From what I can tell, this is pretty much an American problem. As of January of 2009, all new portable fuel containers in the US must meet new Mobile Source Air Toxic regulations based on the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) regulations, and they must meet the requirements of the Children’t Gasoline Burn Prevention Act. Now, clean air and children not being burned by gasoline seem like good things, but the these new rules have inflicted us with a plague of vile gas cans outfitted with maddening, useless spouts. Why?
As is typical of political, board-derived solutions, the actual implementation of these regulations has been a disaster. These new cans have caused more gas to spill and more fumes to escape than any gas can in history. At least in my history; I don’t have any statistics to report about spills outside of my own garage. Suffice to say that everyone I’ve talked to about these new cans hates them, and reports similarly alarming spill statistics from their own experiences in their own garages.
I could regale you with tales of spilled gas when filling the damned things, or tales of spilled gas when the spring-loaded safety nozzles malfunctioned. If you’re reading this, then you probably have similar stories to tell, so I’ll cut to the chase, and tell you how I’ve dealt with the modern scourge that is the CARB-regulated gas can. And no, I didn’t just drill a vent hole in the back.
For my needs, I decided that I would have four smaller cans and five larger cans. Yeah, that’s a lot of cans, but after Hurricane Sandy, I bought a thirsty generator and my goal was to have 5-7 days worth of gas. Having been in an area that first had no gas for three days, and then had weeks of gas rationing, I decided that I’d never go through that again.
2.5 Gallon No-Spill Gas Cans
It is important to note that in that picture, no gas is flowing from that can. In order to make the gas flow from the can, the green button must be depressed, and held down. This is both a benefit and a bane to my ongoing sanity. First, it’s nice because as the name of the can would imply, no gas is spilled when positioning the spout.
I will say that for dispensing gas, these cans live up to their No Spill name. Sure I’ve made a mess once or twenty times filling them, but even then I like that they have very large openings. Also, all of the No Spill cans under five gallons have neat strips of translucent plastic up the front and back so you can tell at a glance how full they are. The five gallon models have an extra handle on the back which helps with pouring, especially since they pour so damn slowly. Because of this handle, the 5-gallon models aren’t square and don’t stack as cleanly as the smaller cans.
One more thing I like about these cans is that the company sells spare parts for them! Break a spout? Contact No Spill and order a new one. They even sell them on Amazon.
As much as I like these cans above the other plastic crap-cans out there, they still don’t hold a candle to the real deal. For the big cans, I went old school and managed to get some good old fashioned Jerry Cans.
20-Liter NATO Jerry Cans
I was surprised to find that not only were Jerry Cans still being made, but that NATO had a standardized version in use. I set out to buy some, and that’s when I discovered that they cost a LOT of money. Some of my preciously listed complaints with the CARB-cans include the facts that they’re plastic, they suck, and they cost too much. The 2.5 gallon cans I showed above cost almost $40 a piece. That actually helped me to rationalize the Jerry Cans, which were close to $80 each with shipping. Besides, I told myself, these cans should last for damn-near ever. I ordered five (yes, five), and eagerly awaited their arrival. It’s true; stuff like this excites me.
As you can see, I can fit five of these cans side by side in the back of my Acura – a car not built for hauling things. Actually, I could have fit another row of them! These cans are tall, unlike all the CARB-cans out there which tend to be wide. In the space where I store my gas, I used to have three of the regular modern 5-gallon cans. These were a mix of CARB and pre-CARB cans, but the point is, I could fit only three.
Be careful if you shop for Jerry Cans. There are a few types out there, and some are better than others. Beware of NATO-Like cans, as they are often inferior. My advice is to look for actual NATO 20-liter cans. The similarly shaped cans from Blitz and Wedco, but buying NATO cans seemed to make more sense to me. In my Googling, I got conflicting reports as to whether or not the Wedco cans were actually NATO spec or not. There are some out there with screw-on plastic caps, and I wanted nothing to do with those. Sadly, it appears as if Blitz may be folding due to excessing litigation against them.
