Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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The scrap yards around here will take propane tanks with the valves removed. I've tried a big adjustable wrench, but it keeps slipping off with any significant force. So I'm looking for advice on the best method of tackling this. (Best = safe, cost effective and quick.)
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Universal Propane Wrench Universal Propane Wrench
Your problem will be holding the tank in order to put enough lb force to break it free. Good luck!
I'm going to recycle the world.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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Thanks, Tincankeith. I had seen that and may eventually get one, but I was hoping for something a bit cheaper. I won't spend a dollar I don't have to.Originally Posted by Tincankeith
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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I use either a large Stillson plumber's pipe wrench or a large adjustable wrench with a piece of pipe on the end of the handle to give more leverage.
To hold the tank .... you could ratchet strap it down or use rope with a trucker's knot.
I have used a Sawzall with a coarse metal cutting blade before. Just cut the brass valve off & don't worry about the little chunk of brass left in the threads of the tank.
In theory: You're cutting brass so it won't strike a spark.
In reality: Maybe not the best idea.
ETA:
Be careful with the newer type valves ! They're deceptive because with the valve fully opened they won't let any propane out. ( It's a safety feature )
If you're working on a propane tank that's still under pressure it's running at about 200psi. Pull the valve off that one and it's a bad surprise.
Last edited by Scrappah; 05-31-2015 at 02:10 PM.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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Otto,
When you say "adjustable wrench" are you talking about a wrench made for hex bolt heads? I would try a big pipe wrench...but what Tincan says about holding the tank! You probably don't care if you munge up the valve getting it off...is it gonna be going into your brass bucket?
Even if you have to buy one, it is usable for lots more things than a special tool made just for propane tank valves...
And you likely can find a big pipe wrench at a garage sale or flea market for a fraction of new price!!
Jon.
EDIT: Sorry--I was just a couple of minutes behind Scrappah--with his same comment!
Last edited by sawmilleng; 05-31-2015 at 04:03 PM.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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Yeah ... even a little 12" pipe wrench would do the trick. Just check the teeth to make sure they're still sharp if buying used ... otherwise you won't be able to get a bite on it.
The big problem is that the valves are usually screwed on pretty tight. If you can find an 18" long piece of 1.5" galvanized to slip over the handle of whatever wrench you're using that will usually give you enough leverage to crack them free.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
I use my skid loader to force the 100 lb. tanks to the ground which acts as a vice and use a large pipe wrench and a cheater bar. I've never tried it, but it might work to use a heavy wooden plank as a ramp and drive your vehicle up on top to hold it down.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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ur a scraper make one
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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Just use a sawzall, cut the top off. Ifyou hear gas escaping, throwing the b****** as far as you can away from humans and structures, yelling...BOMB!! No seriously sawzall is the way. ANd with the new style valve, just open it, Then use a ice pick and poke in the center of the valve to make sure it is empty, just like depressing a tire stem.
Note, tanks do sell for 15 a pop locally if decent condition, since they go 25035 new in stores not filled.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
You could cut off an old BBQ regulator and screw the threaded part into the newer valves to make sure they are empty, If possible put a hose on it to vent the gas higher up to avoid sparking it. The propane places here vent them off into the air, just make sure the tank is grounded. If the valve is tight giving it a good hit sideways on the threaded part with a hammer will loosen it and will screw it out if you have a lot of time. To make that valve tool just take a big thick socket and cut a slot in the side to fit over the outlet and then you could use an air impact.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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clamp bottom ring in vise, metal will flatten out and hold nicely unless rusted bad. then pipe wrench and hammer or big box wrench and hammer.. and then the stench of the tank will make you gag. I had to throw my clothes away I was wearing, yuck!
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Ethyl Mercaptan, I knew her well, as well as her smell.lol
I drove propane transport for a few years part time and I remember the storage tanks of the stinky stuff that they put in propane so you can smell it. A 9000 gallon load has just a few small squirts of mercaptan in it.
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see the flat head screw just above the threads, that is the bleed fitting, unscrew it to empty the tank before you remove the valve
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Can sell them here a 2 yards prices are $2 - $15 per tank
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My yard wants them cut in half, no if's ands or buts.
P & M Recycling - Specializing in E-Waste Recycling.
If you enjoy your freedom, thank a vet.
Experienced Scrapper
My yard's website says to cut in half, but seen tons of them there uncut. Guess I should ask.
Sledgehammer Enthusiast
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We only have to remove the brass or put some holes in it, but they will inspect each and every one, shaking it and looking in.
That picture is wrong.. that opd handle is not "permanently" mounted.
There ain't nothing wrong with an honest days work. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool.- Old Man
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The yard guy told me that they had to have a hole bigger than a softball or cut in half. Yet the other load I had a fresh gastank (fresh as in straight out of the truck) I had just picked up, and told the yardman that I was taking it home to flood it and cut it in half. He says" it already has a hole in it" and I reply that it smells of fresh gas and I didn't want to be responsible for an explosion or fire. Yardguy; Just dump it on the pile, it already has a hole. The hole being the one for the electric pump and inlet pipe. Couldn't argue with the yard guy, he acted like he was getting perturbed at me for arguing . I imagine that bunch of stuff went into the crusher instead of the shredder.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
I made my own version of one of these. Can post pics if interested. Usually get 1 person to hold a crowbar in the top handle part and then I use the homemade tool.
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