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#51828
Other Uses for Old Scuba Tanks
Greg - 2/08/2014 11:53 AM
Category: Equipment
Replies: 19

What are some different things you can do with an old scuba tank? Can they be used for lower pressure purposes (ie: propane, air compressor tank, etc.)? What about wind chimes or other decorative ideas? Post your thoughts and examples if you know of any.
#20381
LatitudeAdjustment - 2/08/2014 4:37 PM
There is one hanging with the bottom cut off on Anthony Key in Roatan Honduras that you ring to get the panga driver to come out and pick you up.

I saw one made into a mailbox.
#4083
divingbear - 2/08/2014 5:59 PM
I have a pony that I cut the bottom out of to make a wind chime, other than that all are still hydroed.
#244
Gaucho223 - 2/08/2014 8:06 PM
Many years ago I cut and welded some into some outdoor lamps. One another occasion I welded several together as sort of an outdoor combination wind chime/pipe organ using gongs made from galvanized pipes. The sounds were low and resonated at moderate wind speeds. I welded a large rectangular steel frame then set it in concrete topped with river rock. Vines complemented the natural setting. I wish I had taken some pictures:/
#20381
LatitudeAdjustment - 2/09/2014 6:52 AM
I like the book ends idea, wish I’d saved some of those tanks that failed :(

#28736
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RAWalker - 2/09/2014 1:50 PM
I’ve seen the cut off bottoms of al80’s as dog bowls. I have a steel 77 that I’m going to cut for a gong.
#629
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Peter-EH-NJ - 2/09/2014 4:16 PM
Why not donate them to a dive shop that can recycle them. I’m sure there are lots who want to enter the sport of scuba diving, but need some encouragement. Although scuba equipment USED is not exciting to own, they can be a good starting point for those who are borderline wanting to get into the sport. OK, does that make sense? Can scuba cylinders be recycled?
#28736
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RAWalker - 2/09/2014 11:25 PM
We are not talking about tanks that can pass Hydrostatic testing. These are talks that are not legal to positively pressurize. They can only be used as scrap metal or melted down. Their only value is as scrap or repurposed as the items suggested above. As scuba equipment their day is past.
#51828
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Greg - 2/10/2014 7:45 AM
I guess down in Belize, you can use old scuba tanks for propane.

#2635
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John_giu - 2/10/2014 6:57 PM
scrap Aluminum @ $1.00/per?
#2079
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rashley - 2/11/2014 8:33 PM
The scuba tank BBQ is my favorite so far.
#11592
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badintexas - 2/12/2014 12:36 PM
Those would be some crazy wind chimes! And I love the grill. How big is that tank?
#38
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cmartin - 2/20/2014 2:40 PM
I like the grill also
#5471
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DiveBuddyChgo - 3/06/2014 3:54 AM
If you recycle the Alum. tank. Alum. on a scuba tank is Medical Grade and will bring in a higher price per pound. But they won’t let you know that and probly even deny it. The valve on an alum. scuba tank is worth more then the alum. also. So don’t give away the valve either. Your LDS will be glad to get rid of your tank for free as a favor. DAAAAAAA ! Valve $25./Alum.$35 = $60 profit.
#2242
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MDW - 3/17/2014 5:24 PM
Never heard of "medical grade" scrap metal before. Definitely agree about the valves. That valve off the old condemned tank will work just fine on the shiny new tank you buy to replace it. No need to pay an extra 50 bucks for a new valve.
#162
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Hnebdgr - 6/01/2014 2:05 PM
#2635
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John_giu - 6/02/2014 8:34 AM
From MDW: Never heard of "medical grade" scrap metal before. Definitely agree about the valves. That valve off the old condemned tank will work just fine on the shiny new tank you buy to replace it. No need to pay an extra 50 bucks for a new valve.

At that point the valve will at least need a rebuild. I still would not throw it out, as a rebuilt is less than half the price of a new valve.