All About 1/2" Tank Valves - Scuba Tech Tips: S12E05

Scuba tank valves have two basic designs; today's modern 3/4" NPS straight thread and the subject of this video. Alec shows what you need to know about "stone age" 1/2" NPT tapered tank valves and why it's still used by many divers today.
Watch my "Alec Peirce at the Ranch" for ranch and home ideas. / @alecpeirceattheranch
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[@hanselholm3412]

I like how he shares his wisdom for younger generations keep up good work

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you Hansel. Your exactly right. My 60+ years of diving and dive shop ownership can help educate and entertain any diver. Plus I don't like the many ads on today's youtube videos when giving free information.

[@fathom493]

More importantly he shares it without bashing anyone. I'm a relatively new diver, but I've already had folks online tell me that I'd kill myself if I didn't do something their way 🤦‍♂️

[@nathanjohnson9231]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter As a new diver who is mechanically minded, I love your videos showing how things work now compared to your vintage equipment. I know my new equipment works, but I also want to know how it works, and you explain it wonderfully. I'm glad you and Kevin have chosen to take the time and commit this vast knowledge to video so it can be shared with so many.

[@Will-ol9lp]

Kevin should let you talk because you have a lot of wisdom that you can’t find in class or talking to divers who’s been diving for 1/2 the amount that you have sir. Thank you very for much for sharing PS~ Kevin let the man talk bro. You are extremely blessed to be in his life and the knowledge that he’s passed onto you Dive safe y’all Will

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Will but don't pick on Kevin, he has to edit these and listens to each about a dozen times until it's ready to release. It's our joke, after each video I guess how long it was vs actual time to find out I'm waaaayyyy off! Me: that was a good 5 minutes, Kevin: try 14 minutes, Me: No way, you better shorten it, Kevin: sigh....

[@PROSTO4Tabal]

I am ready for another SCUBA Tech Trip

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Coming soon!

[@liberty9348]

Great video sir. I love seeing older pieces, as it helps to understand where the modern design came from and what the function WAS. Sometimes it changes quite a bit over the years. Since you have so many years experience... It would be a great video idea, to talk about how the major components changed over the years and what you think they will evolve into in say.... 20-30 years from now. Perhaps not super useful, but would be fun to talk about I'm sure. Cya on the next one.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for the idea Liberty. You may want to watch my Vintage Scuba playlist which is loaded with 'stone age' diving gear and I sometimes explain the origins of todays gear like when the first SPG was introduced. Lots of interesting history information to watch and laugh at.

[@liberty9348]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Yes sir... I've watched them... very cool =] I was thinking more of what you think the future of gear might hold or evolve into.... but you'd likely have to do a "highlights" of what has been and what is current.

[@maccliff2115]

Alec I think you answered my question. Thank you. Edit: This information saved my scuba tank from the dive shop not installing the tank valve and filling it after passing hydro test.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No problem 👍

[@Caderic]

Just thinking yesterday, I am ready for another SCUBA Tech Tips

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You and me both! They are every 2 weeks as I don't want to be near Kevin and his city germs! ha ha.

[@jabertagi3857]

Thanks a lot Alec

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You are welcome!

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Thank you again sir for sharing your knowledge

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Always welcome

[@mikkosport2300]

Thank you for the infomative video. According to a list of valves certain tapered 1/2" valves should be tighten to 80 Nm torque so at least for some valves a torque tecommendation exist.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you found that because back in the stone age, there was no actual force mentioned when buying the valve. That came latter after a few Hulk's cracked tank necks due to over tightening.

[@Vytaswashere]

thank you kind sir for sharing your knowledge

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You are very welcome

[@TheFab1212]

Hey Alec great video. I have an idea for a video I think you should do one about dive lights. How do they clip on, should I use a Headlamp or mini flashlight and how many lumens should a light be for Great Lakes as some areas are darker than others. Hope to hear from you thanks

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That is a good idea. Will add it to my ideas list, thank you.

[@scubaclient355]

Nice piece of nostalgia, but could you explain what advantages or disadvantages the gear in the early 70s (Sea Hunt days) had compared to today's gear? Could you also tell us about any incidents occurring or methods of training that needed improving in those days?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

As for training changes, look in my Vintage Scuba playlist for S08E03, Skills you should NOT learn. As for early gear vs today, I pick today's gear!!! Back in the stone age of the 1960's and 1970's, new gear was constantly being released. Crazy things like single hose regs, SPG's, BCD's, mask seals, fins that fit, were new and expensive (compared to today's $$$). I vintage dive with my buddies for fun but my modern gear makes diving easy, safer and much more fun. Thanks for asking Scuba Client.

