How to Refill an Aerosol Spray Can (Like Carb Cleaner, WD40, etc)

This is how I recharge my aerosol spray cans such as wd40, carb cleaner, pb blaster, etc. A lot of times the air leaks out over time or you use half of the can but the propellant gets used up and you have to throw away the can. I go over two methods to refill the propellant in aerosol cans so you can save money!

Thanks to sixtyfiveford for the idea of using a tire stem as another method as he showed in his video so we have options:

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[gstman]

hold can upside down while charging so only air goes into can rather than spilling liquid. Nozzle had a straw that goes to bottom of can.

[Hidden_Bass]

Wait! Unlimited AIR HORNS!!! THANK YOU CHRIS <3

[chancebadger]

Just did this on my bladder and now I can pee 20 yards. Many thanks.

[BourbonWhiskies]

Just to let anyone know. You don't have to depress the nozzle on the can. It works much like a check valve. Air goes in, not out, "unless it leaks". Just place the valve stem over the nozzle tightly. It will work every time. Been doing his for 20 years. (note) I always use a rubber valve stem. Much safer then any other way.

[darwinescobar]

Chrs fix is by far the best, when you see his videos, makes you feel like he is right next to you guiding you the whole way to get the job properly done

[TurboSol]

This is like the most practical auto channel on youtube, I've learned so much in just a week of being a subscriber!

[electronicsNmore]

I have done that many times in the past. Works very well. When I do it, I attach a very small piece of vinyl tubing to the air nozzle, then slide the tubing over the tube sticking up on the can, then press down to fill. No Mess.

[mr.johnson]

Chris Fixx: I saved $10 refilling this can with air!
Chriss Fixx's Dad: WTF happened to my lawn??

[timbrown]

Don't cut the valve stem so that it doesn't push the spray can straw down. Just hold the valve stem tight to make a seal on the can. The air pressure will still fill the can without pushing down the spray nozzle. Less messy. Or, like someone else said, hold the can upside down.

[michaelgasperik]

Hi Chris,
This is a great idea. A few years ago, I got tired of buying compressed air (computer "duster") at almost $6 per can. I went to discount tire and told them what I was trying to do and they gave me a new valve stem for free. I drilled a small-ish hole in the bottom of an old empty can. (That was the flatest spot, but I can't set the can down properly anymore.) I squeezed the valve stem in and added high pressure epoxy sealant, (made for radiator repair) to bond the rubber to the metal. I've been using it for years at work for cleaning computers and other electronics. It doesn't last as long as a store bought can of duster, but with free refills for life I've probably saved over a $1, 000 already.
Thanks for the great video!

[SurleyBlaine]

Quick tip, butane refill cans come with various tips. There is a fat one that makes the valve stem one work better.

[tonytube]

After soooo many years watching this channel it is NOW YT decides to recommend this video??? 🤦‍♂️ I’m gonna go thru all the videos I can this week!

[daddyosink]

I must say man.... you and Scotty Kilmer are BY FAR my favorite car channels on YouTube! Keep putting out quality content!

[miteytuff]

Fixed the can, killed the grass.

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[dylanbrdn]

Another idea if you dont have a compressor or you're worried about safety is to make sure theres zero pressure in your full can and then just pierce a hole in the can and use the liquid inside, you can do this with any aerosol like we do in industrial shops. Brake cleaner and degreaser and carb cleaner all come in big unpressurized drums. The mechanics then fill those plastic pump bottles with with brake cleaner etc and have a spray. So get yourself a pump bottle and just fill it with any flat cans you have

[jvoll]

Just a word of caution Chris. Use a small plastic tube, such as Tygon to connect the air nozzle to the can instead of your fingers. It works great and eliminates the "fiddling" aspect of trying to hold the two with your fingers. But more important than that, is that you avoid the risk of pressurized air entering your blood vessels and causing an embolism. It is very dangerous to put pressurized air against your skin, and many people have died doing so. Air gets forced through your skin and enters your blood vessel where it then travels in seconds to your heart. Once air enters your heart it takes away your hearts ability to pump blood due to a vapor lock type of situation. If it doesn't hit your heart, then it can also enter your brain and create dead zones where blood no longer can flow properly, and of course then, you're having a stroke. At minimum, when I'm doing something like what you were doing, I wear rubber gloves, but I'm just to paranoid to trust that, so I just come up with methods that don't involve compressed air against my skin. The risk also goes up when there is liquid involved, such as that coming out of the can, because then there can be a better seal against your skin.

Thanks for your great videos. I'm enjoying an evening of watching your tutorials on how to maintain my van.

[jamesconroy]

At the bicycle shop I used to work at, they had a bunch of aerosol cans that had been drilled on the bottom, and a tire valve soldered into the hole. You could remove the valve core, and refill the liquid too.

[Mrbfgray]

Caution: I've done it and it works but don't go and use air filled can for a torch (as some of us are occasionally prone to doing w paint or penetrating oil, etc., lol) slight chance of serious explosion since there is no longer inert gas propellant in the can but air with oxygen. Chances are it won't back up inside the can but you don't want to be wrong about that.

[Jason.F.]

Pro tip. Turn the cans upside down and refill them. That way no fluid is forced out when refilling.

[Ryeera]

6:50 - "I'm not gonna waste it" *sprays it again and again*