RedRock FAQs

1. Unscrew the protection sleeve from the drain gun.
2. Insert the cartridge into the sleeve. Make sure it is the correct size and 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 is 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.

Watch the demonstration:

The correct CO2 cartridge depends on the style of drain gun you have. The most important things to match are the cartridge size, whether the cartridge is threaded or unthreaded, and the neck diameter.

If you are unsure which cartridge your drain gun requires, check the original cartridge, the drain gun label, or the product manual. You can also send us a photo of the tool and cartridge area, and we can help point you in the right direction.

• Classic 16g Drain Gun with Trigger:
  • Compatible with many 16 gram CO2 cartridges.
  • Some models accept both threaded and unthreaded 16g cartridges.
  • Must match the correct neck size, which is commonly 8.3mm.
• Red Button 16g Drain Gun:
  • Uses unthreaded 16 gram CO2 cartridges.
  • Must have an 8.3mm neck.
• Green Button 20g Drain Gun:
  • Uses unthreaded 20 gram CO2 cartridges.
  • Must have an 8.3mm neck.

Good news: RedRock 16g and 20g HVAC CO2 cartridges are made with the standard 8.3mm neck, so you do not need to worry about neck sizing when ordering compatible cartridges from us.

An 8.3mm neck CO2 cartridge refers to the diameter of the narrow neck at the top of the cartridge. This neck is the part that fits into the tool or device and is punctured to release the gas.

For many HVAC drain guns, bike inflators, and other small CO2-powered tools, the neck size matters because the cartridge needs to seat correctly inside the device. If the neck is too large, too small, or shaped incorrectly, the cartridge may not seal properly or may not puncture correctly.

Bike Inflator Instructions: Unthreaded Cartridge + Button Release

Step 1: Insert Cartridge

1. Unscrew the protection sleeve from the inflator.
2. Insert the correct size unthreaded cartridge into the sleeve.
3. Slowly screw the sleeve into the head of the inflator 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 is normal. It will stop once the cartridge is fully tightened.

Step 2: Attach to Tire Valve

• Schrader Valve, also called car-style valve:
  1. Remove the valve cap.
  2. Push the inflator nozzle straight onto the valve.
• Presta Valve, also called slim high-pressure valve:
  1. Unscrew the small brass nut at the top until it loosens and the valve can be depressed.
  2. Push the inflator nozzle straight onto the valve.

Step 3: Inflate Tire

1. Press the button on the inflator to release gas into the tire.
2. Inflation is very fast. Only press the button until the tire feels firm.
3. Release the button to stop airflow.

Step 4: Finish Up

1. For Presta valves, screw the brass nut back down after inflation.
2. Replace the valve cap on either valve type.
3. Store or recycle the empty cartridge.

1. Check the label or manual that came with your vest. It will usually list the required cartridge size, such as 16g, 24g, 33g, 38g, or another size.
2. Look for the manufacturer’s specs printed directly on the inflator mechanism or cartridge housing.
3. Match the thread type. Most inflatable life jackets use threaded cartridges, but you should always check your specific model.
4. Confirm the fitting size. Common fitting sizes include:
   • 3/8 inch threaded fitting
   • 1/2 inch threaded fitting
   • 5/8 inch threaded fitting

Be sure you know your vest’s required cartridge size, thread type, and fitting size before purchasing a replacement cartridge.

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

In many cases, industrial CO2 cartridges are used for non-food applications such as life jackets, HVAC drain guns, tire inflation, and other equipment uses. However, the most important part of choosing a life jacket cartridge is not just the gas grade. You must match the exact cartridge size, thread type, and fitting required by your life jacket manufacturer.

Before using any replacement cartridge in a life jacket, check the life jacket label, manual, inflator housing, or original cartridge. The replacement cartridge should match the manufacturer’s required specifications.

The main difference between beverage-grade CO2 and industrial CO2 is the intended use, purity standard, and handling requirements.

Beverage-grade CO2 can generally be used in place of industrial CO2 for non-food uses because it is held to a higher intended-use standard. However, industrial CO2 should not be used for beverages, food, soda, beer, sparkling water, or any application where the gas contacts something that will be consumed.

If you are not sure which grade you need, contact us with your application and we can help you choose the correct cartridge.

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

• Beverage-Grade Gas
  • Purified and handled for use in food and drink applications.
  • Commonly used for soda, beer, cold brew, sparkling water, and mini keg systems.
  • Intended for applications where gas may contact something that will be consumed.
• Industrial-Grade Gas
  • Intended for non-consumable uses like cleaning HVAC lines, inflating tires, life jackets, or powering tools.
  • Typically more economical when food safety is not required.
  • Not intended for food or beverage applications.

It is generally fine to use beverage-grade cartridges for industrial purposes. They are suitable for a higher-standard use, so they can be used in many non-food applications.

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

The CO2 cartridge size for a mini keg depends on the keg system, regulator, and cartridge holder. Many small beverage systems use threaded CO2 cartridges, but the exact gram size can vary by brand and setup.

Common mini keg and beverage dispensing systems may use sizes such as 16g, 33g, or larger CO2 cartridges depending on the system design. Some larger or higher-volume systems may require larger threaded CO2 cartridges.

If you are unsure what size cartridge your mini keg uses, check the regulator, cartridge holder, original cartridge, or manufacturer’s manual. You can also contact us with a photo or model number and we can help identify the correct cartridge.