What would be a proper way to cut up an old fuel tank?

admin

My father has an old metal fuel tank in his basement that was used when he was running his old furnace.  Now he needs to get it out of the basement but due to house renovations, he has to cut it up to get it out in pieces.  I assume that there are fumes  in there so what would be the best way to cut it up without the tank blowing up in his face!Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Reply:I assume we are talking about a fuel oil and not gasoline or propane?If so, it's not as dangerous as you might assume, but tell us exactly what was in it before I just start giving you ideas...Also, if you are doing renovations anyway, just make sure that it's worth it to cut it up and not just easier to knock out a wall and rebuild.
Reply:Originally Posted by MAC702I assume we are talking about a fuel oil and not gasoline or propane?If so, it's not as dangerous as you might assume, but tell us exactly what was in it before I just start giving you ideas...Also, if you are doing renovations anyway, just make sure that it's worth it to cut it up and not just easier to knock out a wall and rebuild.
Reply:Sawzall, is what i've used in the past to do that. Remember that there is most likely some oil and or residue in the tank even if its been all pumped out. Fire is a minor hazard, but have extinguishers handy. I'd put down plastic on the floor and an old blanket to catch the oil/residue. Keep the saw as close to the tank as posible. Remember the oil as you take the pieces out so you don't drip on everything.
Reply:I used a reciprocating saw, as well. Once I had a good section of the top off I put in some absorbent sweeping material to absorb any oil that could drip and was able keep the floor clean. Realised as I was finishing up that my blades were cheapos that took twice as long to cut. Use a good quality blade with some cutting fluid.A man who can't weld is as poorly educated as a woman who can't sew
Reply:Thanks for the suggestions guys, it is much appreciated.
Reply:Sawzall...And Do Not forget the earplugs.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Double ditto on the ear plugs.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Once it is "open" i.e. not a tank but a open container you can use a torch or plasma, but you will light up the oil so have a CO2 extinguishers ready to go.  Or just let it burn if it's residual only, and you are outside.Me!
Reply:Say a prayer before you hit the oxygen In reality though most times I punch something through them like a forklift fork a couple of times before I cut them with a torch. But I guess you don't happen to have a forklift in your dad's basement Be careful though, I know this guy in the demo business we call "Peg Leg" his real name is Joe something or other. You never know what someone may have contaminated a tank with.Guess how he got to be called "Peg Leg" ?Joewww.CummingsHauling.com
Reply:Whenever I cut up a fuel tank with a plasma cutter it never ignites on the first cut...  Its that second cut that goes boomAir + Fumes = boom...on small car fuel tanks I dont care cause the explosion isnt big enough to bother me, but I dunno if I'd go hacking up a big heating fuel tank. that boom could get impressive. Heating fuel may not ignite as easily as gasoline but itll still leave a mark when it does. I'd stick to the sawzall I like to party!
Reply:sawzall it is.  No forklift in my dad's basement and I'm not really interested in seeing the size of a "boom" that tank would give!
Reply:Originally Posted by CaptainWilly...on small car fuel tanks I dont care cause the explosion isnt big enough to bother me, but I dunno if I'd go hacking up a big heating fuel tank. that boom could get impressive. Heating fuel may not ignite as easily as gasoline but itll still leave a mark when it does. I'd stick to the sawzall
Reply:Originally Posted by MAC702Gasoline tanks don't even belong in the same discussion.  Even a spark from a saw blade can set off one of those.
Reply:is it a LPG cylinder?...Unit in my fab shop dept:my good hand and team that trust me...A lone welder make art... a village full of welder make Miracles...
Reply:One more safety tip:V E N T I L A T I O NThis is in the basement, an area usually notorious for lacking ventilation.I might suggest placing a fan by an open window to push fresh air inside.  Along with this don't work alone.  Have a "safety observer" nearby, in a well ventilated area, not standing next to you, to observe the action.  If a problem develops out of your field of vision this person's job is to notify you and help deal with it.  If that problem is you becomming overcome by vapor and lack of oxygen, then this person't job is to drag your limping *** outside while you are still limping - before you become a dead ***.Member, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Originally Posted by MondoOne more safety tip:V E N T I L A T I O NThis is in the basement, an area usually notorious for lacking ventilation.I might suggest placing a fan by an open window to push fresh air inside.  Along with this don't work alone.  Have a "safety observer" nearby, in a well ventilated area, not standing next to you, to observe the action.  If a problem develops out of your field of vision this person's job is to notify you and help deal with it.  If that problem is you becomming overcome by vapor and lack of oxygen, then this person't job is to drag your limping *** outside while you are still limping - before you become a dead ***.