I bought mine at CampingMaxx, but I bought them through Amazon.com because the shipping was cheaper. Here are the links I used:
- Amazon.com: 20-Liter Red NATO Gas Can
- Amazon.com: Spout for NATO Gas Can
- Amazon.com: 2.5 Gallon No-Spill Gas Can
- Camping Max: Jerry Cans
Oh, and the spouts I bought were supposed to be green, so I was quite pleased to see that they were black.
So yeah, I have a lot of gas cans, but for the first time in 30 years, I’m pretty happy with them all. Every time I bring the Jerry Cans to the gas station, I get asked where I got them, because everyone hates the state of the modern American gas can.
The little no-spill can in the last picture is 1.25 gallons, and is used only for my 2-cycle motors and will be marked accordingly. And yes, I’ve already bought three more spouts for the Jerry Cans so that they all match.
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May you soon find a new problem that irks you enough to begin an endeavor that allows others to benefit from your findings.
I 82 and those 5 gallon cans(full) weight more than they usta’. I’m looking in to the 2.5 gallon cans. I will continue to use EZ flow spouts with a vent in the cans. All these safety nozzles are dangerous. Folks just need to use caution.
My boyfriend was just cussing the other day about how the drunk idiots trying to light there bonfire with gas ruined it for everyone. He just takes the old had can tops with out the saftey features (he has stocked piled 🙂 and will screw them on once we get home from filling them.
Thank you for this post.
I’m still seething at my experience with a CARB can. Never have I drenched myself in fuel, into I had to use them new safety cans. 😠
He will be happy to know where to buy his beloved “good old days” gas cans Thanks for the link
Great analysis. I have the same generator and the same problem. I had not shopped for gas cans since about 1970. CARB is typical of the Soviet-style bureaucracy that has taken over the country. Deutsche Optik has the NATO cans available @ $200 for four cans plus $100 for four nozzles. About as good as I could find.
I thought I was the only person using “bad language” trying to pout gas into my line trimmer, chain saw, pressure washer, along with my John Deere compact tractor that requires climbing up on the hood. The best solution I came up with was to buy a six gallon metal military can that the army used on tanks. I did have to drill a vent hole but it works great. Since then I have thrown away all of my plastic ones that Walmart sells.
VP Racing 5-gallon square “motorsport containers” cost $30 each and are far superior to the No-Spill models. Still made from red plastic. Not as good as NATO jerry cans. The spout is clear piece of flexible tubing that threads through a hold in the cap. Definitely not CARB-compliant (if that is an issue) but much better than No-Spill, Blitz, Scepter, etc.
I saw where Blitz has gone out of business due to the cost of insurance premiums and defending against lawsuits from alleged burn victims.
Why did you buy a separate nozzle for each jerry can? Why not buy a single nozzle and switch it between cans (unless you are going to be filling different tanks from multiple jerry cans at the same time)?
Don’t forget to add fuel stabilizer to the fuel stored in the cans and to the fuel in your generator. The most common brand is STA-BIL, but my Honda generator dealer recommended a product called Ethanol Shield. I have been told (by persons whose opinions I respect) that modern unleaded fuels (particularly those containing ethanol) have a short shelf life and should be rotated every 3-6 months using the simple expedient of filling up your car from the cans and then refilling the cans. Also, ethanol will damage internal hoses and gaskets in your generator without using fuel additive to mitigate the effects. The Honda dealer cautioned me to “exercise” my generator by running it for 30 minutes on full throttle once every 30 days.
If you use good ethanol treatment then there is no reason it won’t last 12 maybe 24 months depending on the treatment used
Thanks for this info. I just bought a gennie last week and was looking for the requisite gas cans to bring home and store the fuel for it, and was getting frustrated that the only thing available were those crappy CARB compliant cans. I was even scouting Amazon, but the NATO cans didn’t even come up as an option. Because I live in a boarder state, I was seriously contemplating a trip to Canada to pick up a 20L can (or two) from Canadian Tire. Since I’ve had plastic cans that lasted for years I wasn’t automatically opposed to them, just the lousy spill-proof nozzles they come with now. I may still do that for a few of them since the cost is right at $14 (like it used to be here) So that may be an option for those with similar geography. As far as I know customs doesn’t ask if you’re bringing gas cans into the country a la guns, tobacco & liquor. (Hopefully legislators aren’t reading this…)
hey i dont kno if you have anyhitng to do with old tin gas can and or oil 1’s but i was wonder if you knew if they are worth anything and som info about them i have a few (5 gallon-ish) gas can i no 2 ar Eagle type ll’s …plz help and where to sell them alsp
Sorry, but I have no idea as to the worth of antique cans. Good luck in your quest.
