"Chuck Gadd" wrote in message
...
Chuck, the valve stems can leak just like an old faucet when turned
on.....and they do all the time....Its just a natural thing....
I am just saying look out, you definately do want one that leaks as
little as possible around the valve stem....since it will always be
turned on....
I've probably been thru 20 or so "trade-in" tanks, between my tanks,
and tanks I'd set up for friends. I have had some nasty looking CO2
tanks, but not one of them has had a leak around the valve stem, if
the valve was opened all the way.

Chuck this is a very good point.
Long ago in my welding class we were taught that gas cylinders have a double
seat valve. The first seat is what closes the gas in when it is tightened
all the way down. The second seat is when the valve is opened fully and
seals the valve stem. _Always_ open the valve fully against the second seat
leakage around the stem will occur.
Jeff