Needed: Gas Can That Doesn't Suck

[Langenator]

So my 16+ year old 2 gallon gas can that provides fuel to my lawn mowers finally died. Splitting at the seam, not repairable.

I need a new one. Trying to feed the 1 pint (at most) tank on my push mower from one of my 5-gallon jerry cans isn't really a viable option.

I looked at HD and Lowe's, and all the cans there have been made into overly complicated, spill-prone monstrosities in the name of 'the environment'.

Anyone know where I can get a decent 1 or 2 gallon gas can that actually works? Does Canada still have decent gas cans? (I have family in WA state). I'm not going to Mexico, at least not without a mechanized infantry platoon and a QRF on standby.

[raptor]

There are retrofit kits that fix the new and improved gas cans. They are sold for use with water cans ( wink, wink, nod nod). Google them they are not hard to find. There are also YouTube videos on how to fix it without those kits. But the cans are environmentally friendly only in the sense that after using them you never want to use them again. They are a mess.

[majorhavoc]

Thread tagged for interest because you've touched on a pet peeve of mine: gas cans with so many government mandated safety features that they not only are more dangerous, but are borderline non functional for the purpose they are intended to perform (dispense gas).

Someone here at ZS suggested this aftermarket replacement for those absurd and wildly inaccurately named "spill proof" spouts. (Sorry I can't remember who it was, but know I silently thank you every time I use it. )

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1

[flybynight]

Oh crap, what have they done now? Have'nt bought a gas can in years, But had to take one of mine out of service cause of a leak

[Langenator]

Blame Kalifornia, specifically the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The idea was to reduce the air pollution from the gas vapors that escape when pouring gas.

Like most people, I wasn't aware this was a significant issue. I still don't. Maybe it is in the LA smog bowl, but I'm guessing they needed something to continue to justify their jobs.

Then they took it federal, and got the EPA to go along.

So instead of just having a spout on one end, and a little air hole at the other, there's these complicated contraptions that make it really hard to actually pour gas.

Plus they make something that should cost $5 at most cost between 3-5x that.

[yossarian]

When your old cans die, save the spouts.

[echo83]

There are 2.5 gallon NATO cans that are way easier to use than the 5 gallon cans. I used one when I was a landscaper and it was awesome.

https://www.amazon.com/Wavian-USA-JC001 ... 621&sr=8-5

Look at the price, though. I think I just figured out why my boss lost his mind when my coworker scratched the paint on the side of the can...

[aikorob]

try here--they have small ones in stock:
http://www.ohioprepsupply.com/brands/Jerry-Can.html
Someone recommended them a few years back in the deals thread---they had the 5 gal for a ridiculous low price

[taipan821]

maybe see if you can import the fuel can

http://www.proquip.com.au/products/fuel ... -cans.html

I use the plastic fuel cans from this company (australian made) and have no complaints (thus far)

[Stercutus]

I could grumble a lot but instead...

https://www.google.com/shopping/product ... gJaBPD_BwE

[RickOShea]

I could grumble a lot but instead...

https://www.google.com/shopping/product ... gJaBPD_BwE

Got one of those....it takes about 75 squeezes of the pump handle per gallon.

[Stercutus]

I could grumble a lot but instead...

https://www.google.com/shopping/product ... gJaBPD_BwE

Got one of those....it takes about 75 squeezes of the pump handle per gallon.

Bah, they used to make one that you did not have to squeeze.

[Langenator]

try here--they have small ones in stock:
http://www.ohioprepsupply.com/brands/Jerry-Can.html
Someone recommended them a few years back in the deals thread---they had the 5 gal for a ridiculous low price

I bought one of the 10L ones. It works with the 20L ones I already have, hopefully not to big for pouring into the mowers. I went with the 10L over the 5L because the ride-on has a 2 gal tank (I think.)

Price on the can was reasonable, but the shipping...ouch.

[Asymetryczna]

I could grumble a lot but instead...

https://www.google.com/shopping/product ... gJaBPD_BwE

Got one of those....it takes about 75 squeezes of the pump handle per gallon.

