I am working outside mosquito free thanks to you Rudi! I would not have bought this machine without your hack, too cheap & I just hate it when companies make the initial product resonable only to gauge on the refills. This was so incredibly easy to do & EXTREMELY satisfying. TU!!! :)
An excellent video. No time wasting crap, just straight to the point, informative and easy to follow and...it works! Thank you, Rudi, you HAVE saved me heaps of money with this hack. Nice.😁
The point about modifying the No. 5 tip is critical. I tried so many times to fill with info from other videos that did not include this step and was unable to fill. Thanks for the detailed explanation.
I used the No. 1 tip. Fit perfectly without modification. As the video mentioned, maybe the numbering system is not universal across manufacturers or countries.
I'm inexperienced on filling gas for lighter so it really took me many trials even following your video. But your tips on modifying the No. 5 tip with file, and filling up pretty fast really helped me a lot. Thanks very much!
Why do you think they sell printers so cheap? They make a lot more money on the cartridges. And people should just know that the replacement cartridges & mats are somewhat expensive. But if you are throwing an outside party in the summer it is well worth the money to NOT have all the guests complaining they are being eaten up by mosquitoes.
Thank you so much for video. I stop buying this machine because indeed is really expensive to buy refill all the time. But now i can go forward and buy it again. Thank again sire 🎉🎉🎉
Yes sweet dude thank you so much ha I never thought I'd see the day where I was actually able to love my thermacel more than I already do lol this calls for a party! Drinks on me!!!! Lol man don't I wish😂😂
I had to use a toothpick 3-4 times to let out some pressure during refill, and I can't press the butane bottle all the way down or it'll "jam", but otherwise it worked perfectly, thanks for the video!
So drilling the hole in the bottom and finding a refillable lighter breaking the bottom out of that sealing with jb weld is no longer a thing? I'm still using mine with check valve installed. I'll try this for sure. Just looked up if there were any innovations. Little upset that I have to find me an adapter kit. But I'll try what I got. Thanks!
Thanks - great video! However I'm believing the T-Cell guys have changed their design to defeat this method. I had no trouble with disassembly etc (Thanks! You made that crystal clear), BUT the gas just will NOT go in (with the one way valve removed of course). Used adapters and two different brands, too. It is a NO-GO so far. Still trying.
Just an idea but I’ve found that if it will fill approx 1/4 way and then slow to a stop you can quickly poke the one way valve with a piece of wire to relieve some of the pressure on the thermacell canister. Then continue filling as usual
You have the butane from Can Tire that I saw. I could not find any info on thermacell and refilling with ODORIZED butane. Is there a difference (vs non odorized/regular butane)? Does it give off an extra smell while using the thermacell? Thanks
I give up. Did it the way you show and went through all my caps, trying to get it to fit correctly. I wish the cap fit in a lathe. I could make it fit then.
How do you avoid damaging/scratching the brass fitting when you remove it? And does scratching/gouging the brass affect it's usability in the Thermacell? I tried using cloth around the fitting, but it still scratches it up pretty well.
It doesn’t really matter if it gets scratched a little. The most important spot to watch is the o ring. As long as you don’t damage that area it will work fines
@@rudijones did this to mine and as soon as I screwed 1 of the cells in I could hear the gas coming out....do I have to have all 4 cells installed? I have one just like your red one.
@@randybrandon2223 usually when you first screw in a full canister it will hiss. That is just some of the gas pressure being relieved. Unless it's a constant hiss. Then it's probably leaking.
If you place the the cartridge in the freezer for a couple of minutes to get it cold not frozen and place you butane source in the sun for a few minutes to get it warm only the transfer will go even better.
Used a file and I couldn't get the tip to be perfectly round so it doesn't seal properly. I get as much butane coming out of the side as I do getting into the cartridge.
Great video, thanks a lot :) but I have a question: do they sell these blue mats separately from the cartridges? Because if not, then I have to buy the cartridges anyway in order to get new mats..
The problem now is that the mats only are $15 for 24 hours (so $30 for 48 hours) while the refill value pack, including butane cartridges and mats, is $30 for 48 hours. So this is valuable if one extends the pads beyond 4 hours or soak used pads in pyrethrin like someone commented.
@@markaudette7016 Hello Mark, could you please let us know what percentage of pyrethrin is required and maybe follow up with a brand name insecticide that has the correct amount. I can’t find it neat in liquid form just powder. Thanks.
I tried this hack and it worked perfectly, until I tried turning on my thermacell. It won't ignite but when I put a fresh unaltered gas cylinder in it, it ignites first time. What have I done wrong mate ???
I filed the tip down and it seems to fit and press the valve down but it won't actually fill the canister. Any thoughts on what I'm doing wrong? (Yes I removed the check valve)
Solved it by using the smaller No. 1 tip which fit perfectly without modification. The No.1 tip fits further into the valve and opens the valve to let the fuel in to fill the canister.
