There I was, with a 5 gallon plastic gasoline container hoisted up on my shoulder, spout down into a funnel which was in my truck. Glug glug glug….pause, glug glug. PAINFULLY slow transfer of my storage gas to the truck, I made the decision right there that I would no longer use plastic storage containers and migrate to all Eagle Safety cans (metal). I have one can which I keep in the bed of my truck at all times and with the provided funnel mated to it, I can dump gas into my truck relatively quickly. I’ve used it to help others on the side of the road and I like the fact that it’s nice a robust and won’t swell in the heat like pastic cans.
The one thing that stopped me from transitioning was price, the Eagle cans are between $50-$60 locally and part of me just didn’t want to dump (no pun intended) $200 on 4 cans for storage. Off to Amazon I went and behold, the cans are there with free shipping for $33 each.
Here is a description from the manufacturer.
Eagle Mfg UI-50-FS Gasoline Can, Type-I, 5-Gal
“Type I Safety Can, 5 gal. Capacity, Red, Used For Flammables, Material Galvanized Steel, Height 15-1/2 In., Outside Dia. 12-1/2 In., Standards FM, UL, ULC, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106, NFPA Code 30, Includes Polyethylene Pour Funnel.
Eagle 5 gallon Type I red safety cans (UI50FS) are constructed of 24-gauge hot dipped galvanized steel, are the only deep drawn seamless can made, have a double interlock no-weld bottom seam, a baked on powder coat finish with a trilingual label, have a spring closing lid with neoprene gasket that vents at 5 psi internal pressure, have a non-sparking flame arrestor and pour spout and are 100 percent made in the USA. Eagle Manufacturing Company’s 5 gallon, Type I red safety can (for flammable liquids) meets OSHA and NFPA Code 30 requirements and are UL and ULC listed and FM approved for safe handling and storage of gasoline and other flammable liquids (Accepted Under CARB).”
The Bottom Line
I’ve been rotating gas out for a number of years now, I like to keep it stored on site for generators or other emergency situations. Yet one thing I always found annoying were the plastic containers, the now impossible “safety” spouts and even when aftermarket spouts were purchased the ridiculously slow pour rate. Not to mention I feel like plastic just is not as safe as metal, call it a hunch. If you can swing it I suggest moving to metal can storage as well, even if it’s just one single can. Remember to store the gas in the appropriate place (read these tips on storage) and cycle through it frequently!
2 comments
I found a neat little gadget at Tractor Supply for this, a Plumber’s Siphon Pro. It is about 6′ of rubber tube and a hand ball pump, similar to what is on the old outboard motors with a fuel filter in line with it. It even has a slow siphon action to it. They are rated for either gas or water, though I recommend a separate pone for each : ) . I have been using one for my gas cans for several months and not had an issue with it. They run about $10.00; a good addition to my supplies. All parts are generic and easily replaceable, if necessary. It is a good addition for anyone without the ability to hold a gas can easily to empty it.
It is also easy to use to pump out any leftover fuel in machines that are being stored, snow blowers, lawn mowers, etc,
You can improve the fuel flow on plastic cans by drilling a 1/2″ hole on the aft top side and placing a tubeless tire valve (after removing the inner core) from inside out with baling wire. Removing the end cap when starting to pour greatly enhances the flow of fuel. All of these cans that you get now are not federally mandated, they are only made that way because Kalifornia requires them from the manufacturers.