Propane tank handle won't close

[RobHudson]

First time I'm trying to close the pool myself. I'm attempting to shut off the propane tank for the spa heater. The handle will not budge. And now that I think about it, I've tried to tighten/loosen that handle myself in previous years with no luck. Is there some sort of easy trick to getting this turn off that I'm missing? Does the fischer control valve have some magical off switch that I'm not aware of? Thanks.

 

[JamesW]

Which part are you trying to turn?

 

[RobHudson]

Which part are you trying to turn?

This handle:

 

[JamesW]

Are you turning it clockwise or counterclockwise?

 

[RobHudson]

Are you turning it clockwise or counterclockwise?

Clockwise but it won’t budge either way

 

[ajw22]

You use some pliers on it for leverage?

 

[JamesW]

Probably need to check with the propane company.

It might be ok to try some penetrating oil to loosen it up, but I'm not sure.

 

[duraleigh]

That tank has wa-a-y too much deterioration in my mind. I would loosen the compression nut where the regulator connects with that valve and get a new tank........trading that one in.

 

[Bama Rambler]

As Allen said, use some Channellock pliers or a small pipe wrench to help get it started. Then it should close.

The propane tank valve has a backseat and some people turn them pretty hard in the open direction in order to seat them and that makes it kinda hard to get it to start to close.