Fire Extinguisher Problem

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Fire Extinguisher Problem
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Thursday, November 28, 2013 - 11:09 am:

That small fire extinguisher that I carry strapped in place, to make my Model T legal for some shows, broke the strap that held it to the mounting frame, when I hit a bad bump on a recent tour.

Later, at home again, I picked up the fire extinguisher and I did not notice the pin had also bounced out, that was until I pressed the handle too hard and sprayed a white powder all around my garage.

That fire extinguisher was made by a company no longer in business and it is now about empty and worthless.

I am finding that no like-unit replacements appear to be available anyplace.

Has anyone else had this problem or recently found a replacement fire extinguisher with a proper mounting bracket?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Thursday, November 28, 2013 - 12:42 pm:

Not quite sure what you mean with like-unit? Several types and sizes are readily available and you may be able to get you old one refilled. Any fire extinguisher company would have several brackets to replace the one that broke.

With a little more info I can give you some more advice. You might also do a search here to read about recent posts about fire extinguishers.

Hopefully you are carrying it in case of a fire and not only as a show requirement.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Seth - Ohio on Thursday, November 28, 2013 - 04:01 pm:

Fire extinguishers have an expiration date on the steel cartridge of about 10 years. After that they can't be refilled but need to be replaced. A fire extinguisher sales and service company in your area can refill them. If you work at a firm that has extinguishers around the job site then ask the maintenance department if they can get it filled for you when they have the service company come in and do all of theirs. Fire extinguishers can be purchased at the big box lumber / hardware stores and are not expensive. Most units come with a hanger. If you need a strap I have extra ones but I would need to know what the diameter of your extinguisher is so you get the right one. There should be a light weight plastic tie to hold the pin in the extinguisher but will break when the pin is pulled. Do not use a nylon wire tie.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Thursday, November 28, 2013 - 04:50 pm:

Dennis, mine was a General and had a 1973 date on it. I had no idea it was that old and was surprised to find the powder would still come out.

I only noticed the date when I was checking the size to replace it.

The pointer was still in the center until then and the pin was in it. I'm not sure what happened to the pin.

Now, I'm not sure who makes fire extinguishers in the USA.

I also need one that can be mounted sideways.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Thursday, November 28, 2013 - 09:40 pm:

Dennis, that is not really true, They have a mfg date so you can determine when they must be hydro tested before refilling. An ABC dry chem like James had can be used for many years as long as the can hasn't been damaged or rusted.

The General is a quality unit not like the plastic head ones you find at the box stores.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenny Edmondson, Indianapolis on Thursday, November 28, 2013 - 10:16 pm:

Norm, do a google search for Kidde Fire Extingishers. Look at the various versions. The marine one may work.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenny Edmondson, Indianapolis on Thursday, November 28, 2013 - 10:18 pm:

Sorry, I meant to say James...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cary Abate on Thursday, November 28, 2013 - 11:55 pm:

James

I carry a CO2 extinguisher in an old tool box for either car. I don't like the mess for the big box extinguishers. But watch for sticker shock. Amazon for $132.00.

Cary


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Seth - Ohio on Friday, November 29, 2013 - 08:20 am:

Gene,

Thanks for the information I need to follow up on that.

I am responsible for 87 fire extinguishers in 27 buildings and 10 pieces of equipment.

In the state of Ohio my supplier will not refill any canister over 10 years old even if it passes the hydro test. Perhaps he is just handing me a bill of goods so he can sell more.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mike_black on Friday, November 29, 2013 - 09:11 am:

A few years ago I wanted a larger fire extinguisher for my hay baler. While at my favorite auto parts store, I checked out their extinguisher on the wall and asked them if they were happy with the company that serviced them. They said great things about them--mom and pop co, etc. When I went to see the guy, he said he had all kinds of requirements to follow for the commercial/public establishments he serviced, but, if I was just looking for some for my own use he would give me a great deal on some he couldn't use elsewhere. They work fine and he refills them when necessary and the price is right. The other day I got a 10 pounder refilled and got 5 more 5 pounders for $100.00. He's cheap enough I can keep extinguishers on all my equip, in vehicles, and all around the house and barn.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Friday, November 29, 2013 - 01:34 pm:

Dennis

Ohio laws may be slightly different than Ca. but I'm betting you guys also follow the NFPA and you can find out what you are required by checking the NFC 10 which covers portable fire extinguishers.
I've worked with the service guys for years and was on a fire chief's committee authoring and recommending fire related guidelines for a North American industrial corporation. I sure sounds like your guy might be a little "critical" of your older units. If these were on a vehicle like a forklift it does have a slightly different guideline. When you get a chance tell me exactly what he wouldn't service I'll let you know.

