Harness kits and d-rings

[deepdiverbc]

What grade of stainless are most d-rings?

I have found a source for 316 stainless (wire type) d-rings but have read that when welded/heated 316 stainless is sensitized and can corrode. Only 316L (low carbon) stainless is not effected by heat. Is this why a lot of d-rings are 304 stainless or is this just an issure for long term exposure in salt water that affects all stainless except 316L?

What is a good source for stainless d-rings and harness webbing?

[IzzyTahil]

actually from what i understand, 316L ss is better in sw than 304/306 ss.

I just got a fredT plate with harness kit and pleased with the ss d rings, buckle, keepers. All 316L ss.

[Bob3]

Fred can fix you up with the webbing, too.
His goodies are laser cut out of sheet stock, no welding & you can't find anything better out there.

[Bloop]

Hello Bob,

I read so much about Fred's BP and am interested in it. Anyway you can post his email and website here?

[deepdiverbc]

I agree 316L is the best and I am buying my plate from Fred T. As I mentioned in my post 316L it is not affected by heating. I'm just not use to the flat metal style used by Fred T although I have read reviews from divers that like it and his hardware has no weld joints. Who knows I might change my mind.

For rounded wire style d-rings I was wondering if 316 (without the L) is the only one affected by heating or if 304 is also affected. I found one supplier with 316 but it seems most others are 304 and I am wondering if the heat issue is the reason why.

[Albion]

it is lacking in molybdenum (from memory). Really in sea water 316 is a minimum, 304 ok but you will notice any 304 that hasnt been rinsed well will start to tarnish.


The L can can be applied to both 316 and 304, so presumably you need a 304L to wled this grade, but i am not too familiar with 304 properties.

So in summary most D rings and fittings are 304 cos its cheaper than 316


Bloop - I have just ordered a FredT plate will let you know when it comes in how things go

[Bloop]

Albion once bubbled...
it is lacking in molybdenum (from memory). Really in sea water 316 is a minimum, 304 ok but you will notice any 304 that hasnt been rinsed well will start to tarnish.


The L can can be applied to both 316 and 304, so presumably you need a 304L to wled this grade, but i am not too familiar with 304 properties.

So in summary most D rings and fittings are 304 cos its cheaper than 316


Bloop - I have just ordered a FredT plate will let you know when it comes in how things go

Maybe we can meet up, I buy the beer! I'll bring my Oxycheq 45# and we can play with the toys.

[Bob3]

Fred's email addy is: ftagge@goldinc.com

He has a web page somewhere but I don't have it offhand. AUL sells his plates & kits, you can see them there if you want to take a look: http://www.aul-inc.com/Htm_Files/SS%20Backplates.htm

Takes a while to load.
As I mentioned, they're laser cut out of a slab of the good SS, you can find cheaper, but be hard pressed to find better.

[deepdiverbc]

Does anyone know if Halcyon bolt snaps and d-rings are #304 or #316 stainless. I can't find any information on their web site or by searching the net. I know their plates are #304.

[goatboy_k]

i have the FredT rings on my harness. I have about 50 dives on it with the FredT plate and Oxycheq 45lbs wings. I first bought the regular d-rings from him, and used them for a bit. The only thing that sucks about the regular rings is that since they are cut from plate stock they have corners causing them to want to sit in 3 positions, flat down, strait out, or flat up. This is ok to keep them out of the way, but i ended up reordering his billy rings. these are bent to stay in the same position. I like these alot better because when i go to clip something off they are rigid and i can just open up the bolt snap and pull it down on the ring, i don't have the problem if i miss slightly with the bolt snap the ring does not want to fold flat, the billy rings just sit there and the bolt snap slides over it till it gets hooked, once you feel the bolt snap hook release the snap and your good. just my impression on his stuff. Both the billy rings and the d rings are made from the same material and while i don't dive in salt water both have no signs of wear or corrosion.

kurt