For the umpteenth time, I just poured some paint thinner from a new one gallon can. And, for the umpteenth time, much of what I poured ran down the outside of the can instead of going where I was trying to pour it.
I’d heard the “trick” of pouring with the can’s hole up instead of down. I tried that. But no matter which way the hole is pointing the can’s contents dribbles down the outside of the can first. I’m tired of this.
Does anyone have a suggestion, jig, or tip as to how this seemingly simple task can be accomplished without spilling?
Frustratedly yours! Zolton
* Some people say I have a problem because I drink hydraulic brake fluid. But I can stop any time I want.
Replies
Try this:
This is the technique I've used for years as an old chemist.
If you lightened up on the brake fluid, your hands wouldn't be so shaky...
Somewhere, I've seen a plastic spout that screws onto the top of a metal can (I assume that the threads are somewhat standardized). I have no idea where or when, unfortunately.
-Steve
Thanks for the suggestion about the oversized funnel. I'll try that. And I just thought of this right now, but maybe a professional paint store would have the spout Steve suggested.
It would seem as though, scores of decades along in the design life of the simple metal canister, that there would be a better way to do this...
Zolton * Some people say I have a problem because I drink hydraulic brake fluid. But I can stop any time I want.
Ditto to the funnel, works pretty well. Can't comment on brake fluid consumption, never tried the stuff myself......forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Zolton,
The problem is that the can is full. Bet ya never have the problem after some of it has been used, right? If you can decant some into another container first, but pour it really fast! Use a decanter that has a wide opening on the top so it doesn't spill.
I cut the top of a gallon plastic milk container and use that. That's cause I'm cheap
If that doesn't work, hell, just suck some out with a straw; can't be any worse than that there brake fluid!
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 10/9/2007 11:34 am ET by KiddervilleAcres
Edited 10/9/2007 12:39 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
The brake fluid comment just reminded me of one of my tricks. The brake fluid reservoir on my truck is way under the cowling. So I drilled an undersized hole in the container cap and forced in a 3' length of tygon tubing, instant flexible funnel that doesn't drip. I then plug(recap) the tubing with a stubby old pencil. Should work on any fluid container ;-)
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Edited 10/10/2007 8:51 am ET by BruceS
The surface tension must be overcome. You simply have to pour faster.
Get a small length of plastic hose, stick it into the can, put your finger over the end of the hose, put that end into another container below the original thinner can and siphon a bit out. Don't use your mouth.
Z, I gave up and just walk out on the crushed stone driveway and try to use a funnel type thing, then wipe the can with the typical red shop rag that I leave on the ground for the day if it gets real wet. The big box store cans are the worst but there is better if they-the mfg - want to spend the money. It might cost them a few mills. (parts of a penny) to cold form the proper lip for a no-drip action . Paddy
BTW. After a bunch of years as a MM-1(SS) on submarines I found external hydraulic oil to be much better than brake fluid . To Wit, less after taste,less acidic,better nose and no over tones. It is also impervious to sea water, resistant to serious viscosity impact regardless of Arctic or Caribbean environments.
Paddy,
Thanks for the advice about not only the paint thinner situation, but also in regard to brake fluid. I'll have to try your brand sometime...
Zolton* Some people say I have a problem because I drink hydraulic brake fluid. But I can stop any time I want.
Coleman makes a plastic filler spout for white gas (camping) that screws on the 1 gallon white gas cans. It enables you to fill a camping stove without spilling. The cans appear identical, so my guess is the thread size would work. I seem to recall a price of less than $10. It is red and looks like a minature gas pump spout. this is probably your best bet.
You could also decant some out of the container suing a wooden dowel. this might be a bit tricky when the can is full due to the weight.
You may be able to find a spout lid that will fit on (look for a lid from a gear oil container). It has a short spout on it, and can be lengthened (if you desire) with some rubber fuel line.
You could also locate a sealable 1 gallon container that pours better (new style plastic paint can?) and transfer your thinner into that at the time of purchase.
Pouring with the opening at the top and the can rolled along it's long axis a bit works for me.
If you are trying to pour just a little bit of thinner, simply loosen the cap a couple of turns (this works better if you pry off the stupid child-proof plastic over-cap first) and you can dribble a controllable stream of thinner, squeezing the can to increase flow. You get a little spillage on top of the can, but not bad. Even cleaner variation of this method is to punch a small hole in a spare cap and squeeze out a stream of liquid like charcoal lighter fluid.
If you need a lot, turn the can so that the cap is at the high end, place a cup right under the opening, then tip the can quickly. A nylon cup measure works well and you can use it to measure how much thinner you are putting in your paint.
You can also use a small diameter tube like a straw. Stick it into the can, place your finger over the end to seal it and then pull it out. Thinner won't come out until you release your finger from the top of the tube. A nylon turkey baster will work too if the cap on the can is big enough.
BruceT
Edited 10/10/2007 11:51 pm ET by BruceT999
Bruce,
Excellent suggestions all! Thanks for writing them down. I like the straw idea for removing small amounts, and I've done that trick with beverages before.
I've got a lot to try this next week in the shop...
Zolton* Some people say I have a problem because I drink hydraulic brake fluid. But I can stop any time I want.
"...I drink hydraulic brake fluid."Well, you may drink hydraulic brake fluid, but I breathe air brake fluid. So there! ;)BruceT
good to know i not the only one with this problem, just wish ida red your question first, coulda saved some typin time. (i slow) besides, after spraying acetone without a respirator, who needs to drink brake fluid ?
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled