Service Your Own Reg? Maybe! - Scuba Tech Tips: S13E01

[@Master_Failure]

Nice video. I am extremely comfortable with self repair and like to know the details of what is involved. It is smart to not treat us like incapable people or like it is some black magic. It is through knowing what is involved that helps me to decide to have my local shop service the regulator.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I believe divers should understand how the basics work on their gear. It helps them know what service pros do and how much work it takes to properly service a reg and they argue over a $1 o-ring. Take care and Merry Christmas.

[@luikriaco]

Been away a long while. Great to see you're still a great great teacher.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I put out one video every week during peak diving and bi-weeky during winter in Canada. Hard for Kevin and I to meet for shooting with our busy schedules. A

[@georg9967]

I started servicing my own gear the moment I realised how simple diving equipment is technically. Bought all the correct maintenance tools, magnehelic and never looked back. Without trying to downplay development in scuba, I feel like the main differences between older and newer regs are the amounts of washers and better parts fitting. for example a scubapro 109 compared to a g260 second stage. Hand soldered regs aren't ideal for tolerances. Machines just do it better.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's good to hear from someone who has invested in servicing their own gear. Glad you enjoy the work and thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@Lordvader330]

Alec, not only are these videos informative, but I also find them highly entertaining. Thanks again for this one. My take is I want an expert tough my gear. I don't Trust I can do it right.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like them!

[@mattvish2591]

Hi Alec, which modern regulators would you recommend based on "self" serviceability? Thanks for all your videos, tips and dedication.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good question but too difficult to answer for me. I was certified on dozens of manufacturers and knew service tips not shown in tech manuals. Pick the make/model YOU love to dive and stick with it. Few divers are truly prepared for the cost, time, testing and aggravation of fully servicing their own gear. Next week I have a LDS Pro video on diver self service so suggest watching that to see if you want to commit to self service. Otherwise let a pro do it and have someone you can count on to do it right each time. A

[@amcaesar]

Alec, can you personally come to Holland where I live and service my reg? Understandably you’re the man whom we all trust the most.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Well it will be expensive, have to bring my wife, Kevin of course to film it, his camera gear, dive gear, etc. Would love to visit Holland but with this tiny virus going around, may be a while. If the offer is open when there is a cure, I'm coming Bill.

[@amcaesar]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter All expenses paid.

[@carllafrance5510]

Awsom Alex ! I like how the vise grips are the visual tool of choice! At the start of the video I also heard claw hammer mentioned! I sent you more pictures a while back must not of got them I will send them again Have a great day!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I was going to use my favourite small adjustment tool, the 5 pound hammer but Kevin said no, spoil sport. Didn't get any pictures so sent them to [e-mail] to ensure they show up.

[@jacquespoirier9071]

you're totally right, I make myself the service on my regulators, they are most of them old generation.( including a double hose DA regulator) I'd say that the first thing I do is to find the service manual for them when their technical design is more elaborated than the basic generic design and of course, I test toroughly before relesaing them. It happens that I have to fabricate specialized tools, it is just the funniest part of the project. of course, cleaniness is mandatory on such a delicate assembly. I whish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Merry Christmas to you Jacques and thanks for all your support.

[@verruxlunox8438]

As satisfying as usual. Stay awesome, Alec Peirce!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks, you too!

[@Lordvader330]

Your last comments were the best. Better to have someone who has serviced 100s of your model regulator than the person who does it once every two years. Even when that person is you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's very true. I have done a thousand regs of all makes. However, since retiring i have done zero. So I let another pro do them so I can relax now. Thanks for watching.

[@Robert_H_Diver]

I’ll take my second stage apart and clean it and inspect it, but that’s as far as I go with regulators as of now.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You know your limits and let pros do the rest. Smart thinking Robert.

[@richardpoh4785]

Alec you are the best ! very informative and entertaining.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I appreciate that!

