100 pound LPG tank....what to do? (out of date)

[Richard]

I actually have THREE out of date 100 pound propane tanks.

I don't know how many times they can be recertified, they've already been recertified at least once. I'm debating on just buying a new trio..... if I do, the question is, what might I look at doing with these?

if I dispose of, how/where?
I've read about pouring concrete in them (after an axle is set) and essentially make them into a large lawn roller. I actually have some fields that I'd be curious to know if I could help smooth them by doing just that. Of course, cutting them would currently be an issue as they're still "empty" but have propane in them so have to void that first.... then, have no welder but that might be good excuse to buy one and learn a bit....

no planters allowed, wife already has a zillion of them and these would be vetoed by her as they're not very pretty.

No animials to convert to watering tank....

Looking for some ideas as I dwell on their future.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I bet they can be re-certified. A quick google search says 12 years after the manufacturing date and every 5 years after that. I would call a local propane company and ask. I bet it's a simple process.

 

[JethroB]

Charcoal grill or smoker?

 

[bigtiller]

If they still have pressure [propane] in them, inspect them thoroughly for rust, especially underneath the bottom. If it is in good condition and there is no rust and no obviously repaired/painted spots, take it to your supplier. He just may fill it.

 

[Diggin It]

Take them to a wholesale propane supplier, not a hardware store type place. They'll either recertify them or tell you they can't be done.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I used one to make an auxiliary fuel tank for my diesel generator. Holds around 24 gal.

 

[oosik]

Cut them in half - make flower planters for your wife.

 

[Richard]

If they still have pressure [propane] in them, inspect them thoroughly for rust, especially underneath the bottom. If it is in good condition and there is no rust and no obviously repaired/painted spots, take it to your supplier. He just may fill it.

They're rusty BUT, not as horifically rusty as my 30 lb tank that they won't touch! So they might be re-certifiable (for all I know)

 

[tradosaurus]

Sell them on Craigslist?

 

[5030]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained I always say. Take them to a local propane filling and distribution place and I'd bet they fill them or wire brush them and paint them and then take them in. I bet they fill them and say nothing.

My 3, 500 gallon bottles are over 40 years old and I get them filled every summer when gas is less expensive and my propane distributor never says a word. Propane bottles are not like welding gas bottles where the static pressure is in the excess of 2000 pounds per square inch when full. Propane might get up to 200 pounds, maybe sitting in direct sun on a summer day.

 

[Bansil]

Build a large Zen garden cut them at different heights and have different gongs around....

 

[flyerdan]

If it hasn't been an issue with getting them filled, don't worry about it. My two forklift tanks are waaaay out of date and I've had no problems.
I could see it being an issue if you went to a distributor, or had them filled on site, as that could be a cya issue for them if something went pear shaped, but just going to Corner Gas where they have a propane station in the back corner, they probably don't even know about certifications.
I am rather surprised to hear that some distributors will fill 40 yo tanks, but that could be regional, long time good customer relationship, lots of factors.

 

[Snobdds]

A good propane company will take out the valve, put a new one in, pressure test it, and then fill it. Then they stamp a good through date on it.

The tank is still just fine, it's the valve they replace.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I have a 100 lb bottle that I use as an air tank. You can get 4, 15" tires to 20lbs with one full bottle. You can also run a 3/8" impact wrench or a die grinder long enough to finish most jobs. I've also used it as a surge tank at the end of a long run of air hose. It lets you keep using the air nailer till the compressor has a chance to catch up.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I bet they can be re-certified. A quick google search says 12 years after the manufacturing date and every 5 years after that. I would call a local propane company and ask. I bet it's a simple process.

And a LOT cheaper than replacing... even for a 100# tank. Mine have been recertified a number of times. I think it was a $15 charge, which basically was looking it over and slapping a new sticker on it.

 

[deserteagle71]

A good propane company will take out the valve, put a new one in, pressure test it, and then fill it. Then they stamp a good through date on it.

The tank is still just fine, it's the valve they replace.

^This.

No different than the big propane tanks. I changed propane suppliers a couple years ago so I got a "new" tank. Turns out the guy who delivered the tank I used to work with out at the mines some years ago. I noted to him that my "new" tank was built in 1979 according to the attached tag. He told me that propane tanks do not age out. As long as it is undamaged (no excessive rust, no dents) then they put in new valves, pressure test it, paint it and put it back in use, no matter how old it is.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

Only portable tanks have to be DOT certified. I don't think 100 lb. tanks are considered portable.

 

[alexpops]

If it's shot (too badly damaged/corroded to hold pressure), you could probably make a decent forge from it if you want something for blacksmithing/knife making/general heating up of metal you'll bang on. Key is once you unscrew the valve, fill it with water before you start cutting on it. Might also make a small smoker if you don't want to do the blacksmith thing.