you give prime examples of thinking outside the box, in your uses of the drill....that was just genius putting the drill bit in the vice and using the drill itself to hold the item to be drilled. A very simple solution to drilling such a small item easily and in a balanced fashion which was crucial to your final outcome. I shall not forget this trick if I ever have the need. ha ha i love it
Hi, ignore my last question - I've now read all the questions and your replies to variations of my previous question. I now understand the nylon part salvaged from the lighter has different diameters at each end and it's the smaller diameter end you're drilling out but that doesn't affect the other end that fits on the refill cannister stem as that end's internal diameter is still larger than the drill bit OD so remains unaffected. Nice video and, as others have said, neat engineering tips. I've often looked at the bits in lighters and marvelled at the precision engineered parts in there when you consider how cheaply they are sold. Thanks for sharing your creativity and engineering expertise - I'm going to see what other videos you've created. Cheers!
4 cans of butane cost $3.50 US here in Australia, I use them in my el-cheapo gas stove. Liked your video, gives me an idea for saving all my almost empty cans of gas.
You made a great video. I just now finished up refilling my 1lb. propane bottles and was searching for reasons why one of my 15 bottles would not refill and I came across your butane filling video. I did not know about having to chill the bottles first and that does make sense now that I have seen it here. Good job, I will have to make your valve stem if I ever begin using butane.
Thanks, yea if the pressure is equal in both the large tank and the small bottle, the liquid will not transfer. If the small bottle has a little liquid propane left in it, that means the pressure will be the same as the large tank if they are the same temperature. Chilling the small tank gives the pressure difference, warming the large tank works too, but you have to be more careful.
Great video. One thing I'm confused about - the nylon piece you salvaged from the lighter is shown as a good fit on the refill container BEFORE you drill it out to take the stainless tube, so how can it still be a good tight fit on the refill container stem after it's been drilled out? (unless you're only drilling part of the length sufficient to fit the tube into it.) Does my question make sense?
A great show of your innovative and creative mind. Really nice little invention. I refill the 400g propane bottles from a 13kg tank. Cost of refill attachment:£5.99 Cost of one propane bottle:£10.49 Average cost to refill bottle: £0.86!!!! Saves me £300 if I were to buy new bottles each time and not refill them! Thanks for the video.
Thanks! Do you mean butane? Or propane? I know in other countries butane is available in large tanks for grilles and such, but here grilles and BBQ's are propane only. I would love to find butane in large tanks but they don't have them here. Propane's pressure is to high for these little tanks filled mostly with butane I think. Thanks for the comment!
Nowdays you can use an adapter to the gas bottle which has no EN417 connector. No need to refill, just use the adapter and so you can use the cheaper gas bottles.
Great video, thanks. I don't know if you monitor comments on older videos but the "safe" fill mass for n-butane, aka straight butane would possibly be just a little more than for a butane/propane mixture. Ir the butane included the branched isomer methylpropane, aka isobutane, then the safe fill mass would be a little higher still. The reason for this is the density of liquid isobutane is higher than that of n-butane. Both butane isomers have higher liquid densities than propane.
Thanks, I never thought about the specific densities of the fuels before. It makes sense though, that the lower boiling point propane would be a lighter density. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the video. You should add an information that you should wear safety goggles while refilling. You already overshoot your canister. If you are not careful or try to refill it with propane, the canister might burst. I don't think it will catch fire, but if you get this stuff in the eye its most certainly not pleasurable.
iuiz Not a bad suggestion, but being well aware of what is going on is the reason I don't feel the need to wear goggles. You can fill the canister completely full with butane, the danger comes when the tank gets hot. The canisters come with a little propane in the mix, so they are stronger than what is needed for just butane. A propane fill is not possible because I have no way to do that. Thanks for the comment!
always love a plug. thanks. I work at ace hardware. May not pay a lot but the money I've saved by making things instead of buying them has been making up for it.
Many thanks, but, is the tube you use silicon, as used for methanol RC model engines? you state it's the fuel tubing for gas engines, which is different, gas will swell silicon tubing to 3 times its size, the tubing you use looks to be silicon and quite soft, hope you can clarify as I would love to try this. thanks again for this great idea!
Excellent video but I'm wondering if just using a straight forward, commercially available, adapter setup for using the cheap butane canisters on a stove would be a simpler option? This is not a criticism, just a genuine question.
Alternatively, use a stove with a remote canister feed. Then use an adapter to use the butane canister directly. The remote stoves are a little heavier, but can be used in a wider range of temperatures and are more efficient as you can use a wraparound windscreen, helping compensate for the weight.
Excellent invention. But I bought an adapter to do this exact thing 2 years ago. I am still using the original canister for my daily coffee reheat at my desk. Best investment I ever made.
RP Whale I used an adapter similar to the Mountaineering Gas Refill Adapter (search here on youtube) . I refill using the asian 8oz butane canisters. Here is the link to the adapter (store.taiwancamping.net/home/outdoor-gears)
Instead of burning of the excess could you transfer some of the over filled containers gas into a third (empty) container? Thus avoiding wastage and environmental issues.
