CO2 Tank

[Brownbeard]

OK, I am trying to put together a kegging system. I was at my sister in-law's house on friday night and was telling my future brother in law about this. He then took me to the garage and gave me a 5lb CO2 tank and regulator, for free. It is empty, and has not been used in a long time. I am wondering if I need to have this thing tested before I can fill it, or do you generally exchange them? It has a little rust on the outside of the tank. Is there a marking I should be looking for?

[Jughead]

There should be a date stamped into the tank indicating the last time it was inspected. I think it has to be inspected every 5 years.

[Brownbeard]

It is hard to read what is stamped into the tank. Maybe I should take it to the local welding supply shop and see what they say. Is it expensive to have them tested?

[Payson]

I believe that they'll pressure test it prior to filling it anyway. I may be mistaken but I think that's their normal course of acytion. They'll then stamp a new date on it and you'll be good to go. Since they need to do it anyway, i don't think it should cost any more than a normal fill fee.

[Brownbeard]

Thanks. I am really happy about this find, I was a little concerned about the fact that the tank has probably not been used in some time.

[S.F.B.]

The welding supply I take mine to does an exchange. If the tank is too old, they will rebuild or whatever it is they do from there but you walk away with a full one. I think the last time I exchanged it cost $9.50.

[YamahaXS]

you might want to call around. Here in Madison, I found a bit of variance in how much people charged. The worst was 10$, with another $10 if I wanted it filled while I waited. The best price, under $8 is at a Fire Safety store that sells and maintains fire extiguishment equipement. No charge for having them do it while I wait.

EDIT: congrats on your find! Oh and btw, the Look at the numbers stamped into the tank, they should be around the neck of the tank. Each squeeze test is good for 6 years, and the stamp the expiration date (month-year) of the tank rather than the test date.

[Fast_Eddy]

Piece of info - when you take your tank to be refilled keep in the freezer or frig until just before you take it to be filled. You can get more CO2 into the tank the colder it is.