Understand that what you hear is NOT air you are bleeding off. There should never be air inside any pressurized LP tank. Liquified Petroleum Gasses LPG’s will always have a vapor barrier at the top of the tank. The pressure, depending what kind of LP gas it is should generally maintain the same pressure. The liquid inside will always vaporize to fill the void between the liquid level at the bottom and the pressurized vapor displacing the rest. This is why a near empty bottle will have roughly the same pressure as a full one. This is something that many people don’t understand.
Agree! But everyone that can save a buck nowadays, is a TH-cam professional 😅 I've watched a few of these videos and asked the same unreplied question, "how does air get inside the tank?.
@kenwoolner8606 If you forget to bleed the refill hose air can get in. It's more important to weigh the bottle the empty one pound canister weighs one pound, plus one pound of propane equals two pounds. Be really careful not to fill overweight!
@@christawilliams9116 I've weighed my empty canisters and they weigh almost exactly 13 ounces, not a full pound. A properly filled canister will weigh 29.4 ounces, not two pounds. Anything over 29.4 ounces is overfilled.
I was having very little propane go into the cylinder but after purging it like this man said I was able to reach the recommended weight in the canister so he's information was very helpful even though I already new this l just wanted to confirm it from others that have that knowledge
I've been refilling these tanks for ..... 15 or more years. Trick, if you put the 1lb tanks in the freezer, they'll refill much easier. If it's cold outside, throw a dark colored towl or other dark item over the 20 lb tank in the sun to warm it up. I have some tanks that I've been refilling multiple times each winter for 15+ years. I use them with a "Little Heater Buddy" heater to warm my home in the winter (I live in Florida). I'd be willing to bet that a few of my tanks have been refilled over a hundred times.
From experience, never mess with a safety valve. I always use the center valve to release the air. There is an o-ring inside to seal any device attached to the cylinder. Keep whatever is used to bleed out the air small enough to keep from damaging the o-ring. I also use a tiny amount of silicone grease on the cylinder threads to reduce wear from the constant on and off operation. A thin film on the adapter shaft will help from wearing out the o-ring in the 1lb cylinder. Just my 2 cents. Good video!
Yeah, those little Shrader valves are very temperamental (my experience anyway) so I avoid messing with them and just gently use the center tap to bleed the air off. I find the Coleman Shrader valve stems to be be the worlds worst and wasted two cans trying to use them to bleed the air off. I like the idea of a little silicone grease as well. Great tips and this was a good video!
There's never any air to speak of in any propane tank, what you're bleeding off is propane in its gas form. When Refilling disposable bottles with liquid propane you are compressing the gas that was created when you injected the first of the liquid propane into the bottle. If there's any propane in the bottle and the temperature inside the bottle is above -44 degrees, there's always going to be propane gas present. The pin people pull up is a pressure relief valve it is designed to release excess pressure from the tank. After Refilling is complete a slight tap on the pin will always reseal the valve. Always check for leaks after Refilling using a little soapy water.
Ok, I have read a lot of your comments. That said who has thought of the OPD valve on the 20 tank? When you up side the 20lb tank that valve cuts off the flow of Gas. That is a safety valve for the container. It was a very good design for the vessel Just saying. Stay Safe out there Guys. I've been burnt in the past and Safety is always a blessing. I did like the video and it was very informative. That is my two cents, take it with a grain of salt.
THANK YOU!!! The key is venting air out the secondary valve & it makes a world of difference. This is the only instruction video which covered it, none of the others did. >> I couldn't get above 1 lb 3 oz before, just hit 1 lb 13.125 oz (net wt) after only a single bleed by this method. Already darn near fill. Thank you @thecreativeoutdoorsman !!
I think it's hard to fill these 1lb tanks because they are full of gas and the gas will not let any more in once the 2 tanks equalize. So if you bleed some of the gas out to make room for (liquid) it will fill better.
@@uberdome1 Good safety tip, so if your going to expose your overfilled tank of propane too high temperatures like a fire or in direct sunlight. The volume of propane will not alter the structural integrity of the fuel cylinder.
@@bcrusher1979 I used a Mr buddy heater all winter for heat, filling 4 bottles daily. Do not vent the tanks! I use a direct fill with my 5 gallon propane tank upside-down, then I screw on a bottle tightly. open the gas valve completely check for leaks with soapy water. It takes about 5 to ten minutes to fill your tank. If your filling multiple tanks and you're leaving your source bottle upside-down I recommend always opening the valve completely so when your bottle is full you won't make any mistake in which direction is off, if for some reason you remove a bottle with the tank valve open. Don't panic, just close the valve. It will freeze exposed skin instantly.
I've been refilling the 1lb tanks for years. There was only one time I had an issue with a tank I refilled, and it could have happened even with a new tank from the store. I was camping at Lake Havasu in August and was using a 1lb tank for my portable BBQ. I left it in the sun after cooking lunch and came back about an hour later and the over pressure valve had popped and the sides of the tank had expanded. I moved the tank to a safe area away from the RV and let the tank bleed off. I still refill the tanks, but make sure that I am not driving with the refilled tanks. I will refill them when I am at the campground and use them up before moving on.
5:55 if you want to SKIP to when he finally starts telling you HOW TO do it. Thank you for pointing out that you can't transport it because that's what I wanted to do for my van life. So I'm going to get the flame King refillable canisters that are certified for transportation.
But maybe a large unnecessary expense, I suspect those Flame King bottles are just a scam to get you to spend money on their product. I think that "transportation" in this case refers to shipping, not carrying.
Tim this is the first video that I have seen with so much detail. Most folks just show that you just hook it up from the big tank to the little tank and that's it. Very very cool buddy and I promise I will never never transport a refiled tank 😉
Thanks for the video! Just a thought, why not screw on a fitting with a shut off valve to the canister and bleed it that way? No allen key or messing with the pressure relief valve. Or use the filler assembly unscrewed from the fill tank and use it's valve to relieve pressure from the canister? Thanks.
About 20 years ago, Academy had these one pounders on sale for 98 cents, yep you read that correctly " 98 cents". I bought 30 of them and I still have them today. They have been stored in my air conditioned home over that 20 years and they are still like new.
When bleeding off the air, have you tried using an Allen wrench to squeeze down on the tank's center pin valve instead of using the needle nose pilers to pull up on that offset relief valve pin? That's the way I have done it in the past with good results. Other TH-camrs have said they feel like it's a little easier and possibly less "damaging" to the tank valve parts. Any thoughts on that method?
What everyone is calling a Schrader valve is actually a pressure release valve, which open whenever the bottles internal pressure exceeds a set valve, which prevents the bottle from exploding. I would worry more about causing the tank to leak using an Allen wrench to bleed off the gas than using needle nose pliers on the pressure release pin. What people who refill these bottles fail to mention is you should use a bit of soapy water to check for leaks when Refilling is completed. If you find the pressure release valve is leaking a slight tap on the pin has always resealed it for me.