Pretty good idea, would have used brass though as it doesn't spark. Really good idea to freeze the tanks prior to filling as it creates more negative pressure. I didn't think I was going to like this.
You can buy the adapter with a metal hose which works off of the tall round butane bottle. No need to off load at all. Just buy the cheap butane bottles. They are lighter than the expensive ones anyway. I bought mine on E-bay for under 20 dollars. Every town has the bottles too.
i had not even thought about refilling them in the past, thanks for the idea and method. i guess another way would be to use the valve part of an old burner and attach a filling line onto it. i will definatey look into doing this in the future
I spent over $100 buying a custom (made in Japan) valve and adapter fittings to transfer gas between cylinders and refill. I can refill with both propane and butane now. I must say your less than $15 method looks pretty good. Low cost effective. Be aware that it is a violation of Federal Law and many state laws to transport refilled disposable cylinders. Sticking with N-butane is a good idea. Those cylinders don't like being filled with all propane (yes, I do know that).
Hello, I was wondering how to store the gas containers after use? I am worried that if i just put the kit into my backpack that it would twist and turn inside my backpack and let out gas. Is this something that happens or is it safe when turned off? I mean the regulator seems pretty easy to turn so I imagine that could possibly happen inside a backpack.
Humm, no I have not. My thinking was for use in testing burner designs, and when car camping in the summer when I don't mind less performance. Winter trips or actual backpacking trips where that is important I would use a new canister. Perhaps I will to a test to see just how much the boil times vary.
Very useful idea~ But I think you can also find some adapter for your stove since you ware using the separate stove(I don't know how it actually call, but is the kind of stove that you used in your video. ) I found 2 adapter for my Kovea Spider stove, LPG and Butane, so I can use more fuel than just those camping canister.
Thank you for this information. I want to try this out. Could you provide a couple of information? 1. How many times can you refill the tanks? (How long does the adapter last?) 2. How long is the silicone rubber hose? 3. Lastly, if you have one of the mini propane tanks half full, can you refill the rest with a butane? Thank you again~
1: As long as the rubber seal inside the tank is in good working order, and the tank itself is in good condition with no rust or large dents, the tanks can be refilled indefinitely. I'm on the tenth refill on that one in the video and it's still good. The adapter is not expected to ever wear out or break. 2: The silicone hose is 1/2 inches long, (about 12mm) but if you make this, your length will depend on the length of the steel probe. The silicone hose needs to be about 1/4 inch (about 6mm) shorter than the steel probe. 3: Yes, but you will need to chill the half full tank well before topping off. If both the tanks have liquid butane in them (the refill tank and the tank being refilled) then the pressure in both of them will be equal, so there will be no transfer of fuel. If you put the half full tank in the freezer and reduce it's temperature, you also reduce it's pressure and fuel can flow into it. You can also increase the pressure in the refill tank to get fuel to flow but, I do not recommend warming the refill tank in any way other than with sunlight or body heat.
clkindred Thank you for the info. By any chance, have you ever created a cozy or have a good easy way to keep the tanks warm while in use? Rather than just wrapping it in a beanie, if you found a to keep the tanks warm in higher or snowy climates? Thanks again~
tigersfa88 A beanie warms your head by keeping heat in, the tank gets cold because of the change of phase from liquid, to gas inside the tank. There is no heat to keep in, in fact a cozy would make things worse by keeping outside heat from getting in, like a drink cozy keeping a drink cold. You can run the stove with the tank sitting in a pot or pan, or even a plastic dish of water. This will increase the thermal mass make it harder for the auto refrigeration going on inside the tank to chill it. Warm water helps too, just don't go too warm.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. "Stove testing kit" as in items to test stoves? The stoves I tested are ones I made, everything about them, including how they attach to the fuel source is part of that stove system and can be different for each. Are you asking about gas valves and such?
The adapter on the canister at 6:00. I guess my main question is where you found the valve to fit the canister? What is the thread count on the canister? Thanks
Gas weight in refillable is 259, the donor fill can is 227, so would not a 1 can fill be within the safe zone ? like 259 minus 227 which means 32 short of full, am I right on this or am I missing something ?
It seems you are drilling all the way through the plastic part you got from the lighter. Before drilling it seemed to fit perfect on the Butane valve - and now that you have drilled through it, it will not fit the refill butane bottle as well - what am I missing??
scottcov56 The inner diameter that fits on the butane can is larger than the hole I drilled through the plastic piece, the drill bit never touched the material on that end.
It's easy to tell when you have overfilled a tank, because you didn't measure grams of gas. Place your overfilled tank in the hot sun of a summer afternoon. If you have too much stuff in the canister, the concave bottom pops convex to relieve the pressure, turning the canister almost round. If you have it hooked to a canister mount stove at the time, the round fuel can will dump your pot of food onto the ground, and liquid gas will gush out of the high pressure canister like a flamethrower. Ask me how I know! Or better, don't. Use an accurate scale.
