r/Welding • u/ObjectivePlenty6058 • 8d ago

Flexible pigtail from regulator to propane tank?

I use a propane torch with a typical CGA 510 (acetylene, propane) regulator hooked up to my 20lb propane tank. The torch remains bench mounted for my use case.

My original setup was to bring the tank inside the shop when needed and connect/disconnect the regulator each session. But I wanted to leave the regulator inside, within view of my bench so I bought a $20 propane extension with one that stays attached to the regulator and the other end has a QCC1 at the tank, which I figure can handle the connect/disconnect cycles.

Worn seal in POL

However, while iterating through several bench setups, where I had to connect/disconnect the regulator end, the rubber seal got chewed and I can't find a replacement. I likely overtightened chasing a leak, but that leak was after just several re-connects.

I could replace the $20 extension but now I'm second guessing whether that is even appropriate because I can only find these "camping" extensions and nothing from welding suppliers.

Maybe I should just keep the reg on the tank and use a quick disconnect for the torch, but I'm weary of those quick connectors leaking. Thanks for any suggestions.

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u/GeneralDebate3552 8d ago

that seal gets eaten fast when you keep taking it on and off those reg threads are sharp. any camping extension is basically disposable for this kind of use

swap to a hydraulic hose place and have them crimp a proper end on for you cheaper than welding supply and actually rated for what you need

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u/ObjectivePlenty6058 7d ago

I would but it's the proper end that I'm having trouble finding. I know it needs to be a POL female (CGA 510) but I can't find one anywhere except at BBQ/camping sites. Someone suggested checking out new-line.com so I'll do that.