Keep in mind that when liquid propane is evaporating the temperature is -43 degrees F. Be especially careful when bleeding off the air by keeping the bleeder valve above the level of the liquid propane. One drop of liquid propane on your skin will ruin your day. Also, it's a good idea to put a few drops of soapy water on that bleeder valve when you're done. Just to make sure it sealed and isn't leaking.
My experience from refilling these 1# bottles is that once you mess with that Schrader Valve, about one in three will begin to leak. I have instead purchased Flame King refillable 1# bottles and have had absolutely NO problems with leaking in any way, shape or form.
@keith9875 I use a bit of soap water to check for leaks. Whenever ive found a leak, a light tap on the Schrader pin has always sealed the leak. Resealable containers are fine if you wish to pay the price. Personally, I have better use for my hard earned money. There's never any danger in Refilling disposable bottles if done in a safe manor.
Thank you, Gentlemen, for your astute comments. They are very much appreciated. However, please use proper grammar and punctuation. The text of the original video author is unacceptably difficult to read because he did not use any proper punctuation Schade. (German Language [Deutsche sprache] = Too bad. )
Thank you !!! You are the only one who explained that you need to release the pressure in the smaller tank. I thought that "valve" was a pressure relief I knew that there was a pressure problem when I tried before. Thank you SO MUCH !!!
That isn't a Schrader valve, you are correct it is an over pressure relief valve. Testing for leaks with soapy water should always be done and if the valve is leaking a very slight tap on the pin always reseats the valve. Releasing the excess propane gas should be done using the pressure relief valve and not using a tool inside the office of the tank which can result in damaging the o-ring seal. The pressure release valve is designed to release excess propane gas pressure from the tank, so if the valve is working properly there should never be a danger of the bottle ever exploding. In fact you are actually making your disposable bottles safer by exercising your saftey pressure relief valve when you're Refilling your bottles, by ensuring that the valve is free to open in an over pressure condition. These bottles normally don't vent excess gas unless the bottles temperature gets too warm which increases internal pressure
When we fill tanks, you open bleader till liquid gas comes out, then they are full, no need to keep stopping, just wear gloves as you'll get frost bit if the liquid touches your skin. Ive filled 1000s of 20, 25, 40 pound tanks and many 100s of 1 pounders. Great vid but just saying bleed as you fill and stop when it spurts will save you tons of time.
A second adapter fastened to the one pound bottle can be used as a valve to purge the bottle without a chance of damaging the release valve or the pin in the main valve. This could be handy if you want make sure the bottle is completely empty for any reason such as disposing of it. Freezing the bottle, which cools the liquified propane, which causes there to be less gas pressure from vaporization will allow more liquid fuel to enter the bottle just like releasing some of the vaporized gas reduces the pressure. Having the bottle sitting in ice water as it's being filled might help but haven't tried it.
I disagree, it's too easy to damage the o-ring. Pulling up on the saftey pressure relief valve is a natural function for that valve. That's what that valve is designed to do, release excessive pressure to keep the bottle from exploding if the internal pressure gets too high. In fact working that valve is probably ensuring that the valve is free to operate not unlike occasionally exercising the pressure relief valve on your hot water tank. If you test for leaks using soapy water and find your valve is leaking a very light tap on the pin always reseats the valve.
The safety valve is metal, the needle nose pliers are metal, a slip activating the valve could cause a spark while potentially flammable gas is exiting. Really bad possible situation.
There is no "air" in that tank unless you screwed up substantially. You are absolutely releasing pure vaporized propane. If there is any liquid propane in that tank it is just flashing off from liquid to vapor and not changing the pressure in the canister at all. What you see when an LP dealer is filling a tank is a controlled release of vapor while filling with liquid so that the liquid can continue entering the tank. To really do what you are trying to do, the best way is have a warm (not hot) tank and a frozen 1 lb cylinder to be refilled. Then the temperature change will keep the pressure lower in the cylinder being filled. The problem with my method is that its possible to overfill the tank if you don't know what you are doing. Your advice here is not safe if there is ANY source of combustion nearby. You are leaking propane everywhere.
Cooling your 1 lb bottles in your freezer for about an hour is a great idea, that's what I do. Heating your 20 lb tank (even though it will speed up the transfer) isn't a good idea. Chilling you can still overcharge but less likely that will happen if you weigh the bottles periodically. And even if overcharged the pressure relief valve will prevent the bottles from exploding.
I tried this on the smaller 14.1 oz can and it doesn't seem to hold the gas very well. When I disconnect the adapter, I get a rush of air and a slow leak of propane. My adapter came with caps for storing the tank, but is my tank not worth using cuz it won't hold the propane? I tried using the torch on it just a few minutes later and even full open couldn't get enough pressure to ignite the flame?
"bleeding off the 'air'" in the 1lb tank is effectively cooling it down reducing the psig so you can put more liquid in. As you bleed the gas off, the liquid propane will begin to evaporate to maintain the temperature pressure balance for propane. The liquid propane absorbs energy when it evaporates, thus cooling the liquid propane and container down lower than it was. Allowing the warmer supply bottle to push more LPG at a high psi into the bottle. This why cooling or freezing the 1lb bottle allows a fuller fill.
trust me it helps a shitload if youll put the bottle to be filled in the freezer for 30 min before you fill you also fill the tall ones commonly seen with torch heads I normally dont fool with the bleeding & usually there about 60 65 % full
The valve in those canisters is just a small smooth rubber ball. When the rubber ages or dirt gets in, they don't seat smoothly. So they leak. Even new ones leak. And, unlike your bbq tank, there's never an inspection. It can rust through. So can you refill it? Sure. Till it goes BOOM and blow up. Now go to the store and buy a couple of brass caps, with gaskets, that screw on to keep the propane inside even when the little rubber bsll leaks.
Thank you for reading the disclaimer about refilling these illegal to be refilled containers. Safety is the reason. They put double yellow line in no passing zones for your safety. Guns have safeties for your protection. There are legal and safe ways to refill refillable 1lb tanks. Taking someone’s advice that the Federal Government is wrong, isn’t very responsible. But, you’re right, these “might” explode or catch fire. Best of luck.
Thanks for a very good instruction video, however It might be helpful if you stop the wonderful bluegrass music in the back groung for us audio challanged old people so we can grasp what you are teaching us. Again wonderful video thank you.
