Tying on Bolt Snaps

[Aquamaniac]

What are the options for tying bolt snaps to equipment.
What are the reasons for and against, what are YOUR experiences and what suggestions do you have.

Dave

 

[ckharlan66]

I don't think it really matters how you do it as long as it is durable and break away.

I attach with O-rings, but, I am looking forward to hearing how others do it.

Chad

 

[AquaTec]

describe what you mean by break away.

to me that means to just pull on it

 

[ckharlan66]

By break away I mean easily severed. I would think you should have to cut it or it would be too fragile.

Sorry for the poor wording.

Chad

 

[Scubaroo]

A number of ways are discussed here on these threads:

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9910
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12686

Personally, I use nylon (cave) line for tying bolt snaps to backup lights, and use an o-ring/zip tie for use on hoses. For connections where I want a breakaway connection, I use a really light zip tie so that the zip tie breaks first, leaving the o-ring to provide some flex, and on tougher connections, I use a heavier zip tie so that the o-ring becomes the breakaway connection - tough to break, but still possible without using snips or a knife.

Here's a pic of how I currently do it:

http://www.scubaboard.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=101766

I just find it easier to use an o-ring and zip tie over cave line - saves tying knots, and looks a lot neater. But for things like backup lights where the connection is being pulled through the rubber tubing on my harness, I'll keep the cave line - there is no abrasive point on the trimmed zip tie to catch on anything.

 

[ckharlan66]

I do the same thing as bengiddins with the o-ring but I just use a bigger one and put it around the hose instead of using the ziptie.

Chad

 

[Uncle Pug]

After you tie your snaps onto the light with line put a drop of super glue on the knot.

btw... like Chad I wrap the o-ring around the hose and then use the zip tie to secure it to the bolt snap.

 

[ckharlan66]

I don't use a zip tie at all. I wrap the o-ring around the snap and then put the ends of the o-ring around the hose.

Is there some reason I should rethink this?

Chad

 

[AquaTec]

I use just an oring on my reg. as described above
I use zio tie on my reserve lights

and on my psi gauge i use a velcro watch strap and attach it to my low pressure inflator

 

[Genesis]

and I use the $0.10 O-rings from Home depot for this (it just happens that the same size that I need for my helm pump's shaft seals are a near-perfect - and nice and snug - fit for this)

They are tough to get on, but they don't slide down the hose and yet if you REALLY need to get it loose you can.