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Do You Throw Away Spray Cans Containing Fluid?

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 07:31
by Ranch Dog
I've always meant to show you guys this but forget unless I'm charging a can. The fellow who helps me out on the ranch is a retired heavy equipment mechanic and he had a fit one day when I tossed a spray can of something we were using and I now never throw away a can unless it is absolutely empty.

You need a tire valve stem and you will end up cutting most of the plastic/rubber off the base of it. This is the one that he made for me, he cut the base off with his knife and then I used a wheel grinder to trim it up. You will be removing enough of the base so that the brass ring in the stem can seat down on the stem of the can without the top of the can interfering.
recharge_spray_can_01.jpg
With the core removed, you place the valve stem over the stem on the can. The brass ring will engage the stem on the can and push it down. In that the can is empty nothing happens and if there is a bit of pressure what remains of the fluid might discharge. With the latter in mind, I lightly apply the stem to the can and then push it down on the can with the pressurized air chuck.
recharge_spray_can_02.jpg
I'm solo trying to do this but someday will get some pictures when I have another in my shop. Anyway you cannot physically overcharge a can because you and the stem cannot contain the pressure. You will also hear it charge. My pressure lines are maintained at 100 PSI and in one contact the can is ready to go. I doubt I could hold the chuck or stem on the can for 2 seconds.

It is not that most of the stuff I use from cans is expensive, it just always seems to run out when I need it most. Some of the gun stuff in cans is expensive as is some of the specialty stuff that I have for the farm equipment and I've always hated tossing it when I can feel fluid left inside the can.

Re: Do You Throw Away Spray Cans Containing Fluid?

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 07:41
by Fyodor
That's a great idea! I still got a half empty but pressure less can of WD40 sitting around, that I always found sorry to throw away. It was only half pressurized when bought, and WD40 replaced it at no cost, but it still contains quite a lot of fluid.

Now all I need is to find such a valve stem... never seen them in a hardware store.

Re: Do You Throw Away Spray Cans Containing Fluid?

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 09:20
by Ranch Dog
Fyodor wrote:Now all I need is to find such a valve stem... never seen them in a hardware store.
You can get them at a tire shop, plenty on ebay too.

Re: Do You Throw Away Spray Cans Containing Fluid?

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 09:23
by Ranch Dog
Ranch Dog wrote:
Fyodor wrote:Now all I need is to find such a valve stem... never seen them in a hardware store.
You can get them at a tire shop, plenty on ebay too.
A tire shop would probably give you one as the cut the base off to remove them.

Re: Do You Throw Away Spray Cans Containing Fluid?

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 10:10
by horseman
Well I'll be darned. What a great idea. I've been to a county fair and a chicken rodeo and thought I'd seen about everything, but that's possibly one of the most useful little idea's I've seen. :ugeek:

Re: Do You Throw Away Spray Cans Containing Fluid?

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 14:25
by Ranch Dog
Horseman wrote:Well I'll be darned. What a great idea. I've been to a county fair and a chicken rodeo and thought I'd seen about everything, but that's possibly one of the most useful little idea's I've seen. :ugeek:
A chicken rodeo is not really useful but a heck of alot more fun than charging spray cans, especially if you let those chickens bronco cats with their spurs!

Re: Do You Throw Away Spray Cans Containing Fluid?

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 18:00
by akuser47
I'm going to try this awesome info thanks rd

Re: Do You Throw Away Spray Cans Containing Fluid?

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 19:49
by klr
Great idea! Thanks for posting.

And when the fluid is gone, re-pressurize and shoot them.

Re: Do You Throw Away Spray Cans Containing Fluid?

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 04:23
by Ranch Dog
klr wrote:And when the fluid is gone, re-pressurize and shoot them.
Nice... or put them in a fire!