Dude. This is one of this MOST INFORMATIVE video out there. I recently got a Buddy Heater. So I’ve been doing my research. I have been so scared to refill my tanks. Thinking I was gonna get arrested. The cops probably got better things to do than fool around with propane tanks. But thank you so much
I have a buddy heater too. 1 camping trip, 5 nights. 3 tanks a night. 6 dollars for 1 propane tank. Waste 15 tanks. 90 dollars compared to 20 dollars in a 20lb tank. I wish I knew about this.
@@denisedevaughn544 Not sure why you didn't ask about an attachment/adaptor to be able to directly hook up a 20-30 lb tank to your heater.One time purchase,much more convenient,just get the bigger tank refilled/topped off as needed
If you use your buddy heater that much it might be easier to get the adapter hose that goes from the 20 lb bottle to the Buddy Heater, that way you don't have to mess with the little bottles❤
ive been refiling these 1 lb containers for over 40 years or more. cool your 1lb bottle in the deep freeze and warm your 2o lb bottle and hook up your coupler ,turn upside down and open both up . easy as pie .as a trapper ,little things like this ,help in the long run
For under $20, one can buy a tank that is legal to refill and transport. They are also easier to refill as there is a vent valve that is designed to be opened and closed. Messing with the relief or outlet valve to vent on a non refillable tank is asking for a leak. The best way is to cool the tank and use a weigh scale to determine when full. If I remember right, a new tank full weighs something like 2.2 lbs.
Yeah, from Flame King and Mr Buddy I think. I would go that route. I wouldn't consider these cans good for putting in a pack, they are heavy and bulky. This is passive filling and not pressure filling, when refilling the bigger tanks the propane is being pumped into the tank. Refilling the small tanks is just using the pressure inside the larger tank to flow fuel into them. I've refilled a lot of propane tanks on forklifts and we always opened the bleed valve while filling until a steady flow of vapor came out then shut the pump off. I try to avoid using these things, just get a 5lb refillable tank and a adapter tree for hoses to your devices.
they got these new refillable one lb tanks i got one ,put haven't try it yet. the best is a plumber two.5 pounder and in Alaska . we full the propane tanks for the forklifts. just like he did. In colorado you can't have more than 6 100lb tanks in your back truck. I was the heater man on a 7 story building. 50,000 btu.
I have been feeling these 1 lb canisters for over 20 years now. Sometimes I get them completely full other times I get them half or 3/4 full. I have never tried doing the bleeding off method. Maybe I'll try that later this spring. I also watched a TH-cam video that recommended to put your little green canisters in the freezer before filling and I have found that I can get them even Fuller. I got my propane adapter from harbor freight when they were around $7 but these ones do not have a gauge or a shut-off valve.
Do not bleed with the safety valve. They can easily not seal and will leak. That is a good way to ruin the bottles! Just unscrew and use the needle nose pliers or a set of hemostats to bleed of some pressure, maybe 5 or so seconds. This will make room for the liquid and will cause the bottle to become very cold and that will help with the filling of the liquid propane. Do not overfill. Fill to about 32 oz. Total weight.
One other nice thing about refill. You could do your propane torches. Those canisters long, skinny ones. Work's good, they're thrown out there. Cuz they're, like, 10 bucks a piece.
Very informative. Thanks for this detailed video. Great job! I really appreciate saving the environment too. Although my first thought was what can I make out of those cute little tanks?
If you are concerned about the relief valve not reseating fully, you can dab leak detector on the valve to check. I had a couple bottles that wouldnt seat, had to let the valve stem slam home again to seat.
That's one way to reseal the pressure relief valve. After Refilling I alway check for leaks and if the pressure relief valve is leaking a very light tap on the pin always reseats it for me. Retest with soapy water. I've never list any propane from a leaking pressure relief valve after I've reseated it.
Excellent explanation and demonstration. Thank you very much. Suggestion, turn off the background music, it quickly becomes extremely annoying. You ask us to listen for the gas stop flowing, however your music gets louder. It is beyond my why TH-cam content creators think it is cool to play music over their voice. We came to hear and understand what you say, but we must fight the music.
I wonder who came up with the that enormous fine and jail term for refilling them. It would be interesting to see who pushed for that. Thank you for sharing this knowledge with us, Tim. Stay safe and stay warm
You can't ship refills which seems like a good rule, there's rules for transporting flammable gasses and once it's in a box your mailman wouldn't even know what it was. Probably be fine on the first or second refill, but what about the 100th? After the bottle has sat outside for years? Think about the dumbest person you know, then realize you don't know that many people, so chances are there are waaaay dumber people. What if all those people decided to mail an old rusty 1lb refill on the same day, from the same Post Office? Instead of being outraged, why don't you see how many people have actually been convicted of the Federal crime of shipping refilled cylinders? It's more likely Coleman got the law passed to cut down on me or you undercutting them with their used cylinders.
@@BigFarm_ah365 Dumbacrat lawmakers bought off by Coleman and the propane industry. It's how they ALL become so rich while in office.....selling out this nation for their personal financial gain
I've never heard of the feds going from campsite to campsite looking for refilled cylinders being transported. It sounds like a good beginning to a cool story.
When you open the safety valve and let some pressure out (while the 1lb is not on the refill device), all you are really doing is lowering the temperature of the propane liquid in the tank. Relieving pressure like you did causes new evaporation. New evaporation = colder temperature because it takes heat to evaporate. Freezing the 1 lb canister before filling will cause less evaporation during the fill and you will get more in it.
I’ve been refilling these one pounders for years. Bought the valve on Amazon.where I live in Canada these things are 11-12 dollars each.3 years ago you could get a three pack for 9 dollars.the garbage cans at the campsites are full of these empties
What the bleeding procedure does is cause any liquid inside of the tank to evaporate. This causes it to cool reducing the pressure inside of the tank being blead. The larger tank will then push in more liquid. The liquid being concentrated will add more propane to the tank than what is being released from the tank. Gasses have a temperature pressure relationship. The warmer it is, the more pressure there is. One can look up in a chart exactly what pressure is in in the tank at any given temperature, (as long as there is some liquid in the tank). If you know the pressure, it will tell you the temperature. If you know the temperature, it will tell you the pressure.
When the 20 lb propane tanks went to the new triangle valves I Thaught was a saftey valve so when tipped over on side or upside down the tank has a float to turn gas off without turning triangle valve?
The triangle valve handle indicates it is equipped with a safety device which prevents gas or liquid flow if there is not a device connected to the tank. The “Wally mart” refill adapter fulfills the requirement so you can get gas flow (with the tank upright) or liquid) flow (with the tank inverted).
Toni could you tell me how to know if my 20 pound tank has a safety float in it????????? does that mean when I turn it upside down it will not fill my little 1 pound bottle. Thank you in advance for your answer.✔️✔️✔️
In Canada we're only allowed to fill tanks to 80% capacity, and currently we pay over $10 just for a single. I have a basic adapter with no gauge. I don't fill my cans more than 50%. That's plenty for what I need.
