Dual gauge doesn't fit Co2 tank?!?!?!?

[hmmmbeer]

Ok, I'm cheap like to build my own stuff rather than buying it if I can avoid it. I'll admit that much.
I have been putting my kegorator together for a couple weeks now via Ebay, Craigslist and a local bottling company for my Corny kegs ($10 a pop! YEAH FOR SMOKING DEALS). Well I have aquired a large Co2 tank (size M I think, its the size smaller than the big mama-jama) and my dual Co2 gauge will not fit on the mother F-er! I thought they were standard size threads?!?

Anyone know whats going on here? The threads are JUST too small on my gauge/the tank threads are JUST too large for my gauge connection.

Anything?

 

[TomSD]

I was under the impression they were standard size too. Unless that is some kind of specialized industrial tank designed to hook up to something else like a fire suppression system or some kind of machinery. Either way it shouldn't be too hard to find an adapter... talk to your local welding supply shop.

 

[Gregscsu]

You sure it was originally a CO2 tank. I think tanks are labeled for one type of gas, and each type of gas uses a different size/thread connection. ie, CO2, O2, Nitrogen, Argon, Helium, Propane. This is to prevent some horrible accident like hooking up a propane tank to you kegs and making literal keg bombs etc.
Check the tank markings and the regulator markings, it could be a nitrogen regulator too.

 

[hmmmbeer]

You sure it was originally a CO2 tank. I think tanks are labeled for one type of gas, and each type of gas uses a different size/thread connection. ie, CO2, O2, Nitrogen, Argon, Helium, Propane. This is to prevent some horrible accident like hooking up a propane tank to you kegs and making literal keg bombs etc.
Check the tank markings and the regulator markings, it could be a nitrogen regulator too.

No, its green with a white head and says on the side "Oxygen(Medical)" and I know for a fact that it is used for that. It is used to hook up to a bank of tanks. Maybe its got a different thread to accept the bank?

Also, for the gauge, I thought Nitrogen gauges had a male (threads on the outside of the "screw-in part" and Co2 tanks have a female connection (for the same reason you mentioned...tic,tic,boom!

I'm going to go to my Norco shop Monday (closed on the weekend...tear).

Anyone know the size of thread the regulator has and maybe the different size thread the tank might have?

 

[Gregscsu]

It has a different tread then your regulator because it is made for O2 use not CO2 use. My guess is that it will be quite difficult to find a part specifically made to connect those to fittings. You will probably have to mix and match some parts with a length of high pressure hose etc.

 

[hmmmbeer]

I think I'll just return the tank and find/buy the correct one.

Thank you to everyone that commented on this topic.

Now anyone have any ideas of where to get a cheaper tank than $80+ bucks? I only have a couple months before I deploy and I want to have this sytem started so I can start a Lager/long fermentor/long aging beer so its ready when I get back.

 

[EuBrew]

If it's an O2 tank or something other than CO2 you may be able to have a welding supply shop switch out the stem for a CO2 stem if the tank is rated for it.

 

[randyp]

Your local welding supply might take your oxygen tank in trade for a refilled CO2 tank for a small charge. Then you will have a tank for CO2 that you can use to have refilled in the future.
Good luck
randyp

 

[hmmmbeer]

hmmm, talk about a duh moment! totally wasn't thinking on that one.