Antifreeze
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From: Sapulpa OK
Antifreeze
I carry a 15 gallon tank of water on my truck for washing my hands and cleanup after work. I am worried it may freeze this winter and break something. Do any of you guys know what kind of alcholol I could add to the tank to protect it and how much to add?
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From: So Cal
You could go to the paint section of a store and get alcohol in gallon cans, about $8.
I am not sure how much you would need and there is some risk of fire, if the fumes collect and you smoke or something. We work with alcohol in 55g drums here and the strict rule is no smoking or exposed flames etc.
You could also consider baby wipes, or Purell hand cleaner.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
I am not sure how much you would need and there is some risk of fire, if the fumes collect and you smoke or something. We work with alcohol in 55g drums here and the strict rule is no smoking or exposed flames etc.
You could also consider baby wipes, or Purell hand cleaner.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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From: North of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Does it really get that cold in Bakersfield? If so, I'd be tempted to just carry one of those 5 gallon insulated water tank with the thumb operated spicket at the bottom and the removable lid on top. When I worked HVAC/Construction that's what we used in N.VA. and never had freezing issues. I can't remember exactly what they are called. The one we had had a tray in the top to store your lunch to keep it cold and dry. That 5 gallons lasted all day between two people to drink and use for occasional hand washing.
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From: Maine
Even if you lower the freezing point, the water will still be the same temperature. I can't imagine wanting to wash my hands with water that was cold enough to freeze. Depending on what you're washing off your hands, what about that Orange Goop stuff and a roll of paper towels?
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From: Sapulpa OK
Gee whiz! I didn't think this thread would get so many replys. Thanks to all of who commented. You guys are right it hardly ever gets below freezing in Bakersfield but my work takes me up into the sierra mountains and over into Nevada occasionally. My work can also be very dirty and in remote locations it is nice to have some water to clean up with.
I also have to use the torch to heat things up or cut them and spraying with water to cool them down is quick.
Thanks for the numbers Torque1st. If I added 3 gallons to my 15 gallon tank that should yeild about a 20% mixture = 15°F.
I also have to use the torch to heat things up or cut them and spraying with water to cool them down is quick.
Thanks for the numbers Torque1st. If I added 3 gallons to my 15 gallon tank that should yeild about a 20% mixture = 15°F.
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Glad we could be of help.
Use denatured alcohol, not methyl alcohol. Methyl or "wood" alcohol is what they used for vehicle antifreeze before ethylene glycol was used. The fumes are toxic tho.
An insulated "Igloo" cooler would hold warm water all day for washing hands and cooling parts. You can get them in various sizes back with the camping equipment.
Use denatured alcohol, not methyl alcohol. Methyl or "wood" alcohol is what they used for vehicle antifreeze before ethylene glycol was used. The fumes are toxic tho.
An insulated "Igloo" cooler would hold warm water all day for washing hands and cooling parts. You can get them in various sizes back with the camping equipment.
Last edited by Torque1st; Dec 1, 2005 at 02:29 AM.
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From: Lafayette, IN
Torque1st, denatured alcohol contains methyl alcohol (methanol) in many places. The major component is ethanol (essentially Everclear), but the "de-naturing" is done by adding some methanol to make it poisonous so that the hardware stores don't have to charge you excise taxes on the liquor they would be selling. The amount of methanol in DNA is typically 3% or so, but I've heard of it running as high as 10%. Getting some DNA on your hands probably isn't that big of a deal, but drinking it would be a big no-no.
I add it to my windshield washer fluid so I can put off buying the winter formula, and I also use it to light my charcoal chimney starter.
Jason
I add it to my windshield washer fluid so I can put off buying the winter formula, and I also use it to light my charcoal chimney starter.
Jason
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From: North of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Originally Posted by fixnair
I also have to use the torch to heat things up or cut them and spraying with water to cool them down is quick.
That was another good use we had for our Igloo water/food cooler too. We installed a lot of a/c copper tubing with lot of torch use. That Igloo came in more handy than I ever realized.
I would guess that since you are leaning towards adding chemicals to that water supply that you have a seperate drinking water supply on the truck? And that there would be no chance that someone might accidentally try to drink from you alcohol/water mixture?
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From: So Cal
One other idea, there are camping water heaters available. I think Coleman or some other brand makes propane powered water heaters which make enough water for a hot shower. They have a small reservoir, I think 2-3 gallons. They have a built in pump too. Maybe you could carry some water in a cooler and heat it up with the water heater? Luxury might be nice if you are out in the cold.
I have seen these heaters in the bigger camp stores, and I bet Cabelas has them. Something like $120?
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
I have seen these heaters in the bigger camp stores, and I bet Cabelas has them. Something like $120?
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson