Propane refill adapter?

Y

yam

Joined
Sep 17, 2003
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Anyone here ever used one of those propane refill adapters? The kind where you can re-fill the throw away Coleman-type canisters with the larger propane tanks? If so, how did it work and would you recommend someone getting one?

An example of the adapter can be found here.

Thanks
 
I thought those small tanks are not supposed to be refilled. The label says some thing like "DO NOT refill" something about being illigal, having a fine and jail time, if you refill them and transport them. Something like that.
 
Yes they do say that on the label, but that's not the question I asked. Mmmmmkay? ;)

In any case, I know the potential hazards, that's why I didn't ask about them. Just want to know if anybody has used them and how they worked out.

But thanks for the heads up anyhow underaged!, better safe than sorry as far as cautioning people goes. :)
 
Isn't this like asking on a public board:

"anyone committed (felony X) lately?"

I assume most people who may have done this or similar activities will not speak up here. Unfortunate because I also am very curious.
 
Though the small tanks do say not to re-fill, I think (I could be wrong) that is for the propane filling stations and as for transporting, I think (again, I could be wrong) is for commercial shipping outfits. This would be to prevent possible re-sale of re-filled small tanks which aren't really designed to be re-filled.

Now, having said that ...... you can get these adapters from everywhere. They are made by Mr. Heater, Harborfreight, Northern Tools, etc. In fact, I can get one down at my local hardware store right now but I'm not willing to spend $27.00 for one.

I kind of doubt you would have the FBI knocking on your door if you posted that you had used one. Seems it would be more like admitting to removing the labels off pillows which state to not remove. However, even the label thing that is for retailers not the person who winds up purchasing it.

Anyhow, no responses may just mean nobody has used one or people are busy with the holiday thing ..... which reminds me. :)
 
Here's my concern about these refill adapters: what controls how much propane goes into the little tank? How do you know when it's full? What prevents potentially-dangerous overfilling?

The whole thing seems very uncontrolled to me. And where highly explosive gases are concerned, control is important.
 
The small tanks have a pressure relief valve on them which accounts for if you leave them in your car on a hot day and for when they are initially filled. Also, I believe that all your doing is equalizing pressure between the two (big tank and little tank). From what I have read, if you leave the larger tank standing up-right you will get the small tank about 3/4 of the way full. If you do as the instructions say and turn the larg tank upside down, you can get more into the smaller tank. Also, I guess those small tanks are prone to rust and the seals don't last past about 3 re-fills.

Trust me, I'm with you guys when it comes to safety. I would rather just buy the small canisters then run the risk of ruining my life by re-filling them just to save a couple of bucks. I just thought I would post the question to see if anyone here had any experience with them.

I'm thinkin' I am not going to get one based on what I have read out in the "Internet world" anyhow.
 
I bought one, but have never used it.

I doubt I will after last night.

Had bought one of the Coleman Black Cat heaters. Installed a new propane cylinder (the short squat one) on it, fired it up. Worked fine.

Well, when I went to take off the cylinder, it continued to spew propane.

Luckily I was outside. I sat it down. It was still spewing an hour later.

This was from a store fresh unit.

Sooo, I doubt I'll try my hand at saving a few bucks and risking a home made armageddon...
 
thatmguy said:
Well, when I went to take off the cylinder, it continued to spew propane.

Luckily I was outside. I sat it down. It was still spewing an hour later.
Click to expand...
You are very lucky that you did not blow yourself up. If you let it spew out for more than an hour you were at risk. Propane is heavy than air and will settle into the low lying areas of your yard. One spark could have potentially vaporized you and your home. If you ever have a leaky tank you need to disapate the vapor by flowing a misting hose on it until it is empty. Better yet call the fire dept. I have been witness to propane tanks exploding and the end result was horrific.
 
Had the winds been still I would have called the FD.

However, we had 10-15 mph'ers the whole time. It should be in New Jersey by now....LOL

Never had anything like that before. I left it setting out on the deck. Had a nice ice coating on it from the gas expanding. Love seeing an offshoot of the Ideal Gas Law at work.
 
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