I really like the Jerry can, unfortunately I would consider $60 each to be cost prohibitive. I guess I’ll have to settle for the cheaper metal ones.
Hello Gary,
Great website. I was researching gas containers and came upon your site.I looked into the No-Spill gas container and found an online store offering the cheapest prices i could find and free shipping on orders over $25. I ordered two 5 gallon and four 2.5 gallon containers for about $128 shipped. The cans arrived a week after i placed my order.If you would like to pass this information on to your readers, the name of the store is Equipsupply.com.
Thank you for taking the time to share and help.
Just some follow-up on the situation. CA LE and Rangers are ticketing people carrying gasoline in containers that are not red and/or not specifically labeled for gasoline. There is debate as to whether older gas cans that do not conform to the current CARB/DOT/EPA specs are grandfathered (manufactured before 2009). Some sources say CA will not allow cans manufactured after 2009, that are not CARB compliant, to be used (or manufactured or sold in CA). The question outstanding is how and if this impacts people traveling in CA from out of state.
It does appear that most cans painted red do not draw attention from authorities. Many 4X4 off road people are making canvas covers to cover banks of cans on the back bumper. There have also been stories of gas station personnel not allowing customers to fill gas cans, even is marked for “gas only,” if not painted red, So the olive drab of old GI cans and the pearl green, dark green, and black NATO Jerry cans may draw more attention from the gas station attendants than you might want.
The tan colored plastic Specter cans do not conform to the CARB standards and are not sold by retailers at all in the US, even though they are Military standard these days. I have read stories of people being ticketed here in CA carrying gas in the Specter cans regardless of the date of mfg.(brought in from Canada)
A couple of regulations significant from the CARB specs. And, I am told that modifying your your non-legal cans to conform to configuration of the compliant cans does not make it a legal can. If the date of mfg is checked (stamped or molded into the can) even if the can does comply due to your mods, if manufactured after 2009, it is still not legal. The following is part of the question about grandfathered cans. New cans have to vent in a fire so they do not explode, which is why you see plastic caps. The caps melt and the gasoline burns off rather than violently explodes. Replacing the steal cap, on your non-compliant can with a plastic one, does not make it a legal can. The older cans with the steel threaded bungs (US GI cans) certainly seem questionable in the intended spirit of the law.
Plastic cans are OK but those have to conform to a vapor release regulation (fuel evaporating through the plastic material). Plastic cans made after 2009 must conform to this vapor release regulation and say so in words or via regulation numbers embossed, stamped, or molded into the can. Conforming cans are thicker and generally tougher than the older plastic cans.
Now, conforming cans are supposed to be child proof, which appears a requirement of some type of ratchet mechanism on the cap or twist mechanism on the spout that children cannot normally operate. Also the spout on the can must be of a type that automatically closes so that a can does not spill or leak if accidentally knocked over. These spouts must be internally vented so they are S-L-O-W. They sometimes require an extra hand to open and hold them open while handling the can. Very awkward. Most of the automatic nozzles are not heavy duty enough to tolerate the weight of the full can while up-turned to fuel a vehicle.
Separate vents, like the old pop-top style are not legal on conforming cans. Some people install them and also adapt tire air valves as vents.First hand experience, some of the adapted tire valves melt over time and exposure to gasoline.
Thank you very much for this post! I’ve been agonizing over replacing my gas cans for years. The no-spill will work perfect for me. I just need it to fill my small power equipment.
We are disgusted with the new can choices. This choice is much appreciated — thanks for sharing your experience and research.
We’re not getting younger and these jerry cans would be expected to outlive us and our ability to keep up this acreage. One wonders if the investment is worth it — except that the new cans are so frustrating, and aren’t cheap anyway!
Before I found this, as I looked for alternatives to the new cans, I started wondering about one larger semi-permanent tank out on the lot. Just for curiosity, does anyone know what form that “tank” would take or if it’s possible for a homeowner to obtain a safe gas container larger than 5 gallons?
We usually keep and rotate thru about six 5-gallon cans here at the house for tractor and generator/emergency supplies and a small one for our two-stroke machines. (Yes, we put stabilizer in the cans.)
Love your email address! 🙂
Check out something like this: https://www.amazon.com/ARKSEN©-Gallon-Portable-Transfer-Storage/dp/B00BM87YFI
I can’t say that I have any experience with them, but there are definitely solutions out there. Good luck!
I was torn.
Amazon has the new No-Spill 1 gallon and the 2.5 gallon for about the same price, about $22 ($1.50 difference). I just needed a can for my 2-cycle leafblower so 1 gallon would have sufficed, but being a red blooded American kept me from that and I went with the 2.5 gallon for a buck and a half more. I hope I don’t regret it size wise.
I have about 8 or 10 of the old US GI jerry cans which I like best, and about the same number of the NATO cans. First, the old US GI cans have several desirable features: the bottom is recessed about half an inch from the base of the can, thus allowing stacking better. The mouth is wider; a standard 2 inch pipe thread so flow is larger than the narrower NATO cans. Thirdly, the caps on the US GI can have ears on them which allow a metal strap to fit in between them and lock into a base with another metal piece. I have several of those. NATO cans cannot be locked as easily. One drawback to the US cans is that the vapor pressure of the gas usually makes unscrewing the cap difficult by hand; hence I carry a small hammer with me on my vehicles to give it a wrap to loosen it. I did buy one of the newfangled plastic cans and it will be my last; and to the CARB air Nazis, bite me, I am using my old cans until they rust out, and then I will fix them;(yes, I have soldered the cans up, and I know the safe procedure for doing so)
I am enraged and frustrated by these “green” gas cans which is what brought me here. My whole life, I have filled gas cans and poured gas and it has been as simple as that. After buying a generator in case of an emergency, I bought several new “green” gas cans.
With these new “green” gas cans, they do nothing but spill gas everywhere. Literally. I have followed the directions, I have looked online, I have played with them by trial and error. Nothing. All 6 of them, every time I try to pour gas, it spills everywhere. It is pathetic. The only way they are even remotely useful is If I unscrew the nozzle, which is supposed to stop gas leakage and vapor, and pour it into a funnel into my lawn mower or whatever I’m using.
I have no desire to ruin the environment or to spill gas on my own lawn, or to do any such thing, but with these gas cans that are now required.. I have spilled more gas in a single day than I have in my entire life.
These “Green initiatives” are truly losers. At work, they have these “auto flush” toilets to save water, and all they do is flush over and over every single time you move. While you’re in the bathroom the “green light sensors” will shut the frickin lights off while you’re in the stall because you haven’t moved enough in the past minute.
Anyhow, whatever regulations were passed in order to mandate that I buy these stupid gas cans, I have literally spilled GALLONS of gas all over the place because of them.
Thanks. I ran out of gas recently and bought a plastic “spill proof ” can at a nearby gas station. I tried to return the can because I thought it must be defective. Now that I know that spilling gas all over the place is a feature of these cans I am not as disappointed in the stations refusing to take it back.
I left it there anyway since I would never have used it again.
That cracks me up!!!! Good post
I seriously enjoyed your letter. I completely agree with you. I only hope everyone does not blame “the democrats”. I was telling my wife the story of when I was very young,I decided to recreate a war scene by burning a tank model in front of my house. No one was home and I opened a liter can of gas and poured it on the model and set it afire. It promptly set the top of the can on fire. Startled, I kicked the gas can and started a ferocious fire. Thankfully it had not splashed on me. Not sure how I was able to think but I grabbed our water hose and was able to put it out. The rules are good but implementation can get stupid. Thank you for taking the time and writing an entertaining and informative article.
