CGA Nut to CO2 Tank -> How many turns?

1/4 turn, 1/2 if leak test shows a leak. If still leaking then take it apart and try again.

I tighten with about 70% of my full strength. Never any leaks.

1/4 to 1/2 a turn with an appropriately sized wrench after tightening it finger tight sounds good.

Do note that the direction that the gauges face doesn't matter. You can have them pointing downwards (towards the floor) and the regulator will still work fine. However, adjustment and reading the gauges might require some interesting acrobatics

Darkblade48 said:

1/4 to 1/2 a turn with an appropriately sized wrench after tightening it finger tight sounds good.

Do note that the direction that the gauges face doesn't matter. You can have them pointing downwards (towards the floor) and the regulator will still work fine. However, adjustment and reading the gauges might require some interesting acrobatics

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Yeah, I know it doesn't matter which way they face. I was only giving that info to give an idea of how far I'm turning it.

In fact, sometimes I install them facing up a little bit so I don't have to stoop down to read them.

I find it is a kinda/sorta standard on things like plumbing to go finger tight and then a 1/4 or 1/2 turn more. But then that has lots to do with each of us and how we work. If you have small fingers, you may find trouble turning the nut even to start. If you go by the amount of effort needed, a two hundred pound guy with a 12 inch crescent might snap it off!
What is needed is enough pressure to compress the washer just enough to hold the gas but not so much that a new washer is needed each refill. If we compress it but not crush it, it'll last a long time.

seems like I have to crank it down really really tight with a wrench otherwise leak test shows that it is leaking.
Even with a brand new nylon washer I have to crank it down really tight.

It's a fairly subjective question, because as stated, we all have different strengths in our hands. If you soap test it and it's good, then you're good to go IME.

I crank it down until I can't move it anymore. I doubt if most people are strong enough to break it.

devilduck said:

I crank it down until I can't move it anymore. I doubt if most people are strong enough to break it.

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I wouldn't go throwing down that challenge. I use a 1 1/8" wrench for mine that is well over a foot long. It's quite easy to break it with a wrench that size.

Darkblade48 said:

1/4 to 1/2 a turn with an appropriately sized wrench after tightening it finger tight sounds good.

Do note that the direction that the gauges face doesn't matter. You can have them pointing downwards (towards the floor) and the regulator will still work fine. However, adjustment and reading the gauges might require some interesting acrobatics

Click to expand...

That might mess up a bubble counter for most...but i get the point.