How to Safely Cut Open a Propane Tank

You are a welder and want to build a nice grill out of an old liquid propane tank, but are not sure how to cut the lid out without blowing up everything. Safety is the key when cutting and preparing to cut a propane tank to safely cut a propane tank open the welder should remove all of the fittings, purge the tank, and have all of the necessary equipment on hand when cutting the tank.

When the welder is preparing to cut the propane tank, he/she must first remove all of the fittings and valves with a pipe wrench or a wrench of proper size for that fitting. In some cases the fittings will be seized or rusted together and force is necessary to break them loose. The welder should be careful not to make any type of spark during this step by using a rubber mallet to tap the wrench. A metal hammer never should be use to attempt to loosen the fittings.

After carefully removing all of the fittings, the welder should then purge the tank to free it of all of the left over propane gas. To purge the tank it must be completely full of water, nitrogen, helium, or carbon dioxide. Before purging the tank, it should be sitting perfectly level. If the tank is not sitting level, not all of the propane will escape out, and pockets of propane are still lingering in the tank. For example, if a drink bottle is completely full of water while it is UN level, air is still visible, but if it is level, all of the air is pushed out, and the space is took up with water. Make sure that the tank is full and running over with the purging material in use. The tank should be purged twice before cutting the tank.

All of the necessary equipment is essential during the cutting process. A good quality cutting torch and clean torch tip is necessary to cut the tank. A pair of leather gloves and a set of number five shaded cutting goggles should be worn while cutting the tank. If the proper equipment is not used the welder could become badly hurt, and he could have a faulty cut. For example if a torch with a dirty and clogged tip is used the flame will not generate enough heat to produce a good clean cut. The trick to having a good cut on a propane tank is having a steady hand.

After all of the necessary equipment is gathered and the tank has been successfully purged, it is now safe to mark out the doors for your grill and begin the actual cutting process. Remember to make a good slow, straight, and steady cut to ensure that the doors will operate and work properly. Although not necessary, it is also a good idea to leave some water in your tank for added safety.

If the welder follows all of the guidelines listed above, he should be able to safely and accurately make a good cut on a propane tank. He should not have any worries about being injured, or the tank exploding during the cutting process. Cutting a propane tank is not a very complicated task if all of the proper steps are took to cut it carefully and properly. The safe way is the only way when cutting a propane tank, or doing any other welding job.