[Phys-L] Re: Gasoline storage can cap

[betwys1 at SBCGLOBAL.NET (Brian Whatcott)]

At 02:18 PM 10/25/2005, you wrote:
> I lost the cap for my red plastic gasoline 6- gallon can.
> Replacements for such caps in my local stores are not available.
> Any ideas of how to make one??


One immediately leaps to thoughts of buying a replacement
can, at $9 on up.

But you specifically asked for instructions on making a cap.

Here you go:
    from a 1/8 thick aluminum sheet, draw a circle  3/8 inch wider
in diameter  than the tank aperture's threaded gross diameter.

Drill 1/4 inch holes around the circumference. 5 or six holes will suffice.
Bandsaw out the circular disk which will have semicircular holes in the
  circumference, which will serve to key the  female thread collar.

Source a packet of 2 part plumber's epoxy putty, knead it well together,
  and roll out to a long  spaghetti. Place the disk on the gas can aperture,
and wrap  the putty around the threads, ensuring a good collar
surrounding the  aluminum disk top. The collar walls should be at
  least 3/8 inch thick.

When set, unscrew. Source a synthetic rubber washer to fit in
the lid of the can.  Optionally face  or file the free end of the epoxy
  thread rim, flat.      Assemble the washer in the cap.
This should not cost more than about $9

Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!