Yep. First stage is concave bottom convexes. If the excessive pressure situation continues (hot canister), next thing to give is the rolled edge, barfing high pressure flammable liquified gas into your campsite/tent.
i can speak from experience and i will yell DO NOT OVER FILL it can be very dangerous and very bad if the stove is lit, i had one go concave to a ball while inside and it started hissing as a seam was letting go and i woke up and threw it outside where the seam let go completely, no damage to the house but i did have a furnace with a pilot light as well as a hot water tank within 20 or so feet of where it started leaking gas it may cost a little to buy a scale but you will make up the savings after a few refills
I remember in late '70's early '80's they used to have butane bottles to fill cigarette lighter that came with a variety tips for the different makes and models. Who knew taking apart lighters to get the same parts would be an issue :)
Super tutorial. Now I have no reason (that I can think of) for not buying the MSR pocket rocket (?). Perhaps you can steer me towards a cheap/affordable DIY substitute. Many thanks for posting and sharing. Cheers
Hey @Jeff Spate www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/camp-chef-stryker-100-isobutane-backpacker-stove-16ccfustrykrsbtnscac/16ccfustrykrsbtnscac www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/jetboil-zip-cooking-system-15jetuzpxxxxxxxxxcac/15jetuzpxxxxxxxxxcac Jet Boil also makes models that you can turn down the heat to simmer for cooking too not just boiling water..
Hey that was a great video, thanks for sharing this information. The white plastic piece that you drilled with a1/8 bit, did you drill it all the way though? I'm thinking no because if you did drill it all the way it would not fit the Koran butane tank tip right? Plus where did you get that silicon tubing? Thanks again..
Yep, drilled all the way through. The end that fits onto the korean tank is much larger than the 1/8th hole being drilled on the other side, and is not affected by the drilling. The silicone tubing is fuel line for gas powered RC cars. Places that sell radio controlled models will have it.
Probably not since propane is stored with higher pressures. Propane canisters tend to be thick and heavy, while butane/isobutane canisters are thin and lightweight, which is why they are the most prolific among backpackers. I'm not an expert though so don't quote me.
where do I find this refill to buy friend ja looked everywhere and can't find it. I speak of this largest of grey color please send me the contact of who sells ok
I find connectors and hose to get cheaper gas from other type bottle. They not made this transfer hose system ready, but hose was wright for both end to make it.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. This is what I have been looking to do for some time but had not any idea of how to make an adapter. Have you had difficulty using the fuel at elevation. I sometimes get up in excess of 10,000ft elevation and have heard the fuel will sometimes not work. Any thoughts? Peace, Mo
I have used it at about 12,000ft with good results, may have been burning a bit rich but it was too bright to see the flame well enough to tell. The cold weather it dose not like though. I might build a stove to run in inverted tank mode for winter use. Thanks for the comment!
clkindred Most of my elevation hiking is in the cold weather, sometimes below 0 degrees. You mentioned an inverted tank mode? Never heard of that. How would that help? Peace, Mo
Maurice Gundrum Inverted tank mode is like a butane stove / white gas stove hybrid. It takes liquid butane from the detached tank which is used upside down to feed liquid. The liquid butane passes through a preheat tube that passes over the flame of the stove, rendering the butane a gas. It is then routed down into the stove itself to burn. This is used for cold weather because the change of phase from liquid to gas inside the butane tank causes the butane to self refrigerate and become too cold to give vapors. To put it simply, the tanks freeze up and will not have enough pressure to run the stove. By using the tanks inverted the change of phase happens in the preheat loop therefore will not chill the tank. Also the reduced pressure of the winter cold butane is still plenty to push liquid out into the stove. Another plus is the tank is used in remote style feed, the tank is off to the side of the stove, connected to it by a flexible hose. This means the stove is nice and low to the ground for stability, and you can windscreen the stove without overheating the butane tank and blowing your dinner off the mountain.
I know it is highly not recommended to refill the 1 lb propane disposable tanks. I would imagine disposable butane tanks pose similar risks. Wouldn't it be safer (and perhaps easier) to manufacture an adapter to fit the cheaper cylinder to the stove?
Nice idea but you can buy a adapter on ebay to convert the long cheap butane cartridge to a screw type on ebay for about $2. I only use propane blend during winter as i find you dont get enough pressure with butane
Wouldn't a smaller "air" gap be safe in a refilled tank with only butane? Propane is a higher pressure gas, so it's there to remain safe through altitude and temperature changes that butane wouldn't be affected as much by.
The gap ("head space") isn't to handle the vapor pressure, it's to provide space for liquid expansion. The danger is the liquid expanding to fill the container. Past that point the container will burst. Propane expands about twice as much butane (about 20x water instead of about 9x water), so pure butane needs somewhat less head space. Butane is also denser than propane, so a same-weight fill with only butane should provide plenty of margin. Propane tanks have pressure relief valves that should reseal after venting (although they frequently continue to leak on disposable cylinders). These canisters are designed to pop out the bottom, turning it from concave into convex, without splitting at the crimp.
