used argon tank

**matteh99** · 05-29-2009, 10:05 AM

I found someone on craigs list selling a used 40cf argon tank for $25. To me that seems like a deal. Unless it is damaged I should be able to exchange it for a full one or get it filled right? Is there any thing I am not thinking of?

I have one 40cf tank now but it would be nice to have a spare. Or one to use when I win the MIG welder in the contest here.

Eric

**HerbD** · 05-29-2009, 11:40 AM

Hi Eric,

There has been a lot of discussion regarding buying used argon tanks on the welding forums. The price of the tank on sources like Craig's list is usually very appealing, but a couple of cautions are in order.

Basically the "policy" (if there is one) regarding refilling the tanks varies from dealer to dealer. A few only refill their own tanks, i.e. purchased/rented/leased through them. Ask at the store where you plan on having the bottle filled what their policy is on exchanging tanks for refills. Of course if you live in an area where there are several dealers, you may get different answers from each.

HerbD

**matteh99** · 05-29-2009, 12:08 PM

I called a local place and they said they would do an exchange. (assuming the tank is ok)

I know there was some discussion about tank sizes a while ago where it was mentioned that filling a larger tank only cost a little more than a smaller one. Prices at the places I called around here seem to scale fairly linearly.

I got a 40 cf tank to get started with and was considering getting another one or getting a larger tank. There are some advantages to two small tanks vs one big one if the cost to fill them is about the same. I drive by a gas supplier fairly often but it is a bit of a drive from the shop. So I could have a full tank ready to go if I run out. Then get the empty one filled without making a special trip.

Of course that plan requires getting a working second tank fairly cheaply.

Eric

**KHK** · 05-29-2009, 01:14 PM

There should be a date stamped into the tank. The date shows the last time it was tested. It needs testing every 5 years, the test cost between $25-$50 depending on the dealer. The dealer is not allowed to refill a out of date tank.
This is how it is done in Chicago area. The date on the tank is important.

**Gadget** · 05-29-2009, 01:29 PM

I wouldn't buy a used tank unless you have the original purchase receipt. Then the tank would have to be within the inspection date period. If both requirements are met then you should be ok.
Dan

**clearchris** · 05-31-2009, 10:05 PM

25$ is a deal. I just spent around 80$ on one from Indiana Oxygen.

That said, if you don't have a receipt, you may have a hard time getting it filled. I'd at least check it for company ownership stickers / stamps.

**matteh99** · 06-02-2009, 11:39 AM

The seller didn't get back to me when I asked about how old the tank was or if it had been inspected recently. It is a bit of a drive for me to actually go and take a look at the tank so I decided not to buy it. If it was closer I would have gone and taken a look at it to see if it was worth buying.

**KHK** · 06-02-2009, 01:08 PM

Good decision!! Anouther deal will come your way.

**Gadget** · 06-02-2009, 06:47 PM

I think you probably avoided a big headache.

Dan

**PWTEngineering** · 06-21-2009, 12:32 PM

by federal law they have to accept the exchange tank(pressure vessel)if it is out of date they cant refuse it,they will deal with it its a cost of their doing business. if the tank it deemed un serviceable (damaged arced on or cracked)they will destroy it and charge you for a new one. if the valve is bad they take care of that but if you break it its about $25 for them to replace it (well worth it imo).so if old tanks worry you dont i have one in my shop that originaly dates 1918 they gave it to me after cutting the bottom off because it had a little arc mark on it .I'm going to make a bell out of it