Converting a propane tank into an air tank

Converting an expired 20 pound propane tank to an air tank

[@dozer1642]

I turned a beer keg into a hangover once.

[@bvisel4558]

lol

[@gliderp]

+dozer1642 - Just once?

[@bvisel4558]

+gliderp maybe twice lol

[@TouchTheSparrow]

if you did it with no leaks I say totally amazing....hats off to my new hero lol

[@scubasteve6853]

lol

[@thomhong]

Very well done ! I really like how you coated the tank interior to prevent rust from forming.... THAT is great thinking !! Keep up outstanding work and thanks for posting !

[@briancritchley498]

This bloke is a true legend,, no idea what he is doing but he's having fun & that's all he needs..

[@cutterhead13]

Man just use a 5 ft metal pipe that you slide over the hande of a pipe wrench and a 4 or 5 ft crowbar stuck between the handle of the tank . You tilt the propane tank completely on the side so when you use the extended pipe wrench , both crowbar an pole of wrench should make an x shape . You setup yourself so you either drop all your weight on the wrench downward while having a feet on the crowbar to secure it more . Other 180 degree the valve give you problem you lift up , nit that shoult be easy once you droped all the tork using your weigh the first time.Proper placement you shouldnt even wear yourself at all , no muscular force needed than carring all that metal around. The 5 ft x shape tool placement acts like a 5ft 3 wooden beam winch.. yea that old hamish trick using 3 trees and rope to drag a barn using one person.

[@mjnc3672]

A suggestion. Lay the 2 x 4 on the ground and pull your car or truck onto it to vise it in place so you won't have to wrestle with it so much. Thanks for the good video.

[@GarretKrampe]

Always use the tank with the fitting at the bottom. In this way the water condensate is always in the air lines not the tanks.

[@danburch9989]

A 100% full propane tank in the desert southwest would experience 120F heat in the summer months. That would raise the pressure to around 240psi. That same tank in the winter would have a pressure of 102psi at 60F. The standard is to test them to 2x the service pressure or about 480psi. I believe the service pressure is about 220 psi (test to 440 psi). Most people don't have the equipment to pump a tank to the required test pressures. Your tank could fail at 125 psi (the max limit of most home compressors). Please note that I couldn't find anything online that gives exact numbers, but these should be close.

[@anthonyturton8091]

Nice . clear and comprehensive, just what I needed.

[@tk429]

There's a screw on the side of the valve to allow you to vent the tank. Also, that's a worthington cylinder. I used to make those for a living.

[@MarcusHauss]

All those air sounds from 9:40 and later are so satisfying!

[@momohunkerton4294]

Very thorough, nice informative video, every aspect covered to make a safe tank

[@mastergx1]

I did this with a 7 gallon butane tank. Went well. One thing to note, 7 gallons of water plus the tank itself...Got some gravity to it! I have another 20 gallon bottle I haven't worked up the courage to convert yet!

[@Hell1337Hound]

I'd just like to say this is an AWESOME video i just think it needs info on the fittings on what size and thread ect :)

[@999swanson]

I have a degree in physics and 60 years' experience with propane tanks. This is a great presentation and I learned from it. There are some things that you can teach an old dog.

[@chaos.corner]

Interesting info. I tried taking the valve out of one a while back and had no luck. I'll try this method.

[@takforalt]

Very well done video! Thanks very much, I learned a lot.

[@gooburrum]

That was great info. Thanks

[@JohnEPerry]

I will add a Pressure Gauge to the "T" fitting and a small Drain Valve to the bottom of the tank, to drain off condensation ,when I build my Tank. Good instructions. Thanks!.

[@spage985]

This process brought to you by Methamphetamine,

[@DeltaDestiny]

The best idea is to put them upside down so the water will not sit in the tank i have 2 of the TALL kind with 2 slanted L bend's going into a small stainless steel tank so i can drain water wen needed, i hope you fined this helpfull!

[@tesla500]

@ryanfenters That's actual speed. I had filled the tank with water to take up most of the volume, the compressor basically just had to fill the hose.

[@scottwillis5434]

Looks like the pressure rating of these tanks is good enough for typical compressed-air use. There's a nice valve-removal tool at "Propane tank valve removal Method 3 Make a tool! Easy DIY Project!". Can add a drain fitting by drilling a hole and welding a suitable nut on the bottom (before painting the inside!). Water is always a problem with compressed air - it can't hold as much water as atmospheric-pressure air, so once it cools off after coming out of the compressor you'll get condensation in the tank and hoses. Water-separators here and there help.

