Quick Tips 5: Everything Bolt Snaps

Quick Tips 5: Everything Bolt Snaps - The next in our quick tips series. How to attach a bolt snap to any piece of scuba diving equipment.
I use bolt snaps every day, to mount various scuba diving accessories to my dive gear. It's important to know how to tie the bolt snaps in a secure way so as not to lose precious dive equipment.
In this video, I talk about what materials the scuba diving bolt snaps should be made from, where and why to use bolt snaps and give a demo of how to attach a bolt snap to a piece of dive gear (in this example, an SPG.)
Let me know in the comments what QT video you'd like to see us make next!
D.S.D.O,
James
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[@Raybrienza]

James, Thank you... it is always good to have a refresher

[@le0035]

I'm quite new to diving and although I have a very experienced buddy, your videos such as this one really help me out! Keep up the great work!

[@tontsyy]

Cheers ! I’ve just started adding snap bolts to my accessories. I used cable ties previously but this is my weekend sorted changing them over!

[@Will-ol9lp]

I like that method. I’ve seen a lot others that I didn’t want to use Thanks

[@DiversReady]

Glad it was helpful! Dive safe.

[@ericmansavage2960]

Love it. Thanks!

[@ozzypirate]

Good timing for this tutorial mate 😁👍 literally am about to rig up some bolt snaps to my gear

[@DiversReady]

Glad I could help! Thanks. James

[@peterdraper5705]

Great vid again James... Got to be the best video I've seen on how to attach a D ring, nice and simple no bu***it 💪💪👍

[@DiversReady]

Glad it helped

[@bornaluckyman1]

Love these tips dear friend... Keep them coming...

[@DiversReady]

Thank you! Will do!

[@patrickmooney4135]

This is a great video. Much thanks.

[@DiversReady]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Patrick. James

[@richardkilburn2253]

The entire time you're tying the knot I'm thinking, "why not just use a zip tie?" Thank you for addressing that. Now I'm off to replace all of my zip ties with nice knots! 😁 Thank you for sharing with a novice.

[@elmo319]

Richard Kilburn - you didn’t watch the whole video, he mentions this point around 8 mins. Cable ties become brittle over time

[@toriless]

By the way, they do make steel zip ties too. They are used in automobiles.

[@toriless]

@@elmo319 Plastic ones, you can get ones made of steel, the have a different mechanism then the plastic ones. They are used in automobiles.

[@richardkilburn2253]

@@elmo319 I only just saw your comment because of the new comment. It was exactly him addressing this around the 8 min mark for which I was thanking him.

[@elmo319]

@@richardkilburn2253 - 🤦🏼 I misread your comment

[@janinacooper4199]

James, your videos are great and super helpful! Cheers!...:-)

[@jhare18]

Thanks for that QT.

[@DiversReady]

Any time!

[@phgachoud]

fan of your knot on bolt snap!

[@user-vo9gd5de8r]

Thanks so much for this!

[@HellrazorDogsnDives]

Great video James!!!!

[@DiversReady]

Thanks buddy!

[@pacediver2594]

Great info

[@sayittrue9570]

Different types of fin straps attachment ie cressi reaction fin ebs type mares quatro pro etc ,each manufacture seems to have a slightly differnt way of attaching the fin strap,so a vid of how to take them off and to put them back on ,cheers james loving the vids keep em coming

[@x994910]

I'm a very new diver but keep on watching all your videos (since no dives due to weather). Honestly, my first dive back, I will look like a pro with all my gears and my tricks until I actually dive and show how much of a gas gusher I am

[@sntshkmr60]

Dude got some really good shibari skills.

[@roguefive512]

I love this channel thanks fpr the tip

[@DiversReady]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks Rogue!

[@LarsDennert]

Great videos as always. One point glossed over are the carabiner (suicide) clips which can catch items that are then difficult to unclip. A bolt snap can't easily catch things and hold them making entrapment less likely. Using a line to fasten things also makes it easy to cut loose underwater for an emergency or need. Having a spool means always having a way to reconnect things.Yes those large bolt snaps look stupid until you use them underwater and realize how great they are one handed.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks Lars! James

[@scubaclient355]

I use the XDeep bolt-clips which are configured for easier handling.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

You can get stainless steel split rings like are commonly used for key chains. They come in several sizes.

[@kdum8]

I used 316SS split rings for some items, although they don't work for everything. For attached an SPG or Long hose thread and bolt snaps are ideal.

[@FALCONZAMORA1121]

This was great! Is there any other knots we need to know? Maybe a series on knots scuba divers must know?

[@fishingexchange3742]

Very useful episode.... thanks captain! Can you make a video about the air consumption during diving please

[@DiversReady]

Fishing Exchange Done! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4nUemt_jJqrmcU

[@BillieLo]

👍👍 good sharing

[@Eolodasilva]

Muito obrigado. (Thank you so much)

[@DiversReady]

A qualquer hora meu amigo!

[@Hiro-xr3zu]

James, wonderful video as always. What are your thoughts on metal-to-metal connections without using a line as you did with the bolt snap and torch? You're a great source for scuba diving knowledge. Thanks!

[@chif1423]

metal to metal connection are dangerous because you can't cut yourself free if it stuck somewhere.

[@lloydmorrison5435]

Hey James love your videos, I was wondering if you could one day do a short video on setting up a backplate.. I know you did a video before kinda explaining the differences between a backplate and a recreational Bcd, would be nice to get your take on assembling one, and maybe brands or material to stay away from and ones that last. -Lloyd-

[@LarsDennert]

That would be a good one as getting them adjusted just right makes all the difference. Stainless, Aluminum, Kidex, Carbon Fiber all have different uses. How they are bent to fit and how they conduct heat all matters. Horseshoe wings vs Donuts plus and minuses. Not to mention sizes. Webbing types and stiffnesses. Adapters and hardware. So much could be said.

[@scmsean]

I've noticed there is different shapes of bolt snaps as well. I took GUE fundamentals, and the instuctor used different types. I can't even find the types he used. Some of the bolt snaps the part of top is larger even though the loop on the bottom is smaller. I really like those. Easier to use with gloves, but then overly big. I can't find those for sale anywhere though. At least not at dive stores or online dive sites. I should probably try hardware stores instead of scuba shops.

[@jimmykabisch3258]

Hey James great content as always. I was wondering if you’d be into doing a video on navigation? I’m a new diver and would like to know where to set bearing(s) while on a shore dive? Especially in lower visibility. Unless you have made one and I’ve missed it somehow?? Keep up the great work and look forward to the next one🤙

[@scubaclient355]

If North is exit, then that is your bearing. Use a square search pattern. Every time you turn 90 degrees rotate your bezel opposite to the direction you are turning. Repeat 4-times and you complete a square.

[@savage5764]

I fell like you should go over cable tie and explain when to use direct rope and use a cable tie to break off. For instance, I use a cable tie with my sidemount long hose regulator in case I ever need it and can't get it out of the bolt snap undone and I'm in a hurry I can just break it off and know the bolt snap will stay there.

[@JAGCHiker]

Great info for newer divers.... What size is a' Medium' Bolt snap? Medium isn't an available size in on-line stores....

[@lennygermany1507]

Hiya M8 , must admit was just thinking " cold water " diving , in Florida ;) , greets from Europe where after a few weeks off .. C whatever ..... water has risen to a sweltering 7° celsius :)

[@lennygermany1507]

BTW , I wasn´t having a go at you , am just jealous :) keep up the great videos

[@VinceM1000]

New to diving and love your videos. ❤️ what kind of line are you using? Thanks and looking forward to more videos.

[@DivingDeveloper]

+1 for this comment. What kind of line are you using, James?

[@chris.5434]

No answer 😭😭

[@joaosmribeiro]

He is using an old spool line or you can buy nylon thin line

[@GaborOrszaczky]

@@joaosmribeiro Usually we use #24 gauge (~1.8mm) braided nylon line. But #18 gauge (~1.5mm) or #36 gauge (~2.2mm) is also commonly used. If you're in a metric country, ask for 2mm in your local hadware store or dive shop.

[@boyibs4577]

New to diving and this video is indeed helpful. What's your take on using split rings instead of a line? Thank you.

[@Washo1903]

You use a line so that you can cut it if something gets entangled or snagged and you can't free it. An important concept is not having metal to metal connections, meaning that you don't have a metal light connected to a split ring to a bolt snap to a d ring, you can't cut any of those things without bolt cutters unless you want to cut your bcd/harness webbing. Having the line means that you have a cuttable point.

[@Chogogo717]

I don’t like tie straps even if they’re UV resistant. I’ve still got scars from years of aircraft maintenance where they were the tail wasn’t snipped off flush. It’ll tear up a wetsuit quick. The obvious safety concerns others have mentioned are fantastic cautionary notes as well. Do you have a particular brand you’ve had better luck with over others?

[@nihildriven]

Stay away from those tovatech fusion lights (shown in video). The reflectors dim substantially with saltwater intrusion. The reflector is not well sealed, saltwater gets on it and crystallizes, and theres no way to clean it once saltwater gets in there. Better off with a fixed narrow beam, as the wide is not bright enough for photos anyways.

[@antoniomelchor7003]

Nice video. Any recomended line?

[@LarsDennert]

SMB/cave spool nylon line. It's perfect and melts nicely. Most spools come with to much anyway.

