Is This a Refrigerant Can Tap?

[Bull]

I grabbed a MasterCool 134A gauge set. It comes with this plastic pliers thingy, and I am assuming it's a can tap. Having never serviced an auto AC system or used those tiny cans, I'm wondering if thats what it is and how I actually use it.

Don't make fun of me too hard.

 

[Firebrick43]

Yes it is. When you are ready (hook up the yellow hose first from your manifold set) you just put it around the can and clamp/pierce on to the can. Don’t do it slow.

Don’t plan on using that type if you are not going to use the whole can. They slowly leak out

 

[Bull]

Yes it is. When you are ready (hook up the yellow hose first from your manifold set) you just put it around the can and clamp/pierce on to the can. Don’t do it slow.

Don’t plan on using that type if you are not going to use the whole can. They slowly leak out

Follow up dumb question. In what spot in the can am I aiming to create a puncture hole?

 

[Bull]

I mean, aren't I doing something with that threaded part on top of the can?

 

[Snapped-off]

I mean, aren't I doing something with that threaded part on top of the can?

If you got the right adapter for it.

 

[signcrafter]

Pick up one of these, https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...-NGHh0aXUCCHCzJ_2J1fBkkWVuQkhLCBoCJsUQAvD_BwE. Much easier to use in my opinion and shouldn't leak down like the tap you have.

 

[Firebrick43]

I mean, aren't I doing something with that threaded part on top of the can?

Right in the side of the can. I am not going to pierce this one but just squeeze it around the can



The top self sealing uses a different type of can tap. For some reason I have two of these and one is still in the packaging? Good as it has a part number on it.




If you have the old style top pierce can you need a top pierce adapter. Are top pierce cans even still sold?

 

[Firebrick43]

Also be aware of where the pierce is when adding your refrigerant.

If the pierce is on the bottom side it’s going to be pulling liquid into the system, if up gas is being pulled in.

Liquid is fine and preferred, it just needs finer control on your manifold or you can slug the system if too much liquid is added too fast

 

[Bull]

Pick up one of these, https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...-NGHh0aXUCCHCzJ_2J1fBkkWVuQkhLCBoCJsUQAvD_BwE. Much easier to use in my opinion and shouldn't leak down like the tap you have.

Yeah if they're only $9 why couldn't MasterCool throw one in the box? Geez. So can that type be used with any can that is threaded on the top?

 

[Bull]

Also be aware of where the pierce is when adding your refrigerant.

If the pierce is on the bottom side it’s going to be pulling liquid into the system, if up gas is being pulled in.

Liquid is fine and preferred, it just needs finer control on your manifold or you can slug the system if too much liquid is added too fast

Your pics and explanations are all very helpful. Thank you.

For today, with these ridiculous plastic pliers, can I use them no matter what type of little 134 can I have? I'm pic king up three cans at 11 from a local seller. They look like the one in the pic I showed above. I'm going to buy a better style of tap but I'd like to get this long-dead system back together today if possible.

 

[whateg01]

Your pics and explanations are all very helpful. Thank you.

For today, with these ridiculous plastic pliers, can I use them no matter what type of little 134 can I have? I'm pic king up three cans at 11 from a local seller. They look like the one in the pic I showed above. I'm going to buy a better style of tap but I'd like to get this long-dead system back together today if possible.

They won't fit a 30# "can"!

There's nothing wrong with these. They are fast. They just won't let you save some refrigerant for later.

The liquid/gas thing applies regardless of how you attach to the can.

 

[Firebrick43]

Your pics and explanations are all very helpful. Thank you.

For today, with these ridiculous plastic pliers, can I use them no matter what type of little 134 can I have? I'm pic king up three cans at 11 from a local seller. They look like the one in the pic I showed above. I'm going to buy a better style of tap but I'd like to get this long-dead system back together today if possible.

I use the pliers all the time. If I am putting in a whole system charge they are quick.

If I am just topping off a system I don’t because of the slow leakage.

It’s hard to see the top of your cans, it looks like they maybe top pierce ones?

 

[Bull]

I use the pliers all the time. If I am putting in a whole system charge they are quick.

If I am just topping off a system I don’t because of the slow leakage.

It’s hard to see the top of your cans, it looks like they maybe top pierce ones?

Here is a better view. I think maybe they are, so the adapter I just bought at AutoZone isn't going to work. Looks like I'll be using the pliers today

 

[Bull]

They won't fit a 30# "can"!

There's nothing wrong with these. They are fast. They just won't let you save some refrigerant for later.

The liquid/gas thing applies regardless of how you attach to the can.

Okay, they feel super plasticky, but if they work well I guess that doesn't matter

 

[whateg01]

Here is a better view. I think maybe they are, so the adapter I just bought at AutoZone isn't going to work. Looks like I'll be using the pliers today

A piercing can tap will have a pointed end.

 

[Zewnten]

Mine have worked for several years now. I always pierce the bottom of the can, even the ones like yours. I've also not had them leak leaving the tool on a partial can for a couple months. Seems like the rubber dries out and that's why they leak.