“Green Destiny” – How to build a propane tank drum
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- I fashioned a valve wrench out of 2-inch-diameter aluminum SpeedRail, but any stout metal pipe will do.
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- Start with an empty propane tank. The bad news is, you can’t empty a propane tank by just burning off the contents or bleeeding out the last bit of it by inserting a tool into the valve. Propane remains – along with methyl mercaptan, the horrible-smelling chemical added to otherwise odorless propane. So the tank is still dangerous and should NOT be worked on with or near tools that cause sparks.
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- Once you’ve unscrewed the valve, take the tank – which still contains propane and methyl mercaptan residue – immediately out back and fill it with water and dish soap. Leave it overnight, then dump it and rinse and drain it dry.
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- I then ratchet-strapped it to a post and put a bar on the wrench to get the needed leverage. It takes a *lot* of leverage to break the seal.
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- I epoxied a chunk of slit garden hose to the handle to act as floor protection for the base …
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- I sprayed the middle of the drum with this wild green mealflake model enamel I’ve had sitting around forever, and then sprayed the handle in black.
If you would like me to make a drum for you on commission, the price is $300 – $250 if you bring your own empty propane tank. Contact me for details.