I guess I was wrong. No amount of savings is worth something blowing up. I'm gonna go to the local propane dealer today and see what they have to say about refilling and what tank sizes they have for my needs. I use a small Mr. Buddy and like the accomodation of the 1 lb. tanks but that may have to change. Just curious, if I did hook up the 20 pounder to my heater would I be able to use all the propane out of the 20 lb. tank or will the heater shut off with a little gas still in the tank? Thanks much to all, this topic may have saved me an eye or something else.

big green drifter

1/4/10 @ 9:24 PM

LotusNMo

User since 9/21/08

and because it says on a metal tanks not to refill it. how does refilling it make it illegal, its just not meant to be done.

1/4/10 @ 7:26 PM

walleye27

User since 1/25/07

I agree with what 1lb tank says! But you said the adapter was for what?

1/4/10 @ 7:16 PM

Walleye64

User since 9/22/09

Okay read the 1 lb bottle and tell me what it says??

1/4/10 @ 7:11 PM

walleye27

User since 1/25/07

Walleye 64 read the adapter package says to refill 1 lb containers on mine! don't really understand your last post but o well.

1/4/10 @ 7:04 PM

Walleye64

User since 9/22/09

thoughs adapters are NOT ment for refilling a disposable 1 lb tank from a 20 lber. they are for refilling a 5 lb or 11 lb tank from a 20 lber. you are playing with gas. the one pound tanks are nothing more than a bike tire valve (seal) they have no over fill valve. it states right on the bottle not to refill the 1 lb tanks. have fun refilling your one pound tanks (with a risk of fire) while I just take my 5 lb tank to a propane center to get it refilled for $3.50. I don't care if you say you filled 50-100 tanks without a problem. I'll stick with the legal and safe route. (all it takes is a static spark to ignite the propane, keep that in mind while you reach for a 1 lb tank when you refill it.)

1/4/10 @ 6:07 PM

pailfull

User since 1/27/09

walleye, what do you mean by bad refills?

1/4/10 @ 9:30 AM

big green drifter

User since 9/9/09

I started refilling one pounders out of the twenty pound tanks two years ago due to cost which I figure are cut in half by doing this. I figure a 20 lb. refill is $20 while 20 one pounders is close to $50. Now I go through close to 50 lbs. of propane per ice fishing season so one can see how the savings add up. I usually fill ten to fifteen one pounders at a time to make the process worth while, which once done a few times is easy to do. Sure I've had a few one pounders not want to fill but have never had anything crazy happen. Most people are worried to refill because they think something could explode which would only happen if you did it near an open flame. Otherwise I believe it to be completely safe. I look at it like this; propane is a liquid until you need to burn it then it becomes a gas. If you took a jug of water and turned it upside down to refill a smaller jug it would refill it then stop, no chance of something exploding during this process, why would it when refilling propane? Now I'm not endorsing anybody to blindly do this but once done it is safe and can really save a guy some money. Always wear eye protection and gloves...just saying..Good Luck!

big green drifter

1/4/10 @ 7:22 AM

centralwiwalleyeslayer

User since 4/20/08

really not worth re filling but to each his own..

1/4/10 @ 7:08 AM

walleye27

User since 1/25/07

Yes they can. buy a hose invert 20lb tank hook adapter on hose so tank stands upright fill. you can hear fuel running in. I weigh every tank so there are no over fills! been doing this for over 20 years with only 2 bad fills. Any questions pm me. walleye27 tight lines to all!

1/3/10 @ 10:05 PM

dac

User since 12/15/08

5# tank

1/3/10 @ 1:43 PM

shoodbefishing

User since 1/3/10

I Cant get my tanks to fill. I thought the 20# cylinder had a float to stop flow when tank is upside-down? Probably try the 5# tank . I feel safer.

Displaying 1 to 15 of 36 posts

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Ice Fishing

1lb propane tanks - refill?

Stevekeno

foghanson

Kel1lars

The Pokey Fisherman

big green drifter

LotusNMo

walleye27

Walleye64

walleye27

Walleye64

pailfull

big green drifter

centralwiwalleyeslayer

walleye27

dac

shoodbefishing

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