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Drilling vent hole in used gas can?

8,847 Views | 31 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by DTP02
ConroeAg
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1:31p, 7/20/21
I know there's an easy "better safe than sorry"answer to this, but I'm asking anyway.

I have two plastic gas cans for which I want to replace the spouts. I bought a kit, but in addition to the spouts it has vents (with caps) to aid in pouring smoothly. However, in order to install the vents you have to drill a hole into the can. The cans are empty after the last round of yard work, and I've left them open (outside) to evaporate as much as possible, but is it stupid to even think about drilling these holes because of the remaining fumes?

I've looked online, and apparently lots of people do this to retrofit their used gas cans with new spouts and vents. However, there are others who say you should only do this with brand new cans because of the danger of combustion otherwise.

I've thought about flushing with water, but then am I worried about having residual water in my next round of gas?

The easy answer is obviously to just get new cans, but then I have another dilemma of how to safely dispose of the used cans.
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Roger That
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1:35p, 7/20/21
AG
I can't speak to the safety aspect, but I've drilled holes in all of mine.
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ConroeAg
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In reply to Roger That • 1:36p, 7/20/21
Did you take any specific precautions?
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schmellba99
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1:38p, 7/20/21
AG
It's plastic.

Drill the hole, take a rubber mallet and pound in the vent. Takes all of 30 seconds. I've done it to all of mine without any issues. Don't overthink this, it doesn't need it.
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Roger That
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In reply to ConroeAg • 1:40p, 7/20/21
AG
ConroeAg said:
Did you take any specific precautions?


I don't even know if I emptied them. I wasn't worried about a spark drilling through soft plastic.
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Capt. Augustus McCrae
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1:41p, 7/20/21
AG
I just drilled some this weekend with the gas can plumb full.


You'll be fine
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ConroeAg
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1:42p, 7/20/21
Welp, looks like we're done here.
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Wodanaz
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1:56p, 7/20/21
AG
The danger lies in the fumes being ignited by the sparks created by the carbon brush assemblies inside the drill housing, not the friction of the plastic. Not an issue with your empty, well-vented cans.
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Tony Franklins Other Shoe
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1:59p, 7/20/21
AG
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BQ_90
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2:00p, 7/20/21
AG
my guess is they have those instructions so some idiot smoking a cig, fuel can of gas, isn't trying to install this vent next to open flames.
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up-n-aTm
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2:23p, 7/20/21
AG
Also- use paddle bits, not round ones. Round bits will not make a round hole. I know- does not compute, but it's true.
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rilloaggie
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2:27p, 7/20/21
AG
Drilling is pretty risky, best to bust out the oxy/acetylene torch if you want it done right.
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BlueSmoke
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In reply to Wodanaz • 2:48p, 7/20/21
Wodanaz said:
Not an issue with your empty, well-vented cans.
Wait, you're supposed to empty them first? Sh*t

&ct=g
Nobody cares. Work Harder
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BlueSmoke
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In reply to rilloaggie • 2:50p, 7/20/21
rilloaggie said:
Drilling is pretty risky, best to bust out the oxy/acetylene torch if you want it done right.
Do what you did as a kid making bullet holes in plastic models and GI Joe toys. Heat up a paper clip or needle with pliers and a lighter.

Video for the rest of us.
Nobody cares. Work Harder
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lawless89
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2:59p, 7/20/21
I usually just dig my pocket knife into it and am more worried about slicing my hand open.
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Cassius
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In reply to ConroeAg • 3:01p, 7/20/21
It's plastic, drill away.
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EastTexAg09
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In reply to Cassius • 3:27p, 7/20/21
Cassius said:
It's plastic, drill away.
This, but if you are still concerned, fill the can with water and then drill it.
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Tim Weaver
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In reply to EastTexAg09 • 4:21p, 7/20/21
EastTexAg09 said:
Cassius said:
It's plastic, drill away.
This, but if you are still concerned, fill the can with water and then drill it.
Yes, this. Fill the can with non-combustible gas or fluid and go to town. It's how a garage would weld brackets on a gas tank in a car. They purge the tank with argon, or Co2 or even water if they can drain it well enough.

No Oxygen=No Boom
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alittleright
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5:04p, 7/20/21
Just get one of these
https://www.asseenontvlive.com/product/turbo-pump/
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ConroeAg
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6:11p, 7/20/21
So I'm not worried about combustion anymore, but is there any concern for plastic shavings in the gas from the drilling?
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Ogre09
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6:35p, 7/20/21
AG
You're over thinking again
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ConroeAg
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In reply to Ogre09 • 6:45p, 7/20/21
Dammit.
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RCR06
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In reply to ConroeAg • 7:43p, 7/20/21
AG
ConroeAg said:
So I'm not worried about combustion anymore, but is there any concern for plastic shavings in the gas from the drilling?


When I read your original post I actually thought this was probably a bigger concern.
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southernboy1
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7:49p, 7/20/21
AG
Ice pick
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FamousAgg
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7:52p, 7/20/21
Use a brushless drill?
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Old RV Ag
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8:11p, 7/20/21
AG
Okay, this thread has dropped everyone's IQ by 20 points. OP left it open for a while - gas is extremely volatile so no way enough vapor remains to ignite. Wash plastic shavings out with water and leave open - in the summer heat water evaporates very well.
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AGGIE WH08P
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8:23p, 7/20/21
AG
Just screw in a sheet metal screw with a rubber grommet. And loosen when you need air. Hand tighten when it's not being used.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Teks-9-x-1-in-Steel-External-Hex-Head-Washer-Sharp-Point-Roofing-Screws-120-Pack-21400/100128842
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Jbob04
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8:38p, 7/20/21
AG
Why not just buy cans that are already vented?
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Naveronski
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In reply to Jbob04 • 8:42p, 7/20/21
AG
OP already owns these cans, likely doesn't want to purchase new cans for no reason.
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Cassius
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In reply to ConroeAg • 6:50a, 7/21/21
ConroeAg said:
So I'm not worried about combustion anymore, but is there any concern for plastic shavings in the gas from the drilling?

Wash it out with water to ensure plastic pieces are flushed. Then allow to evap, or follow up with some rubbing alcohol and swish around and pour out. That'll take any residual water out of it.
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The Fife
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In reply to ConroeAg • 7:48a, 7/21/21
ConroeAg said:
So I'm not worried about combustion anymore, but is there any concern for plastic shavings in the gas from the drilling?
You in aerospace or something? Shake out what you can, call QA, and if they find anything they'll write an NCR to clean and re-inspect.
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DTP02
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In reply to Naveronski • 5:16p, 9/13/23
AG
Naveronski said:
OP already owns these cans, likely doesn't want to purchase new cans for no reason.


Maybe he hates these cans.

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