How To Cut A Propane Tank (Step-by-Step Guide)

Propane is very useful to have around the house. It powers barbecues, heats pools, fuels outdoor heaters, and much more.

The tanks that propane gas comes in can also be very useful. You could use one to build a propane forge, a quenching tank, or even a rocket stove. However, DIYers need to exercise extreme caution while working with propane tanks.

To cut a propane tank, you need to get every last remnant of gas out of it. Start by disconnecting the tank. Then, take the tank out into an open space and open its valve. Wash the tank with water and check for gas one more time. Once that’s clear, you can start cutting with a drill, grinder, or saw.

Cutting into a propane tank presents several risks. You need to be aware of these before getting started with your project.

The first risk is the most obvious one. Propane tanks are full of propane gas. If you cut into a tank that’s full of gas, you’re very likely to create an explosion. That’s why it’s so important to fully empty your propane tanks before you start to work on them with a power tool.

The next risk is a bit less obvious upfront. When you clear out your propane tank, most experts recommend doing so with water.

This means filling the tank completely with water, letting it sit for a while, and then emptying the tank. The remaining gases will leave the tank once the water goes in. When the water exits the tank, clean air will rush in to take its place.

The risk associated with this is using a power tool to cut into a tank that still has some water in it. Doing so could electrocute you. It’s another reason why DIYers need to use extreme caution when cutting into propane tanks.

There aren’t very many tools and materials you need to cut into a propane tank. You can make the cuts with several kinds of saws, grinders, drills, and welding machines. Just select the tool that you plan on working with and make sure you have everything you need to operate it on hand.

You’ll also need enough water to fill your propane tank. If you want to go above and beyond to clear out the last remnants of gas from the tank, you could also dry ice. However, this isn’t necessary.

Finally, you’ll need a hammer, wrench, or another tool that you can use to take out the valve on your propane tank. Gather some standard protection gear, like gloves and boots, and you’re ready to get started.

Here’s a recap of everything you need in list form:

Welding a propane tank may seem very dangerous, given the potential combination of sparks and gas. However, as long as you’ve thoroughly cleaned out your tank, you should be able to weld on it without issue.

That being said, it’s always a good idea to wear protective gear while welding. This is even more important when working on a propane tank.

Make sure to wear your protective gear even if you’re pretty sure that you’ve gotten all of the gas out of your propane tank. Experts recommend wearing compressed glasses, fire-resistant gloves, and safety footwear at a minimum.

You may also want to put on a breathing apparatus and hearing protection to ensure your safety. As long as you’ve put on this gear and take the steps detailed in the guide above, it’s perfectly fine to weld on propane tanks.

Related Questions

Are propane tanks difficult to cut through?

Propane tanks aren’t very difficult to cut through. They usually have metal walls that are about a quarter of an inch thick, although some may go up to a thickness of around 3/8-inches. Most tools should be capable of getting the job done.

What can you make out of an old propane tank?

DIYers have found practically endless uses for old propane tanks. They’re an excellent source of scrap metal, which can be utilized for a variety of applications. This includes wood stoves, fire pits, flower pots, and even art.