NEVER mess with that valve. Over time you will damage it and it WILL start to leak causing a dangerous situation. Stick a blunt thin instrument into the main valve and bleed off some vapor, then refill again until it weighs 1 lb.
I have a Mr Buddy portable heater and they recommend you use a filter when using a 20 pound tank so if I refill a 1 pound tank do I need to filter it before using the portable heater?
good video, sir nice and clear and I like the fact that there is a gauge in between the two tanks to help you visually identify when the 1 pound bottle is full. question though. Why don’t you just purge the pressurized contents completely out of the bottle before you fill it up for the first time?
what is the deal with OPD shut off valve ? Do most 20 lb. tanks have one ? How do I find out ? Is it visible ? If so will I be able to fill my small tank somehow ?
The buddy that make buddy heater came out with reusable container. And a hole system to refilling them now out a couple of days ago saw them at Walmart. The reusable tanks are made of metal not plastic
Yes you can refill smaller tanks from lager tanks and you WILL save yourself a shitload of money.however,as you fill each tank ,pressure decreases in the big tank.Meaning each time you will get less of a " Full" refill. Less pressure in big tank means less pressure in little tank. Using a Snozel or other devices will still save you dollars.....
Is there a maximum number of times you can refill the one pounder bottles before you should disgard the bottle for good? In other words is there a limited number of times one should refill the small one pound bottle?
Here's how I do it: I depress the Schrader valve, I use another heat source and heat the bottle while keeping the valve depressed to heat the air up inside. Then I let have spring shut & put the bottle in the freezer for an hour or so. This creates a vacuum in the can, the I fill with 30lb tank upside down.
I hope people realize that when “ purging the gas” you are purging gaseous propane making the bottle colder, bringing down the pressure inside the bottle and keeping it there momentarily due to the heat loss causing the propane to vaporize slower. This allows you to fill up more propane. The more economical and faster way is if you know you are going to do this, put the one pound bottles in the freezer the night before. You don’t have to purge them as much if at all, also depends on how warm your filler tank is.
Thanks brother.. i was trying yo refill my 1 lb tanks with my 20 lb tank and I was having very little success as I did not know how that Schrader valve operates..
Sorry but that's not a Schrader valve, it's a saftey pressure relief valve. Designed to release excess pressure that may be caused by the bottles getting too warm. That valve is closer to the kind of pressure relief valve you have on your hot water heater, except it operates on pressure or temperature where the valve on the propane bottles only opens when the internal pressure exceeds the preset pressure of the valve to prevent the bottles from exploding.
Here's a tip people... A lot of these videos tell you to pull up on the safety valve to release the pressure to get more propane into the cylinder.. DON'T DO IT! The minute you break the seal on that pressure relief valve, it will forever leak. You might not even be able to detect the leak with soap and water because it will be so small, but it WILL LEAK. Don't believe me? Go ahead and fill one up then put the 1lb container in a zip lock bag.. Squeeze all the air out of the bag and come back in about 2 weeks and you'll see the bag has "puffed" up. That's propane leaking. Better to put the 1lb cylinder in a freezer, then fill it up as much as it will go, then back into the freezer if you want it more full... DO NOT pull that pressure relief valve...
Liquid propane is heavier than the gasious propane. So to fill the tank with liquid propane, make sure the larger tank is UPSIDE DOWN, then connect it together and OPEN THE VALVE ALL THE WAY. Leave it this way for a few minutes to allow the LIQUID PROPANE to flow down into the smaller tank. If you only open the valve a tiny bit, it inhibits this from flowing properly. There is no need to "bleed" the air. There is not really any air in it, just gasious propane. Leaving the red valve open will allow this gasious propane to travel up into the larger tank as the liquid propane flows down into the smaller tank. BUT YOU GOTTA OPEN THE VALVE UP ALL THE WAY. LET IT FLOW!
You're not bleeding off air. You're releasing propane gas. Not much tension is required to pull on the pressure relief valve pin. One should always leak test your bottles once they are refilled with soapy water. If the valve leaks tap the pin very light to reseat the valve. You could use a brass pin to reseat the valve.
Understand that what you hear is NOT air you are bleeding off. There should never be air inside any pressurized LP tank. Liquified Petroleum Gasses LPG’s will always have a vapor barrier at the top of the tank. The pressure, depending what kind of LP gas it is should generally maintain the same pressure. The liquid inside will always vaporize to fill the void between the liquid level at the bottom and the pressurized vapor displacing the rest. This is why a near empty bottle will have roughly the same pressure as a full one. This is something that many people don’t understand.
Agree! But everyone that can save a buck nowadays, is a TH-cam professional 😅 I've watched a few of these videos and asked the same unreplied question, "how does air get inside the tank?.
@kenwoolner8606 If you forget to bleed the refill hose air can get in. It's more important to weigh the bottle the empty one pound canister weighs one pound, plus one pound of propane equals two pounds. Be really careful not to fill overweight!
@@christawilliams9116 I've weighed my empty canisters and they weigh almost exactly 13 ounces, not a full pound. A properly filled canister will weigh 29.4 ounces, not two pounds. Anything over 29.4 ounces is overfilled.
I was having very little propane go into the cylinder but after purging it like this man said I was able to reach the recommended weight in the canister so he's information was very helpful even though I already new this l just wanted to confirm it from others that have that knowledge
Put in freezer..?
I've been refilling these tanks for ..... 15 or more years. Trick, if you put the 1lb tanks in the freezer, they'll refill much easier. If it's cold outside, throw a dark colored towl or other dark item over the 20 lb tank in the sun to warm it up. I have some tanks that I've been refilling multiple times each winter for 15+ years. I use them with a "Little Heater Buddy" heater to warm my home in the winter (I live in Florida). I'd be willing to bet that a few of my tanks have been refilled over a hundred times.
From experience, never mess with a safety valve. I always use the center valve to release the air. There is an o-ring inside to seal any device attached to the cylinder. Keep whatever is used to bleed out the air small enough to keep from damaging the o-ring. I also use a tiny amount of silicone grease on the cylinder threads to reduce wear from the constant on and off operation. A thin film on the adapter shaft will help from wearing out the o-ring in the 1lb cylinder. Just my 2 cents. Good video!
You hear the same thing from other users who have had issues with the bleeder valve after many refills.
Man I remember people talking about this back when they were like $3 a piece
Which was like 3 years ago
Yeah, those little Shrader valves are very temperamental (my experience anyway) so I avoid messing with them and just gently use the center tap to bleed the air off. I find the Coleman Shrader valve stems to be be the worlds worst and wasted two cans trying to use them to bleed the air off. I like the idea of a little silicone grease as well. Great tips and this was a good video!
