co2 tank question

[jamest22]

im trying to keg my first brew (a cider). just got my kit for xmas and got my co2 tank exchanged today.

no gas is coming out of my tank. I have the regulator hooked up with the included plastic washer. Its on tight. When I open the tank valve, nothing happens, no noise, no hiss, nothing. The pressure gauge doesn't move.

Is there a safety lock or some other valve on the tank I need to toggle the first time the tank is used?

 

[jamest22]

i have determined that the tank they exchanged me this morning is empty. it has a tare weight of 12 lbs stamped on the tank. i just weighed it on a bathroom scale. it weights 12 lbs. GOD M%$**#&#N D*!**$*$*$*$*$IT

 

[wildwest450]

 

[Brew-boy]

Did they give you a kiss with that? cuz you just got $%&*#!

 

[JAG]

Did they exchange the aluminum tank with a steel tank?

 

[jamest22]

yes. they exchanged my aluminum tank with a steel tank. all they had on hand were steel tanks.

 

[jamest22]

the name of the company is Airgas, i'm going back in the morning.

 

[woodstone]

You'll never leave the gas store again without cracking the valve will you!

 

[JAG]

Same old story all they want is that aluminum, I have had my keg dispencer for 10 years and everyone is out to screw you out of that tank.

Its not worth much but 10 bucks is 10 bucks.I wonder how many people here have thier original tanks.

 

[jamest22]

i called around town all last week and couldn't find anyone that would refill a 5 pounder. I didn't want to have to exchange it, but i need that gas.

 

[jamest22]

welcome aboard JAG. you signed up just to hear my sob story!?

 

[JAG]

Thanks for the welcome. this has happened to me also I ended up buying another bottle and have had people try and screw me out this bottle also.

Usualy you can refill the bottles at a local fire extingusher place.

 

[jamest22]

thanks for the lead. there is a fire extinguisher business in town. i'll give them a call tomorrow.

 

[conpewter]

That sucks! They better give you a full tank and not hassle you. I'm lucky, I got an aluminum tank in exchange for a steel tank, ever since I've made sure to get an aluminum tank in trade.

 

[jamest22]

stopped by the air shop this morning. they politely re-exchanged my tank and apologized. This time he cracked the valve to verify the cylinder contained gas. Kegging my cider tonight!

 

[Bobby_M]

I would have asked for a full tank AND a $5 fuel credit for having to go back. Otherwise, apology NOT accepted. That's their business and they can't tell the dif between full and empty? Are you even close to New Brunswick? Reliable Carbonic fills your tank while you wait for $1 a pound.

 

[pilotdane]

In the future you will also pay attention to the difference in weight between a full and empty tank. It's harder to notice on the smaller cylinders but on a 20lb tank you can immediatley tell if there is the extra 20lb in there.

Glad to hear they exchanged your dead tank without a hassle.

 

[woodstone]

I forgot to mention this in my post last time...I usually exhange steel for steel but if you bring in a bottle or two of your latest brew, the guy at the counter will probably bring you out back to pick the cylinder yourself, including aluminum. Around here in MA, it is not worth filling a 5#...takes too long, most shops need to send it out, and I think it costs more...swap out takes 5 minutes and $10 or so.

Good luck!!!!

 

[jamest22]

thanks for the tips. got the cider carbing as we speak.