The point about modifying the No. 5 tip is critical. I tried so many times to fill with info from other videos that did not include this step and was unable to fill. Thanks for the detailed explanation.
I used the No. 1 tip. Fit perfectly without modification. As the video mentioned, maybe the numbering system is not universal across manufacturers or countries.
Why do you think they sell printers so cheap? They make a lot more money on the cartridges. And people should just know that the replacement cartridges & mats are somewhat expensive. But if you are throwing an outside party in the summer it is well worth the money to NOT have all the guests complaining they are being eaten up by mosquitoes.
I am working outside mosquito free thanks to you Rudi! I would not have bought this machine without your hack, too cheap & I just hate it when companies make the initial product resonable only to gauge on the refills. This was so incredibly easy to do & EXTREMELY satisfying. TU!!! :)
An excellent video. No time wasting crap, just straight to the point, informative and easy to follow and...it works! Thank you, Rudi, you HAVE saved me heaps of money with this hack. Nice.😁
Yes sweet dude thank you so much ha I never thought I'd see the day where I was actually able to love my thermacel more than I already do lol this calls for a party! Drinks on me!!!! Lol man don't I wish😂😂
I followed your instructions to a T, but for some reason after filling up the cartridge and inserting it into the Thermacell, I'm unable to get it to light. If I depress the valve at the top of the cartridge with an icepick, the butane does eject. Any ideas what might be wrong?
can’t think of what may be wrong. Possibly the refilled canister is overfilled? Try purging a bit more butane out with the ice pick. Also, try an original thermacell fuel canister to se if it will light with that
I'm inexperienced on filling gas for lighter so it really took me many trials even following your video. But your tips on modifying the No. 5 tip with file, and filling up pretty fast really helped me a lot. Thanks very much!
So drilling the hole in the bottom and finding a refillable lighter breaking the bottom out of that sealing with jb weld is no longer a thing? I'm still using mine with check valve installed. I'll try this for sure. Just looked up if there were any innovations. Little upset that I have to find me an adapter kit. But I'll try what I got. Thanks!
Thank you so much for video. I stop buying this machine because indeed is really expensive to buy refill all the time. But now i can go forward and buy it again. Thank again sire 🎉🎉🎉
I tried this hack and it worked perfectly, until I tried turning on my thermacell. It won't ignite but when I put a fresh unaltered gas cylinder in it, it ignites first time. What have I done wrong mate ???
I filed the tip down and it seems to fit and press the valve down but it won't actually fill the canister. Any thoughts on what I'm doing wrong? (Yes I removed the check valve)
Solved it by using the smaller No. 1 tip which fit perfectly without modification. The No.1 tip fits further into the valve and opens the valve to let the fuel in to fill the canister.
@@garyabc The unmodified tip didn't work for me. And I figured out my issue. Someone else mentioned it in another comment (maybe another video). "After closer examination it appears that Thermacell outsmarted everyone. If you look very closely at the valve, you will see that there is a tiny point in the center. This effectively plugs the hole in many of the transfer nozzles, blocking any flow. The work around is to get a very small triangular micro-file, and cut a V-groove across the face of the transfer nozzle. This will allow the fluid to flow past the restriction. When I did this, my cartridge was filled in about 10 - 20 sec." Once I did that, it started filling the container. Some still leaks out, but if I waste half the bottle, it's still cheaper than the refills.
@@mattnagel7717 Thanks for the tip, Matt. I think the nozzles must vary by manufacturer. My number 5 nozzle has a slot molded in it already. My No.1 nozzle does not have a slot, but the pin in the cartridge doesn't interfere with the nozzle and it fills quickly. No nozzle modification. The butane brand I'm using is "Neon".
I give up. Did it the way you show and went through all my caps, trying to get it to fit correctly. I wish the cap fit in a lathe. I could make it fit then.
If you place the the cartridge in the freezer for a couple of minutes to get it cold not frozen and place you butane source in the sun for a few minutes to get it warm only the transfer will go even better.
Used a file and I couldn't get the tip to be perfectly round so it doesn't seal properly. I get as much butane coming out of the side as I do getting into the cartridge.
How do you avoid damaging/scratching the brass fitting when you remove it? And does scratching/gouging the brass affect it's usability in the Thermacell? I tried using cloth around the fitting, but it still scratches it up pretty well.