[@mattdecker7141]

This was THE video I needed right now. Tanks! Do you see a problem replacing 1/2 NGT with NPT? I realize there is a slight length difference, but NGT is not common any more and pricey for new ones!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The 2 threads are ALMOST identical. There should be no problem but I'd suggest that you get someone to run a 1/2" NPT tap into the tank neck first. Just a quick down and back will do. That will clean the threads and ensure the 1/2 NPT will go in firmly & safely. Good luck. Alec

[@jacquespoirier9071]

I saw hydraulic valves machined with taper pipe threads that have been cracked at installation by overtightening these NPT threads, the same thing can happen with scuba tanks as the neck is not so thick. I ,by far, prefer the ORB style valve, much less chance to make damage at the assembly. and a leak is much easier to repair than a NPT setup and another benefit, to the rate where the valve is removed from a tank, a perfectly good tank can be damaged at the thread level and needs a recut of the damaged thread, less likely to occur on a ORB style fitting.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That is true but I did want to inform and educate viewers that there are 2 styles should they ever come across one in some remove location or become a Vintage Diver. Thanks Jacques.

[@ericlondon5731]

I had always assumed all tanks were simply 3/4 nps. Thanks !

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That is true today with standards between tank and valve makers. Long ago in the stone age of diving, before o-rings, muscle and thread lock was used on tapered threads. So much easier today Eric. A.

[@scubamystic8860]

What’s the purpose of having the little snorkel tube on the valve?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I think your referring to the 'dip tube'. It's an important function to keep tank contaminates from being inhaled when the tank is valve down. Many many years ago in the stone age, steel 72 cu/ft tanks had lots of internal contaminents, rust, dust, dirt, from not getting tanks tumbled or letting the tank go empty. The dip tube is standard even today to pull air into the valve and to the 1st stage from the inside centre of a tank, not just the top. Hope this helps.

[@maxtorque2277]

Looks like someone has already had a good go with the valve in your close up at 3:35! 5th thread from the top is foobarr'd!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It does look bad but this is one of my demo's, not intended to be used unless inspected first. Thanks for noticing Max.

[@maxtorque2277]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter 5th thread from the top is not likely to do much when mated to cylinder, it may be damaged because of corrosion in the tank threads at that point, or simply the fact the tank thread form at the entry is often not fully cut

[@timgosling6189]

So none of this messing about with light taps of a soft mallet; more "how long a scaffolding pole have you got?"

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

For sure Tim.. The previous video on installing a modern tank valve "hand tight or a light tap" vs "Get the Hulk in here to tighten this". Lots of differences that many divers don't know about (now they do). Thanks for the laugh.

[@pricediver]

Any experience with Drager Nova dive full face mask?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not that model but I did use a Scubapro Visionair wth a face plate the size of, a plate! Look for it in my Vintage Scuba playlist and laugh.

[@rickkinney2544]

Were the threads in the neck of the tank tapered as well?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No sir. Tank threads have been straight since the 72 cu/ft. It was a carry over from early years to use tapered threads to get a 'tight' fit. Take care Rick and hope to see you some year again in Silver Springs.

[@TomKnudsen]

Very int. video Alec. I recently started to do pressure testing and valve service at my local divestore. Found both process very interesting and learning a great deal more about the bits and pieces of scuba diving. Actually think it makes me a better divers in the end too. On that note I find these types of videos very informative. By the way, left a small "old" gem for you on Facebook messenger when you find some spare time. I also hope you guys can continue the topic of wrecks, bet you dove a lot of them. Was reading recently on the Luxury Yacht Gunilda in Rossport, Canada, wonder if that is still intact? Perhaps a dive location when this crises is over. Ref. www.shipwreckexplorers.com/luxury-yacht-gunilda/ Anyway, thanks for this video to both you, Kevin and Chris (I presume was correct)..

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Tom for sharing and the link. I don't dive Lake Superior, its far and cold and really cold! Take care sir.

[@toriless]

Teflon tape proper application, basic plumbing, really, The rest is more specific to this threading.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I loved watching new service techs figure out which way to wrap tape, many got it wrong time after time.

[@scubaclient355]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Did they have Teflon tape in the 70s?

[@cajicoutinho3899]

in india i ask for diving tank nit has m18 valve whats that never heard about it .only two valve i kmow york n din

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The M18 is for metric threaded tanks with M18 x 1.5 pitch threads. There are yoke and DIN valves for that specific thread type. A

[@cajicoutinho3899]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks

[@cajicoutinho3899]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter sir what are standard valves called is it 1/2 inch valves or it has specific name

[@gentlerain8537]

☆{Question}☆ about the teflon tape. Is there a liquid sealant option-?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

There are but they tend to stick to the threads or get squeezed out when torqued in. Tape is secure, does not extrude, dry out and is easy to remove. Thanks for the question.

[@toriless]

Yes, but it is best used only for plumbing.

[@lupusdeum3894]

I probably have 20 partly used rolls of Teflon tape on or near my work bench. Every time I removed my valves I'd buy another roll. Oh, there's some in my save-a-dive kit too. 🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🧻🦈

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you!