Any idea how these would hold up on a boat in a salt-water environment? My guess is plastic might do better; what say you?
I live near the US/Canada border; so, I’m wondering if less-sucky cans might be available at someplace like Canadian Tire. I’ll see what I can find out.
https://www.lexingtoncontainercompany.com/Nato-Jerry-Cans.html
Better price
Michael – went to the link you provided. It says the cans are no longer available. ???
Maybe it was when you posted.. Its $80 each now.
I stumbled across this a day after the vent popped open on my cheap gas container and it spilled just a bit of gas in the back of my 4Runner. Sweet Jesus. Why didn’t I invest in a decent container before now? It was just a quick trip around the block to fill it up to help out my roommate. Now I’m afraid to drive behind anyone smoking a cigarette.
Funny to run across your article when I and another hard working fellow just finished doing some heavy duty digging for a neighbor’s pond. He was to supply all the diesel fuel we needed, which he did, but he had these new-fangled 5 gallon containers to work out of. We got so upset trying to use the damn nozzles, we ended up just unscrewing them and fueling thru funnels.
Another great example of our government sticking their nose in where it didn’t belong!
Incidentally, I’m a huge dog lover and am currently greatly enjoying your Cozy Tales. Well done!!
Thanks!
I just wanted to say thanks for the article, mate. Your quest is certainly one that is shared by many others. I recently purchased a golf cart and needed a sturdy five gallon gas can I can trust. I purchased a green authentic NATO Jerry gas can manufactured by Wavian for ≈$85 from Amazon. I was also looking into the ‘No-Spill’ five gallon version, but I am not partial to plastic containers especially for that volume of fuel. Your write-up encouraged me to spend the extra money and get a product I am confident in. While it will not be doing much traveling, I will be taking it back and fourth from the petrol station. In my experience, the plastic ones produce lasting fuel odors in enclosed vehicles even if only stored for short periods of time. Again, thank you.
Looks like the No Spill 6131 from Amazon is my best bet. My cheap old plastic jugs are fine.
Solution for your fear of running out of gas during the next hurricane. Rather than mess with all the gas jugs and worrying about the gas going bad, consider upgrading your generator to a propane generator.
Propane is a great alternative, but you’ll need (21) 20# tanks to last a week. only get 7 hours running a 2000watt Honda.
Here’s the test of all tests for those Jerry cans then. Take one empty can, one full can at sea level or there abouts (you know where I’m going with this) and head up to the mountains. I guess 7000 ft would suffice. Then check the conditions.
Now open them up to equalize the pressure and head back down. If those metal cans can handle that w/o busting a seam then they’re work $100+
Is there a way to trace the line of neanderthal stupidity that got these gas can regulations started. I’m guessing it’s begins in California but somewhere someone with nothing to do but use up government time and needed to create a task pulled this off.
The other question I have is how many thousands of gallons/yr are spilled not because of accidents but strictly because of this “green” can reg. I lost a quart all over the side of my truck the first time I tried this and then there’s the lawn mower, other cars & contraptions and chainsaw that saved a house from a tree fall that all had minor spills due to this poor design. I bought a clear plastic hose to put over the end of the nozzle in hope that will help. We shall see.
Also, have you seen the jerry rigged contraptions and ideas people are using to adapt to this stupidity? Some of those ideas can be just as scary as the green idea itself. People don’t think about gas rotting the plastics they use or seam splits from drilling or even static electricity as in the case of that plastic hose I got…..It was after I bought the 1 foot section that I wondered about this.
I just bought my first new gas can in more than 20 years and you know the rest. My first conversation was with my neighbor (who was ahead of me in the new experience) and we both agreed we’d spilled more gas in the first month of ownership than in all years previous.
In any case, thank you for taking the time to put this together, it is greatly appreciated.
