OP
To buy or not to buy new regs?
- Thread starter Captain Rick
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Captain Rick
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Captain Rick
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Captain Rick
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Captain Rick
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Sherwoods are pretty much bullet proof and kits are widely available for all but the oldest ones. Also, before taking them in, find out if they even need service. Ask the shop what the recommended intermediate pressure is for them and what the cracking pressure is reading on the magnahelic or in the sink.
Here is a sherwood manual. https://www.historicaldivingequipme.../73382381/srb5100_srb5300_srb5700_srb5900.pdf
Your reg may not even need service. Most can go two years or more if they are well cared for. There is no need to rebuild a reg if it's working fine.
Shops rely on divers not knowing how to check the IP and cracking to see that they are charging them for work that never needed done.
My customers send me regs that often only require an inspection and cleaning. Not a total rebuild. When they do need it, I tell them they do and why. I tell them what the IP is telling me and what the cracking pressure indicates.
Find a shop or tech that will let you watch them test it and explain why they think it needs to be rebuilt. If they hesitate, go somewhere else.
Here is a sherwood manual. https://www.historicaldivingequipme.../73382381/srb5100_srb5300_srb5700_srb5900.pdf
Your reg may not even need service. Most can go two years or more if they are well cared for. There is no need to rebuild a reg if it's working fine.
Shops rely on divers not knowing how to check the IP and cracking to see that they are charging them for work that never needed done.
My customers send me regs that often only require an inspection and cleaning. Not a total rebuild. When they do need it, I tell them they do and why. I tell them what the IP is telling me and what the cracking pressure indicates.
Find a shop or tech that will let you watch them test it and explain why they think it needs to be rebuilt. If they hesitate, go somewhere else.
Bob DBF
Contributor
To go along with Jim’s advice, a link to a regulator check list. You can pick up an IP gauge at a dive shop for $15 or so, less online.
Regulator Inspection and Checklist (Rev-8)
Regulator Inspection and Checklist (Rev-8)
walkonmars
Contributor
I just wanted to add another explanation.
Parts are most likely going to be available for decades. Most parts in a repair and overhaul kit are nothing but O-rings, seals and the seats. Seat designs don't change often (if at all) and O-rings and seals are just standard commercial and military spec sized stuff thrown into a "kit". The shop is likely complaining because they need to go to another source for the Sherwood kits. They can't "piggy-back" your parts with another customer's kit to save on shipping or ease ordering so they complain to you to spend $500 for a new regulator so they can save 5 minutes ordering the kits. Heck, Sherwood is NOT out of business.
To me that is despicable or them being lazy or not smart.
Maybe surprise them and take a buddy's new regulator to them and say, "Hey, I took your advise and purchased a new regulator", and see what they say? (OK, maybe don't do that.)
I agree with the rest about getting a cheap intermediate pressure (IP) gauge and learn to do a quick test on your regulator periodically.
Yikes...the IP gauges are $10 and the deluxe version is $25. (links below)
Compact IP Gauge (PSI and BAR) | Dive Gear Express®
Deluxe IP Gauge (PSI and BAR) | Dive Gear Express®
Parts are most likely going to be available for decades. Most parts in a repair and overhaul kit are nothing but O-rings, seals and the seats. Seat designs don't change often (if at all) and O-rings and seals are just standard commercial and military spec sized stuff thrown into a "kit". The shop is likely complaining because they need to go to another source for the Sherwood kits. They can't "piggy-back" your parts with another customer's kit to save on shipping or ease ordering so they complain to you to spend $500 for a new regulator so they can save 5 minutes ordering the kits. Heck, Sherwood is NOT out of business.
To me that is despicable or them being lazy or not smart.
Maybe surprise them and take a buddy's new regulator to them and say, "Hey, I took your advise and purchased a new regulator", and see what they say? (OK, maybe don't do that.)
I agree with the rest about getting a cheap intermediate pressure (IP) gauge and learn to do a quick test on your regulator periodically.
Yikes...the IP gauges are $10 and the deluxe version is $25. (links below)
Compact IP Gauge (PSI and BAR) | Dive Gear Express®
Deluxe IP Gauge (PSI and BAR) | Dive Gear Express®
jakehbk
Contributor
Service kits for them are still available, but hard parts like springs and orifices are not. If the 1st stage needs a new spring you'll probably be SOL on that stage. No reason you couldnt just replace the 1st stage if you really like the 2nd and octo though.
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