With the price of gas continuing its upward trajectory, the possibility of fuel theft is going to rise accordingly. Denver's own 9News is reporting that crooks are beginning to move beyond the traditional method of siphoning gas out of the tank by sucking on a hose placed inside the fuel tank and instead are busting out the power drill. The victimized vehicles are primarily SUVs whose higher ride height makes it easier for Mad Max-inspired criminals to get underneath and do their worst. While stealing fuel is a wholly bad idea in its own right, the idea of drilling into a metal tank filled with an explosive substance seems particularly insane. Then again, maybe these desperate criminals might be getting what's coming to them.
[Source: 9News via TTAC]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
FSM @ Mar 12th 2008 6:42PM
If bullets can't cause a tank to explode, I doubt a hot drill bit will do so. The gas has to be in vaporized form to ignite. Mythbusters proved this.
Franz @ Mar 12th 2008 6:47PM
There are plenty of fumes inside a gas tank, especially if it isn't filled all the way. I agree that a hot drill bit wouldn't ignite it, but I've drilled through metal before and seen loads of sparks fly. Maybe the crooks really don't have much to worry about in the way of an explosion... I dunno for sure, but that's not a theory I'd be willing to put to the test myself.
rar @ Mar 12th 2008 6:49PM
You might be right, but I would not want to try it!. Does anyone know what kind of truck that is on the lift? Heavy duty leaf springs, offset pumpkin on the rear end, nice size Goodrich mud terrain tires, maybe Rancho type shocks.
Stuka @ Mar 12th 2008 7:25PM
Its a CJ7, later 70's, with a QT t-case and a offset D44 rear axle I would say. Those springs have got to flex horribly, really thick pack, and the springs aren't tapered.
Ray @ Mar 15th 2008 7:12AM
As a Firefighter for over 30 years I have yet to see a fuel tank explode, except in the movies, ala mythbusters. In order for there to be an explosion or fire, there has to be a mixiture of fuel vapors and oxygen in the proper ratios exposed to a heat/ignition source. All three are available here, but they would have to come together, most likely OUTSIDE the fuel tank as the fuel was draining into the container the thieves were using, or spilling onto the street when they got all they could handle and took off. Since I doubt they would plug the hole they created. Then guess who, by law, gets to pay for the clean up of the fuel spill...the owner of the offending vehicle....that's the insult to injury, you lose your gasoline and then have to pay to clean up what the thieves leave to run down the street. Better hope it doesn't get into a storm drain...
W. C. Peterson @ Mar 15th 2008 10:35AM
Just about every automobile with fuel injection has a high pressure fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank. The pump is driven by an electric motor, with brushes and commutator, which produce a constant spark as it runs. The fuel tank has an atmosphere of fuel vapors and a little bit of air, but in every case, the atmosphere is way too rich to burn.
Destiny @ Mar 15th 2008 10:52AM
There was a recent case in richmond ky where the tanks caught on fire of several cars on a car lot when a theif drilled into the tanks trying to get the gas. It can happen!
Destiny @ Mar 15th 2008 10:53AM
There was a recent case in richmond ky where the tanks caught on fire of several cars on a car lot when a theif drilled into the tanks trying to get the gas. It can happen!
John R Enright @ Mar 15th 2008 11:01AM
when the gas pours out,some of it vaporizes.this enough to give the thief what he has coming.
dropbomzonyamomz @ Mar 15th 2008 11:55AM
ummm if the gas tank cant explode from a bullet, why does al quida and the taliban practice shoing moving cars gas tanks?
DeForger @ Mar 15th 2008 12:26PM
Many of todays fuel tank are plastic and covered by a metal shield. Once thru the shield it will go with ease thru the plastic tank. Yes there is a chance of static spark but highly doubtful. Going after the SUV's & trucks with high ground clearance makes it easy.
Frick @ Mar 12th 2008 6:43PM
forget drills... a plasma cutter goes through the job MUCH quicker..... hear that Bubba?
RondoCelt @ Mar 22nd 2008 6:27AM
A plasma cutter requires more accesories than a cordless drill, and gives off a very bright light. Not too subtle.
Gronto @ Mar 16th 2008 8:25AM
Plasma heck, will the blast and sparks of a 12ga. shotgun ignite gas, Bubbette?
Pat @ Mar 15th 2008 10:15AM
Well here in Alaska we have what is known as the "Castle Law" - so quess what?
Mal Fuller @ Mar 12th 2008 6:44PM
I love it. Hopefully a cordless drill's DC motor or the drill's trigger switch can produce the necessary spark to ignite the gas soaked creep while he's taking what doesn't belong to him.
Sam @ Mar 15th 2008 10:13AM
I was burned back in 1999. I don't care what anyone on here says, NOBODY should wish someone to get burned, regardless of what they are doing!
I wasn't doing anything wrong like steeling gas or anything , but never the less I was burned and it is nothing to joke about!
Mal Fuller @ Mar 15th 2008 12:40PM
Sam,
I'm sorry that you were burned and I'm sorry that I offended you.
brian @ Mar 12th 2008 6:46PM
Actually, gasoline is not flammable. The fumes are, sure, but if you drill into the bottom, you will be hitting gas. No flames should ensue.
Frick @ Mar 12th 2008 6:54PM
Is that so. How long do you think it takes spilling gasoline to vaporise?