It doesn’t really matter if it gets scratched a little. The most important spot to watch is the o ring. As long as you don’t damage that area it will work fines
@@rudijones did this to mine and as soon as I screwed 1 of the cells in I could hear the gas coming out....do I have to have all 4 cells installed? I have one just like your red one.
@@randybrandon2223 usually when you first screw in a full canister it will hiss. That is just some of the gas pressure being relieved. Unless it's a constant hiss. Then it's probably leaking.
I had to use a toothpick 3-4 times to let out some pressure during refill, and I can't press the butane bottle all the way down or it'll "jam", but otherwise it worked perfectly, thanks for the video!
You have the butane from Can Tire that I saw. I could not find any info on thermacell and refilling with ODORIZED butane. Is there a difference (vs non odorized/regular butane)? Does it give off an extra smell while using the thermacell? Thanks
That hiss @ 1:40 sounded just like a Harley Davidson
🤣🤣🤦♂️
Came here to say that hahaha
great video. not like those other ones that dont explain any thing about the tip and how you got to sand it down to fit.
The point about modifying the No. 5 tip is critical. I tried so many times to fill with info from other videos that did not include this step and was unable to fill. Thanks for the detailed explanation.
Lol, same here when I tried today.
I agree 100% but this was the first time trying and I’m glad I found his video! It worked like a charm
I used the No. 1 tip. Fit perfectly without modification. As the video mentioned, maybe the numbering system is not universal across manufacturers or countries.
A bit of electrical tape for sealing around the metal tube works as well. Leave the tip exposed.
@@hugov836 Would you elaborate or explain a little more please? I commented above and was not successful. Seeing your comment, maybe there is hope?
Thanks!!! First one leaked a little, second used a little super glue and jackpot. I have 8 now😁 you ROCK
That little valve preventing refills in the cartridges is a prime example of "Asshole design".
Why do you think they sell printers so cheap? They make a lot more money on the cartridges. And people should just know that the replacement cartridges & mats are somewhat expensive. But if you are throwing an outside party in the summer it is well worth the money to NOT have all the guests complaining they are being eaten up by mosquitoes.
Great topic, thank you for the idea. I'm already in the car driving to Canadian Tire)))
I just tried this and it worked like a charm! Thanks for this video because we all know these fuel cells cost a lot to buy but not anymore 👍
Did u put the grey thing back on
What? No way lol
Try a cup hook. That’s what I started using and it works great. Make sure it’s one you can get your finger in.
We don't even know what that is
Thank you sir the amount of money I spent on the “Value packs” consistently smh I wish I had the idea to search YT before spending more money 😂😢
I am working outside mosquito free thanks to you Rudi! I would not have bought this machine without your hack, too cheap & I just hate it when companies make the initial product resonable only to gauge on the refills. This was so incredibly easy to do & EXTREMELY satisfying. TU!!! :)
Pro-tip: clip the top of the butane refill bottle in 45 degrees about 1cm from the top. If you push straight from the top, it fills the bottle :)
An excellent video. No time wasting crap, just straight to the point, informative and easy to follow and...it works! Thank you, Rudi, you HAVE saved me heaps of money with this hack. Nice.😁
Excellent job
Great Hack! Glad I kept a few of the empty cartridges. Was easy to do. And definitely a money saver on the rediculously high priced refills. Thanks
Guy: ”You’re gonna hear hiss when you pull is out”.
Pulls it out.
Harley Davidson:
very good,right to the point, zero time wasted thank you
I tried this out today and it worked. This will save me a ton of money, so thank you. Now just need to find a way to hack the blue strips.
Amazon
Hi Rudi, I just followed your instructions and it works perfectly. Thanx man. Greets, Harrie from the Netherlands
It’s 2023 and I can not get this to work at all!
Same here. The manufacturer probably changed the inner valve. So now we can not refill
Time to find a different brand that allows filling.
Where do you find the refill canister at?
Tip modification is a game changer ,thank you for your clear directions.
No surprise here didn't work. Just damn near gave me frost bite in the process. Tried for over an hour.
For me the gas isn't the problem, where can you buy the waffers
Question... does the gray check valve stop ignition into the bottle of fuel? Like a safety feature or is it simply to stop them from being refilled?
Ignition into the fuel bottle is impossible, it's 100% fuel, 0 oxygen, so it can't go back.
Legit question we've all had at some point.
