DIY: To chill or not to chill: two ways to refill propane canisters

Today, I will show you how to refill a propane canister using two methods. First method is to pre-freeze the canister. Second method is to use the pressure release valve.

[@condor5635]

Chill method works great. Freezer not refrigerator for at least an hour. I get almost full pound doing it that way when big tank at 75 deg F. Never mess with the over press valve use your adapter to relieve pressure for your second demonstration or press down with the screwdriver on the main valve. Why would you want to mess with the over press valve that’s just another failure point that you’re introducing. Go with the chilled method you’ll be fine on the first try. No messing with valves at all

[@trumpingtonfanhurst694]

I have the big tank at 60-70 degrees F (put it indoors for a while if needed) and freeze the 1-lb'ers for an hour. Filling for 1 minute, I get 11-15 ounces per fill. This is fine. I would never mess around with the relief valve.

[@SAWVLIGDHAUU]

I needed to know what tool was used to release the valve. Got it. Thanks! Excellent video.

[@Jucuco]

Love this man! "No fun time tonight... or tomorrow night" 😂 sounds like his wife is as supportive as mine... "You ruined my day" (from eb-5 test video)😂👍🏾👍🏾

[@micah-hooka7275]

Your accent is so unique. It sounds like Mandarin mixed with Cajun. “ feel diss canistah”

[@agm6095]

Sounds like a Vietnamese accent.

[@xxCSONVETxx]

Good commentary. Useful information. Awesome job!

[@johndro8235]

Hey bro you speak better english than most utubers

[@bowrudder899]

Sounds like Vietnamese or Thai who has settled down in the South.

[@coolmonsgo4491]

Sounds like Vietnamese

[@Georges3DPrinters]

chill method works if other tank is warm. i almost overfill sometimes. just saying you need to work faster before bottle warm up

[@wingmanalive]

It's advisable to buy a refillable canister because the typical one and done types are NOT built to be filled and refilled over and over again. The relief valve you tug on to release the pressure is a weak spot and will fail just after a few fills or less. Spend the $15 and get a refillable canister. It will still save you tons in the long run and will be safe and LEGAL for transport. I'm sure there are many Mr. Buddy heater owners here interested in this, just like I was.

[@JeffEikenberry]

I just purchased the Flame King kit and extra bottle for those very reasons (to use in my Mr. Heater). A little bit of an upfront investment, but it's safer, easier, legal, and made to be refilled a ton of times! It will pay itself off quickly too. 😀👍

[@daves2354]

I understand your opinion but I can't help but feel that the only difference in the manufacturing of the refillable canisters is what color paint and label they slap on it before shipping it out the door. I don't recall hearing about refillable ones back when I was a kid but of course that's because it didn't exist until probably China came up with that adapter. Corporations have discouraged people from doing many things that would save a person money just to help their bottom line and the "for safety sake" is probably the most common one. That being said, I know there are many things people shouldn't mess with that are a legitimate risk. I encourage that people do a little research and go from there. I don't see my video feed full of refilled propane canisters that have exploded

[@mrequi1]

Two issues, first you can't run a comparison test using 2 different types of bottles. Also, DON'T mess with the pressure relief valve to release gas. It's very easy to damage it and cause leaks. Instead, push the pliers CAREFULLY into the fill hole. Pressure will release faster too.

[@a1930ford]

If you have a Wen, Worx or Black & Decker portable workbench, you can sit the upside down 20 lb. bottle on it straddled with the bench opened up a few inches and thus easily get to the handle of the bottle to open or close it. Much easier to do it that way than having to muck with turning the heavy bottle upside down and back just to refill the small 1 lb. bottle.

[@mathewhoffer4541]

Seen another video of the guy simply tilting it at an angle to turn the knob .. I was going to sit in on 3 concrete blocks to get access to the on off valve but when seen the guy simply tilting it to one side figured wasnt worth the hassle to lug some blocks to the work bench.

