Newbie question re Propane tanks

[RayB]

This might sound stupid...

I bought my first propane tank ever. Got it at Walmart.
Got home and saw that the valve was set to Open. All the way open in fact. So is this normal? $25 for an empty tank?

[mccoy178]

Nothing should come out untill you hook up the line to your grill.  I believe the new tanks (they've been around for about ten years), are much like a car tire.  The tank should be fairly heavy if full and obviously light if not.

Edit:  For the record, this is how I spent my "leet" post.

[Jabba]

Shake it, if you hear swishing, its full.

But normally they keep the full ones outside as it would be a hazard to keep it indoors...

[JeepMonkey]

I new take generally costs $20-$35, and that is generally empty.  If the tank is full and open, no gas should flow out.  There was a code passed years ago that said all tanks produced must have a "back flow preventer valve".  If there is gas in the tank, assuming you bought a standard 20 pound tank, it should weigh somewhere around 27-30 pounds.  If it has not been filled before, you should have the tank purged before filling it.  If you have a place that will fill it on the spot, that is usually cheaper than trading it for a full tank, plus you get to keep your new tank and not exchange it for an old grungy one.

[Mark70]

Make sure they didn't pull the tank from the wrong cage.  With most exchange programs you should bet a tank with a plastic seal on the threaded part.  Most stores keep returns in one cage and charged tanks in another.  You can tell if it's full just by the wieght.

....damn. There was web site by a guy in new zealand who made a get powered beer cooler out of a propane tank and a turbo charger from a car.... wish I could find that to link it.

[JackTucky]

Empty.  yep.  They have to purge it before filling.

Get a propane tank buried in the yard, or get a natural gas grill and hook it up to the utility.

buying propane sucks....

Jacktucky

[RayB]

OK I'm an idiot.
thanks folks!

[Clonedsheep]

Don't listen to them!!! It's gonna blow!!! RUN 

[Jabba]

Empty.  yep.  They have to purge it before filling.

Get a propane tank buried in the yard, or get a natural gas grill and hook it up to the utility.

buying propane sucks....

Jacktucky

I had them install natural gas BBQ line for me. This froma 15 year propane tank guy.

What a difference Natural Gas makes. Especially for us slackers...

[MYX]

Don't listen to them!!! It's gonna blow!!! RUN 

Ghaw, that quote with your "incoming" avitar made a real image for me. LOL