These are the Jerry cans of your youth. They are not Chinese knockoffs. They have a new spout from when you did this blog. They come in 5 different colors and 3 sizes. Check them out. Jeepfreek magazine did a test on them and concluded they are a one and done gas can.
From Amazon, I purchased yellow gas can vents, $1 each, drill half inch hole and glue into plastic can with epoxy, cut nozzle end off and remove spring, epoxy it back togethe, don’t damage the end so cap will still fit, it cost about $10 to modify 5 cans, and they work about like the old cans.
i hate these new things, spilled more gas figuring out how to use these safety cans than i did my entire life using the good old school cans.
I hate these no spill cans. Cause more probles then cures as far as im concerened. Cans easily become over pressured in hot weather and cause fuel to spray when time to use. A half used container cannot take on air if temperatures drop causing them to collapse and split causing leaks. Never had issues until the government got involved and screwed things up.purchased a new replacement container last weekend at lowes and the nozzel is already come apart. These stupid devices are actually causing more risk then curing.
Splitting metal gas cans has been my issue here in the Texas heat. I have tried the 5 gallon Jerrycan style and now the JUSTRITE 7250120 5 gal. gas cans. Both types developed pinhole leaks due to expansion and contraction. Now it’s time to add a Magicfour Fuel Gas Can Vent Caps to the Justrite cans because I have $250 tied up into the 4 of them.
Thanks for doing the ground work on these Jerry cans. I needed a can that I was going to have to store inside a vehicle while I drive about 470 km. I didn’t want to have to use the plastic garbage gas cans we have been stuck with. I purchased exactly what you recommended and am waiting for them to arrive! Thanks again. You rock!
DAyum. I have a chemical burn on my face that has reappeared for months off and on, and a complete mystery as to where and how I was getting it. Starts at my nostrils and runs off toward my left ear. Yesterday was in the mountains cutting a load of aspen, and upon refilling my chainsaw, realized that with the new “safety spout” cans, I have NOT ONCE MANAGED TO FILL A CHAINSAW OR WEEDEATER WITHOUT SPILLING GAS ON EVERYTHING IN SIGHT!!!!
I spill it on my gloves trying to get the “sliding safety release” to let go enough to fill a tank, no matter how large or small. I am not a “hobby user” of small engine tools, and run Stihl chainsaws and weedeaters year ’round. I get hot, and I sweat, and I wipe the sweat off my face wearing the gloves that I just soaked in gas. As a result, I have an almost non-stop chemical burn on my face. I would like to take one of these cans and stick it in the developer’s butt and let him know that when it stops leaking, he can take it out.
Beats me how these ever got released onto the market! Maybe if I sue them for disfigurement, they’ll take another look at this profoundly ignorant situation… or not…
This is the first time in my life I have felt “endangered” by a gas can. They have actually made it so you can’t NOT spill gas..
unreal.
I live in California and Amazon says it won’t ship fuel cans to my address. How do I acquire these then? Thoughts?
The metal cans are great but do need maintenance! You must check for water in the cans! Water will be at the bottom of the cans and if left will rust through. Never leave metal cans in the sun(long term) especially if less than full. Water will condense on the top inside of the can and end up at the bottom and again rust the can. Leaving cans in extreme heat with higher grade fuel or lest than full, can create enough pressure to permanently swell the can. The rubber seals need to be replaced or inspected for cracks periodically. Muratic acid or CLR will do a great job cleaning rust but remember you only get a few tries with it. The acid will eat through a rusty can. When buying a used 5 gallon jeep can you must inspect for rust at the bottom. If you see signs of seepage at the bottom they will most likely be gone to rust damage. Also if the paint is sun faded beware rust is likely. Last, never judge a book by it’s cover! I have seen some of the worst looking cans on the outside be spotless inside and some near new looking cans be totally ruined by rust. Some early jeep cans have a painted inside that really hold up to rust. The new NATO cans are great but I suspect they are not legal and will be discovered by the can NAZIS soon.
you may want to check out getting your cans filled with 100LL airplane fuel because even with fuel stabilizer in with gas it will only stay good for 6 months to a year where as 100LL is mandated to not break down for over 7 most small air ports will sell it you just have to tell them it is for a race car and sometimes feel out a form saying it will not be used for driving on roads some self service ones ask for a tale # 100LL.com can help you find the cheapest price around on it you can not put it in anything that has a catalytic converter on it as the LL stands for low lead and would clog up a catalytic converter but works great on mowers generators boats old motorcycles and go carts and the likes and the exhaust does not stink 100 octane been running my gen and mowers on it for years.
