Carbon dioxide cartridges are small metal containers that contain pressurized gas that is most commonly used for inflating tires. These cartridges are also used to inflate life jackets and operate gas-powered guns.

1. CO2 Cartridges
A Practical Guide

2. Table of Contents
CO2 Cartridges: A 4
Practical Guide
CO2 Cartridges: What 10
You Do Not Know
Might Hurt You

3. CO2 Cartridges:
A Practical Guide

4. CO2 Cartridges: A Practical Guide Page 4
Carbon dioxide
cartridges are small metal
containers that contain
pressurized gas that is
most commonly used for
inflating tires. These
cartridges are also used to inflate life jackets
and operate gas-powered guns. They work
with an adaptor, which is screwed down to
the cylinder. The inflator head is twisted or
pushed down to transfer highly pressurized
CO2 from the cartridge to the tires. They are
very easy to carry around and can speed up
the process of inflating a tire, a life jacket, or
a portable pool. This is why cyclists prefer to
carry around these cartridges especially when
on a distance cycling.

5. CO2 Cartridges: A Practical Guide Page 5
Here are several tips when
choosing CO2 cartridges:
Threaded cartridges are more expensive than
unthreaded ones but they possess a screw
thread on the neck, which ensures a secure
screw with the pump. Unthreaded cartridges
for air guns are usually wasted because the
lubricant in the cartridges is reported to
weaken the rubber of tire inner tubes. On the
other hand, the threaded cartridge has a
possibility of freezing the thread and the
pump as it cools during expansion making it
useless because then it will jam.

6. CO2 Cartridges: A Practical Guide Page 6
Other than these
drawbacks, the main
difference is price.
However, regardless
of price, it is
necessary to choose
the one that is secure
for your application.
Cyclists often find it a disadvantage that CO2
cartridges add to weight and slow them down
Distance cyclists often choose the nozzle-
only pump because it is smaller and lighter
although it cannot be attached to an
unthreaded cartridge.
The nozzle has an insulated sleeve for the
cartridge and it is made of metal so it does not
break easily. It has a rotating knob or a trigger
- pull gas release control in order to control

7. CO2 Cartridges: A Practical Guide Page 7
the gas release especially
when fixing tires. It also
has a cap that protects the
nozzle in order to prevent
breaking.
A full body pump can be
used with threaded or
unthreaded cartridges and has an easy control
of gas release with the rotating knob or
trigger-pull control. Though it is slightly
heavier, it can support both the 12 gram and
16 gram cartridges. It is also made of metal
and does not break easily.
CO2 pumps are replacements for manual
pumps and not that suitable for regular use. A
cyclist should have enough spare cartridges
for both tires. One should also be aware that
although the tires are in good condition,

8. CO2 Cartridges: A Practical Guide Page 8
sharing your extra
cartridge may not be a
good idea especially if
you are up for a long trip.
These pumps often do
not come with pressure
gauges and the cyclist
should know or at least
have a hunch about the gauge needed to
inflate the tire. The safest way would be to
deflate the tire completely before inflating it
again; this way the cyclist will be able to
practice the amount of pressure that the tire
should get.
Using a CO2 pump with a full-body cartridge,
a metal head and has the ability to support
both threaded and unthreaded cartridges is the
best type for cyclists.

9. CO2 Cartridges: What
You Do Not Know
Might Hurt You

10. CO2 Cartridges: What You Do Not Know Might Hurt You Page 10
There are a lot of
things in this world which
may not seem that much,
but are in reality, very
useful. These elements,
though unseen and
intangible, may prove to be quite useful if
you just familiarize yourself with them.
Otherwise, you might not be able to handle
them properly, which could lead to disastrous
results. And of course, you do not want that.
Now, one of the most important elements in
the world is the Carbon Dioxide, which
otherwise known as CO2. If you remember
during your elementary school days, you
were taught that this atmospheric element was
very essential in the life of plants.

11. CO2 Cartridges: What You Do Not Know Might Hurt You Page 11
CO2 has become a staple
in many industries which
the world has at present
time. It is now considered
as essential in many fields,
such as science, medical,
trade and heck, even in the
food and beverage industry! From this it can
be gleaned that CO2 is needed not only by
plants alone – humans do too.
And because of their usefulness, gas
cartridges have been introduced in order to
make all useful gases usable for all. As a
whole, these gas cartridges are harmless if
there is nothing inside it. However, if it
contains gases, it is of essence that it be
handled properly. This rule applies to all
types, including CO2 Cartridges.

12. CO2 Cartridges: What You Do Not Know Might Hurt You Page 12
How To Handle It
CO2 Cartridges are actually
smaller and portable
versions of a gas cylinder.
However, just like its “big
brother”, handling it is
something that you must seriously take note
of. This is primordial in order to ensure that
no kind of harm is inflicted against you or
those around you.
Precaution and prudence is indispensable
when handling these canisters. If you are
planning on replacing your gas cartridges
with something that is flammable, make sure
that the fire or the heat supply is out. Read as
much as you can about them, because having
the necessary knowledge about them will

13. CO2 Cartridges: What You Do Not Know Might Hurt You Page 13
will come handy in time.
Never attempt to remove
the valves when you
know that the tank is still
under pressure. Do not
try to find leaks yourself,
most especially if the
cartridge is open or is near a heat supply.
Always remember that these canisters are
quite sensitive to heat - hence, you must
ensure that you store them in places with
room temperature. Storing them in rooms
and places without the proper ventilation will
pose as a problem. Do not allow this to
happen.

14. CO2 Cartridges: What You Do Not Know Might Hurt You Page 14
Disposing
The Disposable
If what you have are the
disposable CO2
Cartridges, again the
exercise of care and prudence is
indispensable. Do not just burn them or
throw them in places which may cause them
to blow up. Obviously, doing this will only
endanger you or those which are near it.
Now, if you think that you are unable to
handle these containers properly, do not
hesitate to call the manufacturers. Through
the help of these guys you can rest assured
that you will be safe and no risks are unduly
taken. This is imperative for the benefit of
all.

15. For more information
about
CO2 cartridges,
please check out
gas cartridges.