Acetylene opening/closing tool?

[drummerdimitri]

I received my Acetylene tank today and was surprised to see that it does not come installed with a valve on top like the ones you see on the oxygen and propane tanks to open and close the tank's outlet.

Asked the seller how to open and he said that the tool was supposed to come with my regulator but that wasn't the case and he doesn't have the tool to sell me so pretty much useless if you ask me.

From the looks of it it seems like a square drive but I'm not sure what size fits it as it seems to be conical.

Is type of control mechanism usually found on such tanks or is it not common where you guys are from.

Can anyone identify what kind of connector this is and what tool is needed to open it?

 

[GeoBruin]

You can use a 12 point socket of appropriate size.

 

[drummerdimitri]

You can use a 12 point socket of appropriate size.

I haven't tried turning the large nut but I doubt that should be how to use it.

Don't have 12 point sockets and I'm not sure about the size of said socket.

 

[rlitman]

In the US, there are four types of acetylene valve stems. Two use the same small square key, one uses a larger square wrench, and one has a hand knob. None have a yoke like that. We reserves yokes for breathable oxygen.

Does that whole upper knob assembly turn? Could you put big adjustable across the flats? Otherwise, if only the square turns, you can use a 12 point socket of appropriate size.

That sure looks like a packing nut to me. I would not risk turning the outside flats. As with any flammable gas valve that uses a key or wrench, the wrench should be left ON the valve while in use, so it can be quickly turned off. That is why we do not use open wrenches on welding gas valves (they would fall off).

 

[GeoBruin]

In the US, there are four types of acetylene valve stems. Two use the same small square key, one uses a larger square wrench, and one has a hand knob. None have a yoke like that. We reserves yokes for breathable oxygen.

That sure looks like a packing nut to me. I would not risk turning the outside flats. As with any flammable gas valve that uses a key or wrench, the wrench should be left ON the valve while in use, so it can be quickly turned off. That is why we do not use open wrenches on welding gas valves (they would fall off).

Good call. I modified my post to remove the bad (dangerous) suggestion. I didn't even consider why I hadn't seen a bottle like the OP's until you mentioned regional differences and then I noticed OP is in Lebanon.

 

[scooby074]

Talk to your local gas supplier. We dont use that style in north america

 

[BrandonV]

Talk to your local gas supplier. We dont use that style in north america

I second this. It wouldn't shock me if that was a standard square at some point. People use vice grips and all sorts of things in lieu of a key.

 

[55bigblockcid]

I use a square drive ratcheting service valve refrigeration wrench.

https://www.amazon.com/hilmor-1839043-Service-Wrench-Square/dp/B00O94UTUE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[goldtang]

This is what I found

Cylinder Key Range – Therapy Equipment

therapyequipment.co.uk

looks like the valve could do with a overhaul

 

[Steve_P]

I second this. It wouldn't shock me if that was a standard square at some point. People use vice grips and all sorts of things in lieu of a key.

That looks hacked up to me also- like vise grips or pliers were used on it.

 

[Firstram]

I have a 10" adjustable wrench with a 3/8" drive socket welded in the handle hole. The square drive fits the Acetylene valve and the big end fits everything else! 35 years ago those handleless valves were more common.

10 way welding wrench

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Max-22024-Universal-Wrench/dp/B005TGLC7U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Buck_nekid]

Use a tank wrench, any welding supply should have them.