Getting my 20# tank swapped

[stevea1210]

I had recently got a great deal on a 20lb co2 tank (thanks again Morotorium). I took it out today to swap it out. The tank was older, last hydro test stamp was 1980. It also was an old coke tank, as it had an older version of the coke logo on it.

So I went to Roberts oxygen today to swap it out. The guy there says he can't take it because it has a coke logo on it. This tank must have been stolen from coke. Well I doubt it due to the age of the tank. Odds are it was retired / abandoned long ago. either way the guy wouldn't touch it.

Slightly pissed, I leave and head down the street to GTS welco on Harrisburg Pike. Really nice people in there. They do payments in one building and swap tanks out at the next building over. I go in, they take my $15, I walk over to the dock with my tank. the guy on the dock doesn't look at any part of the tank except to say 20# co2, heh? I concur, and he swaps it out no questions asked. I must say my next swap will obviously be going to these guys.

Best part was I got home and took a look at the markings on my new tank. It has stamped in it coca-cola . Either way, I'm happy, got a great deal on a tank, got a nice one on a swap. Now that I have a 20# and a 5#, is there beer gas and a stout faucet in my future? Of course I asked and gts welco does that also...

 

[kirscp]

Easy fix .. just paint it.

Coke doesn't care about their CO2 tanks anyways. I could have picked up 5 of them, Coke didn't want them back, since I didn't have an account with them. They told me to find someone with an account, no thanks. Not going to waste my time.

I exhange my tank at a local Home Depot, the cashier's have NO CLUE what they are doing. As long as you grab a tank that is similar, you are fine. Last time, I opened the valve to empty it completely, the lady freaked out, won't that explode? Ah, CO2 is non-flamable.... It's even better whey they try to get me a 20# Propane tank.

 

[JesseRC]

HD does CO2 exchanges. I never knew that. What kinda tanks are they aluminum or steel?

 

[flyangler18]

Good deal, Steve! My CO2 guy out here took the one I scored and said the tank would need to be hydrotested. I have an account at Welder's Market so if the testing company can do the hydro, they'll charge me $25. If not, no harm done. I still got a 20# tank filled for $15.

 

[kirscp]

Here they are through PraxAir. The ones here are steel, and from the looks I'm the only one that exchanges them.

 

[Jif]

My Praxair has a mix of steel and aluminum. Brought in a steel, got a steel, next time it was aluminum. Weight difference freaked me out, thought I got an empty tank.

 

[MoRoToRiUm]

That's why I always go to GTS! Supposedly they charge more for a refill then a swap (don't know why), and the guy at the dock always chats with me some and then when my tank is done, "tell them I swapped it for you". Glad it worked out Steve! Let me know how it works out for you Jason.

Couple times I've gone to get my 5#er filled and they've had the pump shut off or were filling larger tanks with different gas- They're always accommodating enough to say "If you want, we'll swap you and make sure you get your bottle back next time". They're a great long time local company that hasn't steered me wrong. If you ask nice at the dock, and they have one filled, they will gladly give you an aluminum for a swap

*EDIT* Thanks again for the home brew- I've been saving the IPA since I'm getting over a cold and my taste is off; coming to the next HB meeting at LMB? */EDIT*

 

[stevea1210]

Good deal, Steve! My CO2 guy out here took the one I scored and said the tank would need to be hydrotested. I have an account at Welder's Market so if the testing company can do the hydro, they'll charge me $25. If not, no harm done. I still got a 20# tank filled for $15.

I would have been fine paying for a hydrotest. I expected to pay for one. However if they aren't going to check, and ask me to pay, I certainly won't volunteer more money.

That's why I always go to GTS!

My only problem is the hours. I usually work until 5:00, and they close at 5:00. Today was a rare weekday off (tooth problems ), so I was able to go.

*EDIT* Thanks again for the home brew- I've been saving the IPA since I'm getting over a cold and my taste is off; coming to the next HB meeting at LMB? */EDIT*

No problem. thank you. I hope you feel better soon. I do plan on being there for the next meeting, its election month!