O.T. 20 lbs LP tank

S2710 · Feb 11, 2011

I have a 20 lb LP tank and I was wondering if there is a safe way to cut it apart. This is just a project that I was thinking about but if I can't do it safely no big deal. Please don't tell me how dumb I am I already have some one that is alowed to do that. Thanks
Bob

Lloyd In South Carolina · Feb 11, 2011

Fill it with dish detergent and water 3/4 of the way, close the valve shake it and, dump it. Repeat 3 times and your good to go.

L.

old · Feb 11, 2011

Is it one that you can remove the complete valve assembly??? If yes then you have a open hole about 1.5 inches in diameter and with that open you can build a burn pile make sure you have that pile away from anything you do not mind getting hurt. Pour a trail of gas or other such lighter fluid so you can be away from that pile. Light the whole thing up and run do not walk away from it and listen for the whoosh boom. That tank may or may not fly a ways but once it has done that throw it back in the fire a 2nd time to be 100% sure. I have done that with truck fuel tanks many times before I cut them up. Not diesel tanks either but gas tanks

CLTX · Feb 11, 2011

I made a muffler out of a 30 gal propane tank once. I removed the valve and let it sit for a few days, then filled it with water a couple of times, drained it and took a torch to it.

JMS/.MN · Feb 11, 2011

I built a power bleeder for filling differentials on a FWD tractor, but I bought a new empty tank, so I could weld on it without any issues. Wouldn"t be surprised if the others" ideas are ok, but some believe LP is absorbed into tank steel over time, so the controlled burn might be best.

Justin SE IOWA · Feb 11, 2011

I cut a 100 lbs propane tank once with a torch. I just took the valve out and drilled a small hole in the bottom end and stuck the air hose in that hole and blowed air through it as i cut. Everyone told me how stupid it was before I did it but I didnt have any any problems

Russ from MN · Feb 11, 2011

I was told to take the valve out and stand it upside down, leave it set awhile, the longer the better. Propane is heavier than air so it will vent out.

DownSouth · Feb 11, 2011

Never done it, so can't answer........but I am curious what your plan to do with the tank. I have an old one that can't be re-filled without the valve being replaced, but a new tank is so cheap it's not really worth it so it sits in the barn. Every time I see it I think I could turn it into a mini BBQ sorta like the one in the picture below....but in miniature.

thurlow · Feb 11, 2011

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE, just reporting what I've done. I've built numerous (at least 10 or 12) fish cookers out of 100 lb. propane tanks. The valve just has a 3/4 inch pipe thread and is easily removed. I fill the tank with water; light the torch, tip the tank over...with valve still removed.....and stick the torch to the tank. I've also built grills from 300-500 gallon propane tanks.......using same technique. Absolutely no problem. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE, just reporting what I've done. Have got some pics on another computer; will try to post them tomorrow.

Anonymous-0 · Feb 11, 2011

Lots of people have used propane tanks for air tanks. If the tank is in good shape, they are designed to handle the pressure. A propane tank is a lot safer than an old gas tank because when the valve is removed any remaining propane will evaporate. Propane boils at -40 some degrees and that's what creates the pressure in the tank so it can be used for a BBQ or heater, etc. I think rinsing it out with hot water once or twice would give you peace of mind to safely cut it apart. Take the valve out when you cut it though. You don't want it create pressure inside when you cut it. Dave

locojim · Feb 12, 2011

Just remember propane is heavier than air.If you leave it sit open turn it upside down....
And I can give you stories of the brains who fill gas tanks with water to weld them..Be careful........

ncpapaul · Feb 12, 2011

I have cut them but rinsed it out with soapy hot water real good then set up a gas flood using an argon flow through my TIG welder regulator, kept it flooding with inert gas while I torched it. Paul

O.T. 20 lbs LP tank

S2710

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Lloyd In South Carolina

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old

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CLTX

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JMS/.MN

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Justin SE IOWA

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Russ from MN

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DownSouth

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thurlow

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Anonymous-0

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locojim

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ncpapaul

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