5 Gal US MIL Jerry Cans

[Xtreme XJ]

How hard do you plan on hitting it?

Well living in the HOT desert and having used them in the past I like many have had issues with expansion... the leaky nozzles... and leaks from the caps... so the tighter the better...
I was able to lessen the cap leaks with my long trusty 2 ft. screwdriver, little leverage on the ears... that helped with the expansion type of leaks, still a bit, but not as bad... I like the jiggler siphons so the nozzles aren't as much of an issue...
As to the hammer possible concern... I knew an old timer or two who mentioned that to be a concern... hence the reason I brought it up. Actually I haven't "NEEDED" mine in many years... might want to in the future when/IF ! I ever get the trailer set up...
I also have 3 5 Gal. aluminium water cans that I hope to rehab a bit...

Also does anyone remember if the leather cap gaskets were any better ??

Curt

 

[Antichrist]

Well, using a brass, plastic or rawhide hammer will assure you no sparks (regardless of actual risk level) and "soft" hammers have other good uses when working on cars.

 

[Guri]

Sometime you can find a lot of crazy stuff in Craigslist, but I found in Los Angeles, what looks like a business who advertise a green Fuel Tank for sale.

"5 Gallon Jerry Can Gas Fuel Steel Tank Green Military NATO Style 20L S - $40 (city of industry) "

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/tls/3897459066.html

 

[bfdiesel]

I made gaskets out of garlock material non reinforced. Doesn't leak. I can imagine leather ones weep a bit.

 

[Woodsman]

My $.02. Having used my Scepters jerry cans on their sides for many trips, I highly recommend them and have witnessed zero leaks or even drops of fuel from them. The wrenches you speak of, which I actually make and sell through several 4x4 retailers, are made mainly for opening the cans as changes in temperature and air pressure can make the lids a real bear to remove. I have the cam lock style cans as well but have only carried them upright in jerry can holders. They can be a bear to open as well when sealed and when the sides are sucked in they can spit a big mess of fuel at you when the top finally pops.

If you buy the metal cans, make sure the bottom weld is flush rather than a ridge which keeps the can from sitting flat, a sure sign of a junk can.

I also carry the Super Siphon as it is much for flexible. It can be used with Scepter or any metal jerry can or to transfer gas from wherever.