How to Refill Propane Bottles
Propane is a portable fuel source utilized in most RVs and outdoor camping cookware. The size of propane bottles varies by manufacturer, but the most popular size is a 16-ounce container. Many of these propane bottles or tanks are refillable and reusable; however, some are not. Using refillable propane bottles can greatly reduce the cost associated with purchasing disposable canisters. Propane is highly combustible, and properly refilling your propane bottle is essential to avoid bodily injury or explosion.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Propane refill adaptor
- Needle-nose pliers
- Empty propane bottle
- Large 20-pound propane tank
- Gloves
- Goggles or safety glasses
- Weight scale
Instructions
-
-
1
Screw the propane refill adaptor to the OPD valve of the 20-pound propane tank. Attach the adaptor by turning it counter-clockwise until fully threaded.
-
2
Hold the adaptor in place with your hand or a suitable wrench, and screw the empty propane bottle onto the adaptor by turning it clockwise until fully mounted.
-
-
3
Open the release valve on the 20-pound propane tank. Listen as the propane enters the smaller bottle and wait until you can't hear the sound of propane moving. This will take 5-10 minutes. The bottle will not be completely full at this point.
-
4
Pull up on the smaller propane bottle release valve using the needle-nose pliers. This valve pin is located on the top of the bottle slightly to the side of the main middle valve. Release the gas from the bottle by pulling the pin and allowing two-second bursts of propane to be released. Do this for about five minutes.
-
5
Turn off the release valve on the 20-pound propane tank and unscrew the smaller bottle from the refill valve. Weigh the propane bottle on a small scale to determine that the weight is around 30 ounces. The weight can vary by an ounce or two.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use standard 16.04 ounce bottles of propane for best results with this process.
Wear gloves while refilling propane bottles. Propane gas is freezing cold and can cause frostbite.
Wear eye protection while refilling propane bottles.
Wear a respirator or mask while refilling propane bottles to avoid breathing in toxic fumes.
Refill propane bottles in a well-ventilated area away from any open flame or static electricity.
Do not use your cellphone while refilling propane bottles.