@@garyabc The unmodified tip didn't work for me. And I figured out my issue. Someone else mentioned it in another comment (maybe another video). "After closer examination it appears that Thermacell outsmarted everyone. If you look very closely at the valve, you will see that there is a tiny point in the center. This effectively plugs the hole in many of the transfer nozzles, blocking any flow. The work around is to get a very small triangular micro-file, and cut a V-groove across the face of the transfer nozzle. This will allow the fluid to flow past the restriction. When I did this, my cartridge was filled in about 10 - 20 sec." Once I did that, it started filling the container. Some still leaks out, but if I waste half the bottle, it's still cheaper than the refills.
@@mattnagel7717 Thanks for the tip, Matt. I think the nozzles must vary by manufacturer. My number 5 nozzle has a slot molded in it already. My No.1 nozzle does not have a slot, but the pin in the cartridge doesn't interfere with the nozzle and it fills quickly. No nozzle modification. The butane brand I'm using is "Neon".
I followed your instructions to a T, but for some reason after filling up the cartridge and inserting it into the Thermacell, I'm unable to get it to light. If I depress the valve at the top of the cartridge with an icepick, the butane does eject. Any ideas what might be wrong?
can’t think of what may be wrong. Possibly the refilled canister is overfilled? Try purging a bit more butane out with the ice pick. Also, try an original thermacell fuel canister to se if it will light with that
I am working outside mosquito free thanks to you Rudi! I would not have bought this machine without your hack, too cheap & I just hate it when companies make the initial product resonable only to gauge on the refills. This was so incredibly easy to do & EXTREMELY satisfying. TU!!! :)
An excellent video. No time wasting crap, just straight to the point, informative and easy to follow and...it works! Thank you, Rudi, you HAVE saved me heaps of money with this hack. Nice.😁
The point about modifying the No. 5 tip is critical. I tried so many times to fill with info from other videos that did not include this step and was unable to fill. Thanks for the detailed explanation.
Lol, same here when I tried today.
I agree 100% but this was the first time trying and I’m glad I found his video! It worked like a charm
I used the No. 1 tip. Fit perfectly without modification. As the video mentioned, maybe the numbering system is not universal across manufacturers or countries.
A bit of electrical tape for sealing around the metal tube works as well. Leave the tip exposed.
@@hugov836 Would you elaborate or explain a little more please? I commented above and was not successful. Seeing your comment, maybe there is hope?
That hiss @ 1:40 sounded just like a Harley Davidson
🤣🤣🤦♂️
Came here to say that hahaha
Thank you for simplifying this! Every other video out there makes you believe its rocket science!
I'm inexperienced on filling gas for lighter so it really took me many trials even following your video. But your tips on modifying the No. 5 tip with file, and filling up pretty fast really helped me a lot. Thanks very much!
Tip modification is a game changer ,thank you for your clear directions.
Hi Rudi, I just followed your instructions and it works perfectly. Thanx man. Greets, Harrie from the Netherlands
That little valve preventing refills in the cartridges is a prime example of "Asshole design".
Why do you think they sell printers so cheap? They make a lot more money on the cartridges. And people should just know that the replacement cartridges & mats are somewhat expensive. But if you are throwing an outside party in the summer it is well worth the money to NOT have all the guests complaining they are being eaten up by mosquitoes.
Thank you so much for video. I stop buying this machine because indeed is really expensive to buy refill all the time. But now i can go forward and buy it again. Thank again sire 🎉🎉🎉
I did what u show step by step, and it works like a charm!! Thanks!!
very good,right to the point, zero time wasted thank you
Just tried this and it worked like a charm. thank you
You are a genius and a rockstar! Thank you so much! 🙏🏼
Stopping at CT on my way to work. Thanks for the tip!
I just tried this and it worked like a charm! Thanks for this video because we all know these fuel cells cost a lot to buy but not anymore 👍
Did u put the grey thing back on
What? No way lol
Thanks!!! First one leaked a little, second used a little super glue and jackpot. I have 8 now😁 you ROCK
Thx! Worked in the exact way and in the same timely fashion!
Awesome !! thanks for the great cost saving video !
Thanks bro. That was great. I used the white canister, just filed it down a bit.
Finally tried this and presto it worked perfectly, thanks for the video.
Hell yes ! Thanks from down south in west Kentucky
Thanks you, rubbed the tip down and it worked perfectly,
Thankyou so much, very easy to follow!
Thanks, works great. I used a drill to file down the tip, but you can't go too tight or youll crush the end or the adapter.
Awesome video!
Thanks for making this video. Works great 👍
Awesome, just saved me a bunch. Subscribed
Great topic, thank you for the idea. I'm already in the car driving to Canadian Tire)))
I tried this out today and it worked. This will save me a ton of money, so thank you. Now just need to find a way to hack the blue strips.
