First stage connections

[frogman159]

This is probably the dumbest question ever, but I was warned by someone not to buy regulators online because the 1st stage connections must be made by a tech and the regulator "bench tested"

When I look at the connections, it simply looks like a threaded male end with an O ring that can be hand tightened with a small cresent wrench, am I missing something here?

[frogman159]

and what exactly is "bench" testing...don't tell me they'll hook it to a tank an press the purge button

[WV Diver]

Nope, you got it, that's all there is to it. I take my dry hose and LP Inflator hose on and off and move them around on rigs fairly often. You just need to be really careful and watch what your doing.

[CompuDude]

I think there are some bench testing procedures that are a wee bit more rigorous. Regs are hooked to an IP gauge to make sure all flow rates are within specs, breaking pressure is tested with a machine that gives an actual number, etc.

And frankly, there are people out there that should not be trusted with a wrench in their hand, even if the OP is perfectly competent. (Note: you do need to take care not to over-tighten and squish the heck out of the o-ring, but aside from that, hooking a reg up to hoses is not rocket science.)

[frogman159]

Thanks for the responses, I think I'll be ok, I know my way around a toolbox

[doczerothree]

alway buy from a reputable dealer. You CAN find them online

[Black-Gorrilla]

read what Larry wrote about this in my Sig....

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by frogman159

Thanks for the responses, I think I'll be ok, I know my way around a toolbox

No offense, but if you needed to ask the question, you need to let Compudude's comments register.

Be careful. Threads are soft. Hand tighten fittings then torque just a tad so as not to deform the o-rings as he said.

The IP and cracking pressure should be checked and then adjusted if needed. Makes for a better dive if the reg breaths at is intended. I am sure can you put the 1st and 2 stages together without help, but you would not necessarily know the reg may not be up to spec until your first service.

All dive shops I am experienced with will do this as part of your purchase. Don't be surprised if they charge you however if the reg was not purchased from them. They have to pay the guy working the bench.

[fireflock]

In addition, there are plenty of online vendors who will have their tech assemble the reg and bench test it before they send it to you.

I bought a reg from ST and it came assembled and complete with a sheet of paper detailing the specs from the bench test.

[frogman159]

Originally Posted by fireflock

In addition, there are plenty of online vendors who will have their tech assemble the reg and bench test it before they send it to you.

I bought a reg from ST and it came assembled and complete with a sheet of paper detailing the specs from the bench test.

Thats good to know, I've been eyeballing a couple regs on ST, but wanted to dispell any myths spred by LDS before I purchased.

I had a feeling of the answer before I posted, but just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I'll probably have to connect the gauge and inflator hose myself, its just the LDS scared me a little.