[@garrytalley8009]

It is safe to fill as you do because you will never have a pressure problem to leak gas under filling the tanks. It is unsafe if you go beyond a pound because you may get pressures if the bottle heats and pressures rise in the tank making the release valve release gases. That is why it is illegal to transport these tanks when refilled BTW. I do think the idea of burping the tank with the valve where it connects is a better idea and perhaps burping between until you get that pound of fuel. But that's me. It might be wise to take the pressure entirely out before starting as well. The method getting only 5 ounces seems crazy. I would certainly not want to refill anything and get any less than 12 ounces, but I would like to be shooting for closer to the 16 ounces if at all possible. Always nice to see different people do things differently. Don't forget to check for leaks and if they leak make sure to discard them.

[@allanmc897]

Is there an adaptor for a small bottle with an inside thread

[@vistagreen]

Do not fool with the overflow valve it will never seat correctly..... Just put the little ones in the freezer for about 15 minutes I use a scale fill the empty bottles up to around 950g

[@joserivas2992]

Just to remind you that the wight net num is w/o the weight of the tank empty , so you really put 3.2 oz of propane in your tank you have to refill it until reach the 29.0oz.were will be at 80 % of capacity like come from the facrory.

[@tobinwerner1564]

Messing with that pressure release valve with pliers that way is upidstay

[@scoutfortheking6858]

😆

[@moayadsalih4158]

Very nice and economy idea pleas tell me the name or the brand of the v/v to order it from amazon or eBay tanks friend.

[@MeatsackMiracle]

Need to let all the pressure out BEFORE you freeze it. Freezing creates a vacuum in the tank, allowing more content.

[@ausnetting]

Propane boils at -42°F, so you’re not creating a vacuum by chilling it. What you are doing is reducing the vapor pressure. When liquid propane enters the chilled bottle, some of the cooler gaseous propane condenses, so the vapor pressure stays low, and allows more liquid propane to be forced in by the higher pressure in the warmer tank. You would probably get similar results by putting an ice pack on the smaller cylinder while you transfer the propane.

[@micah-hooka7275]

Lao ming wong - sank yu veyri mutch! Yu nise guy🤓

[@TheLoobis]

HA HA HA! 2:17 Don't upset your "Honey" No fun for you.

[@chamoualis3001]

I tried to top off a half bottle. but i lost about 3 ounces. i kept on trying to fill it up. but couldn't. tell me why?

[@Georges3DPrinters]

and vent gas using a torch, some place illegal to vent propane for no reason. the safety valve trick is a real pain in the but if you ask me. when you do chill method correctly, you get virtually the same results, best if big tank full and warm. if camping, i use the latern on high and it almost will freeze bottle, first have to charge a little bit, then put it on high. usually will freeze or at least get really cold and still get a half bottle.

[@johndro8235]

George Robles, why does it matter if 20lb bottle is full? As long as there is liquid sloshing in 20lb'r doesn't it have consistant pressure relative to temp, anyways

[@mrequi1]

@@johndro8235 The pressure due to gravity is less and if the 20 is less than half full, it will tend to equalize pressure with the small tank quicker and only put a few oz in it.

[@redorrick427]

that yellow canister is from MAP GAS not propane

[@RobPolson]

It's the long hose that leaches the oil and plugs the heater, and if the right hose is used then you don't need the filter. for E.G.: www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-Buddy-Series-Hose-Assembly-10-ft-Model-F273704/dp/B001CFWF5U/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8

[@القاضي-د5ث]

Hello brother, how does it take for the gas to be full

[@edwardkawecki8101]

Can't believe anyone would believe this guy knows what he's doing.

[@Jonathan-jo2xu]

Of course we do. He Chinese. All Chinese, very smart. You don't know that? You not very smart..

[@rbarnes777]

I wouldn't recommend touching the relief valve when refilling. They rarely will reseal and will leak. Always check valve and stem with soap water solution and watch for bubbles indicating a leak. You also should freeze the cylinder (15-30 min) before refilling. The 20 lb tank should be also warmer than smaller tank your refilling.