Amazon
Most helpful one yet. The others left out the filing part.
It worked. Thank you kind sir!
Thanks! True money saver.
great video. not like those other ones that dont explain any thing about the tip and how you got to sand it down to fit.
This is perfect! Thank you!
Thank you, it save me a lot of money !
Yes sweet dude thank you so much ha I never thought I'd see the day where I was actually able to love my thermacel more than I already do lol this calls for a party! Drinks on me!!!! Lol man don't I wish😂😂
Thanks great explanation
Thank you so much for sharing great job
Excellent job
Brilliant 👍 works like a dream
I had to use a toothpick 3-4 times to let out some pressure during refill, and I can't press the butane bottle all the way down or it'll "jam", but otherwise it worked perfectly, thanks for the video!
awesome video.
Really works ❤ thank you
For saving my and others money 😊
This was realy helpfull because i use thermacell all the time when im outside working on my bike.
Ah, finally a video that says that you need to modify the tip and release the pressure. Mine didnt fill at all when I tried.
Спасибо!
Thank you
Quick and simple!
I was hoping you had a link in the description box for where you can buy those adaptors!
Great video! Can you soak or dip the cards in a solution to reuse them?
So drilling the hole in the bottom and finding a refillable lighter breaking the bottom out of that sealing with jb weld is no longer a thing? I'm still using mine with check valve installed. I'll try this for sure. Just looked up if there were any innovations. Little upset that I have to find me an adapter kit. But I'll try what I got. Thanks!
thank you for the tutorial.
how many times you can use the refilled canister? TIA
My hero
I can’t seem to locate that brand of butane (Mag Torch). Any suggestions for an alternative? I live in Ontario
The cartridge will fill more quickly and completely if you put it in the freezer before filling.
Great tip! Thanks!
Genius!
These nocking pliers you used are they meant for archery? I was wondering if pincer pliers would do the same. Thanks.
Thx!!!
Thanks
thx man
How many times have you refilled the same cannister now? Surely the nosel part would soon become loose after a few refills?
Where do you find the refill canister at?
How many fills do you get from one can of butane.
Thanks - great video! However I'm believing the T-Cell guys have changed their design to defeat this method. I had no trouble with disassembly etc (Thanks! You made that crystal clear), BUT the gas just will NOT go in (with the one way valve removed of course). Used adapters and two different brands, too. It is a NO-GO so far. Still trying.
Just an idea but I’ve found that if it will fill approx 1/4 way and then slow to a stop you can quickly poke the one way valve with a piece of wire to relieve some of the pressure on the thermacell canister. Then continue filling as usual
@@rudijones Thank you - great idea. That, along with trimming the adapter did the trick.
Where can I get this type of plier? I can seem to find one with the hook shape.
Try a cup hook. That’s what I started using and it works great. Make sure it’s one you can get your finger in.
We don't even know what that is
Thanks for helping me saving some money! Is there a limit to how many times you can refill the cartridge?
Good question
How many times can you do this before the thermacell butane tube wears too much?
Guy: ”You’re gonna hear hiss when you pull is out”.
Pulls it out.
Harley Davidson:
About how many refills do you get out of that can of butane?
If you have a hard time getting a full fill, put the empty in the freezer for a bit, then fill it.
Cheers legend yewww
Thanks a lot. So you don't need to re-install the check valve afterwards? You just keep it removed?
Leave check valve out
Question... does the gray check valve stop ignition into the bottle of fuel? Like a safety feature or is it simply to stop them from being refilled?
Ignition into the fuel bottle is impossible, it's 100% fuel, 0 oxygen, so it can't go back.
Legit question we've all had at some point.
@@volvo09 ok was curious if that was the point of the check valve. So it is to stop the refill 100%
You have the butane from Can Tire that I saw. I could not find any info on thermacell and refilling with ODORIZED butane. Is there a difference (vs non odorized/regular butane)? Does it give off an extra smell while using the thermacell? Thanks
Odorozed just means it has a scent added so it’s not totally odourless. Wont affect the operation of the thermacell
I was able to refill the butane cartridge but when I screw it back into the Thermacell, it won't give me the orange glow. Any suggestions?
I give up. Did it the way you show and went through all my caps, trying to get it to fit correctly. I wish the cap fit in a lathe. I could make it fit then.
This is great I will need to try it out!
But.... You will still need the insect repellant mats. Where can you buy those separately?
Amazon sells them in bulk
How do you avoid damaging/scratching the brass fitting when you remove it? And does scratching/gouging the brass affect it's usability in the Thermacell? I tried using cloth around the fitting, but it still scratches it up pretty well.