Ok, well enough, what brand lighter do I look for. your video,on show's it in a Flash, and I need to know, I've spent, $10 bucks on 6ft of stainless tubing, and I could build bunches of e'm , but no lighters have that white part you speak of. :(
if water is better than a cozy? how would the tank/burner setup react to being set directly in a stream?,,,,,and,,,,,is it possible to overfill and blow the tank with butane?, thanks
As long as the water is warmer than the butane being chilled to, it will help, it dose not prevent the butane from chilling outright, it gives more thermal mass that is to be chilled, thus slowing the process. As long as you watch the fill weight, there is no problem. IF you overfill a tank you can purge it down to weight, if not the tank risks being put under too much pressure when the butane warms up. It won't just blow up in your face while filling though.
adapter w/ black case www.ebay.com/itm/142380535366 adapter w/ silver case www.ebay.com/itm/132279773716 adapter w/o case www.ebay.com/itm/272665832470
cvcoco I don't have a larger cheaper source of butane to fill the spray can style with. So I can't work out a solution for that. Do you live in a place where butane is available in large tanks like propane is to me?
I will have to check around. Im in Malaysia where 99% of the population uses 20lb propane tanks for home cooking. For outdoors, all varieties of butane stoves are available together with the skinny butane cans which cost about $1.25 or so. I can buy adapters to take the butane can to, what is it, a lindal valve, but that doesnt help with my question. In fact, I cant even understand why that adapter is sold since Ive never seen the short, coleman propane camping can here which I believe it was created for. This is getting so confusing. I have seen people on YT refilling butane cans from large propane tanks but they are not explaining what adapters they are using. And, is it unsafe to do so since propane and butane have different densities?
Does anyone know if it's possible to refill these butane canisters with bulk propane? Way cheaper than butane and no empty butane cans to throw away. I'm talking about canisters like the ones in this video, not the one-pound Coleman bottles.
I like your methodical approach and delivery. At least you seem more trustworthy than the less articulate guys.
you give prime examples of thinking outside the box, in your uses of the drill....that was just genius putting the drill bit in the vice and using the drill itself to hold the item to be drilled. A very simple solution to drilling such a small item easily and in a balanced fashion which was crucial to your final outcome. I shall not forget this trick if I ever have the need. ha ha i love it
Awharry36 Thanks!
yes, these are some great ideas.. a practical wisdom..
+Awharry36 I took notes and laughed at myself, how smart and simple to use a drill like that.
That there is some of that out the box thankin
Awharry36 That's a no brained for a machinist but yeah a good tip.
Hi, ignore my last question - I've now read all the questions and your replies to variations of my previous question. I now understand the nylon part salvaged from the lighter has different diameters at each end and it's the smaller diameter end you're drilling out but that doesn't affect the other end that fits on the refill cannister stem as that end's internal diameter is still larger than the drill bit OD so remains unaffected. Nice video and, as others have said, neat engineering tips. I've often looked at the bits in lighters and marvelled at the precision engineered parts in there when you consider how cheaply they are sold. Thanks for sharing your creativity and engineering expertise - I'm going to see what other videos you've created. Cheers!
4 cans of butane cost $3.50 US here in Australia, I use them in my el-cheapo gas stove. Liked your video, gives me an idea for saving all my almost empty cans of gas.
You made a great video. I just now finished up refilling my 1lb. propane bottles and was searching for reasons why one of my 15 bottles would not refill and I came across your butane filling video. I did not know about having to chill the bottles first and that does make sense now that I have seen it here. Good job, I will have to make your valve stem if I ever begin using butane.
Thanks, yea if the pressure is equal in both the large tank and the small bottle, the liquid will not transfer. If the small bottle has a little liquid propane left in it, that means the pressure will be the same as the large tank if they are the same temperature. Chilling the small tank gives the pressure difference, warming the large tank works too, but you have to be more careful.
Thank you... Years later after making this video.. people are still stumbling upon it.. nice!
I Dont usually give praise to RUclipsrs. But you did a great job on this video....
Great video. One thing I'm confused about - the nylon piece you salvaged from the lighter is shown as a good fit on the refill container BEFORE you drill it out to take the stainless tube, so how can it still be a good tight fit on the refill container stem after it's been drilled out? (unless you're only drilling part of the length sufficient to fit the tube into it.) Does my question make sense?
Thanks a ton! I'm a stickler for recycling and always hated tossing those tanks out. And the savings! Great video!
Jason Galens Glad you liked it!
That is a great tip!!! I hate throwing these containers away all of the time!!! Thanks!!!!
+mark duncan Thank you!
A great show of your innovative and creative mind. Really nice little invention.
I refill the 400g propane bottles from a 13kg tank.
Cost of refill attachment:£5.99
Cost of one propane bottle:£10.49
Average cost to refill bottle: £0.86!!!!