Mike, your good buddy is the type of a guy that you want to keep as a good friend. I glad to see that he got you the 5 pounders so you have a hose with them and hopefully metal heads and not those plastic topped toy things from the box stores.

Guess you can see I have a personal preference with good reason.

James

Tell us some more specifics about where your mounting your extinguisher and I'll give you my advice. Mounting them on their side is fine. A good marine bracket has two straps which is a bit of overkill for our cars. The vehicle brackets come is a variety of styles.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Saturday, November 30, 2013 - 10:39 am:

My fire extinguisher is a 2 3/4 pound General and was mounted sideways below the passenger's seat on a 1926 Ford Roadster.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Coiro on Saturday, November 30, 2013 - 11:05 am:

The kind of fire extinguisher you need can be found at any pilots' supply shop and just about every airport that has a flight school will also have a pilots' shop. If your profile included your location, I could find one for you, but they're not difficult to locate.

I wouldn't recommend buying a fire extinguisher online because then you'd have to pay not only for shipping but a hazmat charge as well.

Failing any of the above, go to your local Sears department store.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Saturday, November 30, 2013 - 11:50 am:

James
If you have 4 1/2" by 15" your best choice extinguisher for most all fires is a 5lb one made by Amerex. It's a model B402 and has a high ABC rating in a smaller can which means it's capable of putting out bigger fires and also has a hose which is very important. You might find one for about $40. if you locate an Amerex supplier locally. Unfortunately you won't find it at a box store. Locate a fire extinguisher service guy close to you and he should be able to refill yours and also have a bracket for you if you can't repair the one you have.
The 2 3/4lb size is unusual. Most small ones are 2 1/2lb.

In any case when buying an extinguisher look closely at the UL label on the back and get the one with the highest Classification A, B numbers and also a C. These are usually a dry powder type. Choose one with a METAL head and a hose instead of plastic head. The smallest size with a hose is a 5lb one.

NOTE those small 2 1/2lb ones we have are only good for FIVE SECONDS of use! Count'em, even so if your Lucky will put out a good sized fire, maybe.

Cary, Unfortunately those CO2 ones don't put out much fire and are really heavy with only a B, C rating.

Sorry James I forgot where you live.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Saturday, November 30, 2013 - 01:17 pm:

I'm in Bowie, Maryland.

The one I had was empty before I could release the handle and it only took a few seconds.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Schedler, Sacramento on Saturday, November 30, 2013 - 01:52 pm:

The sticker shock quoted above is nothing compared to the price of what it is protecting. Make sure the extinguisher you carry is up for the job.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Saturday, November 30, 2013 - 02:58 pm:

James here's one at Sears with free shipping at $48. is a great price too!

http://www.sears.com/amerex-fire-extinguisher-dry-chemical-3a-40b-c-b402/p-SPM71 74341607?prdNo=11&blockNo=36&blockType=G36

It takes a UB5 bracket for vehicle. I'll see if I can find one.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Saturday, November 30, 2013 - 03:19 pm:

I see Lowes has a quality Marine type bracket #31440 for 5lb ext. for less than $6. It has a SS strap and is black to match most T's.

Good luck, Just think it should last you a life time or save it and your car.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Saturday, November 30, 2013 - 03:58 pm:

Jim - Thanks for starting this thread. It has led to expert advice from Gene Carrothers which I really appreciate. I have been putting off the purchase of a better fire extinguisher than the little "cheapie" that I've been carrying in my depot hack. Now I know what type/brand/size to purchase. In fact, I'm gonna' buy several; one to carry, and another for the little rental unit that I laughingly call my "shop". Thanks Jim & Gene,........harold


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Saturday, November 30, 2013 - 09:18 pm:

Gene, the Sears strap only holds the hose along side.

The Lowes strap sounds promising, but there are none in the store a mile from my house.

