Summer Efficiency Series: Part III

Planning is a crucial step in any gathering. We plan so many small details and sometimes overlook larger ones as a result. Besides knowing how many balloons you want for the effect and look you're going for (as well as what suits your venue), you'll also need to know how much helium you'll need.

If you own your own helium tank and know you have some leftover from a previous event, don't guess as to how much pressure you have. Some people may remember exactly how many balloons they inflated last time, but most of us probably won't. Plus, you'd have to take into consideration the sizes of the balloons inflated and if they were over or under-inflated. Now it's getting trickier. To avoid any guessing, we suggest making an investment in a balloon filler with a contents gauge and quick tie needle (also known as a disc hook). Spoiler alert: We'll discuss the benefit of the balloon tie disc in Part IV of our series.

Chances are you own a balloon filler valve already, otherwise you wouldn't be able to inflate balloons. Not everyone has a valve with a contents gauge though. This is beneficial as it will always tell you exactly how much pressure you have in the helium tank. It takes all the guesswork away and makes it easier for you to plan. If the needle is in the red (literally), then you know it's time to get a refill or swap out tanks.

Need another reason to love this? It doesn't require a wrench to tighten! That's right. It's hand-tighten only. This makes it a convenient option for those who transport their helium tanks. You don't have to carry any additional tools, just the valve.

Using your Gauge

Having a gauge is one half of the battle. The other half is knowing how to read the contents gauge properly and using this knowledge to your benefit. See our info graphic for all the details.

Don't get caught without enough, and ditch the stress that comes with it! Need more tools and tricks to work efficiently?

Read the Series!

Part I - Disposable Helium Tanks
Part II - Pull-String Bows
Part IV - Balloon Tie Discs
Part V - A Ribbon Cutting Technique

Written by: Miriam E. Medellin

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Cylinder Sizes

We often get asked for height and weight measurements of helium cylinders. Whether you're renting or purchasing, it's good to know exactly what you're getting. It needs to meet your needs with regards to output, but in many cases, it also needs to be easily transported. If you plan to be mobile while using your cylinder, make sure it's something you're comfortable transporting. Will you be able load it into a vehicle unassisted? If not, will someone be available to help you? Do you plan on transporting it a lot or just occasionally? These are just a few questions to ask yourself when deciding on a cylinder size. Consider the following information to assist in your decision-making. Small Cylinder 55 cu. ft. Inflates approximately 65 12" latex balloons Stands 27" tall and is approximately 8.5" in diameter Weighs in at 26 lbs.* (aluminum cylinder) Medium Cylinder 125 cu. ft. Inflates approximately 200 12" latex balloons Stands

HX Loyalty Program for Large Cylinders

Chances are you've heard about or read up on our loyalty program. We've had such a great response to this program that now we're taking it one step further. Many of you asked if the program extended to large cylinders and we're happy to announce that now it does! Here's the breakdown... A large cylinder alone costs $300.00. You still need to fill it with helium and purchase a valve. We recommend purchasing a valve with a gauge so that you can monitor the amount of helium you have in your cylinder. This would cost $524.95. As you know, we granted massive discounts for small and medium-sized cylinders. And our newest program for large cylinders is no different. Now, you can purchase a large cylinder (full of helium) and a valve with a gauge for just $420! When you need it refilled, just pay $145*! Compare it to our other size options and see which one works for you . Written by: Miriam E. Medellin *Edited on July 24, 2019 to reflect price increase

A Sleeping Giant by Marshall Peterson

We share a great amount of information with employees and customers alike to ensure safe interaction with the gases and cylinders we sell. The following poem creatively illustrates the potential danger of pressurized gas. Some of you may recognize this as we have it posted in our store, as well as on our website . Though we do not intend to scare anyone away from using helium or the like, it's important to recognize the risks associated with gas under pressure. It commands great care and respect, as you'll see. A Sleeping Giant I am a compressed gas cylinder. I weigh in at 175 pounds with or without gas. I am pressurized at 2,200 pounds per square inch (psi). I have a wall thickness of about ¼ inch. I stand 57 inches tall. I am 9 inches in diameter. I wear a cap when not in use. I wear valves, gauges, and hoses when at work. I wear many colors and bands to tell what tasks I perform. I transform miscellaneous stacks of material into glistening ships and many ot

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