Leaking argon cylinder?? Help please

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I'm trying to hook up a fresh argon cylinder to my TIG welder, and I feel like pulling my hair out right now. There's a very audible hiss, and you can even feel a slight leak around the threads where the regulator attaches to the cylinder. Pressure only reads about 1800 PSI, and this is a fresh cylinder. I even tried switching out regulators, and I had the same result. Tried cleaning the fittings on both the cylinder and my regulator, same result, it still leaks. I've never experienced this before, BUT I've only switched cylinders out maybe six times  So if I'm doing something wrong, please enlighten me... Because I'd rather hear it on here than try to return a "defective" cylinder and look like a fool for not knowing how to hook a cylinder up  I just don't remember ever reading about anything like this happening.Thanks in advance...Give me fuel, give me fire, give me that which I desire.
Reply:I've had acetylene and hydrogen bottles leak the same way. I think after a bottle has been used dozens of time the threads get distorted (stretched) and same with the flares of the regulators. I've had to really chow down on some of them. I may should have use some sealant but didn't like the idea of screwing up my regulators. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Teflon tape on the flair, three turns/wraps is usually enough.
Reply:Tape/paste will do nothing on a CGA 580 fitting.Take the cyl back to the supplier and have them exchange it for you.
Reply:I know this sounds that it should be a given thought, but try cleaning both fittings. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Do you crack the valve first to blow out any debris that might be right at the bottom of the fitting?  You've already cleaned the fittings and tried other regulators, so if it continues, take the cylinder back along with your regulator(s) and have both inspected.I have to remind myself that argon can kill.  Just fill up a room with it and try to breath.
Reply:Take a look at the seat in the valve, where your regulator should seal. It may have been damaged by someone, before you, screwing in and over tightening a damaged regulator/flow meter. If it is damaged it may damage your regulator. And yes check for foreign material in the valve.---Meltedmetal
Reply:Return to supplier with tank and regulator for their inspection.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Return to supplier with tank and regulator for their inspection.
Reply:Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I had tried teflon tape, obviously that didn't help. I always crack the valve before hooking the regulator up, and I retried that a couple times once I discovered the leak, no effect. Tried cleaning both sealing surfaces, no effect. This was all before I came on here asking for help.So it looks like I'll be returning the cylinder after all, thanks for the suggestions to bring a regulator with as I hadn't considered that.Give me fuel, give me fire, give me that which I desire.
Reply:Originally Posted by vwguy3Tape/paste will do nothing on a CGA 580 fitting.Take the cyl back to the supplier and have them exchange it for you.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerweldIf you did not have a leak with a previous cylinder, and now you do have a leak, even with different regulators, the problem lies with the seating surface of the regulator receiver port on the cylinder valve.
Reply:I have used anti seize (never seize) to stop a leak on damaged valves.Just paint a modest amount on the valve where it seals (male and female) tighten it down real good and have at it, worked for me.
Reply:I would never recommend applying anything to a leaking valve stem.  Using such advice on an oxygen cylinder can easily lead to things like death, dismemberment, etc.