Don't buy a used SCBA tank or cylinder before watching this video

[@WINDGENEERING]

I have Eight / 27 year old fiber tanks that the local fire station gifted to us in 1995 (4500 PSI / 30 Min.) and our local welding shop does a WET/WET hydro test it every 3 years (they fill the tank with water so it can't catastrophically explode if they do break all they do is split and spray a little water, no big deal. So far we have never seen a tank crack or even get close to cracking. They have not even shown any micro fractures after a 200X visual inspection with a surface varometer either. THE KEY IS TO KEEP THEM OUT OF THE SUN!!! Sunlight breaks down the resin. I painted my tanks black to keep the UV rays out and then painted them white to keep them cool in the sun,,,, (Of course the area with the sticker information is masked off and not painted since you have to show that tiny area legally. (REMEMBER, SUN BAD)

[@robertfeddeler5508]

That's exactly why HYRO is in the name. They use water because it's non compressible. They fill the tank almost full with water then add compressed air to 7500 psi. As mentioned they measure how much the tank expands and if it's over the amount listed on the tank it fails.

[@Papaciddy]

​​@@robertfeddeler5508hydrostatic testing? In an "official" test per regulation there should be no air, just water. Air could actually mess with your test, resulting in too much permanent expansion and ultimately leading you to condemn the cylinder. Using the water as the medium for testing, they would pressurize the cylinder to 1.5x the regular service pressure (ie. 4500psi bottles are tested at 6750psi, 2216psi at 3350psi etc.). That's the testing regulations in Canada, The US has a slightly different equation to determine test pressure but mostly works out the same.

[@roberttill3787]

I would NOT paint a carbon fibre tank due to solvents in the paint degrading the carbon fibre and resin the tank is made of. Best thing to do is bag it up with a tank bag.

[@tylerperkins2703]

Hexagon Digital Wave is currently the only company in the U.S. that can perform Life Extension (up to 30 years from original manufacture date) on these cylinders under DOT special permit 16320.

[@MikeMcClane]

Thanks a lot I was looking for this info.

[@johnslugger]

I buy mine from ebay for $85.00 with valve and gauge and do my own hydro test. I fill the tank with water to the very tippy -top. Then place it in a steel 55 gallon drum filled with water and then pump it up to 5000 PSI. Only 1 of 58 tanks tested at home cracked open and when in water and filled with water its a total non-event, no explosion since water can't compress like air does. When the tank split open it just sounds like a slight "TING" sound and that's it. When we pulled the "Cracked" tank out of the water it had a 16" long by 1/2" wide crack from top to bottom. Glad we tested it filled with water IN a tank of water first. NOTE: Since there is no space for the air to go it takes only 30 seconds to get your compressor and tank up to 5000 PSI. Very safe and fast to do at home.

[@back2backjack1]

??????

[@Papaciddy]

5000psi? What size are these cylinders? You should not be using any air, what you described is not a hydrostatic test. It is definitely NOT safe to do at home and should not be encouraged. You aren't getting proper results. In a hydrostatic test you are looking for water displacement due to expansion of the cylinder, then you're looking for the permenant expansion left after the pressure is let off. You need highly accurate gauges calibrated often to determine these results, as it is not visible with the naked eye. Simply seeing if it cracks open under pressure is not at all what the goal should be. Your test itself isn't the inherent danger in this case, it's the fact that you are not actually testing them properly and then presumably filling them with air to high pressures. You should NOT encourage anyone to do this. These tanks are known to get micro fractures and cracks, in the body and the valve threads as well. These things are quite litterally capable of busting through a concrete wall. You might not have a problem for 50 years but when you do it will most likely be your last.

[@SonofGodly]

very good educational vid,,,with no stupid music. this guy knows how to make a good vid,,,thanks

[@joemartins1970]

For normal operating purposes, I agree. But these older tanks, even after their useful service life, are excellent as compressed air storage and vacuum surge tanks. The 100-200psi load from a compressor, and the 14.7psi inward load from full vacuum are nothing for tanks like these. Plenty safe to be repurposed for these uses so long as they're not already cracked.