Saves me £300 if I were to buy new bottles each time and not refill them!
Thanks for the video.
Thanks! Do you mean butane? Or propane? I know in other countries butane is available in large tanks for grilles and such, but here grilles and BBQ's are propane only. I would love to find butane in large tanks but they don't have them here. Propane's pressure is to high for these little tanks filled mostly with butane I think. Thanks for the comment!
Nowdays you can use an adapter to the gas bottle which has no EN417 connector. No need to refill, just use the adapter and so you can use the cheaper gas bottles.
Excellent video, clear, and no BS. Well done ! ! !
Great video, thanks. I don't know if you monitor comments on older videos but the "safe" fill mass for n-butane, aka straight butane would possibly be just a little more than for a butane/propane mixture. Ir the butane included the branched isomer methylpropane, aka isobutane, then the safe fill mass would be a little higher still. The reason for this is the density of liquid isobutane is higher than that of n-butane. Both butane isomers have higher liquid densities than propane.
Thanks, I never thought about the specific densities of the fuels before. It makes sense though, that the lower boiling point propane would be a lighter density. Thanks for the comment!
Your procedure is top notch . Much luck . Thanks be
LOVE IT!! Just make sure the companies that make these tanks don't get this video pulled. Genius hack.
very useful, you have a nice teaching voice, calm and to the point. Thanks
I really like your ingenuity man, thanks for sharing 👍🏼
You are a genius. At the very least a very inventive person.
Thanks for the video. You should add an information that you should wear safety goggles while refilling. You already overshoot your canister. If you are not careful or try to refill it with propane, the canister might burst. I don't think it will catch fire, but if you get this stuff in the eye its most certainly not pleasurable.
iuiz Not a bad suggestion, but being well aware of what is going on is the reason I don't feel the need to wear goggles. You can fill the canister completely full with butane, the danger comes when the tank gets hot. The canisters come with a little propane in the mix, so they are stronger than what is needed for just butane. A propane fill is not possible because I have no way to do that. Thanks for the comment!
always love a plug. thanks. I work at ace hardware. May not pay a lot but the money I've saved by making things instead of buying them has been making up for it.
Professional, Practiced and without mistakes that distract viewers.,,,thanks for this Great video.
Nicely done video. Short and to the point with good camera work!
Many thanks, but, is the tube you use silicon, as used for methanol RC model engines? you state it's the fuel tubing for gas engines, which is different, gas will swell silicon tubing to 3 times its size, the tubing you use looks to be silicon and quite soft, hope you can clarify as I would love to try this. thanks again for this great idea!
Excellent video but I'm wondering if just using a straight forward, commercially available, adapter setup for using the cheap butane canisters on a stove would be a simpler option? This is not a criticism, just a genuine question.
Terrific info.....very straight forward and fraught with common sense......GREAT JOB!!
Alternatively, use a stove with a remote canister feed. Then use an adapter to use the butane canister directly. The remote stoves are a little heavier, but can be used in a wider range of temperatures and are more efficient as you can use a wraparound windscreen, helping compensate for the weight.
Inspiring dedication at solving an economic problem
Very nice work, as much for the filming as for the explanations and for the fabrication....
You sir, are a friggin genius.
Excellent invention. But I bought an adapter to do this exact thing 2 years ago. I am still using the original canister for my daily coffee reheat at my desk. Best investment I ever made.
Can you tell me where you bought it , and what is the name ?
Also,what are you using to refill it with?
RP Whale I used an adapter similar to the Mountaineering Gas Refill Adapter (search here on youtube) . I refill using the asian 8oz butane canisters. Here is the link to the adapter (store.taiwancamping.net/home/outdoor-gears)
Respect for a great presentation.
what is the difference of pure butane vs blended? I assume the blend is better at higher altitudes and colder weather?
Very cool video.I really like the use of the drill.
Thank you!
You are a very good teacher....thanks.
Great Video! Love the DIY.
akayaker Thank you!
Clamping the drill bit in the vice: genius
lateral thinking...Not even close to genius
Instead of burning of the excess could you transfer some of the over filled containers gas into a third (empty) container? Thus avoiding wastage and environmental issues.
Pretty good idea, would have used brass though as it doesn't spark. Really good idea to freeze the tanks prior to filling as it creates more negative pressure. I didn't think I was going to like this.
loved your way of cutting the hoze
You can buy the adapter with a metal hose which works off of the tall round butane bottle. No need to off load at all. Just buy the cheap butane bottles. They are lighter than the expensive ones anyway. I bought mine on E-bay for under 20 dollars. Every town has the bottles too.
i had not even thought about refilling them in the past, thanks for the idea and method.
i guess another way would be to use the valve part of an old burner and attach a filling line onto it. i will definatey look into doing this in the future
Secutronic Thanks!
I spent over $100 buying a custom (made in Japan) valve and adapter fittings to transfer gas between cylinders and refill. I can refill with both propane and butane now. I must say your less than $15 method looks pretty good. Low cost effective.