[@cdenver]

Hi Divers Ready, just found your channel. I'm in NI(UK). I want to dive as I am purchasing an Excalibur II metal detector. Cold waters here in the UK and I dont have my diving certificate, I haven't done a course or anything (yet). Could you do a video (here's hoping?) on the first thing to do when getting into diving? I dont want to go very deep, just metal detect in rivers and loughs. Is the course expensive? How long does it take? Are PADI instructors working during this pandemic? Are 5mm winter suits from Amazon (around 60-70 quid) worth it? Do I use an under suit too? I am completely clueless to diving and you are the first person I have discovered on KZbin regarding "how to dive" etc. Maybe you already have a video on all this, I dont know I just found you. Great channel man, you seem to know your stuff.

[@1badsteed]

Hey mate, check out this site and as you scroll down, look under SCUBA section. A big difference in a surfing setup and a scuba one. It also has temps in Celsius and Fahrenheit. Good luck!

[@smacinskyjr]

How many millimeters is the cordage that you're using?

[@JohnPrice-jq5yt]

Shearwater perdix 2 functions!

[@matthiasnott]

Did you see the XDeep ones?

[@BramblesGOW]

James could you give some affiliate links to the line and bolt snaps you recommend?

[@jimmydryhands9288]

Mate any half decent diving shop sells SS bolt snaps and rope lines of various types

[@jfinney3168]

dive gear express best bolt snaps for the money

[@kdum8]

make sure they are 316SS (316 Stainless Steel) otherwise they will corrode.

[@diversdown2116]

a while back i ran into a problem when redoing my bolt snaps. i had quit smoking and threw out all my lighters. so i had to find my soldering iron but got it done. p.s. what do you think of the butterfly bolt snaps?

[@DiversReady]

Hi Divers Down. Butterfly snaps fall into the category of 'suicide clips'! I choose not to use them. Be well! James

[@tedlin4962]

Great video James. I have my gear set up in a vary similar fashion, but I lost a backup light this past weekend during my rescue class. Is there a more secure way to mount them than with a bolt snap and neoprene sleeve under the arm?

[@andreiharagus6251]

Well... There is the option of having a "permanent" connection to your BC, but that kind of defeats the idea of DIR and raises other bigger problems. I would just make sure to use a good functioning snap and a fairly snug/tight rubber band for the next light.

[@LarsDennert]

Maybe go to a Goodman handle and you won't leave the loose light somewhere on a ledge. Don't use a double-ender as they don't swivel. The setup he did is intended for a backup small light.

[@smacinskyjr]

What size cord do you use?

[@DW_Underwater]

I just lost my brand new $165 reel yesterday when it came off the double ended bolt snap. I've had accessories using bolt snaps come off before and it seems to happen mostly when jumping off the boat.

[@Teampegleg]

Dewalt Kotze After Dive Rite made the change to the double ender on their slide lock reels, I replace the double ender with a DGX large bolt snap (I prefer the older smaller eye mediums but I can’t get those anymore) tied on the bolt snap eye. Double enders on anything hard is a recipe to loosing the item.

[@DiversReady]

We'll find your reel on the LL soon, Dewalt! James

[@barbararichards744]

How do you add bolt snap to chain

[@divemaster]

Good Morning.....What do you use as an elastic retainer for your second hold point on your torch?

[@ForeverLearning]

I have the same question - I have been using a velcro elastic band, but it always slips while putting on my Rig - Rubber would be better - but I'll need to redo my webbing to add Rubber

[@lugtiegames4248]

Will there be another livestream soon?

[@DiversReady]

Absolutely! We just did one with Scuba Diver Magazine. But I'll do another one soon on Divers Ready! Watch this space!

[@Chogogo717]

I’ve thought about adding one on my primary regulator to keep the kit nice and neat when I’m not actually sucking air. Is there a better way to stow the regulator than adding a bolt snap 6-10 inches (12-25cm 😉) from the regulator?

[@DiversReady]

Not really, no. A bolt snap is still preferred!

[@toadou8127]

Tie an o-ring in place of bolt snap. Secure to D-ring, with double ender fitted to both rings.

[@carlalafontaine1780]

How do you replace a bolt hook that has a screw at the bottom of the swivel?

[@frostahorse]

Why do we use the line to tie bolt snaps, why not a zip tie or something similar?

[@tomvanzanten479]

I attached a bolt snap to my flashlight using this knot, and after about 40 dives, the rope severed. The knot stayed in place, but all of the layers of rope simply broke...

[@DiversReady]

good to know

[@lewislawson5461]

Do you have any ties to the uk? Have you dived in the uk?

[@lucadimauro9283]

Hi James, why are you against brass bolt snaps? Personally I finde them more beautiful aesthetically, is there a technical con? Thanks a lot.

[@ForeverLearning]

Covered the cons in the video - They corrode and stick

[@391wombat]

James: Why do most tech/DIR set ups use a “naked” brass/glass spg? Whats wrong with using a boot to protect an spg? Thanks, John

[@alle_namen_schon_vergeben708]

Ignore me I'm just interested too 😅

[@Teampegleg]

The boot makes the spg bigger and it holds grime making it harder to rinse.