[@chillville5571]

If you heat it up for a few seconds with a torch it will melt the thread locker and come off like butter

[@bobjones1131]

Instructions unclear, my cat is in the microwave !

[@Crewsy]

As Gordon Shumway (A.L.F.) would say The only good cat is a stir fried cat.

[@jothiram1951]

Very good & informative video.

[@michelelanni9205]

Im doing the same thing At this very moment im in my garage emptying my propane tank, outside obviously, and just waiting for the tank to empty out And at the same time im learning how to make an auxiliary tank for my compressor 😄

[@tesla500]

@ZstripeW All 20 pound propane tanks I've seen have a standard 3/4" NPT pipe fitting, the same as home heating natural gas line. A good hardware store will stock everything you need. The tee connects to some standard adapters to reduce the size to match the valve and compressed air fitting. The best way to make the adapter is to build it up at the hardware store, it's much easier to figure out what you need with the parts in front of you.

[@IamTedV]

I would suggest mounting the tee connector 90 degrees from what you have. I put the input nipple and valve coming in the top and the output out the side.

[@g.r7255]

After you attach that 2x4 {with the long part in the direction of the force (the direction you have to turn the valve to get it out - lefty losey, righty tightey} , lay it flat on the floor OR ground, it is easier to control. Yeah, do it outside. Leave it hole side down a few hours. Then you can rinse it and air dry and whatever. That stink is very persistent and I think it is 3/4 inch pipe thread also. I definitely would pressure test it longer than a few seconds and certainly not in my shop where failure would be somewhat disruptive to it. However my compressor maxes out a 150 but even then failure would smart a bit. Having complained enough, I think he done good, a bit less safety orientated but generally real good.

[@mlee6050]

😕 thanks for making it look so easy ... I am looking to do so with the 47KG one

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Excellent , was that almost 400 psi you tested the unit to ?

[@sdowney717]

More info, if you use the old grill tube connector, you need to drill out the central tiny orfice. You can also on the existing tank valve unscrew the liquid level float or just leave it on. All of this is just obvious if your handy.

[@swalowit]

Man Wins Fight In Beginning Of 3rd Round With Propane Tank Valve !! 💪👊

[@mythril4]

One thing about air compressors, its not all about capacity, its also about the pumps ability to produce volume. Don't expect that tiny pump on that little tank to last long with the addition of this tank, your causing it to go far over it's service factor. I can make a 1 gallon tank run a DA sander for hours at full volume non-stop...With the right pump and a motor with a continuous duty cycle, correct HP and a SF of 1.15 at least.

[@thinkpad411]

Most people that aren't the DIY or mechanically interested type just go and buy whatever they need, without thinking of making their own for cheaper. I personally love making or trying to make my own stuff. I built a DIY pressure pot sandblaster out of an old 8 gallon air compressor. Loved the building process, it turned out great!

[@KeeperofTheMountain]

I made a tool for revalving tanks. I took a section of pipe that fit over the body of the valve and cut two slots in it so the outlet and the relief valve stick out either side. on the other end I drilled two holes to put a metal rod to turn it with. Very efective.

[@danburch9989]

I make almost the exact same thing. I just used a large pipe wrench to loosen the valve. Stuck a 1" pipe through the carrying handles to keep the tank from turning. Works great.

[@hiseminencetheholymacdiarmada]

I used an old propane tank for air, but I didn’t do any of this shit, and it works just fine as an auxiliary tank.

[@gonefilming2020]

When I was wrenching in the early 80s, Snap-On sold a kit with adapter, gauge, hose and fittings for around $ 30. Valve off, adapter on, fill, use. We didn't have time for all this fuss. 😜

[@myrond3588]

If you take the handle off the valve a piece of square tubing will fit over it. Lay the 2x and tank on it's side and park a car tire on it and you can use a pipe wrench or ??? on the square tubing and easily get the valve out.

[@Terry853]

Thank you for the video

[@texasdreammaker1]

Thank you 🙏

[@trdscfjc]

Is the valve to tank connection 3/4 n.p.t. ?

[@jlgoins64]

a parts list would have been nice

[@applesaucebiatch]

how do you get rid of moisture that gathers inside the tank from use? or do you have a moisture trap before the tank?

[@newtekie1]

If you want to do it right, yes you need to remove the valve. Removing the valve allows you to wash out the tank to help get rid of the smell, as well as coat the inside with rust resistant paint. The paint will make this tank last a lot longer.

[@Home_made_ch]

Can you tell what connector did you use instead of original tank valve?

