Cutting up old diesel tanks

[Ryan774-80]

We have two steel diesel tanks and are wanting to use them to floor the tipping trailer any advice on how to do it before we start cutting it up with a grinder.

 

[bobk]

We have two steel diesel tanks and are wanting to use them to floor the tipping trailer any advice on how to do it before we start cutting it up with a grinder.

Make sure they're empty

 

[Lincs Lass]

Cut one apart with a stihl saw ,it wont fire but the cloud of smoke was a bit noxious,,make sure you have the wind behind you

 

[Fiveospades]

It is not as simple as first appears, they have strengthening braces in them, can be frustrating and filthy.

 

[Sharpy]

Some have stiffening braces from side to side and front to back, so cut the top or bottom off first.

 

[Banana Bar]

Just buy some sheet, will take ages and will warp when cutting.

 

[DrWazzock]

I just used the 9” angle grinder with a cutting disc in it, after making sure it was empty. Felt a lot more relaxed when I’d got the top off. Used it to make some greedy boards for the cleaner loader. Don’t know if I’d recommend it in case of explosion, but what the heck, I’m 51. My uncle used to recommend laying your body on or against the tank as you cut it so if it explodes it takes you with it rather than slams into you. Something he learned in the Forces.

 

[TheTallGuy]

A sabre/reciprocating saw is probably the safest thing to use & then clean the edges with a grinder, but as others have said - it's hardly worth bothering with. By the time you've got the cuts straight, cleaned up & ground off any bracing points you've got a warped piece of thin scabby steel!

 

[quattro]

I’ve cut the top out of quite a few with the gas, but use them for putting scrap in
aslong as there empty It’s never been a problem

 

[mx110]

I chopped one with the plasma for the same job just tacked a straight edge on and whipped down it, tank had been lying in shed empty no hose or anything on for a good ten year.

 

[Dry Rot]

Fill it up with water first? Not sure I would try to cut up a tank that had had fuel in it but was empty -- except for air and the residue of fuel vapour!

 

[PSQ]

I’ve cut the top out of quite a few with the gas, but use them for putting scrap in
aslong as there empty It’s never been a problem

I was about to say don't use gas, as there was a guy killed locally while using gas to cut the lid off an 'empty' oil barrel which exploded. Excess oxygen, residual oil and plenty of sparks, not a good mix.

 

[Farmer_Joe]

I’ve cut the top out of quite a few with the gas, but use them for putting scrap in
aslong as there empty It’s never been a problem

do this as this man did ^^^^^^

with it the last big one i cut up had loads of braces from side to side and tip to bottom, it was nearly like a mesh within, it was so big i actually cut it in 2 for 2 scrap tanks!!

i did it with plasma cutter only to fill with scrap and it still took ages to roughly get braces out,

if you have any value for you time go and buy some sheet, its really not that expensive at all and you can spec the thicknness you would like.

 

[chickens and wheat]

the braced ones can be a right pain, Ive cut a few up but they had all stood empty for a good while

 

[Nearly]

Plasma

Start at multiple points to let the smoke out

I use them for replacing the sides of ring (or square) feeders. Thicker than the uprights.

 

[quattro]

do this,

with it the last big one i cut up had loads of braces from side to side and tip to bottom, it was nearly like a mesh within, it was so big i actually cut it in 2 for 2 scrap tanks!!

i did it with plasma cutter only to fill with scrap and it still took ages to roughly get braces out,

if you have any value for you time go and buy some sheet, its really not that expensive at all and you can spec the thicknness you would like.

I aren’t going to buy steel sheets to make a bin for scrap plus it would take even more time to make

 

[Farmer_Joe]

I aren’t going to buy steel sheets to make a bin for scrap plus it would take even more time to make

i was meaning for the op to do as you did, cut up the tanks and use them as scrap bins,

ive edited my post to make is clearer!

not buy new sheet to make em!

 

[Adeptandy]

Not a problem if its diesel, but Kero will fire nicely. Last one I did I used the Oxy/acetylene torch, about 50mm of red in the bottom, very little smoke and no fire.

 

[quattro]

i was meaning for the op to do as you did, cut up the tanks and use them as scrap bins,

ive edited my post to make is clearer!

not buy new sheet to make em!

Ah ok sorry

 

[herman]

I've cut loads up in my time, gas and grinder and never had a problem.
Made 2 into chemical cabinets for water bowsers, and one into a front toolbox / chemical box on the sprayer.
They have all been braced but only with poor angle.