[@LarsDennert]

Their idea is more streamlined. Less is more. Since it is clipped off it is unlikely to drag on the reef. However I clip off a console with an small air integrated computer and compass as I don't like things on my wrist.

[@391wombat]

It just seems to me that all the out of water hazards, i.e. transportation in car, on boat, Murphys Law type stuff, would outweigh the streamlining, gunk accumulation issues but i am nowhere near being an authority on the subject.

[@andreiharagus6251]

@@391wombat If you fancy DIR and choose a "naked" SPG then it will more likely be chrome plated brass body and tempered glass with a metalic lip over the edge. Most of "housed" ones will have some sort of plastic screen and tin or some composite body, really requiring the protection of the boot. Is possible to combine the two and get a bomb proof one if Murphy is your worry. Or could go for an integrated one on your computer. Then you will worry about the transmitter. :)

[@alanstahl594]

What are suicide clips ?

[@andrewcurrie101]

Why do you dismiss the brass?

[@petethehandyman9185]

What about using parachute cord?

[@playmasterful]

Don't those keep water really well?

[@Teampegleg]

I used 550 cord at first as it is what I had lying around. It is too big for the application, resulting in huge knots.

[@McNighthawk750]

You can now buy stainless steel cable ties (aka. zip ties)

[@LodgeMan2011]

#askdiversready Hey James, I’m thinking about stepping to the professional side of diving and becoming a DM. I’m landlocked in Kentucky and have never dove salt water. Do you recommend getting experience in salt before pursuing DM

[@DiversReady]

Great question! Answer coming in this month's channel update video!

[@ericmac564]

Can someone tell me why not use carabiners?

[@toadou8127]

Accidently trap line/cable and now you're entangled.

[@rcparke]

Suprised to see you bad-mouth brass. I sail on commercial ships and we never use stainless. I swipped a couple of brass bolt snaps from work years ago and they are still going strong. Quality brass bolt snaps use brass springs, so you never have to worry about the spirng corroding. There are too many grades of stainless and I have found the ones at dive shops overpriced and low grade.

[@MC-tm2uy]

Dont buy bold snaps from dive shop. They mark it up significantly. Go to your local hardware store and find stainless steel one if you short on time. Or order from amazon if you can wait My LDS sold them for $9/each, my local hardware store sold them for $7/each but Amazon sold them for $3/each...stainless steel

[@jeremygoldman10]

can you post a pic or video of your BC showing how/where your bolt snaps are attached?

[@andreiharagus6251]

He did one for rec dive config here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGPMe4Gse6qgo9E

[@LarsDennert]

For backplate D rings: Gauge on left hip (my small kids use left shoulder and that's nice for instant viewing), SMB/spool at rear butt clip with a double-ender, Primary light on right shoulder when not in use clipped from the back for ergonomic reach and secondary on left clipped from the front side so you don't unclip it while unclipping a stage. Sometimes a fin keeper on the left shoulder for long hikes on the beach. Reef hook or scooter hooks on the crotch when in use. Secondary reg at right shoulder within reach of your mouth without unclipping but you want a pull away system, even on a lasso I prefer that it can be pulled off. Cameras where ever they will be out of the way when you are busy.

[@complicatedmechanics9599]

@@LarsDennert when clipping the gauge to the left shoulder D-ring it's possible to accidentally trap your primary hose if it's a bit loose, be careful if your primary is long.

[@LarsDennert]

@@complicatedmechanics9599 yes good point. My kids are actually on guage retractors at the left shoulder so they don't unclip but they are plastic suicide clips. One of my kids is only 60lb and dives with a 50cuft. I'll get them fully DIR at some point. They don't use a lasso and long hose either yet.

[@stever2583]

Everyone here warm water divers? I use carabiners... reliable (not $ store quality) multi sizes, easy to manipulate with 3/8 or 1/2" gloves.

[@chif1423]

Carabiners are not suitable for diving. They're hazardous because of the potential for them to grab on anything that can open them.

[@Jailhouse_Chris]

Cold water diver here, and use bolt snaps. Carabiners can (and have) killed divers.

[@Aumscuba]

Ha!Ha! Double ender..

[@egali34]

admit it the first time u heard it u thought he said Olt Snaps

[@SAMen07]

couldn't be used in cave and wrack diving.

[@jabertagi3857]

Can you share names of wetsuits for big sized men like you and me

[@redolds231]

Im waaaay late to this video, but could’ve gotten paid to advertise for the jawswersizer jk jk, but the jawsersizer is real unfortunately

[@etiennedeklerk]

small boltsnap, pfft chew gum

[@Bengoesscubadiving]

All you need to know about Boltsnaps and DoubleEnder is: XDEEP