[@springer-qb4dv]

Yes if the tanks are originally rated for 3000 or 4500 psi, I don't see why you can't safely use them at much lower pressure after they are expired. At worst when these tanks fail, they don't explode. They just start leaking air.

[@tazdogpup]

😢

[@kdog888]

Very informative, and easy to watch. I’m just getting in to air guns so this was EXTREMELY helpful. I will check your site

[@johnslugger]

I buy mine from ebay for $85.00 with valve and gauge and do my own hydro test. I fill the tank with water to the very tippy -top. Then place it in a steel 55 gallon drum filled with water and then pump it up to 5000 PSI. Only 1 of 58 tanks tested at home cracked open and when in water and filled with water its a total non-event, no explosion since water can't compress like air does. When the tank split open it just sounds like a slight "TING" sound and that's it. When we pulled the "Cracked" tank out of the water it had a 16" long by 1/2" wide crack from top to bottom. Glad we tested it filled with water IN a tank of water first. NOTE: Since there is no space for the air to go it takes only 30 seconds to get your compressor and tank up to 5000 PSI. Very safe and fast to do at home.

[@zaldybenito8390]

How much the pcp compressor

[@dangeraghty6715]

Thanks Roger, very informative. A must watch for a newbie's like me. I second "Sell it now's" comment on a good video. Direct & to the point... no time wasted with fancy intro stuff and other fluff.

[@JohnDoe-tb3rv]

I've been doing some researching and some say it's not worth buying a tank vs an air compressor, unless you need to use it at a place were you can't use electricity. Some air compressors will work off your car battery. The only time you might need a tank, is at a gun rang or deep hunting out into the wilderness. So, if your going to be at a gun rang or out in the middle of now where (without a car battery), then buy one.

[@AirTanksPlus]

Don't buy a used scba tank on eBay or Craigslist, until after you watch this video goo.gl/66NVU3

[@stuartlewis1027]

Air Tanks Plus and other useful stuff like Stikman

[@stuartlewis1027]

Great video and advice

[@carltalbot9212]

I was playing paintball back between 1995 and 2008. This was an interim sport for me. My boys were to young for firearms so I put a bridge between us. we could have fun and not worry about shooting noise or other dangerous things. because I welded I stayed away from composite tanks. Anyways we were up north and I split away from the boys on one hill top run. My buddy was taking lower range with my kids. there was this kid about 20 year old squawking all day about how light his N2 tank was. This kid was with are topside group. We started running up the hill and he had lead because he was the younger than most of us. the kid gets to a set of fox holes and tries to jump over them. I was about thirty feet behind him and he tried to jump off most of the fox holes and he hit one just at the wrong angle. I watched a big blast of air go everywhere. A few of us found him a minute later. He had broken the tank when he fell and it cost him a severe right limb separation because the tank burst when he fell. The only thing that was figured out was when he fell the tank was broken and released most of the 3000 pounds against his arm. To this day my boys wont use fiber tanks and for me I wont use them just for money sake.

[@m.s.l.7746]

carl talbot I'm a welder as well & after seeing the things high psi can do when it comes into contact with soft things (especially living tissue) it's a scary thought to have it so close to your body. Although I'm pretty sure the connecting line, gauges & regulator / valve is probably the weakest point in any system if struck by something. With that being said I've seen some composite wrapped tanks take a beating (for example being shot while under pressure) & survive so I wouldn't hesitate to trust a quality tank that a firefighter trusted with his life. Just need to exercise common sense liberally. If it's not common knowledge to the user then he/she should educate themselves asap...preferably before risking the use of dangerous equipment like this.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

The only thing most PCP shooters would probably subject them to is rolling around in the trunk or accidentally tipping over. And even then, I'd bet most people wouldn't be that careless. Now a kid, of course, especially one charged up with adrenaline and showing off, heck, anything could happen. He could flip the car on the way over.