There's never any air to speak of in any propane tank, what you're bleeding off is propane in its gas form. When Refilling disposable bottles with liquid propane you are compressing the gas that was created when you injected the first of the liquid propane into the bottle. If there's any propane in the bottle and the temperature inside the bottle is above -44 degrees, there's always going to be propane gas present. The pin people pull up is a pressure relief valve it is designed to release excess pressure from the tank. After Refilling is complete a slight tap on the pin will always reseal the valve. Always check for leaks after Refilling using a little soapy water.
Ok, I have read a lot of your comments. That said who has thought of the OPD valve on the 20 tank? When you up side the 20lb tank that valve cuts off the flow of Gas. That is a safety valve for the container. It was a very good design for the vessel Just saying. Stay Safe out there Guys. I've been burnt in the past and Safety is always a blessing. I did like the video and it was very informative. That is my two cents, take it with a grain of salt.
THANK YOU!!! The key is venting air out the secondary valve & it makes a world of difference. This is the only instruction video which covered it, none of the others did. >> I couldn't get above 1 lb 3 oz before, just hit 1 lb 13.125 oz (net wt) after only a single bleed by this method. Already darn near fill. Thank you @thecreativeoutdoorsman !!
I think it's hard to fill these 1lb tanks because they are full of gas and the gas will not let any more in once the 2 tanks equalize. So if you bleed some of the gas out to make room for (liquid) it will fill better.
@@bcrusher1979right, I've accomplished this by burning off whatever is in the bottle, then many times it will hold more.
Now your tanks can explode because there is no room for expansion.
@@uberdome1
Good safety tip, so if your going to expose your overfilled tank of propane too high temperatures like a fire or in direct sunlight. The volume of propane will not alter the structural integrity of the fuel cylinder.
@@bcrusher1979
I used a Mr buddy heater all winter for heat, filling 4 bottles daily. Do not vent the tanks! I use a direct fill with my 5 gallon propane tank upside-down, then I screw on a bottle tightly. open the gas valve completely check for leaks with soapy water. It takes about 5 to ten minutes to fill your tank. If your filling multiple tanks and you're leaving your source bottle upside-down I recommend always opening the valve completely so when your bottle is full you won't make any mistake in which direction is off, if for some reason you remove a bottle with the tank valve open. Don't panic, just close the valve. It will freeze exposed skin instantly.
This is by far the best correct video to refill the 1, lb, I have seen.thank you body, god bless.
I've yet to refill a 1 lb tank but a neighbor has been refilling for. years..The process does work. 👍👍👍
I've been refilling the 1lb tanks for years. There was only one time I had an issue with a tank I refilled, and it could have happened even with a new tank from the store.
I was camping at Lake Havasu in August and was using a 1lb tank for my portable BBQ. I left it in the sun after cooking lunch and came back about an hour later and the over pressure valve had popped and the sides of the tank had expanded. I moved the tank to a safe area away from the RV and let the tank bleed off. I still refill the tanks, but make sure that I am not driving with the refilled tanks. I will refill them when I am at the campground and use them up before moving on.
5:55 if you want to SKIP to when he finally starts telling you HOW TO do it. Thank you for pointing out that you can't transport it because that's what I wanted to do for my van life. So I'm going to get the flame King refillable canisters that are certified for transportation.
That's exactly what I did. Safer tanks too. I bought 3. Happy filling!
But maybe a large unnecessary expense, I suspect those Flame King bottles are just a scam to get you to spend money on their product. I think that "transportation" in this case refers to shipping, not carrying.
And how would they know if you refilled it or not?
@@benjaminkgooden9329 good point
Maybe they are built better for long term refilling and less likely to leak?
very good info you are the first to explain it in detail
My goodness!Thank you for such an informational,fast and efficient video! Great work!
good stuff MY VALVE ARRIVED AS I SAW YOU PRESENTATION I HAD BEEN USING THE STRAIGHT OUT VALVE NO BLEEDING GOOD STUFF
That was easy! Man I can’t even count how many of those I tossed over the years! Thanks for sharing brother!
Hope all is well Dom thanks
Tim this is the first video that I have seen with so much detail. Most folks just show that you just hook it up from the big tank to the little tank and that's it. Very very cool buddy and I promise I will never never transport a refiled tank 😉
yea right billy! Me either!
Thanks guys
Thanks for the video! Just a thought, why not screw on a fitting with a shut off valve to the canister and bleed it that way? No allen key or messing with the pressure relief valve. Or use the filler assembly unscrewed from the fill tank and use it's valve to relieve pressure from the canister? Thanks.
About 20 years ago, Academy had these one pounders on sale for 98 cents, yep you read that correctly " 98 cents". I bought 30 of them and I still have them today. They have been stored in my air conditioned home over that 20 years and they are still like new.
Here in the Netherlands these things cost 18 euros which is pretty much the same in dollars. W-t-f😮
A potential firefighters nightmare. Propane cylinders have no place in a building.
Great video and idea, just follow the precautions for safety.
When bleeding off the air, have you tried using an Allen wrench to squeeze down on the tank's center pin valve instead of using the needle nose pilers to pull up on that offset relief valve pin? That's the way I have done it in the past with good results. Other TH-camrs have said they feel like it's a little easier and possibly less "damaging" to the tank valve parts. Any thoughts on that method?
What everyone is calling a Schrader valve is actually a pressure release valve, which open whenever the bottles internal pressure exceeds a set valve, which prevents the bottle from exploding.
I would worry more about causing the tank to leak using an Allen wrench to bleed off the gas than using needle nose pliers on the pressure release pin. What people who refill these bottles fail to mention is you should use a bit of soapy water to check for leaks when Refilling is completed. If you find the pressure release valve is leaking a slight tap on the pin has always resealed it for me.
Why are you bleeding the tank? Lol 😂
@@mr.honeybee7661 I guess I'm just a sadist? ... :)
Keep in mind that when liquid propane is evaporating the temperature is -43 degrees F. Be especially careful when bleeding off the air by keeping the bleeder valve above the level of the liquid propane. One drop of liquid propane on your skin will ruin your day. Also, it's a good idea to put a few drops of soapy water on that bleeder valve when you're done. Just to make sure it sealed and isn't leaking.
My experience from refilling these 1# bottles is that once you mess with that Schrader Valve, about one in three will begin to leak. I have instead purchased Flame King refillable 1# bottles and have had absolutely NO problems with leaking in any way, shape or form.
@keith9875
I use a bit of soap water to check for leaks. Whenever ive found a leak, a light tap on the Schrader pin has always sealed the leak. Resealable containers are fine if you wish to pay the price. Personally, I have better use for my hard earned money. There's never any danger in Refilling disposable bottles if done in a safe manor.
@@keith9875 I've had the same experience with them leaking after refilling. The Flame King tanks are what I use as well.
