How to Use a Helium Tank
Party balloons are an excellent way to liven up any celebration from a child's birthday party to a retirement celebration at work. You can save a considerable amount of money when you blow up your own balloons with a rented helium tank.
First: Find a helium tank
The easiest way to acquire a helium tank is to rent one from a party supplies store. When you are shopping around for one, keep in mind that helium tanks are very large and unwieldy. Although you may want the best price, helium is very affordable, so make convenience the top priority. Ask the store about delivery, the amount of helium and the length of the rental period.
Second: Preparation checklist
Before you use the tank, make sure that everything is ready. Have your balloons, ribbon and scissors within reach. Only use the tank in an upright position; for safety reasons, never use a tank on its side. When you are ready, slowly turn the metal knob on top of the tank to allow helium to flow; you may hear a brief pop or a hiss when you do this.
Third: Blowing up your balloons
Take your time with the first balloons you attempt. Place the balloon opening around the rubber tip on the tank; do not jostle the rubber tip too much. Wrap an appropriate length of ribbon around the tip of the balloon. Hold tightly to the neck and ribbon as your gently push the tip down or to one side, whichever works better for you; helium comes out of the rubber tip and start to fill the balloon. Try to fill it slowly at first until you get used to the process.
Fourth: Tying off balloons
Tying off balloons is the trickiest part of inflating helium balloons. Since most helium tank rubber tips are tapered, you can tighten the ribbon until it slides off the end and then quickly tie it off, giving you an inflated balloon with a ribbon attached. However, many balloons tied off this way can lose air. It is very effective, though a bit rough on your fingers, to use the balloon's own neck to tie it off and then tie the ribbon just above the balloon knot. Balloons tied this way last a long time.