R12 Charge Cans
 

The last time I recharged my R12 system, The top of the cans were just like cans for spray paint but without the plastic nozzle. The charging hose connects to the inner rim, the charge valve screws down into the hole in the middle of the can and voilá.

I just now bought some new cans of R12, but the center part has a thin metal cover. Is this cover supposed to be taken off, or is it soft enough for the valve of the charge hose to penetrate when attaching the hose?

I am not sure of the metal, but I think it is a thin aluminum covering? I believe your connection and hose attaches to outside lip of can, and the plunger screws in and penetrates the covering. Then you back it out to fill the system.

Yes, the valve pierces the metal when you attach it.

~Nate

you are thinking of the R134 cans, they have a threaded connection to attach a hose to.
the R12 cans use a clamp system that attaches to the outside of the top of the can, and a valve threads down to the metal you are describing. then you turn in the valve handle, and pierce the metal. then open the valve handle and charge the system
DO NOT REMOVE THE THIN METAL!!!

Sorry to all. I think I caused a bit of confusion by the wording of the original question. The metal cover in question is about the diameter of a quarter (much larger than the charge nozzle) and it covers the entire center portion of the can. There is absolutely no way to connect the charge hose without removing the cover.

A picture would be helpful :)

The R-12 clamp is unique by itself for hooking up to the freon canister. It is not like the R-134 attachment. They are not like one size fits all!

WHOA!! If you just bought these cans, like in a store, they are not R12, they are 134A. Do not mix R12 and R134A. If you are unsure about what you're doing, stop. You could easily kill yourself. R12 is only available with a 609 certificate. Mixing types can lead to compressor failure or worse.

Bump for photo addition