Swapping regulator stems

[johnj]

Hi all,
I have an Argon regulator but plan to use pub type co2 bottles.
Does anyone know if the threads are the same on the argon stems as the co2 stems.
As the stems are a serviceable item I see no reason not to do this simple swap which is cheaper (by half) compared to buying an adaptor.
Many thanks,
johnj.

 

[gordon stephenson]

You can buy adapters on ebay, or make one yourself,

 

[the snooper]

Yes the stems are the same threads I've swapped them

 

[Robotstar5]

Some of them can be quite tight to get out

 

[johnj]

Thanks guys,
I thought they would interchange but always good to check first.
I'll make sure I can remove my stem before ordering the co2 one just in case its seized.
I'm surprised more people don't do this rather than buying the adaptors which seem to me a little over priced.
Cheers
Johnj

 

[gordon stephenson]

I have regs for Argon and Co2, but if I only had one I would make/buy an adapter, As Robotstar5 stated they can be pretty tight, And where regulators are concerned I prefer to leave them alone.

 

[Jim Hayes]

I considered this recently when my ancient argon reg stopped working. However, an adapter was £13 and a new reg £20, so I went with the new reg.

 

[mike os]

On the high pressure side I would prefer to buy a new regulator or an adapter 200 bar is very unforgiving

 

[the snooper]

On the high pressure side I would prefer to buy a new regulator or an adapter 200 bar is very unforgiving

what is the difference in screwing the stem into a regulator or screwing the full regulator to the cylinder ? both are purpose built for the job and neither have less or more risk involved

 

[roofman]

There held in with threadlock/sealant..warm it up with a small blowlamp on the stem area as this softens the threadlock and comes out really easy

 

[weldequip]

 

[Richard.]

What is it with folk wanting to strip and change parts on there regs.
These things are consumable, cheap, and more to the point not really meant to be messed about with.
Buy a co2 reg.

 

[Jim Hayes]

It was when the pressure release valve on my old argon regulator kicked in that I thought, ah, glad that one didn't blow up in my eyes then.
Really, it scared me.
I'd rather spend 20 quid on a new reg and not worry about it for a few years.
I did think about about swapping the stem with my co2 reg, but 200 bar is a lot of pressure.
It's a bit more than what I run my airgun at, and that spits out a little bit of soft metal at a high enough velocity to kill you at close range.

 

[backpurge]

What is it with folk wanting to strip and change parts on there regs.
These things are consumable, cheap, and more to the point not really meant to be messed about with.
Buy a co2 reg.

Agree 100%, there's a very good reason why "service exchange" regulators were outlawed years ago and these were being refurbished by professionals.

 

[Jim Davey]

Agree 100%, there's a very good reason why "service exchange" regulators were outlawed years ago and these were being refurbished by professionals.

Yes but no matter what anyone says it wasn't on the grounds of safety that service exchange regs got outlawed.

 

[Jim Davey]

what is the difference in screwing the stem into a regulator or screwing the full regulator to the cylinder ? both are purpose built for the job and neither have less or more risk involved

If you don't know the difference you have no business putting a reg onto a bottle in the first place, much less modifying one.

 

[the snooper]

If you don't know the difference you have no business putting a reg onto a bottle in the first place, much less modifying one.

i think I do know the difference, my point was they are both high pressure

 

[mike os]

One is designed to be user operated, one is not?

 

[the snooper]

One is designed to be user operated, one is not?

and how much other stuff on this forum does that apply to yet everyone cracks on and does it anyway, gas bottle wood burners, plasma / welder repair I'm sure the list could go on

 

[roofman]

and how much other stuff on this forum does that apply to yet everyone cracks on and does it anyway, gas bottle wood burners, plasma / welder repair I'm sure the list could go on

LOL..yep forums are for the help for the in-experienced and for the entertainment of the experienced