I’ve got several of these empty steel propane tanks from heating the chicken coop during the recent cold weather before I got an adapter to run the heater off of a larger refillable tank. Any ideas on what they could be repurposed for?

Seems like there should be some use for them besides tossing them in the recycling. I’d assume I’d need to poke a hole in them before recycling since they are/were pressure vessels.

I know there are adapters out there to refill them but now that I can use a larger, more easily refillable, tank I don’t really have any inclination to do so.

My only thought so far was to cut the top off, drill some holes, and make a little stick burning camp stove. But, that’s not something I’ll ever use.

I’ve got a fairly extensive workshop and metal working tools so pretty much everything is on the table. I can even do really shitty welding if required.

  • @[email protected]
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    782 months ago

    Important! Before you drill, cut, puncture or do anything with them you need to remove the residual gas or they may explode on you!

    1. obtain or make a valve tool for propane cylinder valves (check youtube).
    2. screw on a torch head and try to light it to burn off as much as you can EVEN WHEN THE TORCH WONT LIGHT THERE IS STILL PROPANE IN THE CYLINDER
    3. outside in a well ventilated area remove the torch and press the center valve in to verify that pressure is equalized
    4. look for the fill valve off center on the top, using the valve tool remove the valve.
    5. fill the cylinder ALL THE WAY with water, this will force out any remaining gas.
    6. the cylinder should now be safe to work on
  • @[email protected]
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    602 months ago

    Nothing. It’s why they are being phased out. recycle them at any place that sells propane tanks.

    • @[email protected]
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      112 months ago

      They’ve always been refillable with an adapter from the hardware store but it’s an enormous pain, so few people bother. I’ve always hoped Coleman would start an exchange program at REI or somewhere similar.

      If I recall, the adapter hooked to a grill tank but to fill the green cans you had to have the larger tank above the smaller one and it’s impractical for most people.

      • @[email protected]
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        2 months ago

        And upside down, and that will still only fill it 2/3 or 3/4…

        I’ve read tricks like chilling the cylinders. And depressing the Schrader valves. But some sound pretty sketchy.

  • @[email protected]
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    282 months ago

    Put them next to chickens and take a photo that makes it look like you have enormous chickens.

  • Chainweasel
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    2 months ago

    I refill and reuse mine, I got an adapter I can use a grill tank to fill them up with and take them camping for my lantern and camp grill

  • @[email protected]
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    2 months ago

    I would take them to a recycling center that advertises that they accept fuel / propellents.

  • @[email protected]
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    162 months ago

    We always used them for target practice. They need to be punctured for disposal anyways, you know when you hit one, and They’re about the right size for sighting in on a 100yd range.

    • Jolteon
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      12 months ago

      Exactly. The hose to refill them from a propane tank isn’t that expensive, and it will save you loads of money in the long run if you go through those small tanks at any reasonable pace.

  • @[email protected]
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    92 months ago

    Under no circumstances should you puncture the container. It’s still a pressure vessel with flammable gas in it and will explode if you try.

  • oo1
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    62 months ago

    In my country if you get bottled gas supplied on contract, the cylinders usually remain the property of the supplier. They’d’ take them back and recycle, or the vendor should take them and pass them back.

    • @[email protected]
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      72 months ago

      These are tiny portable 0.5kg cylinders, e.g as a cooking fuel while camping. Not larger bbq or house supply tanks.