leaky propane cylinder

[BTL-A4]

I have an old (probably 70's or 80's) small propane cylinder that came in a propane torch kit that leaks when I take the torch attachment off. It's fine with the attachment on. I can't take off the attachment and put it away, so I have this propane torch sitting out all the time. Is there any way to fix the tank so it doesn't leak?

I'm thinking there is a stuck valve that might need lube or something.

I'm not sure I can just throw it away; it leaks! I could let it vent to the atmosphere, then throw it out, but it's pretty full. I use it whenever I can, but I don't use it much.

Thoughts?

 

[Zexx]

I've had a couple old propane and mapp tanks do that. I take a small screwdriver and bump the valve till I no longer hear it hissing.

 

[pbon]

I just had one do that. It was a number of years old. I decided to let it leak out and throw it away. It felt pretty light compared to a new one so I did not feel like giving up on it was a big waste.

 

[joe_padavano]

Are we talking about the tank for a Bernzomatic-style torch? I mean, geeze, a new full tank is like $3.50 at Home Depot.

 

[toolmiser]

On a related note, what do you do with an empty tank? I don't think I should just put it in the trash?

 

[pbon]

Are we talking about the tank for a Bernzomatic-style torch? I mean, geeze, a new full tank is like $3.50 at Home Depot.

My leaky one was one of those

 

[Don1357]

On a related note, what do you do with an empty tank? I don't think I should just put it in the trash?

You can cut it and use it as a crucible for smelting soft metals?

Beyond that you'll need to check with your local jurisdiction. Some allow small empty tanks to be disposed with the regular household trash, some don't. The info should be on your landfill web page.

 

[RTM]

The disposable cans can be tossed in garbage here. Not sure about the 20# variety.

 

[yatg]

You can get a cap for it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W12CGL4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
That's just one example of many on Amazon.

I use caps on partially used 1# squatty camping cylinders since they are also prone to leaking after a few attach/detach cycles.

 

[BTL-A4]

It needs a cap that will push down whatever valve is in the cylinder. That's where the leak is. I've looked at the big box home centers. Next is the smaller hardware stores and RV places.

 

[malbojah]

I'm not sure I can just throw it away; it leaks! I could let it vent to the atmosphere, then throw it out, but it's pretty full.
Thoughts?

On the throwing it away after it's vented to atmosphere: hit it as hard as you can with a BFH.

Not comfortable with doing that? How to you think the garbage men (and women) feel about compacting it on the truck or the landfill people running it over with a bulldozer

It gets disposed of as recyclable metal.

 

[Fatboy148]

I have an old (probably 70's or 80's) small propane cylinder that came in a propane torch kit that leaks when I take the torch attachment off.

I use it whenever I can, but I don't use it much.

One tank in 40 or 50 years?

This may be the understatement of the year!

I would put it somewhere where it poses no hazard and let it vent or start the torch and burn the gas off. Then get a new tank and you should be good for the rest of your career!

Having said that, you will for some reason need to use the torch a lot and have to go get more new tanks......

I have new tanks that I had put in storage on the shelf in my shop. "Once upon a time".... I went to get a new one and it was lighter than the other in the pack. After finding that, I bought a dozen of the Amazon brass caps for my tanks.

 

[seber]

Our garbage company will not accept them and neither will the recyclers. I cut them in half with a saw then recycle. The only time it got dicey for me was a cheap torch that started blowing flame out the side. I threw it out in the yard and let it burn until it ran out of gas. Then recycled both the tank and torch.

 

[BTL-A4]

By "throw it away" I mean take it to the household hazardous waste roundups we have a few times a year where I live.

I got this tank from my wife's grandma when she was cleaning out her house. It's probably sat full and unused for 30 years. I've only had it for maybe 10 years. I may take it camping and use it to cook and be done with it.