Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Emptying Composite Cans

I could use a little help. I moved recently and was unpacking some of my gas and oil stuff. Some of my full composite cans look like they won't be holding their contents much longer. Any thoughts on the best way to empty the leaky ones? From the top or bottom and best way to puncture the can?

Thank you in advance for you suggestions.

Scot

SCOT, BACK IN THE DAY WHEN I WAS BUYING AND EMPTYING SPECIAL ISSUE COKE CANS FOR RESALE, ETC. I WOULD DEF POKE HOLES ON THE BOTTOM SO THAT THE CAN WOULD HAVE THAT UN-OPENED LOOK WHEN SITTING ON A SHELF. I SIMPLY TOOK A FAIRLY BEEFY MIDDLE SIZED OLD SCREW-DRIVER AND CUT OFF THE BLADE AND THEN GROUND DOWN THE SHAFT TO A POINT TO ACT AS A HOLE PIERCING PUNCH. I'D POKE 2 HOLES, DRINK EACH CAN, ETC.
I'M SURE YOU COULD DO THE SAME WITH AN AHL AND A HAMMER. JUST GO SLOW IF YOU THINK THE COMPOSITE SIDE WALLS OF THE CANS HAVE BECOME WEAK!
HOPE THIS HELPS!

DOC @ TAG/WEST

I have used a small sharp drill (1/4" or less) with minimal pressure used to drill two holes in bottom opposite each other.

Good luck

delete

[This message has been edited by bettin (edited 08-22-2005).]

I punch a couple of small holes in the the bottom of the can. After it drains, I spray some carb cleaner, brake cleaner, or engine degreaser in the the can and swirl it around. Be carefull not to get any on the outside of the can. Then I wash it out with water and let it dry. I have not had any problems with leaking cans with this method.

Soapy water should get out the oil. I have tried silicone on the oil but if not clean I think it will come off.

Now I think if you picked the right size hole and used a tire plug, then snipped it off you would be in like Flynn


DISCLAIMER;
The previous was not an advertisement for Flynn, and the author does not condone or encourage that kind of behavior!

OK, here is what I did:

1) I drilled a 2 inch hole in the side of the cans which caused them to collapse.

2) I drank the oil with some Coke.

3) I soaked the cans in a bucket of brake fluid over night.

I feel sick and the cans don't look so hot.

Did I do something wrong?

All kidding aside. I want to thank everyone for their help. I got some great suggestions.

Scot

SCOT -

I THINK YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE WAS USING THE BRAKE FLUID! GATORADE, PEPTO-BISMOL OR VICK'S NYQUIL WOULD MADE YOU FEEL BETTER IN THE END. I ALSO DEF WOULD'VE GONE WITH A 3" HOLE OR BETTER YET JUST REMOVE THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE CAN! COKE! (NOT PEPSI)

DOC @ TAG/WEST

Scot,

I just emptied 4 cans. I drilled two small holes, 1/8 inch, in the bottom of the can on opposite sides. Set the can upside down at an angle in a funnel and drained the oil into a gallon milk jug (takes awhile to drain when the holes are so small). Then I took the empty cans upstairs to my kitchen sink (while the girlfriend was away--otherwise she would freak out), and put a little Sun Light hand washing liquid into the can. Then ran warm water in a small stream down one of the holes until the soap and water started coming out of the other hole. Then drained off about half the water, swirled the soap and water around in the can for a couple minutes, repeated this (3) times, then set the cans on a paper towel overnight. I have had the cans sitting on my shelf for several months and haven't had one drop of oil under any of the cans.

Mac

Just think... who would have ever have thought someone would have an oil can in the kitchen sink. Mikey is rebuilding gas pumps in his living room! What kind of madness of hobby are we in?
PS: That is where i clean my globes... kitchen sink. LOL

Signal Oil your reply about killed me with laughter. I know what you did wrong-it was suppose to be brake cleaner not brake fluid. Try it again!!!!!!! LOL

Keith


[This message has been edited by keithia (edited 03-21-2005).]