Thank you, Gentlemen, for your astute comments. They are very much appreciated. However, please use proper grammar and punctuation. The text of the original video author is unacceptably difficult to read because he did not use any proper punctuation Schade. (German Language [Deutsche sprache] = Too bad. )
@@wuodanstrasse5631Well, alright. Then I suppose there's nothing left to say here except...Gesundheit!
Super idea and tip for us “normal “ campers.
Thank you !!! You are the only one who explained that you need to release the pressure in the smaller tank. I thought that "valve" was a pressure relief I knew that there was a pressure problem when I tried before. Thank you SO MUCH !!!
That isn't a Schrader valve, you are correct it is an over pressure relief valve. Testing for leaks with soapy water should always be done and if the valve is leaking a very slight tap on the pin always reseats the valve. Releasing the excess propane gas should be done using the pressure relief valve and not using a tool inside the office of the tank which can result in damaging the o-ring seal. The pressure release valve is designed to release excess propane gas pressure from the tank, so if the valve is working properly there should never be a danger of the bottle ever exploding. In fact you are actually making your disposable bottles safer by exercising your saftey pressure relief valve when you're Refilling your bottles, by ensuring that the valve is free to open in an over pressure condition. These bottles normally don't vent excess gas unless the bottles temperature gets too warm which increases internal pressure
When we fill tanks, you open bleader till liquid gas comes out, then they are full, no need to keep stopping, just wear gloves as you'll get frost bit if the liquid touches your skin. Ive filled 1000s of 20, 25, 40 pound tanks and many 100s of 1 pounders. Great vid but just saying bleed as you fill and stop when it spurts will save you tons of time.
Thank you. I will try bleeding the valve a few times to get tanks full of liquid. Great tip, and much simpler than my method. Thank you
A second adapter fastened to the one pound bottle can be used as a valve to purge the bottle without a chance of damaging the release valve or the pin in the main valve. This could be handy if you want make sure the bottle is completely empty for any reason such as disposing of it.
Freezing the bottle, which cools the liquified propane, which causes there to be less gas pressure from vaporization will allow more liquid fuel to enter the bottle just like releasing some of the vaporized gas reduces the pressure. Having the bottle sitting in ice water as it's being filled might help but haven't tried it.
IT’s recommended NOT to use needle nose pliers to release air, but use an Allan wrench and push the middle needle where tank is screwed into.
I disagree, it's too easy to damage the o-ring. Pulling up on the saftey pressure relief valve is a natural function for that valve. That's what that valve is designed to do, release excessive pressure to keep the bottle from exploding if the internal pressure gets too high. In fact working that valve is probably ensuring that the valve is free to operate not unlike occasionally exercising the pressure relief valve on your hot water tank. If you test for leaks using soapy water and find your valve is leaking a very light tap on the pin always reseats the valve.
The safety valve is metal, the needle nose pliers are metal, a slip activating the valve could cause a spark while potentially flammable gas is exiting. Really bad possible situation.
@@ecobuilder508Good call bud! DUH! I'm pissed at myself for not picking up on that while I was watching him do it!
There is no "air" in that tank unless you screwed up substantially. You are absolutely releasing pure vaporized propane. If there is any liquid propane in that tank it is just flashing off from liquid to vapor and not changing the pressure in the canister at all. What you see when an LP dealer is filling a tank is a controlled release of vapor while filling with liquid so that the liquid can continue entering the tank. To really do what you are trying to do, the best way is have a warm (not hot) tank and a frozen 1 lb cylinder to be refilled. Then the temperature change will keep the pressure lower in the cylinder being filled. The problem with my method is that its possible to overfill the tank if you don't know what you are doing. Your advice here is not safe if there is ANY source of combustion nearby. You are leaking propane everywhere.
Cooling your 1 lb bottles in your freezer for about an hour is a great idea, that's what I do. Heating your 20 lb tank (even though it will speed up the transfer) isn't a good idea. Chilling you can still overcharge but less likely that will happen if you weigh the bottles periodically. And even if overcharged the pressure relief valve will prevent the bottles from exploding.
I tried this on the smaller 14.1 oz can and it doesn't seem to hold the gas very well.
When I disconnect the adapter, I get a rush of air and a slow leak of propane.
My adapter came with caps for storing the tank, but is my tank not worth using cuz it won't hold the propane?
I tried using the torch on it just a few minutes later and even full open couldn't get enough pressure to ignite the flame?
"bleeding off the 'air'" in the 1lb tank is effectively cooling it down reducing the psig so you can put more liquid in.
As you bleed the gas off, the liquid propane will begin to evaporate to maintain the temperature pressure balance for propane. The liquid propane absorbs energy when it evaporates, thus cooling the liquid propane and container down lower than it was. Allowing the warmer supply bottle to push more LPG at a high psi into the bottle.
This why cooling or freezing the 1lb bottle allows a fuller fill.
trust me it helps a shitload if youll put the bottle to be filled in the freezer for 30 min before you fill you also fill the tall ones commonly seen with torch heads I normally dont fool with the bleeding & usually there about 60 65 % full
THANK YOU SO SO MUCH BROTHER THIS REALLY HELPS BIG TIME. GOD BLESS.
I just bought one of these refill kits. I have a ton of those little bottles.
Make sure they aren't rusted or too out of date. Says manufacture date on surface sticker. Ours do.
The valve in those canisters is just a small smooth rubber ball. When the rubber ages or dirt gets in, they don't seat smoothly. So they leak. Even new ones leak.
And, unlike your bbq tank, there's never an inspection. It can rust through.
So can you refill it? Sure. Till it goes BOOM and blow up.
Now go to the store and buy a couple of brass caps, with gaskets, that screw on to keep the propane inside even when the little rubber bsll leaks.
Great investment ! Great instruction.
Thank you for reading the disclaimer about refilling these illegal to be refilled containers. Safety is the reason. They put double yellow line in no passing zones for your safety. Guns have safeties for your protection. There are legal and safe ways to refill refillable 1lb tanks. Taking someone’s advice that the Federal Government is wrong, isn’t very responsible. But, you’re right, these “might” explode or catch fire. Best of luck.
This is the best instructional video I've seen on this. Great job Tim. Hope you are well brother
Great to see you Chris
Thanks for a very good instruction video, however It might be helpful if you stop the wonderful bluegrass music in the back groung for us audio challanged old people so we can grasp what you are teaching us. Again wonderful video thank you.
Yes you are right about this as I am hearing impaired and that background music is Killer~!!
Thanks for that, very informative 😊
Dude. This is one of this MOST INFORMATIVE video out there. I recently got a Buddy Heater. So I’ve been doing my research. I have been so scared to refill my tanks. Thinking I was gonna get arrested. The cops probably got better things to do than fool around with propane tanks. But thank you so much
Yesss how would anyone stop you on the road and test for refilled 1lb. tank ! Lol 😂
No.