[@darrylblondel4154]

Great video Alec, as always. Certainly something for people to think about before playing with there regs & possibly regretting it later. I've serviced my 1980s Posiedon Jetstream regs before but my newer Posiedon extreme regs always get sent to Posiedon UK. The most I'll do to them is fit or replace hose's.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Funny how companies with complicated service needs cost so much more. Some divers are very patient and financially comfortable i guess.

[@mattstewart8207]

Mr. Alec, I think I’ve watched almost every tech tip video you’ve made. I bought all my gear used to get started. I bought a older Sherwood regulator that has the “dry air bleed” feature with a Sherwood oasis second stage. I’ve disassembled the second stage and cleaned it and understand how it works. The first stage seems more tedious, from what I’ve read in a old service text. A video of inner workings of that specific style 1st stage would be so handy. Thanks for the great content.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Welcome Matt. I don't do brand specific services but there are other channels that do but at a high level (liability!). Ask your LDS if they would run a Sherwood reg service course or know of one nearby. If serious about self-service, get the right tools for a proper service. A

[@Caderic]

I am VERY technically inclined. But this is like airplanes, I love flying them, and I have training on maintenance, but I let pro do that because it's their area of expertise, and I don't trust myself quite that much. It's also important to know how to repair because knowing how something works help you operate it better. It also allows you to communicate problem to the repair personnel better.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Well said Erikk. Knowing what to tell a service pro, helps them focus on the real problem saving you time and money. Thanks for watching and fly safe.

[@danflaherty1132]

Very informative as always, Alec! Congrats on a new season and Merry Christmas to you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks, you too Dan.

[@peterjulianphotos4659]

There is a significant difference between Scuba maintence and Servicing. Generally speaking every diver should know how to replace O-rings and what needs lube and what should never be lubed. Preventative maintence is key to avoiding failure. The more familiar you are with how your gear works, the more prepared you are IF and when a gear failure occurs. Scuba Servicing should actually be called Scuba Overhauling. I own a couple of cars - I regularly grease the things that need grease and change the oil, filter, spark plugs, wipers and coolant - but I would not do a clutch rebuild or a head gasket replacement. If you think of dive gear in the same way, then you shouldn't go wrong - understand how things work. Finally, there are very few people (about the same number who have walked on the moon) who are using vintage scuba equipment, recreational divers generally dive about half the life of their gear, and the scuba industry knows this - most people will go scuba diving less than 100 times in their lives, they will keep their gear in their cupboard and wish upon a star and this equipment dies from neglect......

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I have done several videos on scuba gear maintenance from rinsing, storage, o-ring replacements, etc. All the items any diver can and should know how to do. Maintenance prolongs gear life and ensures it works as far as you're able to do. Service is specialized training, gear and parts. Just like your clutch rebuild, some do it, others never will or care. Knowing about what should be done makes a better and safer diver to my thinking. Thanks for the feedback Peter.

[@barryedgington6812]

As usual, great advice Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it A

[@Atrinax]

Instant like without even watching. Thank you, Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow, thanks!

[@mattstewart8207]

Mr. Pierce. I got started on a budget, my instructor was sold on Sherwood, and cause me to go that direction as well. I bought a older used Sherwood reg. I believe SRB3400? Round purge cover? It has dry air bleed and I’m super interested in it’s inner workings. It would great to see a video on the details of this equipment.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sherwood is a good reliable brand with good service. There may be scuba channels that do individual equipment but not older models. That's mostly a vintage scuba video. I won't be able to do one one an individual make and model and there are hundreds of them with limited interest outside of owners. I keep my stuff of general interest to new and old, sorry, mature divers. Hope you like and keep watching Matt. A

[@maxtorque2277]

One thing i can suggest, is that if you are indeed interesting in learning and knowing a bit more about how your scuba system works, including the fundamentally pretty simple, but sometimes reasonably mechanically complex, pressure regulators, then i'd suggest buying a cheap second had reg, and take that apart first! An older model can be bought for really not much money, and can be simpler to understand and work with, and if you get it all apart and wreck it or just think "hmm, i may have bitten off more than i can chew here" then really no loss!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

There is a follow up video coming in a few episodes on the best reference material for regs available anywhere. Stay tuned for more Max.

