1. Unscrew the protection sleeve from the drain gun.
2. Insert the cartridge into the sleeve (make sure it's the correct size/type for your model).
3. Slowly screw the sleeve into the head of the drain gun until the cartridge just touches the puncture pin.
4. Quickly and firmly screw the sleeve all the way in to puncture and seal the cartridge.
   ? Note: You may hear a brief gas release — that’s normal. It will stop once the cartridge is fully tightened.
5. Attach the hose to the head of the drain gun.
6. Place the hose into the drain line and pull the trigger to release the gas.
7. For best results, use the full cartridge in a single use.

• Classic 16g Drain Gun (with trigger):
  • ✅ Compatible with both unthreaded and threaded 16 gram cartridges
  • ✅ Must be 8.3mm neck size (standard for most 16g)
• Red Button 16g Drain Gun:
  • ✅ Uses only unthreaded 16 gram cartridges
  • ✅ Must have an 8.3mm neck
• Green Button 20g Drain Gun:
  • ✅ Uses only unthreaded 20 gram cartridges
  • ✅ Must have an 8.3mm neck

? Good news: All of our 16g and 20g cartridges come with the standard 8.3mm neck, so you don’t need to worry about neck sizing when ordering from us.

1. Check the label or manual that came with your vest — it will usually list the required cartridge size (e.g., 16g, 33g) and thread type.
2. Look for the manufacturer’s specs printed directly on the inflator mechanism or cartridge housing.
3. Match the thread type — most vests use:
   • ○ Threaded cartridges (common for manual or automatic inflatables)
   • ○ Unthreaded cartridges (less common — check your specific model)
4. A key element is knowing the fitting size:
   • ○ The majority of life vests use a 1/2" fitting
   • ○ Some larger commercial or offshore vests use a 5/8"
   • ○ Smaller vests may use a 3/8"

✅ Be sure you know your vest’s fitting size before purchasing a replacement cartridge.

? Still unsure? Send us a photo of your inflator or model number, and we’ll help you identify the correct cartridge.

The main difference comes down to purity standards and intended use:

• Beverage-Grade Gas
  • ○ Purified specifically for use in food and drink applications (like soda, beer, cold brew, and sparkling water systems)
  • ○ Meets FDA or food-grade standards to ensure it’s safe for human consumption
  • ○ Packaged and handled to prevent contamination
• Industrial-Grade Gas
  • ○ Intended for non-consumable uses like cleaning HVAC lines, inflating tires, or powering tools
  • ○ May contain trace impurities that are safe for equipment but not suitable for food or beverage use
  • ○ Typically more economical when food safety isn’t needed

✅ It is perfectly fine to use beverage-grade cartridges for industrial purposes. They meet higher purity standards, so they can be safely used in place of industrial gas — just not the other way around.

⚠️ Never use industrial gas for beverage or food-related applications.

Need help deciding? Contact us with your application and we’ll point you in the right direction.