For all that hate new gas containers. I have found that I spill more gas with these new containers. By applying enough pressure on a small tank like a blower or weed eater I turn the machine over spilling gas. After I finally get it filled I fill that I am in danger of catching fire so I go for a good hand washing. The old style container caused no safety problems. Why was it changed?
Can someone tell me how to have this law changed back to the safe old style gas container.
I don’t use the word ‘hero’ very often, but you, are the greatest hero in American history.
My biggest issue with the new style cans is not the container itself – its the mandatory fidgety-spout thing, with no option to just screw a simple cap onto.
I would love to see somewhere to order replacement caps with no spout nonsense, that would screw onto them.
The jerry cans look good, but campingmaxx only ships UPS, which is NOT able to deliver to me, and amazon doesn’t tell you how it will ship until after you pay, and its just as likely to be UPS. Trying to find one for local purchase was a fail. I will continue looking to find them somewhere that will ship via USPS …. If you knew of any that would be awesome.
Does anyone know where to find the thick rubber grommet for the flexible nozel that uses the lever and compression to seal not the screw in type. I can find the gasket for the cap and spout but not the other one.
Nice write up. Just got one of the 20 liter cans and one of the 2.5 gallon. They both do not suck. My old 3 gallon with the terrible lock/value is going in the trash. My 20L from Amazon did come with a nozzle but I don’t see any clamp to attach it to the can. Guessing you have to buy the extra nozzle to get that feature. This was very helpful.
We had a no spill can 2.5 for our 2k Honda gens. in a shed in ca desert it did not fair well .
so i tossed it and bought the following , which is CARB, DOT and OSHA .
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094D7RSM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apis_1507771484144
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M34U7M/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apis_1507771561679
we bought 2 Gas versions and 2 Diesel versions. Premium Quality 2.5 Gallon Made In USA . Easy to use and will fair much better that plastic. Not carried in stores save for Jerry cans.
I should of googled more like this article. I bought 3 3-gallon Walmart EPA childproof plastic cans for the hurricane to store gas, did not need it after all.. Ever try to use one of those worthless no good plastic tanks to fill up your auto?? How the hell you suppose to pour gas into your car gas tank from these joke-of-a-gas-cans. I spent an hour and got more on me and the ground than I did in the truck’s fuel tank. Talk about being livid. I will give the others away.
I don’t have a problem with spilling gas, I have a problem with getting the stupid can open so I can put gas in it at the tank!
Thanks for this. My two modern Government compliant cans, both less than two years old, just failed. Both spilled fuel all over, these “spill proof” cans have spilled more fuel than the old metal cans of my youth ever did. I just bought 3 NATO cans on Amazon, here’s hoping they work and last a lot longer. At the $25 cans failing after two years I figure I’ll recoup my investment on these NATO cans in 8 years.
Thanks for the post sir, good job! I was bitching about my new five gallon “safety” cans at work just yesterday. I have bought two from different stores by different manufacturers. Everyone in earshot, about 10 guys, agreed with me that these “safety” cans are neither safe, nor worth the cost. In my search for a fix I found this:
https://ezpourspout.com/
As I am a frugal dude who *hates* wasting money, instead of tossing these plastic nightmares I am going to order two spout kits to replace the oh so crappy “safety” spouts. Then, I am going to order at least one metal NATO can and spout, or see if I can find any locally. Before Sam’s Club closed its stores up here (Alaska) one could get the NATO style cans there. Sadly, Walmart shut down the Sam’s Clubs here earlier this year, the bastards.