[@kevindavison6019]

I did this myself. I found a super cheap one on E bay. I wanted a reg so that I could use clean scuba air in the shop. I took it apart O2 cleaned it and re-assembled it. I screwed up the second stage but the first stage seems to work just fine for what I am using it for and I had an opportunity to play around with something that I am not trusting my life with.

[@SeattleRingHunter]

Great precaution. For technical divers with the proper aptitude wanting to be a bit more self sufficient it’s not a bad idea to work on your own gear if you have considered the cost for all the special tools and training. Rebreather divers are tearing down, reassembling and QA testing their gear before and after each use. Just get the proper SCUBA special tools and knowledge. My ultrasonic cleaner was over $1,000 US and one better known what goes inside the tank and what doesn’t to understand the parts that can be cleaned and the solution used, and the proper ultrasonic wave mode and temp settings. Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Some divers are very competent and skilled in self-service of all their gear.

[@sifakalemur4162]

I actually take a few things into consideration before I buy regulators. Is a manual with the technical specs available? Are parts still made/able to be purchased? What proprietary tools are needed to service the regulator? The pitfalls of self service aren’t that you can’t competently and safety do it yourself, I have found that the lack of any support is the real hurdle. So, if you do feel like servicing your own gear, I have two pieces if advice. One. Find the parts and tools ahead if buying the regulator. The secondary market for some brands is artificially high because a rouge tech has posted items typically not available to the public.. you will pay a premium, perhaps more than having a dive shop service it for you. Two. Do not, under any circumstances, touch another person’s regulator. It’s easy to fall into the habit of being a handy diver. You can quickly put yourself in an indefensible legal position for issues that aren’t even your fault.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Never touching another divers gear is very important to safety and the buddy relationship. Mess up a buddy's gear once and you may not have a dive buddy again along with a bad reputation.

[@jerradbesch1736]

I have a new problem, My Poseidon Cyklon 5000, I had a tech servicing the first stage, he either found a broken part or he broke it. Anyway, is there a way to locate parts for these regulators? Oh, by the way the instructions you gave me on adjusting the air on the second stage was spot on! I just kept adjusting until the flow was perfect. Thanks!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

There are online sites to either get parts, manuals or help. For community support on the 5000, post a message on www.scubaboard.com. Check out this site for parts: www.silentexplorers.com/online-store/hex:7365617263683f6b6579776f72643d43796b6c6f6e2035303030 A

[@paulbaratta1566]

Merry Christmas Alec

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Merry Christmas and see you in the new year with more videos.

[@johnarmsby6740]

Alec, I have a Dacor 400 Olympic regulator. Two questions. I have polished the high pressure seat to remove the slight indent from the volcano orifice. Looks brand new. I am told that the seat is rubber and will fail. True? False? The high pressure diaphram has the consistency of leather. Flexible but not great. Looks around 3 mm thick. I have ordered two high pressure diaphrams (Scubapro) which perfectly fit the diameter of the original. The thickness is perhhaps 1.5 mm thinner. Do I have a paper weight or a possible breathing regulator? NO DIVE SHOP WITH TOUCH IT. NO PARTS..... Thoughts?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Great regulator! One of my all-time favorites. I used a 400 for about 5 years - deep, cold, under ice, everywhere - never a hint of trouble. Cleaning up the HP seat is a no-no, according to the manufacturer & general service guidelines - but it works! Just check the IP regularly to ensure the Intermediate Pressure is stable. DACOR diaphragms were notoriously tough which is good & bad. They last but are not overly sensitive. I'd use just one of the Scubapro diaphragms. Putting in 2 of them is inviting problems & that dimension, the thickness of the HP diaphragm, is not critical. The only thing that changes is the cap will screw down a bit more. There ought to be a metal washer on top of the diaphragm. DO NOT PUT ANY GREASE ON THE DIAPHRAGM OR WASHER. It may cause it to pull out either while tightening the cap or while breathing - not good!! Good luck. Alec

[@johnarmsby6740]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Alec, thanks so much for the repy. I plan to take a look at a PACER seat. The Dacor seat is us 18.84 mm X 9.26 mm. A new Pacer is 18.26 mm X 9.66 mm. Easy enough to get the Pacer to base to match the Dacor by agressive polishing. The height.... well I am not sure.... half a milimeter in height..... I guess the test will be to measure the height of the seat from the bottom of the base to the top of the push pin when inserted into the base. How critical is it? Worst case I will simply install the polished seat.

