Tank vise?

[a878bob]

I have a “few” tanks that I take care of myself along with a few friends. I’m looking for ideas on a inexpensive home built tank vise in order to remove and torque back cylinder valves. The sizes vary from 6cuft to 120.

Let’s see what you guys have ?

 

[Ghetto Diver]

In before rubber mallet crew....

I use a rubber strap wrench for my vintage tanks (1/2 ngt).

 

[Sam Miller III]

O ring sealed tank ?
A US Diver tank wrench
or a medium crescent wrench
sdm

 

[a878bob]

Good start, but how do you secure the tank from moving, is what I need,

I find it pretty hard to hold the strap wrench and torque wrench to put the valves back in, I need somsomething that will hold the tank independently, so I can use both hands.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I've always held the tank between my knees. The valve doesn't need to be so tight that it's difficult to remove.

 

[a878bob]

That’s what I usually do as well, but when doing a few at a time, it’s kind of a pita.

 

[BRT]

Good start, but how do you secure the tank from moving, is what I need,

I find it pretty hard to hold the strap wrench and torque wrench to put the valves back in, I need somsomething that will hold the tank independently, so I can use both hands.

If it is an o-ring sealed tank it doesn't take much of a tap to seal and then won't take much of a tap to remove.

 

[Sam Miller III]

Now what IF it was an old 1/2 pipe thread tank ?

Vice or Devise?
sdm

 

[Akimbo]

There is a lot of information in this thread: Scuba Cylinder Valve Installation

 

[Johnoly]

...Let’s see what you guys have ?

All the posts/advice above are far superior than mine.

I use the redneck method.
Use your rubber doormat and lay it on the floor and riding up the wall. Lay the tank down on the mat against the wall with your foot on top of it. Wearing a good pair of sneakers and with the valve closed, stomp on the valve wheel in the correct direction to loosen it. Works every time for me. But if your valve is corroded & stuck,,,use the others advice above. Good luck!