Oxy Acetylene Tanks/ Gauges/ Cover?

[Johnny A]

Hello,
Had a strange question about Oxy Acetylene tanks/gauge/.

I just had a guy at the welding shop tell me that I should cover the top of the tanks with a cover/bag to keep debris out of the gauges. I never seen anyone cover them.


Any thoughts?

I was going to put a bag over the them if you all think it's a good idea.


Let me know

Thanks

 

[Carroll B]

I haven't covered my gauges in the last 30 years and have seen no problems. Never seen the gauge on a mig welder covered either. What about the gauges on truck mounted oxy/ace tanks that are exposed to all kinds of dirt and water? Ah, I would think if dirt could get into the gauges wouldn't the gas leak out? Just saying...Does sound like a way to make a few extra $$ selling gauge covers though.

 

[Johnny A]

thanks for the reply. Starting to think he was trying to make a sale.

 

[John in OH]

Hello,
Had a strange question about Oxy Acetylene tanks/gauge/.

I just had a guy at the welding shop tell me that I should cover the top of the tanks with a cover/bag to keep debris out of the gauges. I never seen anyone cover them.


Any thoughts?

I was going to put a bag over the them if you all think it's a good idea.


Let me know

Thanks

Never seen that done. I guess it might make sense if the tanks and gauges were on a service truck or similar where they could be subject to road debris.

 

[rsanter]

I keep mine covered in shop dust...

If you don't use them much that might be a good thing as it will keep them cleaner.
I doubt it will really protect the things from anything other than getting dusty

Bob

 

[Lhorn]

Maybe he's afraid that a slow leak would fill the bag with gas making it a bomb of sorts. Who knows

 

[finn]

My gage faces are slowly going from transparent to translucent and will eventually have to be replaced.

Covering them with a canvas bag for the past forty years would have probably extended their life.

 

[justanengineer]

Covering regulators is fairly common, most shops have a protective guard over them with clear lenses to protect the regulator from damage and keep the regulator lenses clear.

 

[Johnny A]

Thanks guys

I will just cover them with a bag when they are on outside/transporting.

 

[Sears Gilera]

My Dad kept his on a welding truck for years. Always were exposed to the weather. Never had a problem with the gauges. He was a stickler for always closing the valves on the tanks when they were not in use. Mine are inside but never a problem and they are over 25 years old. I think you'll be alright without the covers.

 

[MikeF2316]

I would imagine it's like a tool box cover. Not really necessary, but it will keep some dust off.

 

[Johnny A]

I use Dawn Dish soap & water mix to spray on the fittings for leaks.

I was told that DOT will mandate that all Oxy Acetylene set ups must have some special bright leak detector spray similar to what plumbers use on gas fittings.

Any input?
Does anyone use anything else but dish soap & water?