[@pucioy]

As always very good clip. One tec question: why don't we use quick connection between 1-st and 2-nd stage, like one to dry suit or inflator ? It could help in the case of free flow.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Remember basics scuba training says for a free flow, keep it in your mouth. Give someone a quick disconnect, and they will then there is NO air.

[@Vasilis_Chatzis]

Hi Alec Could you make a video about evolution of regulator and the main different between balanced reg in 80s like a conshelf and from modern like legend ?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I will add this to my ideas list for sure.

[@Caderic]

Yes, great idea.

[@meeno252]

Have you made any videos about wing lift capacities ?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not specifically on list but comparisons with jackets and back plate options.

[@scubacro5758]

hey Alec can you make a video about the different lubricating greases used in regulator service, what is the difference between tribolube 71 and 66 and so on ... thanks for the videos that you and Kevin are posting, I'm 19 and I would like to service my regulator (with training that makes it possible of course) you helped me a lot in understanding how regulator works Thank you, safe diving

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Interesting subject. Will add it to my ideas list for a future video. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@ephraimwiesel2110]

Great informative videos as usual .

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks 👍

[@davids7550]

Tanks Alec! Tanks again.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Ha welcome David.

[@BingSurjawan]

Interesting topic. I'm one of those technically inclined but still I bring my car to the service center if it needed a service although I do it many times myself if I must. Its just that you cant compete with experience from repeat works.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's my point Bing. Each new generation of dive gear is more complex with less room for error (but work great). Back in the stone age I could service my double hose regs with pliers and a wrench. Thanks for watching.

[@matthewrothschild668]

Great video. Can you do a review of ScubaPro Easy Don Dry gloves? I am looking into getting a pair.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

My friends at Simply Scuba did on already. Give it a watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZa0hpyCeqZ5ras

[@khalidalaudin616]

Hi Alec. Should the O ring at the piston be lubricated?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sorry for the slow reply. The piston O-Ring is a dynamic seal. That simply means that it moves. As the piston moves up & down, so does the O-Ring. Other O-Rings are static. They do not move. The O-Ring that seals the hose into the port is an example. Dynamic O-Rings should be lubricated but the newest O-Rings made from silicon (usually white or clear) do not require much lubrication. If the O-Ring is new it will appear glossy. Do NOT put much grease on it. Too much grease is unnecessary & will attract dirt which will in turn scratch the moving parts. Also note that if using EAN, use the appropriate oxygen compatible grease.

[@khalidalaudin616]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Much appreciated. Thank you Alec.

[@nemodivermalaysia]

Hi alex, can u make video on aqualung lagend reg servicing..

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Will put it on my future ideas list, thanks. A

[@nemodivermalaysia]

Tq alex, cant wait to see it.. 😁

[@jerradbesch1736]

I have an old Poseidon Cyklon 5000 regulator. the second stage gives way too much air when you breath in. the octopus you have to inhale much too hard to get air. I can't find anyone nearby to service it. Is it a simple adjustment? I am very mechanical.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That great old reg is one of the easiest ever made for adjusting the breathing venturi. Hold the reg in your left hand (I'll assume you are right handed) with the mouthpiece facing up. Look down into the mouthpiece and you will see a white plastic tube running across the opening, that is, from left to right. That tube will spin around & it has an opening on one side. That is the opening from which the air flows into the mouthpiece & into your mouth. Depending on which way that opening faces will determine how hard or easy it is to breathe. To make it easier to breathe, reach down with a very small flat screwdriver and spin that tube so that more of the opening is visible - or some of the opening if when you first looked in none was visible. When the opening is facing directly out, it is a s easy as it gets. When facing away, it is as hard as it gets. The octopus is the same. Good luck. Alec