I'll check the Lowes website.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mike_black on Saturday, November 30, 2013 - 11:13 pm:

Hi guys,
I'm not a fire extinguisher expert like Gene, but, I was able to get a good deal on a bunch of them. If you just need one or two,go somewhere and pay top dollar for it. However, if you're into working on, driving, or even just storing old cars, you need to look around you and do a really fair assessment of where you would like to have extinguishers if cost and availability made no difference. You'll probably come up with a need for several--kitchen, basement near furnace, storage building where hot lawn mower is parked, near every shop machine and exit door, RV, and on and on. See my post above. Since they are for personal use he treats me right. I've used 3 in the past year on small fires before they became big fires while I was looking for some way to put them out! I gave one of the big ones to a neighbor for his hay baler.. A couple of days later when returning to the field from lunch I saw a big plume of smoke over some nearby trees. My friend's new baler was burning as he was frantically unhooking his tractor from it. He said he didn't have a way to mount it. He would have had to round up a drill and some bolts, so he was going to do it later--it was sitting in his shop as his baler burned!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Sunday, December 01, 2013 - 12:27 am:

James
That bracket I saw was online at the Lowes web site. There is a ton of extinguishers on Ebay and lots with free shipping too.

Mike
you are so right about getting things ready before you really need them.
Someday I'll get around to making an earth quake kit, maybe before the big one hits.... It's more fun driving the T or fixing something, Right?

Kenny, ShXXty - kidde is what we say with their plastic parts.

Dennis
I was talking my extinguisher friend tonight and he said they do make some Disposable ones that must be thrown away after a certain time. I did not know that. Don't buy them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ken Todd on Sunday, December 01, 2013 - 11:37 am:

If you have a dry chemical type extinquisher on any of your vehicles, it should be removed at least once a year and shaken up so as to loosen the powder inside it. That powder can settle and pack into a hard lump from the vibration and bumping of the vehicle, then the powder doesn't want to come out when needed.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James A. Golden on Sunday, December 01, 2013 - 12:53 pm:

About 4 years ago, one of our club members gave me a fire extinguisher for Christmas.

Later several other people wanted one and he provided them for $25, if I remember the price.

I bought another one and kept one in each of my modern vehicles, still in the cardboard box to keep them clean and scratch free.

Yesterday, I got a bright idea, I would take one of those fire extinguishers out of the box and find out who made them.

I was surprised to notice the unit came with a bracket, just like the one I was looking to replace.

There was an address and a phone number on the unit.

I looked up the phone number and the address was still good.

I also noticed the company name was AMEREX CORP. and still the same.

I did a website serch for AMEREX CORP. and found http://amerex-fire.com/

I typed in my ZIP Code for a location near me where I could by one.

That gave me http://amerex-fire.com/where-to-buy/?buy-location=MD which is 10 miles due north of my home.

FIRELINE CORPORATION
4506 HOLLINS FERRY ROAD
BALTIMORE, MD 21227-4671
Phone: 410-247-1422
Fax: 410-247-4676

That is also the name of the company where my friend used to work.

His dad owned the company then and he may still work there.

Since then he has sold his Model T and dropped out of the club.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Gregush Portland Oregon on Sunday, December 01, 2013 - 01:23 pm:

One of my jobs at the car dealership I worked for was to shake every extinguisher in the place once a month and mark on the hang tag that it had been checked.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Sunday, December 01, 2013 - 09:48 pm:

James, that was a good friend. Glad to hear you got a quality extinguisher and bracket. It's like Christmas all over again.

Ken and Mark, You are right especially in a vehicle, At home it's a good idea to sit the extinguisher upside down for a period of time (not all Year, don't forget it) so the powder can loosen up. You can't believe how fine and how it can bridge inside. Amazingly it's very unusual when one doesn't work even after many years of neglect. In my opinion, it's really not necessary to have your extinguishers serviced and tagged each year unless of course it's required by law. I didn't say that.. You should still inspect them to make sure the pressure hasn't leaked out or been damaged.

Be safe and remember Prevention is the Most Important part.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By samuel pine on Monday, December 02, 2013 - 10:18 am:

An area I have in the past been guilty of. Must be
my age factor. As said any fire ex. is better than
none. Other day I put one in my truck- go to Napa
ya cant go anywhere round here more than 30 mphour,
anyways I come home & and came upon two car accident
one on fire put my strobes on pulled pin fire out
one not breathing someone already working on him so
I direct traffic for 20 min.(boy thats memories)
imagine that 20 min. finally the rookie shows up-
you see it- Nope. Hope the guy's alright. My kids a
fireman he says even they have to bang these on the ground first before use. So get one get any
one ya never know...............


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