Recommended developing tanks

My favorite tanks are (were) made by Kinderman. The tank is a heavy stainless steel and the lids are plastic with a lip around the cap that makes it a breeze to get off when you need to. They have a very efficient baffle that allows fast pouring of chemicals and I have never had a leak problem, nor have the lids come off unexpectedly. They were expensive when I bought them 25 years ago, but still work like new after thousands of roll developed with them. +1 for Rodeo Joe's recommendation of reels with pins rather than springs for 35 mm--the Hewes reels are the easiest reels to load that I have ever used.

That reminds me of another tip - keep a coin handy for prising the cap off.

 

On one occasion I had the cap stuck so firmly that it delayed my emptying the developer out. I broke a fingernail trying to pull the darn thing free, and was beginning to panic until I thought of using a coin from my pocket. Now I always keep a suitably sized coin handy on the worktop, along with a folded towel to bang the tank on to dislodge air bells.

 

Yes, I've popped the cap off with something handy more than once. Since I develop in the bathroom and also have been known to empty my pockets there, I have a change jar handy and that's been a frequent tool.

 

At one point or another, I chucked the lid into the lathe, the cap in the tail stock, and attempted to use some valve lapping compound to get a better fit. I went pretty easy, but if anything I think lapping them together has made the fit even tighter. I guess if the stuff is designed to make automotive valves seal tightly, it will help on any metal to metal seal(although admittedly the only time there's any kind of negative pressure is just a little bit on the exhaust valve during the intake stroke). Even at that, I spend a few bucks several months back having stainless steel exhaust valves and seats on my MG.

Ben, I think you might be using too powerful a developer if the lid of your developing tank has to hold back a pressure of several hundred psi.