[@qaszim2012]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter this is what makes you an amazing person. You took time out to write in detail a reply to someone that has helped them massively. Thank you

[@floridaadventurediving144]

Greetings Alec, My 2nd stage regs have been leaking but not a lot. So I watched one of your videos and bought the inline 2nd stage adjustment tool. I corrected the problem at home attached to a tank at 3500 PSI. I also noted that the intermediate pressure was 150 PSI consistently. I am a cave diver and I was at Little River Springs this morning. At the dive site one of my regs started a slow leak again. So I pulled out the tool and made the adjustment again. It worked and stopped leaking until I hit the water. It started again. Probably had something to do with the water temp. Outside temp was 50 Deg. Water Temp was 72 deg. I dove them with a slow leak anyway. They slowly leaked the entire dive. My long winded question is should I adjust them to where they stop flowing and then turn it a little more? Or do you think I might have another issue? My regs are about 1 year old. I have probably 60 dives on them. They have never had a problem before. They are Deep 6, 1st stage with a Palantic Adjustable 2nd Stage with Venturi control. They are basically a copy of the Hog adjustable 2nd stage reg.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for your comment. This is not uncommon. The 1st stage & 2nd stage work together and are very closely involved with each other. If one isn't happy, the other suffers too. It's a bit like a marriage! I'd suggest that you ensure the 1st is perfect. Check the intermediate pressure at different tank pressure levels to ensure it doesn't change much. Try 3000psi, 2000psi, 1000psi & 500psi - there will be a slight difference but not more than 10psi. Then, while watching the IP closely, open the tank air pressure suddenly. The IP gauge should snap to the IP pressure and sit there, unmoving. If it slowly moves up, or if it climbs to the correct IP but then slowly continues to climb, there's an issue with the 1st stage seat. Watch it for several minutes. Also, try pressing the 2nd stage while watching the IP gauge. The IP should drop a bit, maybe 10 -15psi, and then climb back up. Be sure it still stops at correct IP. If all of this seems fine. It's the 2nd stage. The only part of the 2nd that can be a problem is the soft seat - the rubber disc on the poppet valve. Simply replace it. It's unlikely the hard seat is worn after just 60m dives but that's, possible. If replacing the soft seat doesn't help, you'll need to clean the hard seat and that's another issue that I can help you with. 60 dives BTW, is about right for a reg service. In answer to your question about adjusting the 2nd stage, if the IP is constant, then you ought not need to make the breathing a bit harder to keep it from leaking. If the IP is climbing and causing the leak, it will eventually climb to the higher spring pressure that you've exerted on the soft seat and still leak, just at a higher pressure. So now you still have a leak AND harder breathing! Let's solve the problem properly, especially for a cave diver! Let me know how you make out. And thanks again - you've given me 2 more topics for Tech Tips. Alec

[@floridaadventurediving144]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Greetings, I ended up ordering the service kits for the second stages. I changed out all the O rings and the seats. The seat on one looked wider than the new one. When I reassembled them and used the inline adjustment tool I was able to adjust them so they would not run. I left it there for a few minutes pressurized. I noticed that the IP went from 150 psi to 200 psi on one and the other drifted to 300 psi. I called my dive shop and spoke to the reg guy. He said they need to be adjusted. So I have ordered new 1st stage regs because I want to dive this weekend and I will use the extras for deco tanks or stages. I also ordered the service kits for the first stages. I talked to the reg guy and my son and I will take the equipment class and we will rebuild my two regs using their equipment. I will set up a reg service area in my garage its already full of tanks and dive gear. Thanks for your help Alec. I watched your make your own wet suit episode and then spent hours trying to find neoprene and a blind stitching sewing machine. Watching your channel is dangerous. Love what you do would like to hear about your favorite dive sites in Florida. Thanks again.

