21 replies to this topic

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

The title says it all. I'm thinking something in the 15-20lb size range for transferring beer and carbing in the basement.

[strangebrewer]

Have any fire extinguisher shops nearby? I've managed to scrounge all of mine of CL but I get them filled at a places that specializes in selling and servicing fire extinguishers. They always have a small supply of used tanks for sale for reasonable prices.

[CaptRon]

Have any fire extinguisher shops nearby? I've managed to scrounge all of mine of CL but I get them filled at a places that specializes in selling and servicing fire extinguishers. They always have a small supply of used tanks for sale for reasonable prices.

Welding supply shops usually fill CO2 tanks too.

[ChefLamont]

Look for companies that buy/sell used restaurant equipment. They may be in the bigger cities. We have a couple here in town. They will often go into a business that is going under and buy everything in site for a price. They are really interested in the ovens, stoves, refrigeration, and the like. However, some of them (like one near me) will pull EVERYTHING out including stuff like soap dispensers and glassware. So, they get CO2 tanks as well. With the big ticket items being their real money, you can often bargain with them on the smaller stuff and get deals. Make sure you tell them you are a homebrewer and it is for a hobby. They may even give a better price because of that.

[Spoon]

Have any fire extinguisher shops nearby? I've managed to scrounge all of mine of CL but I get them filled at a places that specializes in selling and servicing fire extinguishers. They always have a small supply of used tanks for sale for reasonable prices.

This is what I use. I got 2 from my BIL who got them from my wifes uncle who ran a FE shop. I had one recertified few years ago and when the Airgas guy was writing my ticket up he noted he didn't see many tanks like that around.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

I know of an airgas and a welding supply place. Last I checked the welding supply place only had 55lbers. Not sure on the airgas.

[gumballhead]

Have any fire extinguisher shops nearby? I've managed to scrounge all of mine of CL but I get them filled at a places that specializes in selling and servicing fire extinguishers. They always have a small supply of used tanks for sale for reasonable prices.

I have an old Fire extinguisher that has been converted and tested it came from asmall shop in town that does all of our extinguishers in our shop.it works great. but also try Air gas or maybe a local welding supply shop. pooch or mitler is a good place.

[realbeerguy]

I bought a 20# for $79 (filled)at my Airgas shop here in town. They no longer fill, but only exchange, so be prepared to give up your "find" for one of their swap-outs.

[Mya]

I bought a 20# for $79 (filled)at my Airgas shop here in town. They no longer fill, but only exchange, so be prepared to give up your "find" for one of their swap-outs.

you bought one of their swaps I'm pretty sure, thats what I did, If you aren't hung up on getting the same tank back this is usually the most economical route

[strangebrewer]

It was my experience that the welding supply shops in town wanted a lot for their tanks and most would only exchange. That's what lead me to the FE shop. The FE shop also refills my tanks so I don't have to worry about exchanging my shiny aluminum 5 pounder for some rusted POS. That could just be my local economy but that was my experience when shopping around for tanks.

[RommelMagic]

I'd also forgo getting an aluminum over a steel tank and possibly save some cash. Sure the aluminum ones are lighter and usually look better, but that's pretty much it. Besides, you can get a cover for them if eye appeal is really necessary. If you find a used one, even one out of date, you might be able to just swap for one that is certified. More possible savings there. If have some placed in mind where you'd be getting the tank filled, it might be best to ask if they'd just swap out an out of date tank.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

SS, Alum, I don't really care. It can also be ugly as long as it's functional. It will just be sitting in the basement.

[Mya]

SS, Alum, I don't really care. It can also be ugly as long as it's functional. It will just be sitting in the basement.

that's how I see mineit's just there, it need not be pretty, just functional

[gnef]

If you haven't been able to find anything on craigslist, then I would recommend for you to search around for welding supply shops in your vicinity, and just ask them how much it would cost to purchase a tank and how much to fill/swap a tank. The prices can range quite a bit, and I find that the smaller local shops are generally cheaper (not always though) for the fill, but will charge for the hydrotest. Some airgas places don't charge for the hydrotest, but charge more for the fill. I found praxair to be unreasonable in their cost, and found a place locally that will fill tanks relatively cheap.If you were in atlanta, I would offer you one of my spare tanks (I have around 7 or 8 x 20# tanks, along with some other sized tanks as well).

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

If you haven't been able to find anything on craigslist, then I would recommend for you to search around for welding supply shops in your vicinity, and just ask them how much it would cost to purchase a tank and how much to fill/swap a tank. The prices can range quite a bit, and I find that the smaller local shops are generally cheaper (not always though) for the fill, but will charge for the hydrotest. Some airgas places don't charge for the hydrotest, but charge more for the fill. I found praxair to be unreasonable in their cost, and found a place locally that will fill tanks relatively cheap.If you were in atlanta, I would offer you one of my spare tanks (I have around 7 or 8 x 20# tanks, along with some other sized tanks as well).

I know airgas will exchange an out of test tank for a reasonable price b/c someone at my work did it. I guess I'd have to find more local welding places b/c mine doesn't seem to have anything very small last time I checked and doesn't really seem to be in the business of selling used tanks.

[mach5]

If you have a GTS-Welco/Praxaire around check them. I found their prices for tanks were decent.

[No Party JKor]

There's a 20# (?) CO2 tank with regulator and half full of CO2 on the Worcester area Craigslist.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

I'm looking but all I'm finding is something in medford. you got some linkage?

[No Party JKor]

https://worcester.cr...1708739138.html

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

https://worcester.cr...1708739138.html

what would you guys estimate the size of that tank is? 20lbs? 15lbs? This $75 worth of CO2 is BS. I guarantee I could get that tank filled for under $20 if it's within the test date.