Refilling 1lb propane bottles.

[AJPeacock]

Howdy everyone, was down at Cabelas on Sunday looking for a heater for my Trap. Talked to a fellow icefisherman that uses the small 1lb propane bottles. He showed me a little fitting that is designed to refill the 1lbers from a bulk (20lb tank). I read the directions and it seems like it should work. He claims that refilling the small bottles costs him only $0.33/refill. He also just carries 3 bottles in his trap and saves a ton of space and weight.

Anyway, he was pretty convincing so I got the Paulin 7500 tough pup indoor heater. Its like the Mr. Buddy but seemed sturdier to me.

Just thought I'd share this logic and see if anyone else was doing this.

Later,

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Don "AJ" Peacock
[email protected]

Lapeer, Michigan

[cscepan]

I have used that atatchment to fill my one pound tanks for years and it works great.

[bgfish00]

So Where Do you find them and What are they Called. I have heard a lot of talk about them, but never found them.

[hunt4food]

I have done it a few time too. I have not refilled any since switching to the new style valve on the 20# tankd though. I may be corrected if wrong, but if I understand the new valve philosophy right, the new tanks will not allow any gas to flow if turned upside down. In order to refill a 1# tank from one of those adapters, you need to do that. In that case, I don't believe it will work. Anybody??

[AJPeacock]

Check this link out.

http://www.cabelas.com/information/Gifts--Furnishings/Propane-Accessories0013259/E-Z-Propane-Filler0013259512325a.html

I will try it with one of the new tanks here in a few minutes and post my results.

Later,

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Don "AJ" Peacock
[email protected]

Lapeer, Michigan

[Nozzlejocky]

As a Firefighter/Paramedic, I would strongly encourage you not to pursue this endeavor. I have witnessed the disastrous things that can happen and don't want anyone to go through this. Like others, I use those 1# bottles often, and hate to see them wasted, but is your life worth it? How about the fine? Maybe try a larger bottle? Harder to carry, but definitely refillable and safer. Just my thoughts. Good luck fishing!

[AJPeacock]

I just refilled one for the first time (with a new style tank) and it worked just like advertised!

Later,

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Don "AJ" Peacock
[email protected]

Lapeer, Michigan

[AJPeacock]

NozzleJockey,

Thank you for your input, can you point me at any specifics with regard to folks having mishaps using this device? I would imagine that one such mishap would bankrupt the company that makes this nozzle (its made in the US). But would be very interested in any actual events you could point me at, as I am just as happy to be alive as the next guy :-)

Thanks,

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Don "AJ" Peacock
[email protected]

Lapeer, Michigan

[protiller]

AJ did you have to turn the 20# cylinder upside down like a previous post mentioned. I don't see why you would, shouldn't the pressure equalize between both cylinders?

Call me stupid, but why is refilling a 1# disposable cylinder so dangerous? Just curious.

[AJPeacock]

Yes, you turn it upside down, so the liquid transfers instead of the gas.

Later,

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Don "AJ" Peacock
[email protected]

Lapeer, Michigan

[lucky7]

Thanks AJ!

You just saved me a lot of weight pulling my equipment around at high altitudes!

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lucky7

[pj4]

the danger comes from over filling them. when placed in warm place, the car or truck cab, the dont have room for expantion and could release gas.also i have seen some bottles leak after several fillings. personaly, i fill 3 times and toss the bottle. i will mark the bottle with marker to keep track. the upside method works good. approx 15 to 20 min. per bottle to fill. if over fill, i hook up tourch and burn off till you feel liquid when shaken.i dont recomend opening the relief valve on top of bottle, looks like a tire valve, this speed up the liquid into the bottle, but it releases gas to the area creating a potential for an explosion.

[AJPeacock]

PJ4,

I don't know about your 15-20minutes fill time? According to the directions.

1) Chill small bottle for 15-20 minutes prior to refilling (in freezer according to fellow at Cabelas). Bulk tank at room temp. Not to exceed 85 degrees.
2) Attach bottles together using device.
3) Turn upside down (outside). Use a bench or table edge according to the feller at Cabelas.
4) Open bulk bottles valve for 60 seconds. Close bulk tank valve.
5) Turn right side up.
6) Remove small bottle.
7) Check for leaks in small bottle using small amount of water with dish washing detergent. Dispose of if any leak.

I suppose if the valve where leaking, I'd empty the can and then dispose though!

Later,

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Don "AJ" Peacock
[email protected]

Lapeer, Michigan

[This message has been edited by AJPeacock (edited 12-09-2003).]