[@TheJoeyboots]

I understand and only do any work under supervision of a certified technician. All gear and repairs tested by equipment and tested in a pool before any open water.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Divers who have access to a dive pool should test it before going on a big trip to a place that may not know your brand.

[@timgosling6189]

Have to say, if you're considering using a claw hammer on a regulator you should probably think again. Sure, it aint rocket science. But as you say Alec you do need the right tools, measuring equipment, parts and lubricants. So if you're just doing it once a year that may not add up compared to the cost of getting a service tech do it. My user maintenance I personally keep to cleaning and proper treatment; for the rest I'm happy to support my local dive shop.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Many diver don't realize that a through rinse and soaking will prevent most problems from becoming expensive ones. After a dive trip, let them soak a day in the bathtub (if wife is gone). Simple actions save big dollars. Thanks for watching Tim.

[@dtt3426]

i don't service mine but are some regs more expensive to service than others. are din or yoke the same price to service.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

There is no difference between DIN and yoke as they are the connection to the air supply only. Other than a o-ring change for DIN and some lub on the yoke threads, that's it. The 1st stage internals is where all the work and parts. are. Hope this helps Duane.

[@dtt3426]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter do more expensive regs cost more to service just like more expensive cars cost more to service. i'm probably going to buy a din reg in the spring and need some advice. i watched your vid on different regs and still don't get why regs vary in price.

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

your are tottaly right. the answer is Maibe... but the issue here in Ro is that dovecenters are not to be trusted in servicing.... at least ones I know

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If the dive shop is not doing a good job, tell them. Both for your benefit, they fix it I hope, but also for other divers who visit. Tell them to watch that crazy Canadian Alec Peirce Scuba. They will learn a lot just like you do. Thanks for watching.

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter we tried. They are too arogant to understand.

[@PROSTO4Tabal]

First! Perfect video :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yay! Thank you!

[@pearabellum]

I don’t understand why they restrict parts cause if I buy brakes from a brake shop and mess it up and someone dies the brake shop isn’t liable let alone the manufacturer of the car or brakes

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Oh but some lawyers will try very hard to prove your at fault, or they don't get paid. A

[@kaiser76]

Enjoy christmas days

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Happy holidays and safe diving.

[@alexjust_alex9317]

comment in support

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Alex. A.

[@carllafrance5510]

Happy NEW YEARS ! HI Alex I sent a email to your windmill ranch address did you get it ?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Let me check

[@garrettstevensen2467]

Deep 6 regulators sell parts and give instructions on how to rebuild their regulators.

[@kevindavison6019]

I just bought one of these on the used market. this was one of the selling points for me. I haven't serviced myself yet but I like the fact that the company doesn't treat everyone like they are incompetent and sue happy. I look forward to getting instruction on the proper methods and procedures to do the service.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I checked them out and the parts list is 20 items long. How many divers have a Magnahelic Gauge, Adjustable Torque Wrench a Soft Jawed Vise and all the other required tools to do it right. That investment in parts would service a reg annually for a decade or more. Still, your choice.

[@billdid]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Hi Alec. Thanks for looking at Deep 6, the company I work for. I concede that most divers don't own a Magnahelic Gauge. That concern is addressed on page 9 and 48 in our service manual by providing a free alternative solution. A person with no tools should be able to purchase everything required for less than the cost of servicing two full regulator sets. For a tech diver, diving family, or a number of other people, the monetary numbers quickly work in their. But the time commitment for servicing a regulator, especially without a dedicated workstation, help people realize that dive shop prices aren't so bad after all. ;) If you ever have any questions or just want to chat, please feel free to call us- I'm ext 7.

[@brianmichaud3668]

What about Mares proton or proton ice,

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Does not matter the make or model, let a pro do it if you're not qualified or trained. Remember it is a life saving device.

[@scubaclient355]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I've heard of a lot of regulator technicians not doing the work properly. I had a first stage serviced. Before leaving the dive outlet, I asked to see it in operation. It leaked from the turret.