Be aware that it is a violation of Federal Law and many state laws to transport refilled disposable cylinders. Sticking with N-butane is a good idea. Those cylinders don't like being filled with all propane (yes, I do know that).
Did you have issues with refilling with propane?
Hello, I was wondering how to store the gas containers after use? I am worried that if i just put the kit into my backpack that it would twist and turn inside my backpack and let out gas. Is this something that happens or is it safe when turned off? I mean the regulator seems pretty easy to turn so I imagine that could possibly happen inside a backpack.
Love your video! Have you tested the butane refill vs. an Iso/Butane stock canister? Are your burn times about the same?
Humm, no I have not. My thinking was for use in testing burner designs, and when car camping in the summer when I don't mind less performance. Winter trips or actual backpacking trips where that is important I would use a new canister. Perhaps I will to a test to see just how much the boil times vary.
Why did the first tank say non refillable? Are they designed for single use?
CLKindred - This is excellent. Why not make these up as refill kits and sell them? I'd buy several right now.
AZRydr Totally!
I would buy some of you do!
Cycling in Ireland ..why don't you buy the adapter that you can use any gas can apart from the expensive cans in this video lol
www.ebay.com/itm/Gas-Refill-Adapter-Copper-Outdoor-Camping-Stove-Cylinder-Filling-Butane-Canister/183318112560?epid=10025080763&hash=item2aae9c6930:g:nccAAOSwZKRbRIps:rk:3:pf:0
I so enjoy all the information you share.... Very informative and useful... Thank You
Very useful idea~
But I think you can also find some adapter for your stove since you ware using the separate stove(I don't know how it actually call, but is the kind of stove that you used in your video. )
I found 2 adapter for my Kovea Spider stove, LPG and Butane, so I can use more fuel than just those camping canister.
Do these small tanks fit or comparable with bernzomatic ts8000 or ts4000?
Thank you for this information. I want to try this out. Could you provide a couple of information? 1. How many times can you refill the tanks? (How long does the adapter last?) 2. How long is the silicone rubber hose? 3. Lastly, if you have one of the mini propane tanks half full, can you refill the rest with a butane?
Thank you again~
1: As long as the rubber seal inside the tank is in good working order, and the tank itself is in good condition with no rust or large dents, the tanks can be refilled indefinitely. I'm on the tenth refill on that one in the video and it's still good.
The adapter is not expected to ever wear out or break.
2: The silicone hose is 1/2 inches long, (about 12mm) but if you make this, your length will depend on the length of the steel probe. The silicone hose needs to be about 1/4 inch (about 6mm) shorter than the steel probe.
3: Yes, but you will need to chill the half full tank well before topping off. If both the tanks have liquid butane in them (the refill tank and the tank being refilled) then the pressure in both of them will be equal, so there will be no transfer of fuel. If you put the half full tank in the freezer and reduce it's temperature, you also reduce it's pressure and fuel can flow into it. You can also increase the pressure in the refill tank to get fuel to flow but, I do not recommend warming the refill tank in any way other than with sunlight or body heat.
clkindred Thank you for the info. By any chance, have you ever created a cozy or have a good easy way to keep the tanks warm while in use? Rather than just wrapping it in a beanie, if you found a to keep the tanks warm in higher or snowy climates?
Thanks again~
tigersfa88
A beanie warms your head by keeping heat in, the tank gets cold because of the change of phase from liquid, to gas inside the tank. There is no heat to keep in, in fact a cozy would make things worse by keeping outside heat from getting in, like a drink cozy keeping a drink cold. You can run the stove with the tank sitting in a pot or pan, or even a plastic dish of water. This will increase the thermal mass make it harder for the auto refrigeration going on inside the tank to chill it. Warm water helps too, just don't go too warm.
Where i live butane canisters cost about 1.8$ each so I will keep but them. Nice video
Great video! I'm actually wondering how you built your stove testing kit. Any chance you could share the materials needed?
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. "Stove testing kit" as in items to test stoves? The stoves I tested are ones I made, everything about them, including how they attach to the fuel source is part of that stove system and can be different for each. Are you asking about gas valves and such?
The adapter on the canister at 6:00. I guess my main question is where you found the valve to fit the canister? What is the thread count on the canister? Thanks
Gas weight in refillable is 259, the donor fill can is 227, so would not a 1 can fill be within the safe zone ? like 259 minus 227 which means 32 short of full, am I right on this or am I missing something ?
It seems you are drilling all the way through the plastic part you got from the lighter. Before drilling it seemed to fit perfect on the Butane valve - and now that you have drilled through it, it will not fit the refill butane bottle as well - what am I missing??
scottcov56 The inner diameter that fits on the butane can is larger than the hole I drilled through the plastic piece, the drill bit never touched the material on that end.
It's easy to tell when you have overfilled a tank, because you didn't measure grams of gas. Place your overfilled tank in the hot sun of a summer afternoon. If you have too much stuff in the canister, the concave bottom pops convex to relieve the pressure, turning the canister almost round.