[@masterofmanythings1]

You saved me much time, money, and aggravation, friend. A like and sub is the least I can do. Newb to pcp here

[@gregmcb5305]

What sort of hose connection do I need to connect to one of these for an air gun?

[@dkongul]

i was just going to rant about chinese comprossers and how great they are, then saw that you uploaded this video ages ago

[@argaming1393]

i have a scba 3000 psi tank that was made the same date as what you have and now i need a place to hydro test it

[@JD-8-1971]

If someone lived close by my fire station I would fill it for free.

[@palioxaraktirasmr.7484]

Yes,, once or twice maybe...

[@TheRealCheckmate]

If a tank fails, does it explode or just develop a crack and quickly lose pressure?

[@surreallife777]

I’m new to this but it’s confusing. My understanding scuba tanks are cheaper because they are heavier and they have a lower capacity? My PCP rifle has a 250 bars/500 cc bottle attached to it. I asked someone else about using a small scuba to keep in my backpack for portability and average scuba tank for my car and he said the maximum average of an air tank is 3000 psi so this will not fully refill your airgun as you will be short of a full refill and as you keep refilling it, you will get less and less air into your airgun. If I can get more than one fill from a scuba tank, why won’t it fill my PCP gun fully the first time and less and less the more times you refill your PCP Gun? I have enclosed what he wrote before. This is the part I don’t understand. Simply put, How many times can I refill my gun with a small portable scuba tank and how many refills with a normal sized scuba tank?

[@stkyrce]

Good info.... Also how many people tried to wipe the bug off their screen at the beginning?

[@pellettron-nj9ci]

What i dont get is that in the U.S.A its 15 years,but in the UK the same tank runs for 30 years!!!politics at its finest .

[@MikeMcClane]

I have never seen one with 30 year regulation. I know some of them are unlimited life, but It has to be mentioned in the cylinder and the ones with 15 years life spam...I tested some of them and they do leak or explode inside the hydrotest machine. Anyway if you have the info about those kind of cylinder you mentioned I would really like to know where can I get them.

[@enrique6943]

Its all about the $$$

[@bobjones1131]

Better safe then dead ! Impact, improper storage, sun or chemical damage ? I can see that a regular inspection might save a few lives.

[@YourCreatorGod]

Thank you very informative . i will be contacting you.

[@kenworthNH]

Because they use metric. ;) (Yes I'm joking)

[@Level-zb4jg]

What keeps the guy who owns a 300 bar compressor and a carbon fiber 4500 psi tank, bought new in 2005, from filling their tanks outside of the 15 year life? Everybody knows the carbon fiber tanks are good for 30 years. The tank has not seen any abuse, major sunlight, weather, etc.

[@chriswelljack4910]

I wanna get one of those tanks what is the set up you are using to fill your air gun?

[@Bacanalable]

The US NAVY found SCBA cyls can last 60 years, but without hydro test. That test really damages it.

[@AirTanksPlus]

From my understanding, the navy life rafts that used cf cylinders is what pushed the 30 year stuff. They never cycle the tanks. I think the worst thanks to get used would be the ones that get cycled 3 or more times a day because they are used for training.

[@Bacanalable]

@@AirTanksPlus the worsts are the ones with the 5 year hydro test. This test its brutal, designed for steel and aluminum cyls, those have some elesticty. CF are very rigid. US NAVY uses ultra soun for tsting...look at this www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/technical-resources/55976/navy-self-contained-breathing-apparatus-scba-composite-cylinder-life-extension-research-project.pdf

[@mosbysmen]

MOST of the scba tanks on ebay are more than 15 years old

[@xdmatt1320]

Is there a trick to getting the valve off I have one with a leaky oring on it.

