Changing my LP regulator hose...

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

noj3333

Contributor
Messages
915
Reaction score
474
Location
Albany, New York
# of dives
100 - 199
I just bought a new LP hose to connect my first stage to my primary second stage. Changing this should be simple, disconnect the old lp hose and replace it, correct? No lube and don't 'over tighten' the new hose, correct?

I feel like I'm overthinking this, I just want to be sure of everything before I change the hose out and make some mistake.
 
Well not exactly.
First off, the second stage end is a rotating connection, therefore a true dynamic seal so it def needs to be lubed. Granted the lube from the old hose is likely enough but you really should clean out the connection and relube it to do it properly. There is a common misunderstanding on the first stage end. Most believe they are static orings and therefore do not need lube, well here is the rub, while it is true they are static in service they are by definition dynamic during assembly which means they do in fact need to be lubed. There are very few static orings used in scuba, the yoke valve to regulator being a prime example. Again, usually the old remaining lube is enough which is the reason most get away with not lubing them. Sorry but this is a pet peeve of mine.

Also, when removing and installing the hose on the second stage end, it requires 2 wrenches. One for the hose and another for the second stage nut. Often times the one for the second stage must be a special thin wrench to fit in the space between the hose and the second stage. If the second wrench is not used it is possible to damage the second stage due to torque applied to the plastic housing. This is most common during disassembly due to corrosion and/or excessive tightening of the hose nut.

I don't mean to over complicate the process but done incorrectly at worst it leaks and if care is not used, expensive damage can be done to your second stage. I am all for DIY but you do need to understand the proper way to do something.
 
If your jaw fatigue is serious, you might consider a swivel or 90/120 elbow adapter.

Herman is correct re the usefulness of a narrow wrench on most 2nd stages. You might get away with just turning the hose end, but its better to use a narrow wrench to keep the jam-nut on the reg side in place.

I have been using this lately, and really like it. It also has the shorter handle that (i think) helps discourage over-torqueing

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VBPY8Z6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
I am weary of those adjustable wrenches, they have a tendency to slip and cause damage to the nuts. I use spanners and never had an issue getting to the particular end to tie / untie
 
I am weary of those adjustable wrenches, they have a tendency to slip and cause damage to the nuts. I use spanners and never had an issue getting to the particular end to tie / untie

You can use any tool incorrectly, and cause damage...

I you have low profile open end wrenches (spanners?).. then that is surely fine option.

I have been using the low profile adj wrench for a few months and can report it works great. Perhaps some can remember (or eyeball) a 14mm vs a 15mm from 6'... I cannot.. and get a little tired of always picking up the 'wrong' wrench.

I will add, that the attached adj wrench is has a pretty tight screw and does not wobble around. And.. Your hose connections do NOT need to be very tight. So if you are rounding off the fittings, ..the problem may not be the 'tool'. ....or is it... :wink:
 
I also recommend a molded mouthpiece for jaw fatigue. If the hose doesn't fix the issue, check out a custom mouthpiece!
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

Back
Top Bottom