If you have it hooked to a canister mount stove at the time, the round fuel can will dump your pot of food onto the ground, and liquid gas will gush out of the high pressure canister like a flamethrower.
Ask me how I know! Or better, don't. Use an accurate scale.
Yep. First stage is concave bottom convexes. If the excessive pressure situation continues (hot canister), next thing to give is the rolled edge, barfing high pressure flammable liquified gas into your campsite/tent.
i can speak from experience and i will yell DO NOT OVER FILL it can be very dangerous and very bad if the stove is lit, i had one go concave to a ball while inside and it started hissing as a seam was letting go and i woke up and threw it outside where the seam let go completely, no damage to the house but i did have a furnace with a pilot light as well as a hot water tank within 20 or so feet of where it started leaking gas
it may cost a little to buy a scale but you will make up the savings after a few refills
Very very useful, especially the last bit. Thanks!!
I remember in late '70's early '80's they used to have butane bottles to fill cigarette lighter that came with a variety tips for the different makes and models. Who knew taking apart lighters to get the same parts would be an issue :)
Super tutorial. Now I have no reason (that I can think of) for not buying the MSR pocket rocket (?). Perhaps you can steer me towards a cheap/affordable DIY substitute. Many thanks for posting and sharing.
Cheers
Jeff Spate check Amazon for the BRS stove.
Hey @Jeff Spate www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/camp-chef-stryker-100-isobutane-backpacker-stove-16ccfustrykrsbtnscac/16ccfustrykrsbtnscac
www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/jetboil-zip-cooking-system-15jetuzpxxxxxxxxxcac/15jetuzpxxxxxxxxxcac
Jet Boil also makes models that you can turn down the heat to simmer for cooking too not just boiling water..
Fantastic video!
Stumbled upon a gold mine channel! SUBBED!!
Thanks!
Very creative! Thanks for sharing your cool tips with us!
Hey that was a great video, thanks for sharing this information. The white plastic piece that you drilled with a1/8 bit, did you drill it all the way though? I'm thinking no because if you did drill it all the way it would not fit the Koran butane tank tip right? Plus where did you get that silicon tubing? Thanks again..
Yep, drilled all the way through. The end that fits onto the korean tank is much larger than the 1/8th hole being drilled on the other side, and is not affected by the drilling. The silicone tubing is fuel line for gas powered RC cars. Places that sell radio controlled models will have it.
I've heard if not done properly it will explode. I think I will stick to buying new ones. Good idea though.
Hope this is not a dumb question... can you fill the butane canisters with propane?
Probably not since propane is stored with higher pressures. Propane canisters tend to be thick and heavy, while butane/isobutane canisters are thin and lightweight, which is why they are the most prolific among backpackers. I'm not an expert though so don't quote me.
Really interesting.
Think you can fashion an adapter to use those cheaper tanks on the other type of stove?
Awesome Video! Thanks!!!
Ruben Chavez Thank you!
Ingenious in every way, and a very well-done video. Thanks. I'm impressed!
hmm.. is this the same but an lighter fluid I hear about that you refill aersol paint cans with??
Great information! I'll use this method!
James Smith Thanks!
Good information! Thanks for sharing! One question, would you refill butane tank with propane?
Very useful video
Actually, VERY useful. Tanks a lot.
pierre from New Mexico
where do I find this refill to buy friend ja looked everywhere and can't find it.
I speak of this largest of grey color please send me the contact of who sells ok
I find connectors and hose to get cheaper gas from other type bottle. They not made this transfer hose system ready, but hose was wright for both end to make it.
What’s the piece called tnat your unscrewing are .59 seconds into the video
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. This is what I have been looking to do for some time but had not any idea of how to make an adapter. Have you had difficulty using the fuel at elevation. I sometimes get up in excess of 10,000ft elevation and have heard the fuel will sometimes not work. Any thoughts? Peace, Mo
I have used it at about 12,000ft with good results, may have been burning a bit rich but it was too bright to see the flame well enough to tell. The cold weather it dose not like though. I might build a stove to run in inverted tank mode for winter use. Thanks for the comment!
clkindred Most of my elevation hiking is in the cold weather, sometimes below 0 degrees. You mentioned an inverted tank mode? Never heard of that. How would that help? Peace, Mo
Maurice Gundrum
Inverted tank mode is like a butane stove / white gas stove hybrid. It takes liquid butane from the detached tank which is used upside down to feed liquid. The liquid butane passes through a preheat tube that passes over the flame of the stove, rendering the butane a gas. It is then routed down into the stove itself to burn. This is used for cold weather because the change of phase from liquid to gas inside the butane tank causes the butane to self refrigerate and become too cold to give vapors. To put it simply, the tanks freeze up and will not have enough pressure to run the stove. By using the tanks inverted the change of phase happens in the preheat loop therefore will not chill the tank. Also the reduced pressure of the winter cold butane is still plenty to push liquid out into the stove. Another plus is the tank is used in remote style feed, the tank is off to the side of the stove, connected to it by a flexible hose. This means the stove is nice and low to the ground for stability, and you can windscreen the stove without overheating the butane tank and blowing your dinner off the mountain.
clkindred Wow! I will have to check into that kind of set up. Thanks again for the info. Peace, Mo
They make adapters to add Propane to the mixture Isobutane works better in the cold than Butane does..