[This message has been edited by AJPeacock (edited 12-09-2003).]

[icehousebob]

AJ, My brother-in-law refilled some tanks for me, following those directions religiously. He put the 1# bottles in the freezer overnight and made sure the 20# had warmed for several hours. He added one more step. He has a small scale that he weighs each tank after filling to make sure they are not overfilled. And he only used the name-brand bottles, not the discount priced ones.

[MNice]

I'm not sure but I think it is illegal to transport a re-filled 1#.

[iffwalleyes]

I have one of these and I have never liked it. You only equilize the presure from one take to the other so the 1 lb bottles never get full and they alway run out to fast for me. Plus the only brand that I have ever has success with fill were Colemans own bottles. I don't think they work as billed. I use it some but for the most part I just go and buy new bottles.

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Grip it and Rip it

IFFWalleyes
I Fish For Walleyes
[email protected]

[Bob/Mn]

One suggestion if you are refilling 1# tanks,weigh each tank to make sure you do not overfill.
Put the empty weight on each tank and add one pound or less of gas.

[deadeye]

Just so you guys know it is illegal to refil thoose little 1lb tanks. They are dangerous to refill and I really think it would suck to have someone blow up because they were trying to save a couple bucks. Try getting a little five pound tank, really doesn't weigh much more and is safe and legal!
BE SAFE!!!
><>deadeye

[AJPeacock]

Howdy all, thanks for all the 'help' ;-)

As far as legality, my reading of the Hazardous Materials Regulations HMR. It is only illegal to transport a re-filled 1lb propane bottle for commercial purposes. As quoted below

From http://216.239.37.104/search?q=cache:mg3TBccTHJkJ:hazmat.dot.gov/pubtrain/overhml.pdf+49+U.S.C.+5124&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

"... Applicability
The HMR apply to interstate, intrastate and foreigncommerce. The HMR apply, under current regulations,to transportation in commerce by aircraft, railcars, vessels,and by motor vehicles operated by interstate carriers.[After September 30, 1998, the HMR will apply to transportationin commerce by any motor vehicle.
..."

If anyone reads it differently (so it applies to us personal use folks) let me know.

Also, I've thrown large bulk tanks away because they leaked around the fittings. I didn't put it in my shanty and blow myself up with it, that would have been somewhat 'narrow minded of me' if I had :-)

Check out #7 in the directions for refilling the bottles in my previous post. Obviously, those poor fellers didn't get that far on the checklist. I check all my propane tanks in this manner (also Acetylene tanks, Oxygen tanks etc.).

Later,
AJ Peacock

ps: for all you guys worried about breaking a federal law, make sure you never leave a gas nozzle un-attended while filling your tank, so don't wash your windows, check your oil etc. ;-)

[pj4]

just realized i have the older style of hookup. it has a really small tube and does require 15 to 20 min. for the transfer.

[WallEYES]

DEADEYE
You are absolutley correct. It is against federal law to transport refilled 1# cylinders. Read your info on your bottles. It is a federal crime, you get caught or have a mishap you will pay a stiff fine and possible jail time. The 1# cylinders are not made to refill, why do you think you can get them for under 2 clams. Ask the 2 Mille Lacs ice house dudes on the west end who blew up there fish house with leaking #1 pound refilled cylinders...oops I forgot, they are no longer around to answer any questions.

[tightlines]

Come-on fellas. We have hundreds and most times thousands of dollars invested in our fishing equipment to try to be successful ice fishermen and you are gonna try and save a buck and a half on filling potentially dangerous 1# tanks. Sounds like a very bad decision to me. Of course a tank blowing up and killing us never is gonna happen to me. I am sure thats exactly what those guys in Mille Lacs thought too. Just my 2 cents.

[deadeye]

I am still saying that it would relly suck to loose someone because they blow one of thoose little tanks up. It does happen. Why take the risk? Spend 20 bucks on a refillable 5 pound tank. Four pounds of extra weight is worth my life and I hope you guys would think that it is worth yours.
><>deadeye

[muchowja]

Just go and buy a 5# tank. They don't leak out when you take the the cylinder off and they are a lot cheaper in the long run.

[Guest]

deadeye
Where did you get a 5lb for $20? I want one bad, but haven't seen one for under $30. They're usually $5 more than the 20#. At about ever store I have been to, the average cost is $35 for those little suckers. I think I may go to the 11#. It doesn't seem to take up that much more space and the added weight isn't too much of a problem.

[This message has been edited by ldwsmith (edited 12-15-2003).]