reg self service

[gooseadiver]

I would like to be able to service my own regs. Mainly because I am a mechanicaly minded person that wants to know how my equipment works and how to fix and maintain it. I have looked into the padi gear class and was told that the instruction does not include reg rebuilding. So how does a person learn this skill? Is this type of training only available to dive shop workers?
I want to be clear that I have no problem spending money at a dive shop for service, however, it is my life and I want to know that my equipment is working properly.
Thanks in advance!

[DiveTub]

Basically
If you want to get certified to service regs you must either work for an LDS or be sponsored by a shop to go to the training courses.

Regs are easy enough to service but without the replacement parts and for some regs the specialist tolls to pull em apart you are stuffed, without your certification on those regs the supplier is not going to help you out with either of the above.

The primary reason for this is legality, you go and service your regs and then drown yourself with them, and your family may well decide to sue the Manufacturer for allowing you to service your own gear without being properly trained to do so.

If you do a search for Reg servicing you will find many posts on this topic.

[pipedope]

Go to;
http://www.airspeedpress.com/index.html
And get the book, "SCUBA Regulator Maintenance and Repair" by Vance Harlow.
He has several other great books for sale also that are very informative and intertaining.

If you make friends with the people at your LDS they might help you out. For example you might be able to watch or participate in the servicing of your gear that you have paid them to service.

In commercial diving, lots of companies want the divers doing the work on the gear they will be diving. It helps keep them focused.:rolleyes:

[gooseadiver]

Thanks for the replies! I did a search and found lots of good info on the subject. I talked to my lds and they said that if I buy a reg from them then they will show me how it ticks. Thanks again!
By the way the link to air speed press does not work.

[pipedope]

That link was working but it looks like the site is down right now.
I sent a message to Vance Harlow (oxyhacker on scuba board) to see what is going on.

[divermasterB]

It has been down for the past few days. I have been trying to get to it for some updates on my oxy hacker.

[Stone]

Oxyhacker says: "Our webhost, Westhost, seems to have had a major meltdown, and our webpage is down, so the page mentioned below is temporarily unavailable."

[Knavey]

Order that book as soon as his site is back up. I did...and have NO regrets. Its a trove of information on regs and rebuilds.

[nwdiver2]

When you settle on the reg you will use stick with them, I use Aqualung Micras and the newer Aqualung first stages. I changed to another brand took the course to service it, then had hassles with tools; you may need something special and parts kits. I am certed to work on other regs, would I? No I took the course and have never seen the regs. If you work on one regularrly you stay sharp.

I keep about 4 rebuild kits for my Micras and 2 each for the 1st stages on hand, as I use them I replace them. Micras have been around a long time and parts will be available as the number out there is high. Total rebuild kits run $20.00 and it takes about 1 hour to service a 1st and 2nd stage.

The recommended book is great as an over view; get the specific manuals for your regs. Have fun.

[Salt_Water_Cowboy]

When you settle on the reg you will use stick with them, I use Aqualung Micras and the newer Aqualung first stages. I changed to another brand took the course to service it, then had hassles with tools; you may need something special and parts kits. I am certed to work on other regs, would I? No I took the course and have never seen the regs. If you work on one regularrly you stay sharp.

I keep about 4 rebuild kits for my Micras and 2 each for the 1st stages on hand, as I use them I replace them. Micras have been around a long time and parts will be available as the number out there is high. Total rebuild kits run $20.00 and it takes about 1 hour to service a 1st and 2nd stage.

The recommended book is great as an over view; get the specific manuals for your regs. Have fun.
Hi

I have an Oceanic GT DX4 Diaphragm Regulator. I have been trying to find a services manual however, I have had no luck so far. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Coo's Toe]

I love the Vance Harlow book. Another good one is the one put out by Peterbuilt. You should be looking at his site for tools anyway, so check out the book while you're there.