Question Warped yoke A-clamp self repair?

[JimmyTG6]

Hi all,

I have an apeks xtx yoke 1st stage that was recently damaged after getting struck by another cylinder on a boat while attached to my own cylinder. The A-clamp frame is now warped, which prevents proper pressurisation and so is unusable. The 1st stage itself is fine, but has anyone ever encountered a similar issue? Can a warped yoke clamp be fixed DIY, or would it be best to buy a conversion kit and just stick a new yoke or din on there? Cheers.

 

[rsingler]

Brass doesn't take kindly to reshaping.

 

[lairdb]

Depending on the alloy*, brass can be brittle or ductile, but think about it this way: you’ll never stop thinking about a component you hammered back into shape managing 3000psi and hovering right behind your brain stem — vs. a $30 replacement part.

(*and other considerations)

 

[JimmyTG6]

Depending on the alloy*, brass can be brittle or ductile, but think about it this way: you’ll never stop thinking about a component you hammered back into shape managing 3000psi and hovering right behind your brain stem — vs. a $30 replacement part.

(*and other considerations)

Well said. I think the part is toast for now. Can you suggest where I can find a replacement yoke clamp for $30 (I'm assuming USD)? Possibly without committing to a full replacement conversion kit? Apeks hasn't responded for several weeks...

 

[Pressurehead]

Have you thought about of changing it to DIN?
Apeks 1st Stage Regulator DIN Conversion Kit below.

I just had a look, the Apeks one is almost twice the price of the Scubapro one in Australia. Bloody hell.

 

[JimmyTG6]

Have you thought about of changing it to DIN?
Apeks 1st Stage Regulator DIN Conversion Kit below.
View attachment 834970

Yep, I have considered this. The only issue is I'm currently working remotely (Seychelles outer islands) so I wanted to explore DIY before waiting months for a part to arrive. I also can't justify the extra effort needed to get the DIN regs off compared to yoke regs although everyone who uses DIN swears by them.

 

[Angelo Farina]

"extra effort"? DIN connections should not be highly torqued, the reg is locked in position by pressure. Once depressurised it should unscrew much easier than an A-joke clamp.
if you get any resistance, the screw is damaged (ether in the reg or in the tank).

 

[Badger7]

I might suggest by starting a WTB post here. Anyone who already used a din conversion kit on their DST, FSR or MTX first would have that yoke you need sitting in thier parts box gathering dust. I couldn't find any inexpensive din to yoke kits new, even from various EU sources.

 

[Pearlman]

Perhaps you can find an unused old reg in the local Area dive shops where you are and remove the yoke clamp from it to use?

 

[rhwestfall]

simple question:

Are there other brand yokes that fit that retainer nut? The connection is pretty basic....

This is assuming the retainer "nut" isn't damaged too...