I have a buddy heater too. 1 camping trip, 5 nights. 3 tanks a night. 6 dollars for 1 propane tank. Waste 15 tanks. 90 dollars compared to 20 dollars in a 20lb tank. I wish I knew about this.
@@denisedevaughn544 Not sure why you didn't ask about an attachment/adaptor to be able to directly hook up a 20-30 lb tank to your heater.One time purchase,much more convenient,just get the bigger tank refilled/topped off as needed
If you use your buddy heater that much it might be easier to get the adapter hose that goes from the 20 lb bottle to the Buddy Heater, that way you don't have to mess with the little bottles❤
Awesome idea, thank you
ive been refiling these 1 lb containers for over 40 years or more. cool your 1lb bottle in the deep freeze and warm your 2o lb bottle and hook up your coupler ,turn upside down and open both up . easy as pie .as a trapper ,little things like this ,help in the long run
For under $20, one can buy a tank that is legal to refill and transport. They are also easier to refill as there is a vent valve that is designed to be opened and closed. Messing with the relief or outlet valve to vent on a non refillable tank is asking for a leak. The best way is to cool the tank and use a weigh scale to determine when full. If I remember right, a new tank full weighs something like 2.2 lbs.
Yeah, from Flame King and Mr Buddy I think. I would go that route. I wouldn't consider these cans good for putting in a pack, they are heavy and bulky. This is passive filling and not pressure filling, when refilling the bigger tanks the propane is being pumped into the tank. Refilling the small tanks is just using the pressure inside the larger tank to flow fuel into them. I've refilled a lot of propane tanks on forklifts and we always opened the bleed valve while filling until a steady flow of vapor came out then shut the pump off. I try to avoid using these things, just get a 5lb refillable tank and a adapter tree for hoses to your devices.
its not air - its propane gas you are releasing.
You are correct thanks
It is dangerous to refer to propane gas as Air. It is propane gas.
Excellent video , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Thanks so much Michael
they got these new refillable one lb tanks i got one ,put haven't try it yet. the best is a plumber two.5 pounder and in Alaska . we full the propane tanks for the forklifts. just like he did. In colorado you can't have more than 6 100lb tanks in your back truck. I was the heater man on a 7 story building. 50,000 btu.
Great job!
I have been feeling these 1 lb canisters for over 20 years now. Sometimes I get them completely full other times I get them half or 3/4 full. I have never tried doing the bleeding off method. Maybe I'll try that later this spring. I also watched a TH-cam video that recommended to put your little green canisters in the freezer before filling and I have found that I can get them even Fuller. I got my propane adapter from harbor freight when they were around $7 but these ones do not have a gauge or a shut-off valve.
Do not bleed with the safety valve. They can easily not seal and will leak. That is a good way to ruin the bottles! Just unscrew and use the needle nose pliers or a set of hemostats to bleed of some pressure, maybe 5 or so seconds. This will make room for the liquid and will cause the bottle to become very cold and that will help with the filling of the liquid propane. Do not overfill. Fill to about 32 oz. Total weight.
Great vid! Thank you!
One other nice thing about refill. You could do your propane torches. Those canisters long, skinny ones.
Work's good, they're thrown out there. Cuz they're, like, 10 bucks a piece.
Very informative. Thanks for this detailed video. Great job! I really appreciate saving the environment too. Although my first thought was what can I make out of those cute little tanks?
Beware of cutting the tank
Beware of cutting the tank
Beware of cutting the tank
Great video most informative!
Good job Tim, I have seen a few of these videos. I think yours was better.
We could hear what you want us to if you turn off the music.
I just vent the gas while the liquid is going in. It’s faster, idk if it’s safer or the same
The best " how-to " video I have seen on this. Thanks !!
Good video. 👍
I've never seen it done this way before I'll have to try it..😮
Nice job!!
I bought this adapter is the tank supposed to go is the tank supposed to swing side to side
If you are concerned about the relief valve not reseating fully, you can dab leak detector on the valve to check. I had a couple bottles that wouldnt seat, had to let the valve stem slam home again to seat.
That's one way to reseal the pressure relief valve. After Refilling I alway check for leaks and if the pressure relief valve is leaking a very light tap on the pin always reseats it for me. Retest with soapy water. I've never list any propane from a leaking pressure relief valve after I've reseated it.
Thanks for the video. My guage is leaking and I didn't know what to do. I will now order a gasket.
Just subscribed yesterday,do you have any adapters to refill Older tanks?
When I received the adapter it shows in the green all the time think it’s defective?
Excellent explanation and demonstration. Thank you very much.
Suggestion, turn off the background music, it quickly becomes extremely annoying. You ask us to listen for the gas stop flowing, however your music gets louder. It is beyond my why TH-cam content creators think it is cool to play music over their voice. We came to hear and understand what you say, but we must fight the music.
Ni
Also SHTF, great trade item....
I wonder who came up with the that enormous fine and jail term for refilling them. It would be interesting to see who pushed for that. Thank you for sharing this knowledge with us, Tim. Stay safe and stay warm
Take care Sean
How would they know.
All about the $
You can't ship refills which seems like a good rule, there's rules for transporting flammable gasses and once it's in a box your mailman wouldn't even know what it was. Probably be fine on the first or second refill, but what about the 100th? After the bottle has sat outside for years? Think about the dumbest person you know, then realize you don't know that many people, so chances are there are waaaay dumber people. What if all those people decided to mail an old rusty 1lb refill on the same day, from the same Post Office?
Instead of being outraged, why don't you see how many people have actually been convicted of the Federal crime of shipping refilled cylinders? It's more likely Coleman got the law passed to cut down on me or you undercutting them with their used cylinders.
@@BigFarm_ah365 Dumbacrat lawmakers bought off by Coleman and the propane industry. It's how they ALL become so rich while in office.....selling out this nation for their personal financial gain
I've never heard of the feds going from campsite to campsite looking for refilled cylinders being transported. It sounds like a good beginning to a cool story.
Thank you buddy
I’m going to get me one of those
Your making this way more difficult than it is. Just leave it hooked up to the adapter and bleed the tank until liquid propane starts to come out.
When you open the safety valve and let some pressure out (while the 1lb is not on the refill device), all you are really doing is lowering the temperature of the propane liquid in the tank. Relieving pressure like you did causes new evaporation. New evaporation = colder temperature because it takes heat to evaporate. Freezing the 1 lb canister before filling will cause less evaporation during the fill and you will get more in it.
Nice like that good tip thanks...
I’ve been refilling these one pounders for years. Bought the valve on Amazon.where I live in Canada these things are 11-12 dollars each.3 years ago you could get a three pack for 9 dollars.the garbage cans at the campsites are full of these empties
Good information.
