Inexpensive, form-fitting, tank cover for under $3.00, DIY

This is Walmart, black, rubber, “Shelf Liner” found in the Housewares at about $3.00 for a large roll.

As you can see, it is well ventilated, but sticky to slick surfaces, non-sticky to skin.

Putting it on is easy. Note in the topmost picture that I have cut it to the width I need for my CO2 tank, with a pair of sissors. Placing one end on the tank in a straight line, do not glue it to the tank, it sticks well by itself, simply roll on as many layers as you desire. Then, using a pair of sissors, cut it along one of the lines formed by the holes in the material to get a straight edge ending point.

I then mixed a small amount of 5 minute epoxy and using a toothpick, lightly applied a layer along the inside of the end edge and pressed it down carefully, and ran my finger along its length to ensure the epoxy contacted well. I then placed a piece of blue painters masking tape along the edge and left it alone for a couple of hours. Then I peeled the blue tape off (its low adhesion makes it not stick to the wrap or glue) and used my fingernail to pick off any epoxy that had oozed through the wrap. It flaked off nicely. As you can see, the seam is very difficult to spot. Remember, as you wrap the tank, pull the material slightly to obtain a nice tight fit!

On my first attempt, I glued it with black liquid electrician’s tape, found at Lowes or Home Depot. It shows, but holds well. I’m hoping the epoxy holds as well, because it doesn’t show.

The end result is a wrap as thick as you want it. It will not slide around the tank, it sticks to the tank firmly, but simply peels off when you remove it and no residue is present.

It is soft to the cheek, the holes allow it to breathe, so it won’t make you sweat or feel uncomfortable, insulates the CO2 tank, and is CHEAP! Further, the wrap will not rotate on you. It sticks to itself and the tank very nicely and firmly.

By the way, the butt plate was an idea I had when I got a cheap plastic butt plate for the CO2, but didn’t want the stainless rings around the tank to hold on the Wok-meister’s superior butt plate. I just ground off the upper and lower shoulder extensions, put a nylon lock nut inside and screwed it to 1″ aluminum bar, cut to fit. You can see the rest is just drill to fit and bolt on the bent 1″ aluminum bar, bent to fit.

The great thing about this approach is the butt plate slides off and goes on another same sized tank, and has held tightly. I had to drill two very small holes in the back of the cup to break suction, so I could remove it when I wanted. It can also be rotated to place the shoulder plate exactly where you need it. The rotation is not easy, you have to twist hard!

Wok-meister, feel free to copy this design for your use and sales. I think it looks better and is more functional than the steel bands. I’d rather buy a nice looking one than cob one up by myself with a hacksaw, propane torch, hammer and mill bastard file! Perhaps you might send me a prototype to test for you. I know mine works great, but not so pretty, so yours should be incredible!

Hope this will help someone, and Wok, no disrespect, I was just trying out an idea that actually ended up working. I hope you can, and will try this out, because I’d like one that looks as good as yours. (that’s two genuine, and sincere, ass kissings, ought to be enough for forgiveness and perhaps a prototype)

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