Problem with BOC argon bottle

[Andy W]

I have just got a tig inverter and 'obtained' a BOC argon bottle to use with it. But when I connected the gauge and opened the bottle valve no gas came out. I know the gauge is ok cos I've used it with my sons air products bottle. The BOC bottle seems to have a valve in the connection which needs to be pushed open to allow gas to flow, but my gauge doesn't! Is there a special type of BOC gauge that I need?

 

[wyn]

I would just give the bottle a quick open and close on the bottle valve to see if there is anything in the bottle....keep out of the way of the oppening when doing this. It's possible that you were "supplied" with an empty bottle.

 

[Paul.]

Normally when I open a cylinder valve just give it a quarter turn and thats enough, but recently I've had a couple that need to have about half a turn or even more on just on the first opening, I have also noticed that the square spindle pushed outwards by a couple of mm or so when the gas flowed, they are fine once this has happened, Its also possible to get a dud, so if in doubt take it back.

 

[Hitch]

Can you post a pic of the valve, something sounds odd....
I don't use BOC, but normal ones dont have a push valve thing in as far as i am aware...

 

[wyn]

I have seen one of these valves in an argon bottle before. They let the gas out but prevent the bottle from being refilled without the right equipment.

 

[pedrobedro]

I had a BOC argon cylinder and it was exactly the same as the BOC Ar/co2 with nothing needed except a standard key and regulator. It looks like you "obtained" an empty cylinder.