It doesn’t really matter if it gets scratched a little. The most important spot to watch is the o ring. As long as you don’t damage that area it will work fines
@@rudijones did this to mine and as soon as I screwed 1 of the cells in I could hear the gas coming out....do I have to have all 4 cells installed? I have one just like your red one.
@@randybrandon2223 usually when you first screw in a full canister it will hiss. That is just some of the gas pressure being relieved. Unless it's a constant hiss. Then it's probably leaking.
How many times do you refill the same canister without damaging it and rendering it not good to use anymore?
If you place the the cartridge in the freezer for a couple of minutes to get it cold not frozen and place you butane source in the sun for a few minutes to get it warm only the transfer will go even better.
Used a file and I couldn't get the tip to be perfectly round so it doesn't seal properly. I get as much butane coming out of the side as I do getting into the cartridge.
Can you drop a link to the pliers?
Found that butane at giant tiger today too. How many canisters does one can fill?
It should fill about 5-6
Hey man how's it going, hey where can I get the red can fluid with the different heads?
I get them at Canadian tire here in Canada
Expected to hear a hiss but heard a harley davidson. They must really put the pressure to those things
Great video, thanks a lot :) but I have a question: do they sell these blue mats separately from the cartridges? Because if not, then I have to buy the cartridges anyway in order to get new mats..
Mateusz Pękalski they sell the mats separately
soak the used maps in pyrethrin and store them in a zip lock bag until required.
The problem now is that the mats only are $15 for 24 hours (so $30 for 48 hours) while the refill value pack, including butane cartridges and mats, is $30 for 48 hours. So this is valuable if one extends the pads beyond 4 hours or soak used pads in pyrethrin like someone commented.
They do but they cost about the same as the ones that contain butane on Amazon...
@@markaudette7016 Hello Mark, could you please let us know what percentage of pyrethrin is required and maybe follow up with a brand name insecticide that has the correct amount. I can’t find it neat in liquid form just powder. Thanks.
Wd40 straw will fit if you cut it
I tried this hack and it worked perfectly, until I tried turning on my thermacell. It won't ignite but when I put a fresh unaltered gas cylinder in it, it ignites first time. What have I done wrong mate ???
I filed the tip down and it seems to fit and press the valve down but it won't actually fill the canister. Any thoughts on what I'm doing wrong? (Yes I removed the check valve)
Me too! I suspect it's because the stem on the butane bottle is not depressing the valve, but where do we find a number 5 stem?
Solved it by using the smaller No. 1 tip which fit perfectly without modification. The No.1 tip fits further into the valve and opens the valve to let the fuel in to fill the canister.
@@garyabc The unmodified tip didn't work for me. And I figured out my issue. Someone else mentioned it in another comment (maybe another video). "After closer examination it appears that Thermacell outsmarted everyone. If you look very closely at the valve, you will see that there is a tiny point in the center. This effectively plugs the hole in many of the transfer nozzles, blocking any flow. The work around is to get a very small triangular micro-file, and cut a V-groove across the face of the transfer nozzle. This will allow the fluid to flow past the restriction. When I did this, my cartridge was filled in about 10 - 20 sec." Once I did that, it started filling the container. Some still leaks out, but if I waste half the bottle, it's still cheaper than the refills.
@@mattnagel7717 Thanks for the tip, Matt. I think the nozzles must vary by manufacturer. My number 5 nozzle has a slot molded in it already. My No.1 nozzle does not have a slot, but the pin in the cartridge doesn't interfere with the nozzle and it fills quickly. No nozzle modification. The butane brand I'm using is "Neon".
For me the gas isn't the problem, where can you buy the waffers
Mic passes the sound check at 3:30! 🤣
Just to confirm, you don't need to replace that check valve? If so, it's pretty much unlimited how many times you can refil
Ya you can refill it a hundred times after you do this mod
Do u have to put the grey thing back on???
No
I followed your instructions to a T, but for some reason after filling up the cartridge and inserting it into the Thermacell, I'm unable to get it to light. If I depress the valve at the top of the cartridge with an icepick, the butane does eject. Any ideas what might be wrong?
can’t think of what may be wrong. Possibly the refilled canister is overfilled? Try purging a bit more butane out with the ice pick. Also, try an original thermacell fuel canister to se if it will light with that
@@rudijones Thanks for the reply. I actually had tried purging more butane out, to no avail. Guess I'll have to go ahead buy some more canisters.
OK, nevermind - I had neglected to screw the canister in, I thought you only had to push it in. It works fine.
No surprise here didn't work. Just damn near gave me frost bite in the process. Tried for over an hour.
It’s 2023 and I can not get this to work at all!
Same here. The manufacturer probably changed the inner valve. So now we can not refill
Time to find a different brand that allows filling.
How about just punching the inner valve in with a metal punch, instead of pulling it out with a screw.
flat nose pliers is what they are called.
You should avoid the o-ring at all costs, you kinda just grabbed it :)