[@dondiego124]

they reseal i was using a old bottle to fill with compressed air and id have to flip it and squirt out condensate every couple of fills

[@jonsmith2217]

I use a full 20 lb bottle filled by propane company. Shake it big bottle and of course if it's 90 - 95 degrees more pressure. when I refilled it was about 60 degrees not as good. 1 pound Bottle chilled in the freezer works better too. freezer full haven't tried yet. I seem to only get two or three 1 pound bottles full and pressure down. and then 1 pound bottles not as full. So I will get another 20 lb full bottle and start filling again. It does make a difference.

[@Peppermint1]

Don't touch the relief valve. These fail and leak after a while. Depress the refill valve - the one deep down the refill hole

[@marcelomoos]

Well the bomb squad will ring you door bell eny time soon so better by carefull ..🤣nice video by the way , notice the yellow botlle its map not propane so it will never reach the burning teperature of map whit tourch atach but it very much depence in what you used for

[@NBryanBlack]

Why are you filling a MAPP gas cylinder with propane? They are not the same stuff! Also, you can zero out your digital scale to the weight of the empty bottle. Then when you weigh it again after filling, you have just the weight of the gas.

[@vuaeco]

As far as MAPP gas goes, why not? Does it even matter when it's empty?

[@redorrick427]

just got to know what your tare weight is. ALSO it helps to know your weights and measures, and how to use a scale

[@Jonathan-jo2xu]

They make a gel pack for chilling your wine bottles quickly. Just freeze it and wrap it around your bottle. You could also use a Ziploc bag filled with either salt water or alcohol, freeze the bag wrap the bottle in it and let er rip..

[@rickye7738]

Why would you fill and use a cylinder that has a stuck safety valve? If it is ever in a fire, it would literally explode.

[@kanarimentos7056]

good job we learn

[@Buttersausage]

Hank hill would be so proud!

[@micah-hooka7275]

Excelsius Dei , especially to know that neighbor Con, the Laotian switched from charcoal to “Clean and efficient propane and propane accessories “

[@shayhossman6329]

propane and propane accessories bobby.

[@MrLew1965]

Stay away from these schrader valves & relief valves if your concerned with your safety !

[@david_sdiego]

Absolutely. Just disconnect canister and release pressure by depressing main valve. That causes rapid cooling to accommodate more liquid. Fill to 830 grams.

[@allenbraithwaite106]

Would this work with calor gas too.

[@jamiehess4211]

Brilliant. I learned a lot. Thanks!

[@davidiramills]

what is the valve called to order one ?

[@dondiego124]

propane bottle refill adaptor

[@davidiramills]

ty orders one and still havent used it but ty

[@johnstack5008]

I wonder if the real reason for the regulations against refilling these disposable bottles has more to do with economics than safety. Perhaps they don't want people looking for these empty bottles, refilling them and then selling them. Considering how easy it is to refill them, that would have made for a really nice side hustle.

[@mpalaskokkalis2593]

Perfect

[@redorrick427]

WORD OF ADVISE if you are using these refills on a catalytic heater,you will ruin your heater because of the oil that is in propane. You need to use a filter when filling your bottles. YOU can purchase these filters at your local farm supply store... I have seen 3 of these heaters ruined because of propane oil.

[@mattp1482]

Rick Glow wouldn't the oil be in whatever propane bottle size you decide to hook up to your heater?

[@redorrick427]

your pretty safe using store bought 1lb.canisters.But propane oil exists in bigger quantity containers.You just got to believe me on this one I know what im talking about. I have seen 3 heaters destroyed by propane oil.

[@mattp1482]

Rick Glow but most heaters instructions advise to use big cylinders. Maybe i'm talking about the forced air style heaters and is different then the style your talking of?

[@rbarnes777]

Yes Ive run my catalytic heaters from hoses connected to a 20lb tank for years without any issues.

[@dondiego124]

there's no oil in propane maybe your HV/AC guy is running a scam on you

[@dreamkiss4u]

i seen them fill it the cold way and fill it almost full as well but they left the bottle in the fridge for 12 hours over night and not just 2 hours.

[@TheMinot60]

Good video.

[@justsocool9325]

Get an old pump Coleman stove and fill it with premium gas. It burns clean, doesn’t smoke, and it doesn’t burn your wallet.

[@eksine]

most people use propane grills to make steak, not the same device as your coleman stove

[@micah-hooka7275]

Hey Coleman pumpstove stone ager. We need these bottles for our Mr. Heater Buddy. Gasoline anywhere near one of these great little heaters would be a 95% effective way to get your skin nice and bubbly hot.

[@mrequi1]

@@eksine Not me, it's charcoal or on the stove.

[@mrequi1]

Not all the old Coleman stoves will burn regular gas

[@eksine]

@@mrequi1 yeah charcoal is better than propane but after i did math, after you buy the tank its like $16 at walmart for a propane tank exchange and that's like 3 times cheaper than the 1 lb green tanks I usually get, propane is just more convenient. I totally agree, I was using charcoal all the time before, tastes better but propane is just easier. i never use the stove, that's so bad for meat

[@prorescuer1]

Lol no honey tonight lol

[@susansmith1817]

There may be a safe way to vacuum out the air in the small bottle to avoid freezing or venting ?

[@dondiego124]

its not air its propane gas, in the bottle there are both gas and liquid. yeah but you need another tool harbor freight sells a vacuum pump that'll do it but i wouldn't lol

[@mrequi1]

All you need do is take a pair of needlenose pliers, CAREFULLY vent through the fill valve. it's much stronger than the pressure relief valve and they rarely get damaged

[@mrequi1]

@Mel Rey ok cool thanks, I've got to fill one tomorrow

[@bingosunnoon9341]

no

[@guitarman_3693]

the "safe " way is toss the green #1-lb cannister & skip on down to wally-world , plop out a visa card & pack the rear hatch of a mid-size SUV , with 20 or so 1-pound LPG green , thin-wall shrapnel scattering devices... im sure the advocates of planned obsolescense would have us carry 1/2 a soccer team in the vehicle also... lets hope & pray that everyones brakes work at the stoplight. NO rear-end collisions, please..

[@joelderek33]

the no chill method works much better.

[@Percolator83]

Is that a Hmong accent?

[@albertkazemian603]

Good Video

[@henrypallett5544]

Thanks mate

[@ZacVaper]

You should have weighed the bottle before AND after filling.

[@mrequi1]

It's easy to tell how full the bottle is just by feeling it.

[@theanimalusa]

Is it possible to vacuum purge the old canister first, then refill the tank? I'm not sure it would be worth the effort.

[@dondiego124]

that's not air in the bottle its propane

[@airgliderz]

No reason to evacuate the only propane gas in the tank. Why remove propane when your trying to fill it. Plus pulling a vacuum on it makes the tank colder

[@billrundell2097]

Get full refill of 16 oz by purging air atom the small tank, until full. weight of full can to be almost exactly 32 oz.

[@kellonpitts2650]

Sounds like in the background your filling those bottles next to a playground or school?

[@wildew6152]

Kellon Pitts so?

[@okccitizen4400]

Kellon Pitts 😂

[@alexstrings]

Why you should NOT refill disposable propane cylinders! How much is your safety worth? Disposable propane cylinders are built far differently than their larger, refillable brothers. The metal walls of the disposable type are thin, and repeated contraction and expansion of those thin walls can lead to metal fatigue and eventual rupture. Likewise, a disposable’s valve is not designed for repeated use; and unlike an LP cylinder designed to be refilled, there’s no “bleeder” valve to indicate when the disposable is filled to the safe point, making overfilling a real problem. And while plenty of people refill their disposable cylinders without trouble, how much are you willing to gamble that you can get away with it?But hey!!! Home Depot have a refillable 1 pound Small tank, designed to be refilled.

[@npbamboo]

You should have had the yellow canister vertical to let gas out into big tank!

