Locking the Gas Pump Trigger
December 21, 2009 at 12:01 am Chad Upton 8 comments
UPDATE: It is illegal in some places to leave the gas pump while filling your tank. After doing some further research, it appears this is done for two reasons. 1. To prevent you from getting back in your vehicle, which can cause a static buildup that could cause a spark (and fire) when you touch the pump handle again. 2. To ensure you are nearby if the auto-stop fails and fuel begins to spill. So, even if your station provides a locking mechanism, the safest option is to hold the handle while filling.
If you’re like me then you like to lock the fuel pump trigger so you can clean all the garbage out of your car while the tank is filling.
Some gas stations remove the device that locks the trigger so you can’t walk away from the pump while it’s filling. But, there is a secret to locking the trigger without the built-in mechanism: stick your gas cap under the trigger.
That’s it. Now you can do other things while your tank is filling, like tidy your trunk or complain about gas prices with some sucker who is attached to their pump.
Keep an eye on your pump and use this tip at your own risk.
Entry filed under: Automotive, Be Efficient, Hacks, ProTips. Tags: cap, fuel, gas, gascap, hack, nozzle, petrol, protip, pump, station, trick, trigger.
1.
Nadeem Dhalla | December 24, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Chad…This is very dangerous. The fuel cap unlike the human hand is not ‘grounded’ – - when we will the fuel, our feet are touching the ground and release any electricity.
On rare occasions when the tank becomes full and snaps, this can release an electrical current,, coupled with oxygen from the air and the fuel vapours… there are several HUNDERED reported cases of this starting fires…..
This is the principlal why they always say that you need to fuel the jerry cans on the floor vs. the flatbed of the truck.
Check out this video — the women’s rubbing of the sweater causes her to become ungrounded and when she touches the nozzel – - BOOM…
2.
Nadeem Dhalla | December 24, 2009 at 3:03 pm
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/862578/static_electricity_causes_fire_at_gas_station/
3.
Chad | December 24, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Yes, getting back in your car is definitely not a good idea either.
I do find it interesting that all the gas stations in Canada have removed the trigger lock and I’ve only seen a couple gas stations in the United States that have removed it. Any ideas why some stations have it and some remove it?
4.
Warm Your Car Up Faster « Broken Secrets | February 24, 2010 at 1:09 am
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5.
Andrea | April 19, 2010 at 6:26 pm
For the love of God do not do this. I am a manager at a gas station and every time I am outside cleaning gas on the ground I wish I could quit. First of all, it gets on everything and never comes out. Second, it is horrible for the environment. Third, I really don’t want to clean your mess. Is it my job to take care of my store? Yes. Is it my job to clean up gasoline after people who feel the need to multitask at the pump? NO! Just stand there for the whole two minutes it takes to pump your gas.
6.
Elbyron | May 4, 2010 at 11:19 am
Sorry Andrea, as a sufferer of Canadian winters, I have to disagree. Standing there for the whole two minutes in -30°C with the wind blowing snow in your face while your hand freezes to the pump handle… I’d rather get in the car and take my chances. If you’re cleaning gas on the ground, the auto shut-off must be broken in your pumps. I’ve been driving for 12 years, and never once has the shut-off failed on me, and thus I have never caused a spillover. If your machine fails, you can clean up the mess!
Chad: only a few of the stations in Edmonton have removed the lock, and I’ve learned to avoid those. Maybe it’s more common in other cities though.
7.
Diesel Fuel Nozzles Don’t Fit in Standard Fuel Cars « Broken Secrets | June 9, 2010 at 5:03 am
[...] Locking the gas pump trigger (be careful) [...]
8.
Chris | November 17, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Give me a break. I used to work at a gas station and smoke at the pumps regularly. I am a mechanic now and I watch another mechanic throw his still lit cigarette butts into a 5 gallon bucket of gas that has been drained from a vehicle. contrary to Hollywood’s myth gas is not very inflammable in the liquid state. I am HIGHLY doubtful of static electricity causing an explosion even if vapors are present in open air. Give me a break, that is one mean static spark!