Buying a used tank

[Bubble_Boy]

Other than checking when the last hydrotchemejig test was done and for cracks on the outside. Are there any other simple ways to see if you are buying a proper used tank? I'm just looking for simple guidelines... thank you!

 

[tbone1004]

depends if it's aluminum or steel. I always crack the valve to see if there is any air in there. You may have to open it almost all the way before you hear a hiss if it's low, but generally regardless of the most recent hydrostatic date, if it's steel and has air in it, it's going to pass hydro. Look on the outside, if you see paint chipping or crack look for any signs of rust. If there isn't, then don't worry about it, they should be good to go.
Check condition of the valves to see if they've been dropped or anything. I just bought a pair of steel 72's that were 15+ years out of hydro, bought them sight unseen. Well my brother picked them up for me actually... Took em to hydro, passed with a + rating. Going to take some work to get them pretty again, but who cares, they're going to be deco/stage bottles anyway. I did a similar thing with the last 4 tanks I bought and they're beautiful on the inside.

 

[Bubble_Boy]

Thank You, that gives me a good perspective!

 

[AbyssalPlains]

Having just bought a set of used tanks, I would never buy a used tank without checking the inside. if the seller doesn't agree to that, I don't think it's worth it. Steel tanks are extremely susceptible to rust, and aluminum tanks are simply too cheap to buy new to take on a risk in my opinion.

 

[tbone1004]

If they've got air though it's highly unlikely that a good hefty round of tumbling before hydro won't turn them into mirrors...