I just got so mad at the junk gas can. I tossed the half filled cab across the parking lot. I plan on sending the other ones I have had to the air research board full of horse shit. Everything the state of California puts there hands on screws it up. OFF WITH THRRE HEAD! That would solve the problem!
Do the spouts you bought have any spring loaded foolishness or are they just a spout?
I bought them some time ago, but they are simple spouts with nothing more than a filter inside to keep out debris.
First google “Little Yellow Cap” and look at the supplies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Cap-Vintage-Blitz-Spout/dp/B00XSZP2K2
Buy a 5 gallon “water can” and just fill it with gas. In MA it’s a $50 fine but the won’t find it at my home
Yeah, don’t do that. If your house burns down insurance won’t cover anything.
Hoped this was going to link to a drawing of a hybrid gas can spout that works like the old spouts with new threads that could be 3D printed.
I have a No Spill gas can. It leaks. Gasoline leaks out of the spring-loaded button mechanism. And the spout is too short to reach the fill hole in my truck. So I’m spilling much more gas than I ever did using the old, “unsafe” cans. I found a site called EZPourSpout.com. They sell replacement spouts AND VENTS for use only on “water jugs,” because of course selling them for use on gas cans would be illegal. Check them out before the govt catches on and sentences the owner to a reeducation camp.
Thanks Steve English, I just ordered a a new spout for my “water” jug from EZPourSpout.com Will report back on how it works after I get it.
I will add to this thread by saying I couldn’t even fill it at the gas station without it regurgitating gas all over the pump island. I brought it home and thought I would do some research. Would using a large funnel help in filling it? I tried removing the built in filter which I felt was retarding the gas flow but it appears to be welded in.
I did read about removing the spring in the nozzle to make it easier to pour but I haven’t reached that step yet.
Me thinks you need to open a window and breathe the fresh air, man, I’m bitching just about the price of one, how much money is in that picture?
Red?
We have a metal round cans maybe 60 years old, it’s blue. I guess that other new color, is it yellow, is for diesel?
Oh, my blue can has a gas logo on it, was sold as such.
Thank you from a 65 yr old woman who was giving the self talk of being the fing stupidest woman in the world cause I can’t get the gas out of the fing can! I called my son to help but he can’t come for awhile. Your post made me feel a little less worthless about myself.
Now that’s a comment I can get behind! I’m glad I could help you out!
I just got 8 of the NATO 20-liter cans for $200.00. I wish i had found these years ago. No more cracked plastic nozzles, missing nozzles or gas fumes.
All my old plastic tanks are now nicely sitting on the curb.
Backfire – can you share where you got 8 for $200?
I have 2 – 40 year old metal Jerry cans with the screw on lid. The seals have long since rotted away and are gone. It appears that the flat ring replacement seal needs a notch cut in it to allow proper venting when pouring gas with the screw in metal flex spout. There is a tiny hole at the bottom of the big screw in hole on the can with an internal tube running to a tiny hole at the top of the big screw in hole. I believe the seal must be rotated with the notch in it allowing the top hole to vent while sealing the bottom hole. I am just guessing about this because so far I have had nothing but trouble pouring gas because they’re not venting properly and are leaking like crazy. I have heard no one say anything about this type of jerry can vent. It looks like it should be a very effective and common vent for old jerry cans. Who knows how to properly use and seal these cans?
Hello,
A few years back I worked for the US Army and helped design its new 5 gallon plastic fuel can which is now used by all of the US military. If anyone needs to know anything about the history of the can presently made by Scepter in Canada please let me know — I witnessed all the testing, etc. (slnier@aol.com)
Wavian has their name on more than just the NATO Military cans. BUYER BEWARE !!! Amazon allows thin-walled Wavian cans to be listed as NATO Wavian Military cans. These other cans have thinner steel and lack the military specification anti-corrosive lining. The best source to purchase the best NATO Wavian Military cans is from Jerry at CampingMaxx. 100% Customer Satisfaction is guaranteed. If you spend a small fortune for a gas can, you should get the best,
Links are mostly bad (404 not found)
Thanks. I’ve added a disclaimer in the beginning because this article was written in 2012.