# Where can one obtain a fire extinguisher? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 28, 2009, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922 "2009-09-28T23:46:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 12\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Mk\_VII](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Mk\_VII](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mk_VII)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2009, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/41 "2009-10-21T10:56:12Z")
Those cylinders will take off and fly in any unpredictable direction if you pierce them, unless you are using something like API or APTI which will open them up and ignite the contents (obviously not going to happen with an extinguisher). And you want to be about 1100yds away from it, as I was. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2009, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/42 "2009-10-21T12:36:47Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > Failing that, a reaaaaly big open field, a redneck, and a rifle?😃 Very inadvisable. You’re essentially creating an unguided missile. The contents are typically going to be at 300-400 psi, and if you do the math you’ll find that the tank can travel quite a way (and in some random direction) before the pressure drops enough not to propel it, not to mention spewing corrosive chemicals. As **johnpost** wrote, the proper disposal method is to take it to a hazmat disposal site, or call up the local fire department and obtain their guidance. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2009, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/43 "2009-10-21T12:55:21Z")
Home fire extinguishers and the ones I have at work pressurize to between 150-175 psi, not 300-400psi Assuming we are talking about a 1A10BC home fire extinguisher, while yes you would be creating an unguided missile the total amount of “fuel” (pressurized gas) is fairly small and the pressure is not that great. While I have never shot one with a rifle, I highly doubt that you would get over maybe 20’ of travel out of one. If this was still a worry, hold it down with a couple of rocks then back off and shoot it. In the interest of science I think I see a trip to the dessert in our future. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2009, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/44 "2009-10-21T16:08:29Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > Very inadvisable. You’re essentially creating an unguided missile. Well, that’s why you put a chain around it first, anchored to something heavy. Then you can watch it spin around desperately like a leashed hummingbird before giving up. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2009, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/45 "2009-10-21T16:52:22Z")
I periodically replace my fire extinguishers. Thankfully, I’ve never had to use one in the house. When I replace one, I have used the “old” one for training purposes outside. My kids have learned on a small brush fire, what to expect when using an extinguisher. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2009, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/46 "2009-10-21T20:32:26Z")
[QUOTE=gwendee] I have one that fell of its mount. The handle and gauge broke. I’ve replaced it, but how do I dispose of the broken one? [/QUOTE] Usually, the handle is just a lever that presses against a button or pin at the top of the cylinder, so you can probably use a stout screwdriver and get some leverage against the remains of the handle to press that pin and discharge the extinguisher. Or maybe just get a good grip on the cylinder, aim the nozzle away from you or anyone else, and lean on it, pressing the pin on a rock, brick wall, etc. Even if you only manage to get one \ out of it, the remaining pressure will leak off in a couple of days. > [@VunderBob](#): > > If you can get you hands on a functional Halon unit, they’re worth their weight in gold, but the bunnyhuggers have killed them off. Hmmm… I just happen to have a 5-B:C extinguisher here that claims to contain 2.5 pounds of Halon 1211 and dates back to 1987. I thought Halon had been outlawed, but I just had a look, and there’s a handful of Halon extinguishers available on eBay. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/47 "2009-10-22T02:15:38Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Well, that’s why you put a chain around it first, anchored to something heavy. Then you can watch it spin around desperately like a leashed hummingbird before giving up. Or you’ll just run the risk of an unguided missile dragging a big rock or a chunk of concrete chained behind it. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/48 "2009-10-22T03:03:56Z")
> [@gotpasswords](#): > > Usually, the handle is just a lever that presses against a button or pin at the top of the cylinder, so you can probably use a stout screwdriver and get some leverage against the remains of the handle to press that pin and discharge the extinguisher. Or maybe just get a good grip on the cylinder, aim the nozzle away from you or anyone else, and lean on it, pressing the pin on a rock, brick wall, etc. Even if you only manage to get one \ out of it, the remaining pressure will leak off in a couple of days. > Hmmm… I just happen to have a 5-B:C extinguisher here that claims to contain 2.5 pounds of Halon 1211 and dates back to 1987. I thought Halon had been outlawed, but I just had a look, and there’s a handful of Halon extinguishers available on eBay. It’s my understanding that you can’t buy a new Halon extinguisher, but you can have old ones serviced. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/49 "2009-10-22T03:08:26Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > Or you’ll just run the risk of an unguided missile dragging a big rock or a chunk of concrete chained behind it. 😃 Well, in that case, _definitely_ try it, because that be hellacool. ---
**Author:** ![W0X0F](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b77776/32.png) [@W0X0F](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/W0X0F)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/50 "2009-10-22T05:31:45Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > On top of that, many chemical fire extinguishers are corrosive and toxic, so you don’t really want to spray the stuff around in the environment, anyway. > Stranger I was going to ask about disposing of an extinguisher once its pressure drops too low (i.e. unused but old), but it sounds like you can simply toss it in the trash - once it’s been fully discharged. However, if the chemicals are potentially corrosive and toxic, where can you safely discharge it? ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/51 "2009-10-22T14:09:47Z")
> [@W0X0F](#): > > I was going to ask about disposing of an extinguisher once its pressure drops too low (i.e. unused but old), but it sounds like you can simply toss it in the trash - once it’s been fully discharged. However, if the chemicals are potentially corrosive and toxic, where can you safely discharge it? See posts #40 and #43. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![W0X0F](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b77776/32.png) [@W0X0F](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/W0X0F)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2009, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922/52 "2009-10-22T16:00:38Z")
Thanks. I did see the bit about hazmat disposal - which we don’t have that I’m aware of - but missed your line about the fire department. Seems obvious in retrospect and should have thought of that myself. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-one-obtain-a-fire-extinguisher/511922.md?page=2)