@@volvo09 ok was curious if that was the point of the check valve. So it is to stop the refill 100%
Yes sweet dude thank you so much ha I never thought I'd see the day where I was actually able to love my thermacel more than I already do lol this calls for a party! Drinks on me!!!! Lol man don't I wish😂😂
The cartridge will fill more quickly and completely if you put it in the freezer before filling.
Great tip! Thanks!
Thanks for helping me saving some money! Is there a limit to how many times you can refill the cartridge?
Good question
Finally tried this and presto it worked perfectly, thanks for the video.
Where can I get this type of plier? I can seem to find one with the hook shape.
thank you for the tutorial.
how many times you can use the refilled canister? TIA
How many times have you refilled the same cannister now? Surely the nosel part would soon become loose after a few refills?
I can’t seem to locate that brand of butane (Mag Torch). Any suggestions for an alternative? I live in Ontario
Ah, finally a video that says that you need to modify the tip and release the pressure. Mine didnt fill at all when I tried.
Thanks bro. That was great. I used the white canister, just filed it down a bit.
Doesn’t work for me , i finally bought an adapter on ebay and it is not perfect but at least works 7/10
Thx! Worked in the exact way and in the same timely fashion!
Thanks a lot. So you don't need to re-install the check valve afterwards? You just keep it removed?
Leave check valve out
I followed your instructions to a T, but for some reason after filling up the cartridge and inserting it into the Thermacell, I'm unable to get it to light. If I depress the valve at the top of the cartridge with an icepick, the butane does eject. Any ideas what might be wrong?
can’t think of what may be wrong. Possibly the refilled canister is overfilled? Try purging a bit more butane out with the ice pick. Also, try an original thermacell fuel canister to se if it will light with that
@@rudijones Thanks for the reply. I actually had tried purging more butane out, to no avail. Guess I'll have to go ahead buy some more canisters.
OK, nevermind - I had neglected to screw the canister in, I thought you only had to push it in. It works fine.
Hell yes ! Thanks from down south in west Kentucky
How many fills do you get from one can of butane.
Thank you, it save me a lot of money !
How about just punching the inner valve in with a metal punch, instead of pulling it out with a screw.
Wd40 straw will fit if you cut it
Thanks a lot Rudy! They are to much expensive to buy every time!
Just tried this and it worked like a charm. thank you
Thankyou so much, very easy to follow!
Awesome !! thanks for the great cost saving video !
I'm inexperienced on filling gas for lighter so it really took me many trials even following your video. But your tips on modifying the No. 5 tip with file, and filling up pretty fast really helped me a lot. Thanks very much!
Was there a motorcycle inside? ruclips.net/video/r6lAzan0MiU/видео.html
So drilling the hole in the bottom and finding a refillable lighter breaking the bottom out of that sealing with jb weld is no longer a thing? I'm still using mine with check valve installed. I'll try this for sure. Just looked up if there were any innovations. Little upset that I have to find me an adapter kit. But I'll try what I got. Thanks!
Thank you so much for video. I stop buying this machine because indeed is really expensive to buy refill all the time. But now i can go forward and buy it again. Thank again sire 🎉🎉🎉
I tried this hack and it worked perfectly, until I tried turning on my thermacell. It won't ignite but when I put a fresh unaltered gas cylinder in it, it ignites first time. What have I done wrong mate ???
Thank you for simplifying this! Every other video out there makes you believe its rocket science!
I filed the tip down and it seems to fit and press the valve down but it won't actually fill the canister. Any thoughts on what I'm doing wrong? (Yes I removed the check valve)
Me too! I suspect it's because the stem on the butane bottle is not depressing the valve, but where do we find a number 5 stem?
Solved it by using the smaller No. 1 tip which fit perfectly without modification. The No.1 tip fits further into the valve and opens the valve to let the fuel in to fill the canister.
@@garyabc The unmodified tip didn't work for me. And I figured out my issue. Someone else mentioned it in another comment (maybe another video). "After closer examination it appears that Thermacell outsmarted everyone. If you look very closely at the valve, you will see that there is a tiny point in the center. This effectively plugs the hole in many of the transfer nozzles, blocking any flow. The work around is to get a very small triangular micro-file, and cut a V-groove across the face of the transfer nozzle. This will allow the fluid to flow past the restriction. When I did this, my cartridge was filled in about 10 - 20 sec." Once I did that, it started filling the container. Some still leaks out, but if I waste half the bottle, it's still cheaper than the refills.
