Refilling a 1 lb tank - This is Illegal - DO NOT DO IT.

[mark n]

The verdict is in

Refilling a one pound tank is a bad idea

[CrappieJohn]

I think the practice is risky at best. Stop and think about this....if they (the makers) thought that these were an ideal unit to re-fill, why do they not include re-filling information with them when sold? And as for thoise who leave them on the ice, I suggest having a deposit on the catridges....like 10 bucks each. That should get them back to the stores for proper deposit and it would also encourage people to pick up those who are left by the slobs.

[Scupper]

My experiance with refiling these has not been favorable.

For the most part I experiance leaking. This can be remedy's by attaching directly to appliance that will be used. I feel the biggest problem is when transporting these refiled cans in your vehicles. The gas does expand as the can warms. I am sure you get the picture.

Good Luck...

[Ryan_V]

I have one and have no problem using it. it payed for itself after the first year. while I'll be the first to agree that it isn't as safe as buying new ones, if done properly, it is fine. the reason they don't include refilling information with them is very obvious, that being $$$$$$$$ if they wanted them refilled, I'm positive that the price would jump 5-6 times what it is now. the tanks don't get as full as they are when purchased new, and that may just be me not letting it run too long in order to avoid and accident. Mine usually end up about 2/3 full, which is fine because that way the gas doesn't leak when it expands, it leave plenty of room for expansion. I'd rather carry 2 small cans, than one big tank!!!

[Phred52]

mark n, I've been using this item for about the last 12 years. It takes a little time to get the technique down to fill to the 1# (as opposed to underfilling). Once I figured that out, I quit buying new cylinders. Now, I've got about 40 cylinders that I just rotate so I've always got a full tank at my disposal. Phred52

[berke99]

Phred52- what exactl;y is your technique that you refer to in your post? I've thought about refilling the small tanks but I am very leery to try it though. Thanks.

[Pat K]

In MN. it is legal to refill the disposable tanks, but ILLEGAL to transport them in a motor vehicle. REI and other camping stores sell refillable 1lb. tanks. Couple years ago they were $12. Cheap price for something that won't leak, is legal to transport and is less likely to blow up you or your truck.

Pat K

[Surface Tension]

Overfilling and valves not intended to be refilled through over and over are the biggest concerns. Theres just way to many variables in the procedure of filling, storage and use that can result in disaster. I've seen a valve leak after just one refilling.

For those reasons Fishing MN doesn't recommend refilling these type tanks.

[Pat K]

Just read the lable, it is against federal law to transport a refilled tank in a motor vehicle. Penalty up to $500,000. and 5 years in jail. The new ones cost less than $2. apiece if you get the 4 packs at Fleet Farm, Home Depot or Menards. Doesn't make any sense to refill them.

Pat K

[CrappieJohn]

FM does not condone breaking the law and there are huge safety concerns....which re-filling these canisters constitutes. We advise anyone against using this practice.

[missedoneagain]

Question to all. What about filling a 5lb tank from a 20? Cost for me to fill up a 5lb four times is more than filling a 20lb once. The only thing is I really like using my smaller tank because I can then lift my shack in and out of my jeep without removing the tank. Is there a safe process for this???

Thanks - Shawn

[Jeremy airjer W]

Hats off to tom and/or Fishing MN staff for talking a much needed stand against refilling 1lb. tanks! Remember propane expands at ruffly 270 to 1, a 1lb tank properly filled with liquid will expand into the equivalant of 270 1lb filled with gas. Thats alot of gas and explosive potential to be messing around with!

Shawn,

Not A Good Idea! Tanks are filled to 80% capacity With liquid propane. This is usually done by measuring the tanks wieght. when the scale tips it is full. How would you monitor the filling of the tank and how would you get liquid propane into the tank?

[burl]

I had an interesting experiance trying to do this.I re filled the canister as instructed on the back of the card that came with the adapter.After i did a about six of these i noticed that some of them did not seal on the oring and were leaking.I put these outside and let the fuel run out.I grabed one of the good ones and assembled my propane lantern and proceded to light the burner.After about a minute of running the lantern the fuel started to leak at the connection and it caugth on fire.I quickly spun the canister off the lantern and ran out of the garage with it were it proceded to become a flame torch.It never exploded but it showed me how bad things could go wrong with doing this.I would never recomend anybody to try refiling these canisters.Burl.

[backlash 1]

Missedoneagain,

Just an FYI, Yes, you can fill a 5# tank using a 20# tank.

You need the 1# refiller adapter, plus you need a Mr Heater tank hose. This will also work on the old valves.

Use a bathroom scale to monitor weight.

Safe??? I have confidence in my ability to do it properly and test for leaks, others, it may not be a good idea.

[Valv]

You guys are killing me.

Trying to save 2 bucks and loose your life.

Where is the common sense here ?

PEOPLE IT IS NOT SAFE AND VERY DANGEROUS to refill tanks.

If you cannot afford a new bottle come on over, I'll give you one, but for godness sake DO NOT try to refill yourself.

Missedoneagain, are you going to be responsible if something happens to anybody while refilling a tank ?

If the answer is NO then don't bother giving instructions.

This is unbelievable....what's next ? Avoid fixing boat gas tank gauge so you look inside with a match to see if you have enough gas ?

This thread has same meaning.....

Unbelievable....

[Augusta]

Well put Valv......