Happened in a shop where I get my fills now and then.
I dropped off my tanks (HP Steel) asking for 32% Nitrox and said Id pick them up in a week.
Week later when I stopped by to pick the tanks up, they were not filled. I was slightly disappointed (first time it happened at this shop), but was not overly surprised, since, judging from my experience, its not very unusual.
So the clerk who works there part-time offers me to wait while he fills the tanks. No problem. I said. My expectations for a good service in general, and such in diving industry in particular, are not very high.
In a few minutes he said he could only fill my tanks to 3200#. That I found to be unusual and inquired why.
What pressure do you want them filled to? he asked.
Service pressure. I replied.
How high is that?
3442.
No, you dont understand, thats what it says on the valve. But these tanks are not to be filled above 3000.
I know my tanks, I know their service pressure. Ive had tanks filled at the shop many times. Never had an issue. So I was confident enough to keep on arguing with the guy for another minute or so.
Alright.- he said.
What? I was feeling victorious.
Our 32% Nitrox bank is down to 3200, so I cant give you a fill above that today
It was perfectly OK with me, as long as there was a reasonable explanation
But do you think it would be a wise idea to take gear advice from this character? I don't think so. That much for buying from an LDS, partucularly, if you do need advice.
