How easy is it to move around second stages?

[layday]

Hey everyone,

I'm investing in my first set up. I'm going for BP&W. Now, it looks like switching out single tank and double tank wings is easy enough. However, I'm wondering about my regulator set up. I would like to get just a double set up and just put the both second stages onto a first stage if I want to do a single tank. Is this something I can do myself? Is it safe to do myself? It looks relatively uncomplicated from youtube videos but I would like some better opinions. It would be very convenient to just buy two firsts and two seconds and be able to pop both seconds on a single first if I need it.

Please let me know any thoughts you have or anything else that I may not be taking into account.

Best, layday

 

[tursiops]

You can do it yourself, it is easy, it is safe. Just go slowly, be careful, keep everything clean. Use wrenches that fit, change o-rings if needed, or maybe even always use a new one. Don't lose the port plugs.

 

[layday]

Great news, thanks!

 

[tomfcrist]

You could also put an H valve on your single tanks...then you don't really need to change anything on your doubles regs.

 

[scoobydrew]

I have a standard set of regs that I use for single tank diving with a BP/W. When I do a tech dive using doubles I juggle in another 1st stage, LPI hose and long hose then I'm good to go, its a simple switch. My process here is a little more complicated as for single tank set up I have my regs in yoke as thats the standard tank valve out here for recreational and I fully convert the reg to DIN when switching it to tech, again it takes about 5 mins, I use Scubapro MK 25s. It actually takes me longer to take off the cam bands and nuts from my single set up on my BP/W and bolt it on to a set of twins.

Always make yourself as informed as you can and ideally try to find someone to go through it with you if possible.

 

[divad]

Hey everyone,

I'm investing in my first set up. I'm going for BP&W. Now, it looks like switching out single tank and double tank wings is easy enough. However, I'm wondering about my regulator set up. I would like to get just a double set up and just put the both second stages onto a first stage if I want to do a single tank. Is this something I can do myself? Is it safe to do myself? It looks relatively uncomplicated from youtube videos but I would like some better opinions. It would be very convenient to just buy two firsts and two seconds and be able to pop both seconds on a single first if I need it.

Please let me know any thoughts you have or anything else that I may not be taking into account.

Best, layday

If you can't screw it on with your fingertips easily, you are probably cross-threading it. So stop, and back it out.

 

[Keith.M]

Yes, changing hoses around is very simple. Just take your time and keep things clean. Finger tight and then snug it up with a wrench. Remember that it is sealed by the o-ring and not how tight it is.

 

[tbone1004]

if you are diving single tank in a wetsuit, then the only change that needs to be made is the primary. Everything should be just "snug" don't tighten.

 

[kelemvor]

I change mine around somewhat frequently as I switch between backmount and sidemount. I'm too cheap to buy extra regulators, I guess. That part of the reg is totally "user serviceable." I'm not a service tech, or even a tech diver.

Although I did read a story on scubaboard of some LDS who ostracized their customers for doing this very thing. I guess they didn't like being in business and figured they had enough of a local monopoly to support their opinion. If you live in a rural area and have only one dive shop nearby for service, just don't mention it to them in case they're of a similar ilk.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba 2]

You can do it yourself, it is easy, it is safe. Just go slowly, be careful, keep everything clean. Use wrenches that fit, change o-rings if needed, or maybe even always use a new one. Don't lose the port plugs.

Sage advice indeed....especially on the o-rings and not losing the port plugs, those little buggers will get away from you every time!