[@Accumulator1]

I also drilled and pipe tapped a 1/8" hole into the top of the T fitting for a pressure gauge.

[@mjt11860]

great idea.

[@markman63]

Santina Murphy link ?

[@cazrcon]

sounds like a refidgerant compressor he is using for the 400 psi. he uses that compressor for an air cannon so not a regular compressor. also from what I have seen he uses gas pipe fittings to retro fit the tank.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Soap and water DOES NOT remove all the propane. The pressure forces gas into the metal. What you did is OK if no heat is applied. If heat is applied by using a torch to cut the bottle (not sure about sitting in hot sun), the propane comes out of the metal, mixes with air, and can CAUSE THE TANK TO EXPLODE, if ignited by the torch. This comes from a lawyer who has handled several exploded tank law suits, and an expert witness.

[@HighVoltageMadness]

I don't think the tank is gonna explode man.

[@joesam8113]

Hi after covering the rust coat, Can i leave the tank under the hot sun to dry instead using a blower drying the rust coat.

[@newt2010]

Great job, but all you need to hold the tank is a good rod through the handle while removing the valve. I am currently converting a 100 gal a fat boy propane tank. I am putting a 5 HP motor and compressor on the top of it. Cheers

[@hooverrandy]

Looks good, but what about adding a pressure relief valve and a petcock for draining accumulated moisture?

[@atubeviewer4942]

What is the 1st or 2nd air compressor? How much air PSI can you make?

[@AKAtheA]

@crashcyberdrive No pressure, no worries...there's no oxygen inside, it can't burn...also, I said to heat the thread, not set it on fire, the 80-120°C needed to loosen the epoxy is nowhere near ignition temperature...

[@kokopelli314]

Partially filling with water in before testing is a very good idea.

[@condor5635]

Ken Bell - no partial too it... needs to be essentially full of water

[@MrCorynick]

If you heat the threaded part it will be easier. I just leave the valve in them and use an adapter fitting..way easier

[@samanthamonaghan7579]

does the tank still work. can this be done with those super sized propane tanks

[@Zagroseckt]

Wouldnt a ruberised coating inside the tank be safer than a hard paint?

[@67tr876]

NICE !

[@Slooter3s]

did it with 6-20 pound series tanks so now i have lots of air with a small 125psi compresser, takes a while to pump tho...

[@ad5000donnell]

@tesla500 How did u make ur air cannon; like what type of tank did u use

[@devenbelanger8463]

Just advice for the future or anyone who reads this and plans in doin this. That’s not a good way to check for pressure.... there is a little flat blade bleeder screw on the side of the valve. Use a screwdriver that fits it well and loosen it. If that doesn’t work then try his method but I’d personally try the bleeder screw first

[@alexk6745]

Very well done! Could you explain what type of valve(which has yellow handle) you used ? Which ones are good for this application?

[@dougdaslug1]

Hard to find info about what fittings you could use to weld on

[@deltic97]

cool vid

[@AKAtheA]

instead of brute force, use heat...the threadlock will soften & it'll be a lot easier...

[@gamerwhit5786]

plus like what fittings do you need?

[@Reman1975]

To get the tap out you can get it really warm with a heat gun to char the threadlock. Just don't use a blow torch unless it's a cylinder that contained a non flammable/Non oxidising gas, so only use a naked flame for stuff like argon or CO2 cylinders. Also, try not to heat up the tank too much.

[@CharlesWilliams-wm5ds]

Sorry! I'm a firefighter lot of people tried an a lot of people died alway lean to the side of caution, buy a tank before killing one self .

[@joaquin698]

Tks👌🏻.. what is the brand and model of the dryer, it could be very useful, never seen one. Tks again👌🏻

[@11721Kevin]

If I did this set up could I reinflate my tires from one tank? I'd like to go from 12psi to 35psi, truck tires. (4 wheel drive, surf fishing) thanks

[@wkat950]

Some Freon tanks have oddball fittings. I have trouble finding a fitting to go on a 1/4" flared male coming out of the tank. I want to adapt it to 3/8 NPT. Darn.

[@codprocamp4690]

F it I'll just buy a damn compressor

[@dude519e95]

Wuld a fridge motor work with this or a high pressure wash motor

[@ZstripeW]

When you made the adapter, what size and type of fittings did you use? I'm interested especially in the fitting that screwed directly into the tank and the "T".

[@larryedwards8723]

NPT STD PIPE

[@chrisselander2387]

What was the size of the pipe connect to the tank

[@MaryStewart]

what's the air tank for?

