Every refill means disconnecting and reconnecting the regulator. Done wrong, it's the most common leak source. Here's the correct method for both valve types.

Know Your Valve Type

  • 13kg+ cylinders: bullnose/POL-style valve with a left-hand thread — the regulator screws in anti-clockwise.
  • 6kg cylinders: smaller camping/meko valve — typically a push-on or smaller screw fitting.

Connecting a 13kg Regulator

  1. Check the regulator's O-ring/seal is present and undamaged — a missing O-ring is a guaranteed leak.
  2. Seat the regulator inlet squarely onto the valve.
  3. Turn the hand-wheel anti-clockwise (it's reverse-threaded — opposite of a normal screw). Tighten firmly by hand — no tools needed.
  4. Open the valve slowly, burner knobs OFF.
  5. Do the soapy water test on the joint — no bubbles = good connection.

Connecting a 6kg Meko/Camping Regulator

  1. Ensure the burner valves are OFF.
  2. Push the regulator firmly onto the valve (or screw per fitting type) until seated.
  3. Open the cylinder valve slowly.
  4. Soap-test the joint.

Disconnecting (Refill Day)

  1. Close all burner knobs, then close the cylinder valve fully clockwise.
  2. Let residual gas burn off for a few seconds if you can safely light it — or just wait a minute for it to vent (small amount, normal).
  3. 13kg: turn the regulator hand-wheel clockwise to remove.
  4. Cap or cover the valve of the empty cylinder if you have a cap.

The Checks That Prevent Leaks

  • Always inspect the O-ring before connecting — replace a cracked one.
  • Never force the thread — if it resists, you're cross-threading. Back off and retry.
  • Hand-tight only — over-tightening damages the O-ring.
  • Smell + soap-test after every swap — takes 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which way do I turn a 13kg regulator?

Anti-clockwise to tighten, clockwise to loosen — the opposite of normal threads. Remember: "reverse thread".

Do I need tools?

No — regulators are designed for hand-tightening. If it won't seal by hand, the O-ring or threads are damaged.

Gas hisses when I connect — what now?

Close the valve, remove the regulator, check the O-ring, reconnect squarely. Persistent hiss = faulty regulator or valve — don't use it.

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