[@Bmr4life]

That bug crawling around drove me crazy

[@1LRLRG]

If it is expired and you are going to be filling yourself does this make it unsafe "like is the carbon wrapping going to fail or something" what is the reason for the life expectancy or is it primarily due to the extremes that the Firefighters are putting the bottles through? thanks for the info

[@springer-qb4dv]

The tanks undergo cyclic stress (max fill and then air pressure dropping to much lower level). These cyclic stresses eventually crack carbon fibers and make the tanks unsafe after many cycles. Of course, if the tanks were never used, then regardless of the tank manufacture date, they will be still safe to use. So what's needed is tracking number of cycles that these tanks were used, not absolute date, but it's hard to track number of pressure cycles that tanks were exposed to.

[@truescotsman4103]

im filling these myself with my home compressor. if you don't abuse these tanks like firefighters do you shouldn't have a problem. you can usually see if they have been abused by the look of the scuffs on outside. i bought two 45min tanks or 64cu ft according to the ad. they were $55 a piece with $20 per shipping. $150 for two im filling them myself can't do much better than that. your chinese walmart yong heng compressor will fill these tanks it just takes a few sessions.

[@MG956_]

Did you do a hydro test, what year did it expire And what valve did you buy to use on PCP?

[@truescotsman4103]

@@MG956_ I've had them for 3 years now and no problems they don't leak. I think they're expired already.,

[@user-neo71665]

We gave almost 7k for our compressor setup t the fire department. I just use it for free since I'm the only person that knows how to fill our SCBAs.

[@IamMrDisaster]

What type of adapter is needed to hook those tanks up for fills?

[@Adel_Volks]

Same question 🤔

[@enrique6943]

Cool video straight to the point. Thanks for the info.

[@gumbystown]

So if you're tanks past it's 15 years life expectancy what are you do just throw them away

[@OfficialChrisBreezy]

I wanna buy my own personal one because I’m a firefighter and work for 2 fire department for my county

[@drubradley8821]

Hey Boss, this may sound silly, but, is it possible, or have you in another one of your videos, on one of the next tanks that are out of date, and the carbon fiber type, like the units in this information packed video, can you cut the end off of one.... I would love to see the wall thickness and the epoxy & woven layers... No obligation here, just interested in seeing that, as a friend of mine has a few of these, that are expired, and he still wants money for them, I was thinking about re-purposing a few of these, not as pressure vessels, but for the strength of the cyinder/tubes with both ends cut off, hopefully with a band saw, it is unknown to me if that can be done on my metal cutting band saw, as per the carbon fiber epoxy resin, from either trashing a blade or gumming everything up or something.. Sorry for the oddness of this. I am in Indiana, and this guy is 2 to 3 hours away from me. I just wanted a bit more info before I make the drive, while not knowing if chopping the tops and bottoms off is even possible, and like I mentioned, the wall thickness.. Either way, I learned quite a bit from your video upon this little tanks... Also, If I need more of these tanks, are you allowed to sell the expired tanks to me, or do you have to destroy them when you cross paths with them? I do not need the valves. I'll check the rest of your videos for any possible information you may have for me to learn.. Thank you, Dru

[@thuongquang103]

Dru Bradley có ai bán bình hoi bcb như cớlip ko gọi điện cho mình nha sdt [phone]

[@jwrhynejr.6689]

Dru Bradley h

[@cyoteone]

Think his tanks are still usable under the 30 year thing. You can but extended life tanks off Pyramid.

[@spclarryy]

I’ve been using expired tanks for 16 years, never had an issue or seen a tank explode. I’ve seen valves knocked off but never an explosion. Show me where a carbon fiber tank has exploded. I’ll wait.

[@jmarin4280]

Excuse me, I have a question, where do I have to take my scba tank for a test?

[@cajunman7389]

Do you know if they have changed the law to allow tanks to be recertified for another 15 years?

[@mikepi660]

Thank you for your time and info,,

[@doslsb2851]

Thank you. Very useful information.

[@rickmasters1582]

Do you have any info about the carbon fiber tanks made in China? Ok sounding prices but I hear that the valves leave alot to be desired.

