How to tell welding tank is in date?

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Looking at buying used Oxy and Acetylene tanks and getting them filled.  I believe that they have to be within a certain inspection date for someone (praxair, airgas, some other welding supply store) to fill/exchange them.  Question - what should I look for on the tank prior to buying to know that I can get them filled?thanks for the education guys!  I'm learning more every day
Reply:I'd Google it. I find that is not always straight forward.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Originally Posted by Robert HallI'd Google it. I find that is not always straight forward.
Reply:The most conclusive info I have found on hydrotest certs was a vid from a texas LWS. If I remember, ill dig it up on youtube. Call your gas supplier ahead of time. Might be a waste of money if they wont take an "owner" tank, even with proper documentation.
Reply:That last link has some good info. Some of it is specific to Airgas.Something to note is that acet cylinders are different than any other and only carry a 5 year test.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:from reading (more), it looks like even if a tank is out of date, it costs approx $30'ish to have them retested. so if i can find them cheap enough (or full) then it could be worth it
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelSomething to note is that acet cylinders are different than any other and only carry a 5 year test.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanWhile that is true, I've found it to be irrelevant, as I have never had to pay for an acetylene cylinder retest, regardless of how old it was when exchanged.I pay between $10 and $15 for a recert.
Reply:I guess you could always get your own metal stamp kit and pound in your own date.  Not saying that's "right" nor would I condone that  but, I wonder if it's ever been done just to fool the local Airgas clerks. Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Correction to my earlier post. DOT apparently only requires acetylene bottles to be recertified every 10 years.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.