refilling 16 oz propane tanks

I have seen devices for that attach to your 20 pound bottle that allow you to refill a smaller propane tank.  Has anyone ever used one?  how safe was it, and did you run into any problems.

Thanks

I've seen those devices too and have always wondered if it's is safe.  I would be curious too if anyone has done this.

I've seen the refill device at harbor freight for I believe $20.  I've also seen a guy use them and asked him how it works.  He said you have to get the refill canister cold, like put it in your ice chest for a few hours or overnight and then it will fill up when you attach it to a 20lb tank with the adapter.  However since then I've read up on it more and aparently it's not really legal to refill those tanks and transport them somewhere else once refilled. 

So if you wanted to do this you would probably have to bring 20lb tank (reccomended on the package)  with you camping just to refill the bottles.  But the problem is that i'm not sure what you would do with them if they weren't emptied by the time you were leaving the camp.  After learning all that I figured I might as well get a 5lb tank and just get some additional hoses and couplers and such to fuel my stove and lantern.

Check out the reviews-

http://www.harborfreight.com/propane-bottle-refill-kit-45989.html

Yeah, take a look at them here too, found some good info!  http://www.amazon.com/Heater-F276172-Propane-Refill-Adapter/dp/B000AMC5WO/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_img_b

 

  So, how is anyone going to know if the canister has been refilled or not?

Good info in the reviews.  I am going to buy one just to try It out and have on hand for emergencies.  I loved the one review about paying attention to the no smoking warning!

Yes, very good reviews.  Seems a bit more complicated than what I first thought it was.

I have one and bought it from amazon and have used it for 4-5 times already.  I experienced no problem. 

We use em all the time way easier then buying em every trip never had a problem with em. never got them cold before using them either just hooked em up at room temp an filled em before we leave to go camping.

My dad uses this technique, either this or he attaches a lantern to a 20 lb tank.  I use led flashlights for lighting myself, and rarely ever cook if not at home, and when its too cold for fishing, its time to go home..  Hes been doing it for 2 or 3 years now, he does complain about the capacity, even with the freezer or refridgerator method.  I dont see it being anything more harmful or dangerous vs refillling an empty propane tank at a filling station.

I bought my refiller adapter about 15 years ago and love it. It saved me in money and time (last min driving to Sports Mart). I asked for advise from a refill station that also specialized in welding items. I found that the best way to refill a bottle is to first attach your adapter to your tank then attach you bottle(not trying to insult your intelligence).  Then shake your tank a little, and invert it, upside down, and turn on your valve.  You'll hear the transfer of gas for a second.  The process should take about 45 to 60 min. Then shut off the valve before removing your bottle, you'll always remember after the first time you forget.  If you leave it for too long (hours) you'll find the bottle heavy with fuel but with little pressure. After I remove it i check the valve for leaks. Since I have a bad habit of leaving the bottles out in the weather while camping and the valve can get a little rust.  Little wd40 and a quick press with a nail fixes that.
Also, for some reason , not all your bottle will refill. You can have 6 Coleman bottles and only 3-4 will refill.
 Hope this helps
 Good luck