[@MikeMcClane]

Try to avoid the chinesse manufacture. I always prefer to change the entire valve than trying to repair it.

[@paulrush9166]

Very good info

[@papaoskie]

i bought one that is expired (10/2003) but still passed the hydro test last oct 2021.. is it safe to use?

[@javierconcepcion]

very useful! thank you

[@jwrhynejr.6689]

Great video information, Thanks!

[@user-qp1wb7vh5g]

Thanx for the info... I just bought two tanks with born on dates of 9/04 and 10/04..have you heard anything about that 30 yr tank usage yet? Cuz I'm just about screwed on time,wish I'd seen this video just a bit sooner...

[@cyoteone]

Chevy#1 i just bought a tank off pyramid that had a date of 2001, 12 or 13 extended years. I bought the 12. 88 cu ft for 464. New valve and hose. If you do the math, the 13 year one comes out to 30 years from 2001.

[@ascinder]

There is a company that recertifies them for about $300. It is called digitalwavecorp. They perform NDI testing and recert them for 15 years.

[@MikeMcClane]

You can see in the Special permit for the cylinders IN the cylinder. PHMSA has a web page also DOT, you just put the Special Permit Number and you will see if it's 15 years or 30 years. I hope that helps you.

[@moetown909s3]

I got a tank like that what fitting do I need to connect to air rifle

[@jesusoftheapes]

super great tip !

[@arsalannizamani1987]

Hello please tell me the thread size of this scuba neck. I want put Din valve. Please help me..

[@MikeTuason]

I already have a tank but nearing its 15th year, can I just buy a tank without the valve and just re use the old valve I have from my old one? Thanks

[@JPoleet]

Just keep the old tank and use it you will be fine, don't buy into this doom-and-gloom voodo and spend $700 on a tank that they make for $65. These tanks used to cost $130 ten years ago, but as soon as they got popular because of PCP and airsoft these new businesses started raping everyone as this technology is new to a lot of people. People like me who are coming from a background in SCUBA diving look at these prices and laugh, as the parts for making a "NinjaBottle with slowflow regulator" are laying around in my dive bag, and these morons are selling this shit for 5 and 6 times the actual cost. Buy a shoebox compressor or just get a couple more tanks and use your regular compressor to make a fill station. Using basic physics will save you thousands of dollars in this sport. Unless the valve is damaged in some way there is nothning wrong with it. The aluminum is not just going to expire all of a sudden. You may need to replace the O-rings if they are dry and damaged, but if not just use some silicone grease on the valve and call it a day. There are high pressure tanks in my local dive shop that have been there since I was 8 years old, and that was 33 years ago. There is nothing wrong with those tanks either and I would love to hear someone tell him to throw them out as they are no good. LOL.

[@MikeTuason]

Thanks for the info, yes I am buying a shoebox compressor soon and maybe a much smaller bottle.

[@JPoleet]

Check out the Yong Heng compressor. It's about $320 and faster than the shoebox compressors. It will fill your SCBA in about 2.5 hours from 0-4500 PSI. If you don't have the right valve to fill the SCBA tank from a compressor or get stuck on something let me know and I will point you in the right direction. For the love of god don't buy the adaptor from an airgun store as they will take a $12 part and sell it for $65. You're looking for a CGA-347 nut and nipple inlet and that will fill your SCBA off the compressor or bottle, etc.

[@JPoleet]

If you do buy another tank I would get an aluminum SCUBA tank. The SCUBA tank only has to be hydro tested every 5 years rather than 3 years, and it's useful life is indefinite, and not limited to 15 years. By the way the SCBA tanks are being approved by DOT for another 15 years after they wrap another piece of fiberglass around the tank and put their logo on it. In other words the tanks are fine, and will be fine for many years to come.

[@m.s.l.7746]

Jeff Poleet so the Chinese yung heng compressors are good to go? Can they be "rebuilt" since I'm sure they don't last long. Also where would you recommend purchasing all the components required for PCP air guns? I'm looking to get into the sport & am comfortable building/testing my own fill line setup but need to know what parts to buy & where to buy. Thanks for your knowledge & time friend.

[@norcaloutdoor5462]

how to the adapter install for airgun fill

[@kimwagner6917]

What if the tag says hydrostatically retested by or hydrostatically tested by. Does that mean it need to be tested by that date. If it say hydrostatically tested and date. That mean it was done by the date that is on the bottle. Can someone help me with that?

[@davidmaco1]

thanks for the info

[@letitride54]

Great video

[@hilldweller8605]

I want an air tank so I can dust stuff off. I don't need something high pressure or large. Any recommendations?

[@snowcatxx7117]

Hill Dweller keyboard cleaner or air compressor

[@youtubecensorseverythingIsay]

Or an air pig

[@demomboy6]

So do you still sell used tanks?

[@YourCreatorGod]

Thankfully i just bought my pump.

[@randomcuriosities8441]

Most helpful

[@FWCaptain-kv6sm]

Yong heng compressors proven good

[@javierantunez9261]

Any of you guys know how to find information to send the tanks for the extended 30. years of life thanks

[@tylerperkins2703]

Look up Hexagon Digital Wave, they are the only ones in the U.S. that can do the 30 year Life Extension.

[@justinheberer2954]

just ordered an ebay tank just like this yesterday... oh well. im going to view it as i donated to a fire department. im ok with that.

[@jmonty]

Many people use out of date tanks for making lamps. If you like cool projects this might be for you.

[@gatdulaguerrero9766]

HOW MUCH 3.000 PSI SCOBA TANK

[@sandieleeangelsvlog8022]

Galing nmn God bless huys

[@billreynolds2766]

I got three 44 for 45.00. Believe it or not. ... So thats my reason... Thats for all your information.

[@billreynolds2766]

Had 2yrs left on the last inspection test.

[@ddvs7945]

That bug crawling around is highly distracting.

[@delmarrey9077]

Shippers will not ship a tank with the valve installed.

[@jackoneill8585]

2:33 left corner bug was more interesting than the video

[@Ray-ro2jj]

I don’t see nothing wrong with the being a 30 year tank long as it’s hydro tested every 5 years to be on the safe side cause theses tanks can go boom and not be a good day 😳

[@harleyme3163]

I dont buy 3600 psi bottle's used. new and certified or nothing. keeps me safe.

[@marconavarro3895]

Just buy your own compressor and keep shooting. all this test and expirations are just scam to buy new tanks. I got mine and for the use of a PCP rifle has no effect whatsoever so buy this tank and get e $220 Yong Heng compressor ;)

[@Boogerboys1990]

Agreed 👍

[@carltalbot9212]

One thing about hydro testing. The places are setup for mass testing. They use minimum wage people that get minimum time to test these units. They also get minimum training. I'm lucky. I live on the west coast and I'm lucky only because most units tested are for scuba diving and industrial use. These people have a lot of experience. I'm lucky, I have very large refill corporations and They have years of experience. Only because I live 30 miles of several refineries. yeah you would not think that in the heart of beach cities California these monsters are behind are doors.

[@tdmjason]

dont when they test these tanks they run to the test to 7500 psi for a set amount of time?

[@quinnjim]

I wouldn't mess with a cheap Chinese pump when dealing with pressures like this. This is serious business.

[@b-rentg7349]

Too late

[@dylan833-k2i]

Your tank just expired lol

[@marconavarro3895]

$210 get your own compressor it pays it off by it self.

[@The.177calhunter7]

😥😥To late

[@wewekokowe6887]

Don’t listen to this guy, he just wants to sell you his stuff

[@MikeMcClane]

What he says is true you can even check in the web page from DOT or PHMSA

[@troyheald77]

AAA+++

[@danimccarron8413]

Sorry tell asleep ffs

[@wewekokowe6887]

Don’t listen to this guy, he just wants to sell you his stuff

[@MrSoarman]

He's answering questions dumd cheap bastard.