[@condor5635]

Yeah let’s compare apples to oranges. Bad comparison

[@jaesheele2156]

unfair test. u need to use the same canisters with starting weight at the same temp. then freeze one. also the tank ur using to fill with must be same in weight and fill. only then ur test can begin as a fair test :) ... just saying ... i wonder if theres a tool made or can be made to operate the release valve ?

[@dondiego124]

it's not scientific and hes just giving you examples of how to get more liquid into the bottle. it's not really a comparison you can do both things to get more LP into the bottle, you can even heat the big tank up to get it even further

[@kmknier]

I have refilled canisters using the chilled method. It would have worked better if he had not let the canister warm up. Also, a full 20 lb cylinder works better. IMPORTANT!! the little canister often leaks out the valve when you refill them. This problem increases the more times you refill them. That is why it is imperative that you immediately attach them to an appliance after filling. If you want to have a spare I suggest you buy a propane torch to attach to your refilled canister. Also: I would never refill one of these by pulling up on the relief valve. If that valve does not reseal properly all the gas will leak out.

[@zzwhale]

did you purge the bottle...???

[@dondiego124]

why would you. it has propane GAS in it. liquid propane will evaporate into propane gas

[@SuperCyril2]

U can purge with methanol.

[@ikhan2814]

I TRY TO FILL OUT BUT ADAPTER STOP PLZ ANY BODY HELP ME WHAT I GO TO REFILL MY TANK

[@rterry2752]

On the 1 lb. can its printed that refilling is $500,000 fine and 5 years jail time ! At least your not on You Tube !

[@DoctorBetterverywell]

Such laws are written by very rich people for poor people :-((

[@satieshisaac9114]

👍

[@areaone3813]

This is a bad way! That pressure valve is NOT to be touched! It is an emergency release only!

[@KevinCoop1]

Although it is not illegal to fill these, it is illegal to transport them on roads. (B) For cylinders manufactured on or after October 1, 1996: “Federal law forbids transportation if refilled-penalty up to $500,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment (49 U.S.C. 5124).” 49 CFR § 178.65 - Specification 39 non-reusable (non-refillable) cylinders. (i) Markings. (1) The markings required by this section must be durable and waterproof. The requirements of § 178.35(h) do not apply to this section. (2) Required markings are as follows: (i) DOT-39. (ii) NRC. (iii) The service pressure. (iv) The test pressure. (v) The registration number (M****) of the manufacturer. (vi) The lot number. (vii) The date of manufacture if the lot number does not establish the date of manufacture. (viii) With one of the following statements: (A) For cylinders manufactured prior to October 1, 1996: “Federal law forbids transportation if refilled-penalty up to $25,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment (49 U.S.C. 1809)” or “Federal law forbids transportation if refilled-penalty up to $500,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment (49 U.S.C. 5124).” (B) For cylinders manufactured on or after October 1, 1996: “Federal law forbids transportation if refilled-penalty up to $500,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment (49 U.S.C. 5124).

[@jackhayes1051]

THAT SMALL CAN IS 16 POUNDS????????????

[@williamterry3177]

No, 16 oz = 1 lb (plus the weight of the tank 14 oz) 30 oz total.

[@Bulldog44s]

Nobody in America knows what Celsius translates to in degrees.

[@vuaeco]

:D. Only 50% of my audience are from America. The other half is the rest of the world and they don't know what Fahrenheit means.

[@danielbrauns6248]

Die Ami und ihr sinnloses Maßsystem... ;-)

[@davidbulik6532]

ever heard of Google DAHHHHH

[@lourossi7876]

F = (9/5)C + 32 20C = 68F, about room temp. 5C = 41F, which should be obtainable by a freezer.

[@dougmc666]

That's not true, lots of people have studied science in America.

[@david_sdiego]

Alternate way... strap a heating pad around the big tank.

[@HDXFH]

2:25 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@carsonbradshaw3374]

This guy Is in no position to be telling anybody about propane

[@andrewdugan453]

Now you show pliers. Need to use those while filling.

[@joeydubbs763]

good tip bud. thnx u.