Refilling 1# Propane Tanks

[Double A]

Does anyone have any success in refilling 1 lb. Propane Tanks?

I bought a $20 adapter from Fleet Farm but am wondering if I'm just asking for trouble with leaks, etc.

[stick]

This will get a flurry of responses from it's unsafe, to it being illegal to transport them, etc. I know "a guy" that has a high degree of success by ensuring a strong differential in tank temperatures between your 20 lb and your 1 lbs. Then it works well. "This guy" is on many times of refilling on the 1 lb-ers. Occasionally he'll get a leaker, and then he'll take that one out of commission after he leave it outside for a good long while.

[tsande00]

I had one I bought from the store start blasting propane inside my portable house when I tried to connect it to my lantern the other night. It was very cold out and a bit of ice got stuck in the opening. Long story short, I start to panic as my house became full of propane (propane Mr. Heater also running. I unzipped my portable as fast as I could and heaved that sucker out onto the lake to finish expelling the gas. It was amazing how much propane can blast out of one of those little 1 lbers in just a few seconds.

[3littlemonsters]

So....warmer for the 20# and cooler for the 1 #'er ?...trying to rationalize this... do you necessarily have to weigh them?

[dmichaelm]

Not sure if there is one in your area, but near one of my fishing spots there is a U Haul shop that fills 1 lb cylinders.

[minnbowhunter]

I have the same adapter, and to tell the truth I have never used it. I know that you should put the empty in the cold and have the 20# warm. Fill the 1#er with the 20#er upsidedown. The 1# tanks all have warnings on them saying they are not made to be refilled.

[NCLaker]

Use at your own risk. I have one and use it - but only refill a can a few times and never for tanks from the previous season.

I always store tanks outside of the house with the cap on to in case it leaks. I can't imagine any risk of blowing up your 1# tank using this method, or I would not think they would permit stores to sell these items. Bigger risk likely is the seals in the 1# starting to leak ... but then again, I run into this with 1# that have never been refilled.

Since getting my 11# tank for ice fishing, I find myself using 1# a lot less.

[Northlander]

Just buy a 10# tank and be safer.

[Double A]

Just buy a 10# tank and be safer.

Thanks guys for all the 1st hand experience. I think I'll take the $20 adapter back, spend the extra $30 and get a 10# tank.

[FrontenacPike]

I too debated trying to refill 1# but decided my life was more important than saving a few dollars. I bought a 10 pounder and refills on cost $8. Well worth it!!!! Since then every time I see a 1# I think, what a waste...just more garbage for our landfills. What really erks me is when I see people who leave them on the ice, I don't know how many I have picked up after #$#$@ fisherman leave them.

[Ride_Red]

i have refilled many times in the past but gave up due to leaks and the constant worry. I would place a few 1# tanks in the chest freezer for about 20 mins and then hook them up to the inverted 20# tank. my boss at work still refills this way... I agree go with a 5 or 10# tank and forget the worries...

[dan z]

I havent had any trouble refilling them except for I cant get them 100% filled. if weight is an issue there great to have if weight is no issue there worthless. I have had a leaker but you notice it right away and I just throw that one outside let it leak out and dont use that tank again.

[NCLaker]

I havent had any trouble refilling them except for I cant get them 100% filled. if weight is an issue there great to have if weight is no issue there worthless. I have had a leaker but you notice it right away and I just throw that one outside let it leak out and dont use that tank again.

If I get a 1# leaker (either new or refilled), I will install it in my buddy heater and leave it their until I used it up - then toss it in the trash. I think this is safe, since the heater is disigned not to let any gas leak. Avoids wasting the LP I guess.

[Sonicrunch]

I fill them. But I am mechanical inclined, and I understand the properties and/or physics involved in what is going on.

That said, I do dot take chances with overfilling, leakers, or tanks that have been filled three times. I chuck 'em.

Those little tanks will not tolerate multiple fills. That little valve degrades fast. Also, you will notice that the little bit of grease on that valve gets washed away. It was truly only designed to be used once. You can get a way with more, but you better know what your are doing.

I am always looking for good deals on the tanks, and buy them when they a 2 bucks a pop, whether I need them or not. I am always throwing out old ones.