Value of HP 120 steel tank

[RaginCajun]

I hate to do this but my searches proved fruitless...


What is the value of a used HP steel 120 tank with a DIN valve?

I picked it up from a friend and realize that it won't really fit my needs. Here's what I know about the tank.

The tank valve threads are not 3/4" they look smaller (~1/2" I think--need to measure).
It is a DIN only valve. Deep threads that won't accept the yoke insert.
It's in good shape and has about 2-3 years left on hydro.
Was previously O2 clean and bears Nitrox sticker.
Looks to be in good overall condition.

I'm considering getting rid of it because I can't find a "PRO" style valve with a Din to Yoke connection for it and the XS Scuba Din/Yoke Valve pro 3442 PSI EANX from LeisurePro.com I bought didn't fit (was too big).

I understand that tanks like this go for ~$375 new and that a good used value would be something like 2/3 of the new cost.

Does this sound about right?

Just wanted to get some insight before I posted it in the classifieds.

Thanks!

 

[jefffalcone]

It really depends a lot on the age and condition. I picked up some used LP 95s that were about 20 years old for $100 a piece. I considered this a fair price. This tank sounds pretty old. It's been a while since they used the 7/8" unf valves. 2/3 of the cost of a new tank is a little much to ask I think. 2/3 of new cost would be more like the value of a tank within it's first hydro. I'd say, and take it with a grain of salt because I havn't seen the tank, that you'll have trouble getting much more than $150. If someone offers $200, jump on it.

PS. Correct me if I'm wrong, but as I understand, you won't find a convertable valve for this tank because of DOT regulations. The DOT approved working pressure of this tank is 3500 psi, vs. 3442 psi on HP tanks with 3/4" valves. DOT hasn't approved 3500 for yoke fittings.

 

[spectrum]

The tank valve threads are not 3/4" they look smaller (~1/2" I think--need to measure).
It is a DIN only valve. Deep threads that won't accept the yoke insert.
It's in good shape and has about 2-3 years left on hydro.
Was previously O2 clean and bears Nitrox sticker.
Looks to be in good overall condition.

I'm considering getting rid of it because I can't find a "PRO" style valve with a Din to Yoke connection for it and the XS Scuba Din/Yoke Valve pro 3442 PSI EANX from LeisurePro.com I bought didn't fit (was too big).

I understand that tanks like this go for ~$375 new and that a good used value would be something like 2/3 of the new cost.

Does this sound about right?

Just wanted to get some insight before I posted it in the classifieds.

Thanks!

It sounds like a HP PST cylinder. Look for the Pst logo in the galvanized.

Most scuba valves are 3/4 national pipe size which is an ID measure, thust the tapped hole is bigger.

The Cylinder I think you have is 7/8 fine thread which is an OD measure of the male thread and is actually smaller than the 3/4 male pipe thread. It is smaller but the size in the thread series is a higher dimension. Have I confused you yet?

These cylinders are the predecsor to the E-series. For the E series they shaved a few atmospheres from the fill pressure to get them under the 3500 PSI threshold to the DIN requirement. This opened the door to the convertible valve.

If you can work with a DIN valve they are fine cylinders. They are more difficult to visually inspect and if they need to be tumbled it can be tedious.

I have a few 100s that I paid $150 a piece for with fresh hydros a few years ago.

Pete

 

[Colliam7]

It sounds like a HP PST cylinder. Look for the Pst logo in the galvanized.

I agree. Probably a PST 3500psi HP cylinder.

Most scuba valves are 3/4 national pipe size which is an ID measure, thus ... The Cylinder I think you have is 7/8 fine thread which is an OD measure of the male thread and is actually smaller than the 3/4 male pipe thread. It is smaller but the size in the thread series is a higher dimension. ... They are more difficult to visually inspect and if they need to be tumbled it can be tedious.

I don't find them particularly difficult to visually inspect (yes, the light needs to be slender to get through the neck). I just tumbled two and, while the glass beads won't pour out quite as quickly, it didn't add much to the overall tedium of tumbling. These are fairly nice cylinders, and somewhat uncommon these days. There are NO pro valves made for this threading that I am aware of. So, a diver with a DIN reg, who wants steel, and can dive a longer tank, might pay $200 for it.

 

[drbill]

Likewise I agree that it is probably a PST HP 120. I bought my last one used for $150. Won't buy another because both of the ones I've had in the past failed hydro or VIP within 10 years. However, I should add that one was dived on a California dive boat, and they are notorious for moist fills that lead to rust inside the cylinder.