@@mattnagel7717 Thanks for the tip, Matt. I think the nozzles must vary by manufacturer. My number 5 nozzle has a slot molded in it already. My No.1 nozzle does not have a slot, but the pin in the cartridge doesn't interfere with the nozzle and it fills quickly. No nozzle modification. The butane brand I'm using is "Neon".
I give up. Did it the way you show and went through all my caps, trying to get it to fit correctly. I wish the cap fit in a lathe. I could make it fit then.
I did what u show step by step, and it works like a charm!! Thanks!!
All I had to hear was, "Canadian Tire" and I was all in.
If you place the the cartridge in the freezer for a couple of minutes to get it cold not frozen and place you butane source in the sun for a few minutes to get it warm only the transfer will go even better.
I was able to refill the butane cartridge but when I screw it back into the Thermacell, it won't give me the orange glow. Any suggestions?
Used a file and I couldn't get the tip to be perfectly round so it doesn't seal properly. I get as much butane coming out of the side as I do getting into the cartridge.
This is perfect! Thank you!
How do you avoid damaging/scratching the brass fitting when you remove it? And does scratching/gouging the brass affect it's usability in the Thermacell? I tried using cloth around the fitting, but it still scratches it up pretty well.
It doesn’t really matter if it gets scratched a little. The most important spot to watch is the o ring. As long as you don’t damage that area it will work fines
@@rudijones did this to mine and as soon as I screwed 1 of the cells in I could hear the gas coming out....do I have to have all 4 cells installed? I have one just like your red one.
@@randybrandon2223 usually when you first screw in a full canister it will hiss. That is just some of the gas pressure being relieved. Unless it's a constant hiss. Then it's probably leaking.
How many times do you refill the same canister without damaging it and rendering it not good to use anymore?
These nocking pliers you used are they meant for archery? I was wondering if pincer pliers would do the same. Thanks.
If you have a hard time getting a full fill, put the empty in the freezer for a bit, then fill it.
Expected to hear a hiss but heard a harley davidson. They must really put the pressure to those things
I was hoping you had a link in the description box for where you can buy those adaptors!
Found that butane at giant tiger today too. How many canisters does one can fill?
It should fill about 5-6
About how many refills do you get out of that can of butane?
I had to use a toothpick 3-4 times to let out some pressure during refill, and I can't press the butane bottle all the way down or it'll "jam", but otherwise it worked perfectly, thanks for the video!
These Thermacell cartridges are a shame and the opposite of sustainability
How many times can you do this before the thermacell butane tube wears too much?
Mic passes the sound check at 3:30! 🤣
You have the butane from Can Tire that I saw. I could not find any info on thermacell and refilling with ODORIZED butane. Is there a difference (vs non odorized/regular butane)? Does it give off an extra smell while using the thermacell? Thanks
Odorozed just means it has a scent added so it’s not totally odourless. Wont affect the operation of the thermacell
Genius!
This worked well with no leaks. Thank you, well done.
Thanks! True money saver.
Thanks for making this video. Works great 👍
Great video! Can you soak or dip the cards in a solution to reuse them?
This is great I will need to try it out!
But.... You will still need the insect repellant mats. Where can you buy those separately?
Amazon sells them in bulk
Thank you
Just to confirm, you don't need to replace that check valve? If so, it's pretty much unlimited how many times you can refil
Ya you can refill it a hundred times after you do this mod
Thanks you, rubbed the tip down and it worked perfectly,
Thx!!!
Stopping at CT on my way to work. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks, works great. I used a drill to file down the tip, but you can't go too tight or youll crush the end or the adapter.
Excellent video, many thanks
How do you reuse the blue pad things? Is it Butane that is being put in it?
The pads have a chemical that repels mosquitos in them. You can buy them in bulk on Amazon it’s not worth trying to reuse them.
Thanks. I don’t think I’ve ever received a reply on RUclips.
Hey man how's it going, hey where can I get the red can fluid with the different heads?
I get them at Canadian tire here in Canada
Awesome, just saved me a bunch. Subscribed
Awesome video!
Can you drop a link to the pliers?
Really works ❤ thank you
For saving my and others money 😊
Спасибо!
It worked. Thank you kind sir!
This was realy helpfull because i use thermacell all the time when im outside working on my bike.
Thanks!
Most helpful one yet. The others left out the filing part.
flat nose pliers is what they are called.
Thank you so much for sharing great job
Do u have to put the grey thing back on???
No