Tool kit for regulators

[Caveeagle]

I disagree re the adjustable vs fixed size. A slim adj wrench like this has been fantastic at hose R&R, getting close to the reg body where space can be minimal.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VBPY8Z6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can also find stainless Allen wrench sets.

A set of brass picks and an IP gauge

 

[michael-fisch]

I used crescent wrenches back before my highschool shop teacher explained that using one was admitting that you didn't have the right tool for the job over 45 years ago . I learned.
That made the 6" Knipex parallel jawed wrench such a hard sell for me and I resisted it for years but, I have finally seen the light. The Knipex is what I use when my 8" 200 lb bench vise and impact tools are not needed. But they, as with the 3/4" socket set aren't in my take along diving tool kit either. The only tools that I don't own are a 4 jawed chuck for the lathe and a decent milling machine. Drills, taps and dies for use only on stainless are kept in a seperate location from my drills, taps and dies for anything non stainless. And I'm just as anal with the rest of my tools kept in 2 16 drawer body high tool chests and 5x 3 drawer extensions that are stacked on top of each other.
The Knipex, my O-Ring tools, a Shrader valve tool, set of ball headed Allyn Keys, a screwdriver with tips for anything on a reg, including sockets, inner and outer snapring pliars and a pair of needle nose pliars are the only tools that I need to take along for my dive gear.
Sure I've got a different set of tools for my scooters, including the crimping pliars for the wiring, but that only goes along for weeklong cavediving trips.

Michael

 

[michael-fisch]

You mean the pliers?

Yup, the Knipex pliars in the leftmost picture in the linked Amazon page https://www.amazon.com/s?k=KNIPEX+Tools+86+05+150+6-Inch&ref=nb_sb_noss.
They will properly grip the hose ends and keep them from getting rounded off over time, as happens with any openjawed wrench.

Michael

 

[michael-fisch]

You're obviously not a German, your tool, we call them multigrips is for butchers.

When you want to progress past springy Allen keys

View attachment 521906

for the tougher stuff get a set of these

Looks like Craftsman tools which used to have a lifetime warranty - unfortunately no longer.
Now you need to buy Hazett, Proto, or SnapOn

Michael

 

[rhwestfall]

Crapsman...

 

[michael-fisch]

Crapsman...

Actually most of them weren't that bad, although their screwdrivers could have had better blades. I've also broken the ratchet mechanism more than once on 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets, cracked a 1/2" socket too, before I bought a 3/4" Set.
Phillips and Posidrive screwdrivers seldom last much longer than a year, no matter who makes them.

Michael

 

[Caveeagle]

Yup, the Knipex pliars in the leftmost picture in the linked Amazon page https://www.amazon.com/s?k=KNIPEX+Tools+86+05+150+6-Inch&ref=nb_sb_noss.
They will properly grip the hose ends and keep them from getting rounded off over time, as happens with any openjawed wrench.

Michael

I haven’t tried anything like that Knipex tool, for agree with the need for a different set of gear for traveling and specific applications. Why have 10+ open end wrenches when one tool works just fine,

For me, the slim jaw adj wrench works perfectly. And, I have never rounded off a hose end with it. In fact, the slim pointed jaws make better engagement than my open end wrenches on most hose ends.

I would add that a standard set of Allen wrenches may not cut it. I like the ball end stainless set, for just a few extra bucks. I have found two applications that require something beyond a standard metric Allen set. Several second stage regs require an SAE Allen key to adjust breathing resistance. And a Poseidon Jet/Xstream need a 1.5mm Allen key to adjust the depth of the servo valve. So depending on what gear you have, you might have a couple specialty items.

 

[rhwestfall]

Actually most of them weren't that bad

Having had to replace a stolen tool set from the 1980's with current production, they are pure junk. Plating is poor on sockets/wrenches/etc., gear assembly in ratchets is junk, screwdriver tips frequently fail under proper use...

 

[michael-fisch]

What is proper use?
Most of my bigger screwdrivers have a hex shaped section on the shaft next to the handle in order to fit a wrench and cheaterbar, that and the metal cap on the end of the handle for use with a hammer are definately not proper use, but if there is no other way I'll happily destroy a $10 screwdriver to save on removing a screw with Electrical Discharge Machining, which is another tool that I don't have.

Michael

 

[rhwestfall]

What is proper use?

screwdrivers - not prying, or chisel type use...
sockets - no impact gun use