Welding gas cylinder filling

[Blue85]

Do I own my tank and how can I prove it? I have a small tank for C25 shield gas that needs to be filled. I remember buying maybe the smallest size available at first, then later paying the difference to get a larger tank. For a while I went to Airgas, but then ended up on an exchange program at Tractor Supply (they were closer and open on weekends which is when I would usually run out). Well since I moved, the local Tractor Supply doesn't offer this service, there is only an independent shop. They are telling me I need proof of tank ownership for them to do anything for it. I don't have any paperwork, but I remember getting a whole page yellow receipt at Tractor Supply each time I had the tank exchanged.

Do I have to buy a new tank? Should I take this one back with me whenever I go back and see if I can get "bought out" of their exchange program? Should I contact Thoroughbred or TC to see if they can send me some documentation?

 

[Barrman]

I have feared the exact same thing over the years. I have an Oxy acetylene set that my dad bought the tanks for back in the 1970’s in Detroit. Then another set my grandad owned and was probably bought in the 1950’s. No papers on them and original owners dead. Airgas has always just swapped them out. But I always worry driving in.

I can only suggest finding another place to do business. Sorry.

 

[Blue85]

Well I walked in there today and asked what I could do to get a full one. One guy glanced at it and got another tank from the back while the other guy rang up the order for "preferred customer." So that was easier than I was told it would be.

 

[scouthead]

unless there is a physical stamp on the collar with another company's name on it, most of the big suppliers around me will take an empty tank, even if it has a different company's sticker/label slapped on it. Usually if a company owns it, there will be a stamp on the collar, or rarely stenciled spray paint on the cylinder itself. if the hydro dates are out, they just tack a fee onto the exchange/fill fee.

I once bought a couple o2 tanks that had a defunct company stamped into the collar. when the o2 ran out, i was having a hard time getting them exchanged. I was told that even though they went out of business, that doesn't mean that another company didn't buy the rights to their fleet of tanks and their exchange customers and routes. Makes sense.

 

[wazzabie]

My tank has the sticker on it from the company I bought it from. They are local and still in business. I wonder if I were to move if I would have issues.

 

[obijuank5]

Just spray paint a stencil that says customer owned on it. Unless it has an air gas neck ring on it. Then you’re SOL.

 

[sweetk30]

its all in the counter guy or store rules .

i have 4 places local 1 i have never been to ....... 1 i wont go to as 2x as much money ...... 3rd is my prefered as close / on the way / good prices but strict on bottle names its there name / blank / linde otherwise good luck . .... 4th is we dont give a crap on bottle name or date code for last hydro test . about the same prices as #3 and just 10min more down the road . so i use them to wash my off brand tanks to clean ones i can use at #3 store .

right now i only have 14 tanks in my shop

 

[Blue85]

Just spray paint a stencil that says customer owned on it.

What would that look like? Couldn't it mean no exchange? Seems like most retail places are in the exchange business and not the fill business. Don't know where all the filling is happening .

 

[wazzabie]

what size cylinder are you running? I have a 60cf and it has lasted me nearly 10 years. I think it will be about $30-40 to get it filled again with 75/25.

 

[Blue85]

It's 40cf (#2). Just thinking through how many times I've had it filled I must get 2 years or so out of it. My use varies from months of no welding to short stints of heavy use like building a bumper or something.

 

[sweetk30]

60cf bottle thats cute sitting next to my 330cf c25 welding bottle .

 

[ktmoutfront]

I had to sign an affidavit saying I owned the tank at one shop. No matter who's name is on the head ring, they should still swap it out. Your shop does not want to deal with the transfer paperwork. Find another if you can.

 

[wazzabie]

It's 40cf (#2). Just thinking through how many times I've had it filled I must get 2 years or so out of it. My use varies from months of no welding to short stints of heavy use like building a bumper or something.

I use my mig for sheet metal work mostly. I'm surprised I have gotten 10 years of use from one 60cf bottle. I only weld about 4 days a year.

 

[frodwelder]

What would that look like? Couldn't it mean no exchange? Seems like most retail places are in the exchange business and not the fill business. Don't know where all the filling is happening .

They'll still do it, they just give you an unbranded tank. At least all the weld supply in my area do. Just make sure when they do that it's a customer owned bottle.

 

[wazzabie]

They'll still do it, they just give you an unbranded tank. At least all the weld supply in my area do. Just make sure when they do that it's a customer owned bottle.

I got my bottle from a chain and they have a testing center about 1hr from me. I'm hoping I can take the bottle I bought from them and have them presure test it no charge as part of the refill. I would like to get back my bottle as it is the some what rare 60cf with threaded valve cover.