Thread: Old spray can wont spray

Originally Posted by verawood

Has anyone had success in clearing a blockage that is stopping a part used spray can from spraying, please.

The can is still nearly full so would prefer not to waste, plus lockdown till end Oct before replacement.
a
I have tried sewing needle etc into the removal nozzle, but no luck.
Blockage could be in the vertical tube.

It sounds like that is the case

FWIW I don't clean the nozzle by inverting the can - I remove the spray can nozzle and sit the nozzle inlet hard up against the tip of a spray bottle full of turps set on squirt (as opposed to spray) and fire squirts until the turps flows freely out of the spray can nozzle. Then blow everything clear with compressed air. Haven't lost a can since I started using this system about 5 years ago

Thanks Bob

Does anyone know what "mechanism" (for want of a better word) is down the vertical tube.

Just wondering if it can be safely cleared; and if so - how.

The things lockdown makes us do.

What type of nozzle is it?

If the nozzle has a bit of tube sticking out the bottom that fits into a hole in the can; swap the nozzle for another that does work. If nothing comes out; the can is stuffed.

If the nozzle fits OVER a protruding tube then carefully press the end of the tube against a convenient flat surface (annoying neighbors fence, XR8 in a disabled parking space, Labour politicians forehead etc); if nothing comes out, the can is stuffed.

Please don't attempt to push anything into any part of the can. The valve mechanism is not accessible in any form from the outside; if you start poking sharp things down there you run the risk of punching through the valve seat permanently. At the absolute best that will be very, very messy...

More than likely it has run out of propellent, through it out, not worth playing with

Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

What type of nozzle is it?

If the nozzle has a bit of tube sticking out the bottom that fits into a hole in the can; swap the nozzle for another that does work. If nothing comes out; the can is stuffed.

If the nozzle fits OVER a protruding tube then carefully press the end of the tube against a convenient flat surface (annoying neighbors fence, XR8 in a disabled parking space, Labour politicians forehead etc); if nothing comes out, the can is stuffed.

Please don't attempt to push anything into any part of the can. The valve mechanism is not accessible in any form from the outside; if you start poking sharp things down there you run the risk of punching through the valve seat permanently. At the absolute best that will be very, very messy...

Thanks CT

I plan on swapping the removable nozzle tomorrow,
if that doesn't work I'll look for something to be unpleasant to and press the can into it.
Hoping it wont be unpleasant to me.

I've found sitting the can upside down in a little thinners sometimes helps, although I usually need to do it when I haven't shaken it properly and got a lump.

You may be able to tell if the propellant is gone by pressing your thumb into the side, compare with a known good if you can. If you vcan dent the can with your thumb, it's got no pressure. (or not enough anyway)

Success - job done.

Thank you to everyone who contributed.

The mix of answers/options was what did the job.

Cheers
Keith