I'm looking to buy a metal gas can, 2 or 2.5 gallons, to keep in the garage for mower fuel. From what I'm reading all of the new plastic cans are a pain and I'm willing to spend more to get something that will last and be safe. I have small kids and don't let them play in the garage of course but still would prefer a can that's not easy to spill. The two I have narrowed it down to are:

Eagle Type I safety can (http://eagle-mfg.com/product/Type-I-...15-Funnel.aspx): has a nice flame arrestor in the can opening, and the handle-controlled pour should be easy to use in a small mower tank (insert funnel into tank first, then squeeze handle to pour). But looks like it is very easy to open (I mean in a bad way if a kid got access to it) and the funnel is a little bit awkward.

10 liter NATO Jerry Can (http://lexingtoncontainercompanysonl...jerry-can-10l/): Doesn't leak, should last forever, takes some effort to open (in a good way). Has a metal mesh "filter" in the nozzle which may or may not be effective as a flame arrestor, but no arrestor on the vent (integrated into the nozzle) or can opening when filling, and it's a tip-to-pour design with no valve (easier to make a mess?). I would only put the nozzle on it when I need to pour, which would be ok for my uses.

I am not considering Type II safety cans because the built-in metal nozzle seems awkward for trips to the gas station; feel free to tell me if I'm wrong and that is what I really should be looking at.

I have never handled either of these items, they're pretty expensive (for a gas can) and I would appreciate any advice.

 

First, I'll bet everybody here wil tell you not to store the gas in the garage. Regardless of which can you buy an enclosed area is not safe. That being said most people do store it in garage using the typical plastic can. Keep it out side in a shed or small weather shelter away from other structures. Keep it under lock and key. Then the plastic one are just as safe as the expensive ones.

 

I don't have the option of having a shed, and I don't want to keep a plastic can that will swell with pressure and eventually leak in the garage. Given that (as you say) most people keep a can in the garage, I think the question of which kind of can is best is pretty relevant. I will also be sure to not park my car in the garage since it has a rather large quantity of gas stored in the tank most of the time.

I think it probably comes down to the better-sealing Jerry can vs. the better flame arrestor on the safety can (which is really designed for a shop environment, stored in a flammables cabinet when not in use). Not sure which is more important.

 

I don't care for any of the new gov't mandated gas cans but the big issue I've had with any of my new plastic cans is if they set on the back of the truck in the sun - they swell up! Never had one swell if stored in a shady location.

 

I use the Eagle cans. I keep 3 of them around the shop.

 

I'll agree with the Eagle cans. If your hand slips, they close automatically preventing unwanted spills. A military type can is heavy, cumbersome and has not provision for stopping an inadvertent spill.

 

I was looking at the 10 liter / 2.6 gallon "half size" Jerry cans because I agree that the regular ones are pretty cumbersome/heavy. But in any case that's an excellent point about the automatic close feature of the Eagle cans.

The Internet suggests that Lowe's has the 5 gallon Eagle cans in stock in my local store. I don't want one that big but maybe I will go look at them and then order a smaller one.

Thanks for the feedback everybody.

 

I use the 5 gallon Eagle to fill my tractor, but I don't use their cute little funnel. I have a twist in 2 gallon galvanized funnel that fits the lock on the gas inlet. They do make a 2.5 gallon squatty one that would not be so heavy. Mark.....you got one of these

 

I don't have a fancy funnel, just a cheap oversized galvanized funnel to fuel up my tractor - works well

 

I got that one at a garage sale for $1. They didn't know what it was for. Fit my (then) 9n perfectly, and fits the neck on the 640, too. Must be universal on older tractors.

 

Good deal I don't remember what I paid for my funnel but it was a lot more than a $1 and it isn't as nice as yours