R134A can tap problems / suggestions for new?

[SC Maintenance]

I have this can tap. Bought it on Amazon.

Today I had it not open a can. Think its the can, or is it this tool? This time it wouldn't seem puncture the can at all.

Last time it punctured a small amount but not enough to fill the car.

So thats 6 successful punctures and 2 fails.

The gasket is now pooched, but it wasn't before. I overtightened it trying to get it to work likely.

Is this tap NFG? Or just bad cans? Suggestion on where to buy a better can tap?

 

[Trav]

 

[Nukeman7]

^^^^Just like Trav indicated. That tap with the flat tip end is for the new style EPA self sealing valves. You need the tap with the pointed tip to puncture the old style R-134a cans.

 

[wtd]

This is the can tap I prefer and have used for years with great success. Mine are Robinair brand.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MwvGxgWFGRzGhYPjz1oSneXaXXCAkiOxoCPJwQAvD_BwE

 

[SC Maintenance]

This is the can it would not open. I believe this is the new style self sealing correct?

The other two cans were identical and worked fine?

 

[Nukeman7]

This is the can it would not open. I believe this is the new style self sealing correct?

That photo you posted certainly looks like the new style self-sealing valve on the R-134a cans. In my experience, the self-sealing can is sensitive to how deep the valve tip depresses the valve. On ~20% of my cans, the refrigerant won't dispense correctly (or at all) if the plunger rod is fully turned down until it stops. I have to back it off ~1/2 to 1 whole turn on some cans for the valve to fully open.

 

[Trav]

That can is damaged and so is your tap, get a new can and a tap from Mastercool, Robinair or Yellow Jacket. You can still use that buggered can if it is full with a side can tap.

 

[Chris142]

These are better

 

[djkurious]

This is the can tap I prefer and have used for years with great success. Mine are Robinair brand.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MwvGxgWFGRzGhYPjz1oSneXaXXCAkiOxoCPJwQAvD_BwE

Exactly what I use for 1000's of cans before I bought my machine.

 

[RooflessVW]

This is the can tap I prefer and have used for years with great success. Mine are Robinair brand.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MwvGxgWFGRzGhYPjz1oSneXaXXCAkiOxoCPJwQAvD_BwE

Me too. They also happen to work great with air duster cans.

 

[wtd]

Exactly what I use for 1000's of cans before I bought my machine.

I don't use mine as much as I used to because I have 30 lb tanks of refrigerant and use a refrigerant scale to put the tanks on so it's a lot easier, faster, and more accurate than using cans.

 

[zzyzzx]

What brand(s) of R134a were you having trouble with...
I think that is part of the problem. The SuperTech R134a can's with the new style top don't seem to work as good or maybe require a different can tap.

Link to the actual tap you are using.

My recommended can tap:
https://mastercool.com/product/r134a-1-2-acme-m-self-sealing-design-can-tap-valve/

Yes, it's more expensive:
https://www.amazon.com/MASTERCOOL-134A-Depressor-Style-Can/dp/B07V9XFB6H/
One complaint in the review was about the SuperTech cans though. It's the cans, not the tap.

 

[SC Maintenance]

What brand(s) of R134a were you having trouble with...
I think that is part of the problem. The SuperTech R134a can's with the new style top don't seem to work as good or maybe require a different can tap.

Link to the actual tap you are using.

My recommended can tap:
https://mastercool.com/product/r134a-1-2-acme-m-self-sealing-design-can-tap-valve/

Yes, it's more expensive:
https://www.amazon.com/MASTERCOOL-134A-Depressor-Style-Can/dp/B07V9XFB6H/
One complaint in the review was about the SuperTech cans though. It's the cans, not the tap.

Thank you for the link. I actually was looking at that one. Buy once cry once.

The first can I had issues with last fall was Supertech R134A. Once pressed it not only didn't work but leaked out slowly.

The current problem child is Chemours - from Autozone. It isn't leaking just not working at all.

 

[zzyzzx]

Thank you for the link. I actually was looking at that one. Buy once cry once.

I would still also get a side tap. You can do a lot with one of those.