I know it is highly not recommended to refill the 1 lb propane disposable tanks. I would imagine disposable butane tanks pose similar risks.
Wouldn't it be safer (and perhaps easier) to manufacture an adapter to fit the cheaper cylinder to the stove?
Nice machine work.
Nice idea but you can buy a adapter on ebay to convert the long cheap butane cartridge to a screw type on ebay for about $2. I only use propane blend during winter as i find you dont get enough pressure with butane
wow, youve taught me so much!! many thanks. pierre de Nuevo Mejico
Wouldn't a smaller "air" gap be safe in a refilled tank with only butane? Propane is a higher pressure gas, so it's there to remain safe through altitude and temperature changes that butane wouldn't be affected as much by.
The gap ("head space") isn't to handle the vapor pressure, it's to provide space for liquid expansion.
The danger is the liquid expanding to fill the container. Past that point the container will burst. Propane expands about twice as much butane (about 20x water instead of about 9x water), so pure butane needs somewhat less head space. Butane is also denser than propane, so a same-weight fill with only butane should provide plenty of margin.
Propane tanks have pressure relief valves that should reseal after venting (although they frequently continue to leak on disposable cylinders). These canisters are designed to pop out the bottom, turning it from concave into convex, without splitting at the crimp.
Ok, well enough, what brand lighter do I look for. your video,on show's it in a Flash, and I need to know, I've spent, $10 bucks on 6ft of stainless tubing, and I could build bunches of e'm , but no lighters have that white part you speak of. :(
ghq113 This is the one I used. www.calicobrands.com/views/
what is i want to refill from a large talk use for cooking and water heating?
Good video man. Any video that helps save money is good.
where can i find the tubing, also, what brand lighter do you use?
Matt Colton The stainless steel tubing was purchased from Ace hardware, the green silicone hose was purchased from a R/C hobby shop.
Propane gas refills are pretty awesome in cold winter conditions.
Butane is great in summer or warmer conditions.
if water is better than a cozy? how would the tank/burner setup react to being set directly in a stream?,,,,,and,,,,,is it possible to overfill and blow the tank with butane?, thanks
As long as the water is warmer than the butane being chilled to, it will help, it dose not prevent the butane from chilling outright, it gives more thermal mass that is to be chilled, thus slowing the process.
As long as you watch the fill weight, there is no problem. IF you overfill a tank you can purge it down to weight, if not the tank risks being put under too much pressure when the butane warms up. It won't just blow up in your face while filling though.
Hey Harry, what would you charge for 10 of them with S/H to Indiana?
adapter w/ black case www.ebay.com/itm/142380535366
adapter w/ silver case www.ebay.com/itm/132279773716
adapter w/o case www.ebay.com/itm/272665832470
www.ebay.com/itm/Gas-Refill-Adapter-Copper-Outdoor-Camping-Stove-Cylinder-Filling-Butane-Canister/183318112560?epid=10025080763&hash=item2aae9c6930:g:nccAAOSwZKRbRIps:rk:3:pf:0
How long will one of those last?
great video,,,do you sell those adapters
Excellent job...pls keep it up...
Mohammed Aslam Thank you!
Great idea.. and nicely done!
+TWiGs ADV (Chris) Thank you!
Great video!
Thanks for sharing all of your insightful information, I really appreciate you.
Make it a great day.
can you help with a solution in reverse, to refill the "spray paint" butane cans? Its the only kind I can get and I use them just about in bulk.
cvcoco I don't have a larger cheaper source of butane to fill the spray can style with. So I can't work out a solution for that. Do you live in a place where butane is available in large tanks like propane is to me?
I will have to check around. Im in Malaysia where 99% of the population uses 20lb propane tanks for home cooking. For outdoors, all varieties of butane stoves are available together with the skinny butane cans which cost about $1.25 or so. I can buy adapters to take the butane can to, what is it, a lindal valve, but that doesnt help with my question. In fact, I cant even understand why that adapter is sold since Ive never seen the short, coleman propane camping can here which I believe it was created for. This is getting so confusing. I have seen people on YT refilling butane cans from large propane tanks but they are not explaining what adapters they are using. And, is it unsafe to do so since propane and butane have different densities?
You sir, are a genius! Awesome invention!
Nice video.
What type of stove is that?
Does anyone know if it's possible to refill these butane canisters with bulk propane? Way cheaper than butane and no empty butane cans to throw away. I'm talking about canisters like the ones in this video, not the one-pound Coleman bottles.
You are the best!!!!!!!!! Thank you for the video.
Thank you!