Mine is 12 years old, or so. I don't like the hose/pump combo and often just pull the container up on car ramps and transfer fuel to a smaller container to better use. I do like that mine seals tight and can be stood up out of the way. I tend to use a funnel/can method with most liquid transfers because I cannot seem to make hoses work, other than those attached to a keg back during my years living as part of a rugby cult.

[curryman]

Kinda pricey but great quality.

http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/JC3014

[Asymetryczna]

Quality is important. This forum, in my opinion, hums when the mixture is balanced: Quality to "in a pinch."
Thanks. Right on.

[raptor]

I see Sportsman's Guide has these on sale.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/ ... ?a=2150985

If quality and longevity is desired, it is tough to beat a metal 55 gallon drum. They are DOT approved for transport of gasoline assuming they have the contents properly labeled and manifested. The only problem with them is that full of gasoline they weigh 400 +/- lbs. Getting fuel out is simple with a siphon but any kind of pump will be pricy. That and you will still likely want a small can for refilling the equipment...a can that does not suck

[JRR]

I just use an anti-freeze jug.

[Sun Yeti]

Blame Kalifornia, specifically the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The idea was to reduce the air pollution from the gas vapors that escape when pouring gas.

Like most people, I wasn't aware this was a significant issue. I still don't. Maybe it is in the LA smog bowl, but I'm guessing they needed something to continue to justify their jobs.

Then they took it federal, and got the EPA to go along.

So instead of just having a spout on one end, and a little air hole at the other, there's these complicated contraptions that make it really hard to actually pour gas.

Plus they make something that should cost $5 at most cost between 3-5x that.

It's a common syndrome. When water saving toilets first came out, they sucked. When energy saving light-bulbs first came out, they sucked. When low flow showerheads first came out, they sucked. Manufacturers usually have to be dragged kicking and screaming into building a more efficient [whatever widget], then they charge more for it and design it poorly. It's only two or three versions later that they get it right.

[Langenator]

Blame Kalifornia, specifically the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The idea was to reduce the air pollution from the gas vapors that escape when pouring gas.

Like most people, I wasn't aware this was a significant issue. I still don't. Maybe it is in the LA smog bowl, but I'm guessing they needed something to continue to justify their jobs.

Then they took it federal, and got the EPA to go along.

So instead of just having a spout on one end, and a little air hole at the other, there's these complicated contraptions that make it really hard to actually pour gas.

Plus they make something that should cost $5 at most cost between 3-5x that.

It's a common syndrome. When water saving toilets first came out, they sucked. When energy saving light-bulbs first came out, they sucked. When low flow showerheads first came out, they sucked. Manufacturers usually have to be dragged kicking and screaming into building a more efficient [whatever widget], then they charge more for it and design it poorly. It's only two or three versions later that they get it right.

Of the items you list, only the light bulbs are any good now. The toilets still suck, as do the showerheads. Maybe not as bad as they did, but they're nowhere near as good as they used to be.

Now, if you'll excuse me, my f*&ing toilet is clogged. Again.

[gary83]

I also have NATO cans. Very good quality. No spilling.

[Asymetryczna]

I do enjoy the way he framed the question! "Best," and other superlatives, whether on the hand computers people still call phones, the marketing box called teevee or here on the interwebz always seem to be deceitful. I'd prefer something that doesn't suck.

[raptor]

I do enjoy the way he framed the question! "Best," and other superlatives, whether on the hand computers people still call phones, the marketing box called teevee or here on the interwebz always seem to be deceitful. I'd prefer something that doesn't suck.

I agree. The "best" superlative alwasy drives me nuts also.

[Langenator]

The choice of words was based partly on the fact that all the gas cans I've looked at or read about, do, in fact, seem to suck, thanks to CARB and the EPA, and partly on the fact that it's just a gas can to fill up my lawn mowers. It doesn't need to be special, it just needs to hold and dispense gas without undue mess and hassle. It's not like I'm carrying it on a roof rack in the Baja 1000 or the Paris to Dakar rally.