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Best way to drain an aerosol can?

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Skin

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I've been on a bad streak of dropping cans on their tops snapping the tips off lately. Whats the best tool and method to drain them for putting the fluid into a Sureshot?
 
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powerstroketech11

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I think you would poke it (if thats the method of choice) at the bottom. The propellent would be on the bottom so than the contents would slowly and smoothly drain out since its not under pressure? Or am i wrong?
 
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fordbroncodave

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Haveblue said:
Ive never tried this, but maybe you could rig an a/c can tap to do it.
Click to expand...

THIS^^^^

A can tap for freon bottles is rather cheap and should work correctly. Its the initial burst once the container is opened is whats the deal.

if no pressure is inside (old can that lost its air) just use an awl and punch into it.

sure shot sprayer or a universal spray bottle will work as a replacement
 
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Outlawmws

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powerstroketech11 said:
I think you would poke it (if thats the method of choice) at the bottom. The propellent would be on the bottom so than the contents would slowly and smoothly drain out since its not under pressure? Or am i wrong?
Click to expand...


Yes and no, because the contents are going to go where gravity sends it...

I use an Ice pick and gently tap it into the top at the edge and hold it in place, then bleed off the pressure/propellant.

Once the pressure is off, you can open the hole bigger and then an other one on the opposite side for an air hole and simply pour the contents into it's new home...


CWP1616L said:
You push the button to let all the propellent out first...
Click to expand...


You better not do that right side up, unless you want to wear the contents... And the OP pointed out the nozzle is busted? so probably not an option.
 
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CNGsaves

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As a kid, I'd whack them on top of sharp metal post and just spray the contents onto can pile. This prevented a big boom when I was burning rest of trash in the burn barrel.

Every once in a while I'd leave a hair spray can in the burn barrel for fun!! :bounce:
 
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theoldwizard1

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Old fashioned "church key" !

1863_1.jpg


From the bottom, use the can opener (pointed end) to S L O W L Y and carefully pierce a very small hole in the bottom of the can to vent the propellent. Once the propellent is gone, just use the can opener again enlarge the hole.
 
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greasemonkey44

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theoldwizard1 said:
Old fashioned "church key" !

1863_1.jpg


From the bottom, use the can opener (pointed end) to S L O W L Y and carefully pierce a very small hole in the bottom of the can to vent the propellent. Once the propellent is gone, just use the can opener again enlarge the hole.
Click to expand...

thats what ive used for old kroil cans; i got a tool box with six of them in the top
from the bad old days of motor oil in a can
 
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Big-Foot

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I've had the best success with using a side cutters to cut the bottom on the can where the bottom seam is. Just stand the can upside down, grab the lip of the can with the side cutters, wrap a rag around the cutters and the can and squeeze.. The propellant and only a little paint is exhausted into the rag.
Once all the propellant is gone, you can knock a larger hole in the edge of the can.
 
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Jure

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Skin said:
I've been on a bad streak of dropping cans on their tops snapping the tips off lately. Whats the best tool and method to drain them for putting the fluid into a Sureshot?
Click to expand...

there are two ways:

1. flip the can upside down and spray till you got all propellant out. and paint will stay inside,then DO NOT SHAKE THE CAN too much becouse you will get some pressure again,when all propellant is out stab the can with a knife,and if you can hold the cap (nozzle) pressed till you make a hole.


2. (I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS WAY) put the can in a freezer overnight,take it out and make a hole.


and if you want to built up some pressure in the can (some old cans still got paint inside but pressure went out),well just put it in a hot water till you are not able to make a dent in the can with your finger.

hope it helps...
 
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Jure

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Big-Foot said:
I've had the best success with using a side cutters to cut the bottom on the can where the bottom seam is. Just stand the can upside down, grab the lip of the can with the side cutters, wrap a rag around the cutters and the can and squeeze.. The propellant and only a little paint is exhausted into the rag.
Once all the propellant is gone, you can knock a larger hole in the edge of the can.
Click to expand...

+1 sir :beer:
 
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BD1

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I use a battery drill with a small self taping sheet metal screw. Goes in easy and just remove slowly
 
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NHBandit

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Don't have anything to add except this thread reminded me of the time I gave a new guy working for me a can of spray paint and told him I needed him to shake it until it stopped rattling....
 
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CWP1616L

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Outlawmws said:
The propellants these days are CO2 generally, so not that huge an issue for sparks...

I won't disagree the solvents are an issue, and the Dremel is not a great idea.
Click to expand...

I've done it on cans of WD-40 several times.

I'm still here walking the Earth. :D
 
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Danglerb

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CWP1616L said:
I've done it on cans of WD-40 several times.

I'm still here walking the Earth. :D
Click to expand...

There is a fun, although messy Russian game you might enjoy, but I don't advise it.

I would hold the can upside down in a dumpster or big trash can and empty the propellant, then with the can still in the dumpster and upside down against the metal side of the dumpster punch the side with a pick and drop it in.

OTOH I have never thrown away any aerosol can with any propellant left in it.
 
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