I have the gadget needed to refill them, and used to refill the disposable containers between trips. After more careful thought, and from being sick of transporting all of these small cylinders, I put a tee on my propane tank and now just bring a hose that has the same fitting as a disposable canister. Problem solved, and much safer.
I refill. If it was so unsafe then why is the adapter to refill the 1# bottles still made? I haven't had an issue with using it this past season. Yes you don't get a full 1# of propane but oh well, I take an extra bottle too compensate. I can refill my 20# tank for $18. There is really only like 18#'s in it so it costs about $1 per #. That means my refilled bottles cost $1 -vs- $3 in the store. I made a video of it on my youtube channel 1mattt2 called "Refilling 1# propane bottles". It is easy to do.
I guess it all depends on what you use those cylinders for. I can use a hose with the same fitting on everything that I would use the cylinder on, with little to no hassle, and I don't have to carry the cylinders either. The lantern would be the only exception, I suppose. They also make fireworks for enjoyment.. doesn't mean that they are safe if used improperly. Since I installed the tee (which moves easily from camper to camper), I haven't looked back.
Three or four hoses running all over the place is a tripping hazard! TX, any LP-gas container with a water capacity of one gallon or less, or any LP-gas piping system, or appliance attached or connected to such a container is exempt from the LP-Gas Safety Rules, including any adopted NFPA pamphlets. When DOT has jurisdiction for the transport of containers not used in commerce, 20# cylinders will be required to be filled by weight only everywhere. 1# bottles are sold full IN stores, empty, used 20# cylinders can't come inside stores!
They will be checking your VCR at the same time to check for copyright infringement of those VHS tapes.
I believe it's only illegal to transport them commercially. The bigest risk is if they are over filled with liquid propane. As the liquid expands from an increase in temperature there is no place for it to expand and it will violently rupture the bottle.
Great. Now I want propane tiki torches. Wouldn't that be so much easier than spilling the oil everywhere? lol
I have a propane hose that fits to my 20# tank as well.....but I don't want to drag a 20# tank around when I'm only going to use maybe 3#'s
How much does one of those 5# tanks cost to buy? And what do you do when you use 3#'s in a weekend? Risk running out next trip? Fill it up before every trip? No thanks, I'll stick with refilling my 1#ers by myself.....much cheaper.
So i'll just leave this right here..... http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2776766/tragic_outcome_from_refilling_ Doesn't matter if it saves $10 a trip (which it doesn't)--this just isn't worth it. This coming from someone who refilled them and reused them in the past.
Driving a car isn't illegal, though. "Can an empty propane cylinder be refilled or recycled? Federal law forbids transportation of this size of cylinder (type 39 DOT cylinder) if it has been refilled, therefore refilling is not practical or recommended." Guess this is more of a common sense thing, and not (just) a legal issue.
I wonder why some people have to get on here and be jerks. If some one wants to do this then it's their problem. Why the smart comments? Didn't your mother ever say if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all? Yes I am talking about the above post. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The OP asked for feedback (which can/will be positive or negative). Specifically: "... does anyone have experience doing this, is it safe, does it work?" Feedback has been provided, with both legal and safety reasons why it is not be a good idea. Consider them smart comments if you wish, but they are the feedback that could prevent someone from breaking the law and/or blowing themselves (and family/their neighbors) up.