I'm installing a kegerator and having trouble connecting the CO2 regulator to the cylinder. Even when fully tightened the regulator is loose and wobbly. Im sure the CO2 would leak like this. The instructions say to use a washer, but the package came with 10 different washers and none fit. I can post pictures if that would help. Any help would be appreciated!!
the washer is nylon or felt, and it must be used. the nut will attach tightly to the threads on the co2 bottle and hold the gauge stem firmly in place. you will need to really crank down hard on the nut to get it fully threaded. don't cross thread it. not very hard to do really. your local welding supply/industrial gas supply/fire extinguisher supply will have the proper washer. buy a dozen. they are cheap and tend to wear out or get lost. some regulators come with a permanent o-ring washer installed, so if you really can't seem to get it to work pick up one of those. Cheers.
Just a guess -- you replace your nylon washer frequently. All you need to do is snug it with a wrench. There's no need to crush the washer. I haven't replaced the washer since I built my system eight years ago. One of my local gas suppliers routinely hands me a new washer whenever I get a tank filled. They only cost pennies, but it's a nice touch.
I replace the washer if it is a client, because traveling out to a site for that is ridiculous. on my own equipment I don't replace the washer very often at all. I prefer the integrated washer design whenever possible. I agree you shouldn't crush the washer, but my point is that hand tightening won't work. rather it will work, for a day. a tightening with a wrench is required. but yes not with a NASCAR wrench. Cheers.