[@bobjones1131]

Water drain and pressure safety valve would be nice ?

[@sdowney717]

Why did you not just adapt the existing valve to work with the tank? It has a builtin safety pressure relief of several hundred psi and has a valve on top. All It would need is the tube and nut from an old grill and I have seen those on sale at Lowes in the brass fitting section.

[@KarlMiller]

What type, quantity of fittings and threads were used?

[@AKAtheA]

@killer2600 overheat?! With what? I never said to use an oxyacetylene torch, a simple heat gun will do, it also doesn't have just enough power to gently heat it...

[@stevencoker754]

everyone needs a good buddy for an extra hand

[@gamerwhit5786]

is it an oil based paint, like they use on farm equipment?

[@Mr3wheeledbike]

That's great man but could it work on steam?????????? :)

[@BillWalters77]

What is the size of the hole where the valve was and what is the thread? i.e. 1/2" 12 TPI? Thx

[@chadsumen1001]

What kind of air compressor do you have that goes to 400 psi?

[@BrianPellerin]

Chad Sumen looks like a tiny compressor off a dehumidifier

[@walterbrunswick]

That seems like a waste of a flammable gas that could instead be used for heating/soldering/brazing/cutting metal or barbequing or other combustion purposes. But nonetheless an interesting use. I've also seen people charge their refrigeration systems (central units) using propane, since it is in fact a refrigerant.

[@rh6108]

what about the drain?

[@PTran-ng6gl]

What max. psi can I pump to tank?

[@A1986Ge1995]

Did you watch the video to the end?? Let's see: taking the valve off some elbow grease, some time, one 2x4 broken at the end, welding the fitting (using electricity,welding rod or wire) drying the tank 48 hr running the fan,paint to coat the inside, more fan running to dry the inside, varius fittings, the cost of the tank, time spend building it. A 13 gal tank is on average 35$ at an hardware store. He spend more than that to build it for sure.

[@motherfluxer696969]

where could I purchase a compressor that could go to psi of 400 psi?

[@hp11208]

nice

[@Philscbx]

Nicely Done. The Stink left behind is from the oil piston blow-by of compressed Propane filling the tank. With ball valve in place - Draw Vacuum on Tank- Let tank suck in pint of solvent - preferred Naphtha from any builder supplier for paints. Shake a bit, Add 20psi, vent drain it to recycled oil jug. Repeat. That should get rid of that nonsense. Good idea painted inside, but any bathroom portable hot air heater sitting close, will rid tank of any moisture left behind. I use my tank modified for everything- Vacuum & Pressure. Removes all anti-freeze from engines for service. Zero mess & 30psi added puts the coolant back in. Same with marine inboard V-8's changing oil hot. Now how many struggle for hrs draining V-8's, when it takes less than 30 sec's to suck it dry.

[@willykanos1044]

Two things: 1. Needs a drain for removing accumulated water. 2. For safety sake open the bleed screew on the tank valve before removing the valve. I would not want to remove the valve if theree is ANY pressure left inside.

[@stevebigler]

Yeah they love that... when you tear open the packages! (Did it today at HDepot!) Can you do the math for me on volume? I have a 4" square tube bumper (3/16 wall), that is 56" long. What is my internal volume of air? (and what would max safe pressure be? -assuming all welds are valid and strong) Thanks... -Steve

[@maximevaillancourt9255]

Whats the diameter of the tank thread?

[@DiegoMarcianoDM]

Now 7 years after you did that, what was the behavior of the inside coating you did on the tank? It lasted? Has it caused you any problems?

[@SeaDooEric]

He died in a propane explosion

[@Smashachu]

Put alittle BBQ igniter on my framing nailers trigger switch and keep the propane in it and letter rip. Right to the hospital with shrapnel lacerations, but oh boy that first nail will go flying.

[@benpress8884]

The valve is brass, so a steel screw driver, or any piece of steel won't against it.

[@pecata01]

Wow i'm very scared to approach propane bottle and you are converting it into air bottle :D:D

[@thepoultrypeople]

beat on them with a hammer, theyre tougher than you think...

[@thepoultrypeople]

and thats the first float assemble ive ever seen, they dont use them over here in this country

[@johnpalma7265]

They started using them in USA about 10 or maybe 20 yrs ago.There's still a lot of older type ones floating around

[@popingamat]

you should have a safety pressure pop off so it expode in a fire.

[@originaLkomatoast]

Thanks. 3:40 is what I wanted to see.

[@andrewbratos6907]

that propane that is filling that tank at the station doesn't even know that Valve is in there