I appreciate you dropping by
How long do you release the release the air for?
What the bleeding procedure does is cause any liquid inside of the tank to evaporate. This causes it to cool reducing the pressure inside of the tank being blead. The larger tank will then push in more liquid. The liquid being concentrated will add more propane to the tank than what is being released from the tank. Gasses have a temperature pressure relationship. The warmer it is, the more pressure there is. One can look up in a chart exactly what pressure is in in the tank at any given temperature, (as long as there is some liquid in the tank). If you know the pressure, it will tell you the temperature. If you know the temperature, it will tell you the pressure.
When the 20 lb propane tanks went to the new triangle valves I Thaught was a saftey valve so when tipped over on side or upside down the tank has a float to turn gas off without turning triangle valve?
The triangle valve handle indicates it is equipped with a safety device which prevents gas or liquid flow if there is not a device connected to the tank. The “Wally mart” refill adapter fulfills the requirement so you can get gas flow (with the tank upright) or liquid) flow (with the tank inverted).
Is there any issues with filling using the new 20# safety tanks w floats.
Toni could you tell me how to know if my 20 pound tank has a safety float in it????????? does that mean when I turn it upside down it will not fill my little 1 pound bottle. Thank you in advance for your answer.✔️✔️✔️
In Canada we're only allowed to fill tanks to 80% capacity, and currently we pay over $10 just for a single. I have a basic adapter with no gauge. I don't fill my cans more than 50%. That's plenty for what I need.
I saw on another video to throw the can in the freezer for a while. Getting it cold, some how helps the liquid get into the tank easier? Might help.
NEVER mess with that valve. Over time you will damage it and it WILL start to leak causing a dangerous situation. Stick a blunt thin instrument into the main valve and bleed off some vapor, then refill again until it weighs 1 lb.
Thank you so mutch
I have a Mr Buddy portable heater and they recommend you use a filter when using a 20 pound tank so if I refill a 1 pound tank do I need to filter it before using the portable heater?
No. The filter is to stop the oils released from the rubber hose that runs from the tank to the heater.
@@ryans2031 thanks
good video, sir nice and clear and I like the fact that there is a gauge in between the two tanks to help you visually identify when the 1 pound bottle is full.
question though. Why don’t you just purge the pressurized contents completely out of the bottle before you fill it up for the first time?
5 Yrs in prison.... LOL. I can see that conversation... What are you in for? Oh, I just refilled a 1lb propane cylinder then drove down the road.
🤣🤣🤣
what is the deal with OPD shut off valve ? Do most 20 lb. tanks have one ? How do I find out ? Is it visible ? If so will I be able to fill my small tank somehow ?
thank you ordered one
The buddy that make buddy heater came out with reusable container.
And a hole system to refilling them now out a couple of days ago saw them at Walmart.
The reusable tanks are made of metal not plastic
Yes you can refill smaller tanks from lager tanks and you WILL save yourself a shitload of money.however,as you fill each tank ,pressure decreases in the big tank.Meaning each time you will get less of a " Full" refill. Less pressure in big tank means less pressure in little tank. Using a Snozel or other devices will still save you dollars.....
Is there a maximum number of times you can refill the one pounder bottles before you should disgard the bottle for good? In other words is there a limited number of times one should refill the small one pound bottle?
Probably hear better if you didn’t have the music playing in the background
My bad
I bought iso butane for camping. Use the propane , 1 bottle last all summer coffee😊
its not about lies it is about the safety of leaks and imporper refilling.
Nice to know ty
Here's how I do it: I depress the Schrader valve, I use another heat source and heat the bottle while keeping the valve depressed to heat the air up inside. Then I let have spring shut & put the bottle in the freezer for an hour or so. This creates a vacuum in the can, the I fill with 30lb tank upside down.
the right way is to bleed the air off AS IT FILLS.
You should mention that over 1 lbs or over 80% is to much. There should always be 20% left empty to prevent pop off or bursting in higher temps
I hope people realize that when “ purging the gas” you are purging gaseous propane making the bottle colder, bringing down the pressure inside the bottle and keeping it there momentarily due to the heat loss causing the propane to vaporize slower. This allows you to fill up more propane. The more economical and faster way is if you know you are going to do this, put the one pound bottles in the freezer the night before. You don’t have to purge them as much if at all, also depends on how warm your filler tank is.
These little cylinders are contaminating the banks of every Lake in this country Propane company should be alliable to buy these things back.
Thanks brother.. i was trying yo refill my 1 lb tanks with my 20 lb tank and I was having very little success as I did not know how that Schrader valve operates..
Sorry but that's not a Schrader valve, it's a saftey pressure relief valve. Designed to release excess pressure that may be caused by the bottles getting too warm. That valve is closer to the kind of pressure relief valve you have on your hot water heater, except it operates on pressure or temperature where the valve on the propane bottles only opens when the internal pressure exceeds the preset pressure of the valve to prevent the bottles from exploding.
Here's a tip people...
A lot of these videos tell you to pull up on the safety valve to release the pressure to get more propane into the cylinder.. DON'T DO IT! The minute you break the seal on that pressure relief valve, it will forever leak. You might not even be able to detect the leak with soap and water because it will be so small, but it WILL LEAK.
Don't believe me? Go ahead and fill one up then put the 1lb container in a zip lock bag.. Squeeze all the air out of the bag and come back in about 2 weeks and you'll see the bag has "puffed" up. That's propane leaking.
Better to put the 1lb cylinder in a freezer, then fill it up as much as it will go, then back into the freezer if you want it more full... DO NOT pull that pressure relief valve...
How does the air get into the empty tank?
Liquid propane is heavier than the gasious propane. So to fill the tank with liquid propane, make sure the larger tank is UPSIDE DOWN, then connect it together and OPEN THE VALVE ALL THE WAY. Leave it this way for a few minutes to allow the LIQUID PROPANE to flow down into the smaller tank. If you only open the valve a tiny bit, it inhibits this from flowing properly.
There is no need to "bleed" the air. There is not really any air in it, just gasious propane. Leaving the red valve open will allow this gasious propane to travel up into the larger tank as the liquid propane flows down into the smaller tank. BUT YOU GOTTA OPEN THE VALVE UP ALL THE WAY. LET IT FLOW!
Would a tool made of brass be of even better safety to bleed off the air ? Eliminating chance of spark ? Just curious....Thanx for the video !
I use a bamboo bbq skewer!👍
You're not bleeding off air. You're releasing propane gas. Not much tension is required to pull on the pressure relief valve pin. One should always leak test your bottles once they are refilled with soapy water. If the valve leaks tap the pin very light to reseat the valve. You could use a brass pin to reseat the valve.