[@brianmichaud3668]

I always bring it to a certified technician, last shop I don’t think they were that good. I would like to know what they do. Spent 80 to rebuild and free flowed and had a leaking O ring, so I had to use my backup rig.

[@syafiqsaad9157]

Firstly Id like to question why are service kits expensive when the parts inside the kits are cheap. Secondly, Id like to call out that its not a liability issues (just put the T&C that you wont be liable if not serviced by a official qualified technician), but its more of keeping the business close knit & making more money. The majority of dive gears are sold at an exorbitant price when the cost is very minimal. A non-branded marine grade boltsnap for instance is very cheap to produce but sold AT LEAST 7 times the cost. Anyways, I agree only qualified people should service regulators but the price shouldnt be exorbitant and self servicing classes should be made widely available.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Parts kits are either manufacturer supplied, 100% approved with no quality or fit concerns, or 3rd party packages. Like other sports and cars, if you want peace of mind, use OEM parts. Otherwise 3rd party kits come with some added risks. I don't agree with kits being called exorbitant. I serviced regs for decades and half the time it's not the parts that make it expensive, but repairing damage done by the diver through neglect and/or lack of simple rinsing. I have a future video coming on the cost of service that you will find interesting. A

[@larryrosa6995]

hey yea yea......what is new with you king scuba ?...... will be working on the new rebreather asap...... busy now, hope to reserve some time to work on the 21st. century style diving gear !

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hi Larry. Just sitting here at home watching the snow fall. Good luck on the rebreather.

[@stuartcareless9550]

Personally I wouldn't service my own equipment, The dive shop should be updated on any service bulletins and recalls on equipment. But each to there own. Happy Diving....

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Agree Stuart and a Happy 2022 to you.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Like working on your brakes but when working on other people stuff and they die or suffer respiratory problems because using third party parts procedures. For the $40 $60 bucks quit being cheap. The technicians that work on the regulators do this week in week out not just once in a while. My life and my money will go to those dive shops

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Those are very good points Ivory. This is mostly for those who believe they have the ability to service a reg just like their brakes.

[@richardkanner5365]

I realize that the must be a balance for the manufacturers to stay in business and parts warehousing is costly, but the liability argument does not hold water (ha, ha) for restricting parts availability. SCUBA diving is inherently dangerous so don't sell regulators if you are worried about liability. Extending the liability argument further, auto parts such as brake parts should be restricted, given the fact that if you do the repair incorrectly you can kill yourself as well as others. There should be no such thing as right to repair, because we as the public are so incompetent that we will all die if we try to fix things. One of the tactics used by both Apple and other tech companies arguing against DIY repairs has been to claim that they are dangerous, citing everything from fire risks to consumers cutting their fingers while replacing shattered screens.* The idea that we must not fix things ends up driving the economics of a disposable economy. This is good for the manufacturers but not necessarily for the environment. This is more about a revenue source than it is about liability, which I understand. I see this in all sorts of industries. This is particularly prevalent in the scientific instrumentation industry. BTW, I am not sure how the rebreather companies stay in business talk about liability. Sorry for the rant. * Google Apple and right to repair. For more on right to repair google John Deer and right to repair.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Parts can be found, manuals also, tool for sure but skill and experience, that is the difference between a nice looking reg and one that dives safely. Sometimes a pro is the better pick. A

[@No1x3N]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter But can you find/get parts from the manufacturer as an individual?

[@syafiqsaad9157]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunterexperience comes from doing something over and over. How does a technician gain experience servicing regulators? By going to class once or twice and then start servicing? Then wouldnt that technician be inexperienced as well? On that basis, dont you have to go to only extremely experienced technicians? What happens when those technicians die & not enough new technicians with the same experience? Thats just gonna make servicing more expensive. Its just ludicrous. We should strive to make diving and its gear cheaper, not more expensive! Dont get me wrong I have great respect for you and learned a lot from your videos but this video and your arguments just cant hold water, particularly in this day and age.