Exchanging / Swapping Gas Bottles

the smaller gas bottles are always an issue. Having worked in an inspection centre for gas bottles ad the such, I would suggest to cut your losses and buy a new bottle as invaribly it will end up a very similair cost. They are also vary difficult to inspect (valve removal) and you may end up with a slightly bastardised cylinder.
Check out for when they are on sale at kmart, big W etc as they can go out fairly cheap. HOWEVER check the test date, as many bottles on sale arent valid for their full 10 years!!. they may already have several years on the clock so to speak (e.g. bottle bought today, test stamp reads 5/04- alrady 2 years of ots life lost)

I have not heard of too many places doing the exchange thing with the smaller bottles, my choice would have been to try camping stores, but you've done that.

Personnally I have stuck with the 4kg for the reasons you mention, plus I can generally get them exchanged when on the road

Good luck

Lauren,

There are testing stations in all Capital Cities that can do the test/inspection but the cost is only marginally less than buying new bottles.

I had a 4.5 kg bottle tested and recertified. The cost was $45.00
Some time later I bought another 4.5 kg bottle for $54, so as you can see, there is very little difference in cost.

The reason I went to the trouble was that the 4.5 kg bottles included a gas gauge (operated via an internal float mechanism) and I like the idea of a visual inspection as to how much gas I have remaining before I take off into the outback.

I think you will find the "Swap'n'Go" type facility is only for 4 kg and 9 kg bottles.

Lauren

Seems wasteful, but that's our consumer society. Prices quoted above reflect our experience - just not worth paying to have them inspected.

Transfer stations will take the old ones at no charge (recycling of scrap), and look out for a special at K-Mart, or just do as we did and get into the 4 kg circuit. We found though that in WA (SA too maybe?) they only swap 9 kg bottles!!! But they can be refilled and you can swap them when you get back to home territory.

If you really want to get the littlies retested despite all try a plumbers supply shop (eg Complete Hardware at Eastwood) - they send them away to a test station. If they say no, you'd have to give up I reckon.

Max

Just done the same thing.

Bought a new 4.5kg bottle instead of getting the old one tested.

Also bought a new 9kg bottle for $29.00, plus $20.00 of gas.

Now how do I get rid of the old one?
The dump and recyclers do not want them.
Have unscrewed the valve.

I think I have to find an approved recycler.

Hi Lauren

GAMECO on 161 Parramatta rd Auburn are the gas people, just near the overhead footbridge (public school).
www.gameco.com.au/cts1.htm . Cut and paste this link.
Price a new bottle (if req') before you go just so you know your not getting ripped off and Boots Outdoors is about 1Klm down the road going towards the city.

No affiliation with either companies, just a customer.

Regards
Andy

Just as an aside from my experience when you do swap gas bottles make sure you get one that fits. I had an experience with one 9kg bottle that looked the same but was fatter and the retaining clamp would not fit it & there were several in the rack of similar size when I returned it to get a thinner one....

A good use for an old gas cylinder is cutting the top off, drilling breathing holes in the bottom and a making a hot coals weber style bbq.
Saw a A-Vanner with one in QLD a few years ago.