Removing US Divers/Voit Box Clips

[admin]

US Divers started using the seven "box clips" to hold the cases together on their two hose regulators from the very beginning. These clips were clamped over the edges of the regulator boxes, and they are sometimes very hard to remove. Some US Divers repair manuals recommend that they be cut off and replaced with new. But new clips are no longer available, and may never be, so you must not destroy them.

The best way that I have found to remove them is by rounding off the tip on a standard screw driver, and sharpening it. Next, wrap some electrical tape or shrink wrap around the screwdriver shank - this prevents the shank from scratching or damaging the top box when prying off the clip. On most two hose regulators, there is a small gap between the box clip and the case on the yoke side of the regulator. Now take your custom tool, and put the tip of the screwdriver in the small gap and gently pry off the clip. Obviously the sharper your screwdriver is, the smaller gap it will fit into. If there is no gap, make a second sharpened screwdriver tool, and gently pry underneath the clip on the edge of the box, thereby producing the gap needed to pry the clip off. This technique has been very successful for me, on over 100 regulators, and should not damage or scratch the regulator or box clips in any way. Sometimes there are scratches where the box clip was installed. If so, re- install the box clips in the same position to hide the scratches.

Hope this helps with your regulator restorations!
Dan

[SDM]

[quote author=Dan

"US Divers started using the seven "box clips" to hold the cases together on their two hose regulators from the very beginning These clips were clamped over the edges of the regulator boxes, and they are sometimes very hard to remove. Some US Divers repair manuals recommend that they be cut off and replaced with new.

<<<<<<But new clips are no longer available, and may never be, so you must not destroy them.">>>>>>

:)I have a limited supply of new old stock box clamps that are surplus to my needs. I am selling them for $1.00 each with a minimum order of 7 clamps = $7.00 +$1.00 for postage and S & H, total $8.00 per regulator.

;DI also have the original plastic hose clamps in 1 (one) and 1-1/2 (one & one half inch) sizes , $2.00 each plus postage & S&H, which will vary depending on number ordered. Some are NEW some are like new but demonstate shelf wear.

I also had a few remaining custom crimping tools for the box clamps. Makes a perfect crimp every time! However I packed them away "some where" and will need to locate these tools priopr to marketing them.


It is my intent to list them on E bay in the immediate future and of course the price will increase with the competive bidding.

If interested E mail me at [e-mail]

SDM

[Deleted]

Thankyou very much Mr.Barringer, this information will be very helpful.

[John C Ratliff]

I have been removing those doggon box clips for a long time, and never used the above technique with a sharpend screwdriver. When we were taught in the U.S. Navy, we used a simple screwdriver and a pair of vice grips. Grab the clip with the vice grips (you need to adjust them so that you clamp onto them), pull down gently, slide the screwdriver behind the clamp, and use the screwdriver and vice grips to gently pull the clip down and off the box.

Once they are all off, go with your vice grips adjusted in further to straighten the clips a bit from the open end by clamping down on the clips curve. This opens it up so it's easy to put them back on. Putting them back on is a reverse process.

I put the two at the top of the box in place first, and then the one at the bottom (6:00 position facing you) on first. I then in turn clamp down on them with the vice grips to crimp them (you need to play around with the setting to get it right on the vice grips).

Once those three are fairly firmly in place, I put the other 4 on symetrically around the bottom (as the regulator faces you). Once all are in place and have been firmed up a bit, I then use the vice grips to clamp them down tight.

Finally, I check to ensure that none are loose (tightening on side can loosen the adjascent clips).

'Hope this helps.

John