In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

Update: Minor rant Acetylene tank

mogley98mogley98 Member Posts: 18,291 ✭✭✭✭
edited March 2015 in General Discussion
I took the tank back and the guy asked me how I was doing, I said not so good since I drove 38 miles to use this tank and I couldn't get it opened. He takes the tank back and swaps it with one that looked the same rusted valve stem. So I said Oh no ain't no way, he says oh it is just a little rust so I asked him to open the tank and prove it worked. He puts his wrench on it (this guy is like 6'2" and big and he takes a mighty turn, nothing. Ha I said man I'm glad I asked you to test it. He goes and grabs another tank and brings it in and when he turns it POW the cap flies across the room. He gave me a dirty look and said this one works. So I grabbed the tank and left. Next time No Praxair for me I'm going to try National Welders next.

So I bought a brand new empty acetylene tank, I take it to get it filled but they (Praxair) don't fill they trade me a filled tank which is in considerable worse condition. But I figure oh well when it is empty I just trade it again so no biggie that they take my brand new tank and I get an old one. I suppose similar to trading in a grill Propane tank.

However I get 38 miles away on a Saturday and attempt to braze and can't get the tank to open. Even with Vise Grips it is rusted so bad it refuses to open.
Damn them, when I take the tank back Monday I hope to not get too angry.
Why don't we go to school and work on the weekends and take the week off!
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You ought to get angry.

    I bought several LPG tanks back when we built the house so that I could have heat whne we needed it.
    I always took MY tanks to the hardware and they filled'em and I took MY tanks home.

    This trading tanks deal isn't always in your favor...

    If you had contracted for a service... Then trade tanks all they want.
    Just keep the gas at an agreed level of availability.

    But if you bought your own tank... They should be capable of FILLING YOUR TANK.
    With you buying the tank and then they trade it...
    You just helped their maintenance schedule with No consideration to you.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OakieOakie Member Posts: 40,565 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Had the same thing happen with my new B tank. I went back to the supply house and they gave me the newest tank they could find. I just feel like i am getting ripped off, even though I know how it all works. I hate when they don't check them and give me an empty tank or one that leaks. The smell in the truck will make you sick.[xx(]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mogley98mogley98 Member Posts: 18,291 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The packing nut and valve body are brass but the actual valve stem appears to be steel or at least it is rusted and I can't open it. quote:Originally posted by Flying Clay Disk
    "Rusted"????

    They should be brass fittings. Brass doesn't rust.
    Why don't we go to school and work on the weekends and take the week off!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by mogley98
    The packing nut and valve body are brass but the actual valve stem appears to be steel or at least it is rusted and I can't open it. quote:Originally posted by Flying Clay Disk
    "Rusted"????

    They should be brass fittings. Brass doesn't rust.



    Possibly a bent valve stem?
    I've always thought they were brass as well.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ahem.....

    In general, right-handed threads are used for non-fuel and water-pumped gases, while left-handed threads are used for fuel and oil-pump gases.


    You ARE turning that the right way- which is left.....
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NeoBlackdogNeoBlackdog Member Posts: 17,288 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 11b6r
    Ahem.....

    In general, right-handed threads are used for non-fuel and water-pumped gases, while left-handed threads are used for fuel and oil-pump gases.


    You ARE turning that the right way- which is left.....

    On the hoses, not the valves.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • asopasop Member Posts: 9,027 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't use the torches much anymore and have always had 2 sets sitting around. Finally ran the last small acetylene tank out and the refill ran $100[:0] It's been awhile I guess since I had one filled.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fordsixfordsix Member Posts: 8,554 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    acetylene is not filled on the spot i bought some tanks off a feller 30+ years ago and have never seen them again
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mogley98mogley98 Member Posts: 18,291 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Every tank of Acetylene I ever opened opens standard, the hoses hook up reverse threads though.

    quote:Originally posted by 11b6r
    Ahem.....

    In general, right-handed threads are used for non-fuel and water-pumped gases, while left-handed threads are used for fuel and oil-pump gases.


    You ARE turning that the right way- which is left.....
    Why don't we go to school and work on the weekends and take the week off!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pulsarncpulsarnc Member Posts: 6,563 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Still cheaper in the long run to own your tanks .Otherwise you get charged a rental fee each time you refill .Dad bought our tanks 45 years ago and I am still using the same account .Never had that happen by the way
    cry Havoc and let slip  the dogs of war..... 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    the problem is surely not exclusive to acetylene tanks.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • spasmcreekspasmcreek Member Posts: 37,717 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    friend has an oilfield service business and keeps regular supply in his shop...i just trade out tanks with him and pay refill...lots cheaper...last tank supplier sent out a renewal contract that was way over the top in price and i trashed it...30 days after that the business was sold and i would have lost all that money ... almost a deliberate screw job
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aliasalias Member Posts: 366 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I bought my bottles at a yard sale (one set-$65 with Victor regulators and a cutting torch) and a flea market ($25 with old Craftsman regulators that I gave away). All 4 old Linde bottles.Outdated so I had to pay for the pressure test recert. Still cheaper than buying new, and I own the bottles. Did cost a bit to have the Victor regulators rebuilt, though. But I'd rather know they're good than burn down my shop. And I have 3 "b" tanks and a 40cu ft oxygen bottle around here somewhere too. No more than I use a torch, I'm probably good for life.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AlpineAlpine Member Posts: 15,092 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    So the moron opens the valve with the plastic plug in place?

    I would never go near that place again.

    Around here Praxair is the most expensive place to buy welding supplies.

    I avoid them like the plague.
    ?The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.?
    Margaret Thatcher

    "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."
    Mark Twain
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.