R134a Self Sealing Can Tap

[Buckaroo5]

So I just ran into the small R134a cans that have the self sealing feature apparently mandated by the EPA in 2017. My piercing tap doesn't work anymore...I had an old can and was in the middle of a job and found out. So....I need to buy a new tap but really haven't found one that is rated very highly - maybe because they don't work...kind of like the way I had to replace all the EPA mandated gas can nozzles because I couldn't get them to work without spilling gas all over the place. Do I just need to buy one of those plier type side tap tools and be done with it? Recommendations?

Buckaroo

 

[mfewtrail]

FJC makes one: https://www.tooltopia.com/fjc-6029.aspx


I haven't used the FJC self sealing tap in particular, but I have various fittings and older can taps from them that work just fine.

Something else that may be of help during your searches: California has had self-sealing cans for at least a couple of years now, so adding that state's name to your query might help if you want to find other brands.


edit: Another option is a "side can" tap.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I saw that one as my piercing tap is FJC and checked it on Amazon to see the rating and there were none. I bought an adapter like this to use with my piercing tap to get through the job and it didn't work....couldn't get anything out of the can. Bought a new can to make sure I hadn't hose up the valve and couldn't get anything out of that one either.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Interdyn...se-Adapter-Self-Sealing-Cans-CA-Only/16930285

Although I like the idea of being able to save a partial can, I am thinking this closure system just doesn't work. In that case, I would be happy with a side piercing tool. Does anybody have a recommendation on which one?

Buckaroo

 

[mbshop]

Yes gonna need a new fitting for those cans. Maybe just get rid of the old can and buy the new style along with the proper fitting. Makes no sense for a fitting for one old can. Or I misunderstand.

 

[S/RConcepts]

I have the FJC tap for the self-sealing cans, works just like it should. The plastic adapters like the one you've used don't work at all, it's best just to get the proper one and not waste the $4.

 

[Shehzada]

One you pierce a sealed can....it will eventually leak out.

Sent from my mobile device

 

[unslow1]

They have an adapter to make the old hoses work. One of the guys at Advance Auto showed it to me when I first saw one of the self-sealing ones a couple of months back. They sold it there.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I went ahead and ordered the FJC 6029 tap for the self sealing cans. The plastic adapter didn't work. I only bought it because I needed something right then and it was what the store had on hand. The FJC 6029 was about $10 and the plastic adapter (which didn't work) was about $5 - waste of money....Thanks everyone for their input.

Buckaroo

 

[gungatim]

They have an adapter to make the old hoses work. One of the guys at Advance Auto showed it to me when I first saw one of the self-sealing ones a couple of months back. They sold it there.

exactly what I just ran into last weekend. told the guy I had the right fittings, he said are you SURE?. nope. he was right. $4 and it worked fine. this was autozone, where they are usually clueless, but saved me a trip.