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Tools
Mar 2, 2019 17:58:39 GMT -8
Post by crabbyjim on Mar 2, 2019 17:58:39 GMT -8
I spent the afternoon with my neighbor trying to re-assemble my MR-12's. Hes is a retired, master mechanic with a preternatural understanding of how mechanical things work. I, however, am at the opposite end of the mechanical understanding spectrum. That said, when does one find the tools that make working on vintage gear more joyful than painful? I know that Herman and others make their own tools. I would like to find some small tools, wrenches, sockets, et. cet., that are well suited for getting into some of the tight spaces encountered. Suggestions will be appreciated.
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Tools
Mar 2, 2019 18:11:27 GMT -8
Post by SeaRat on Mar 2, 2019 18:11:27 GMT -8
Dental picks are very useful on O-rings.
I a long, long time ago got a small wrench for removing the nut on the end of the LP seat. One side is open, one side closed, and I use the closed side most often, as it fits inside the two prongs on the LP lever.
An Allen wrench for setting the interstage pressure is a necessity too.
I use two crescent wrenches for removing hoses (one large and one small).
A CO2 cylinder is a very good handle, and it fits into the same screw-in area of the LP and old HP ports. It provides a wonderful handle when removing hoses, nuts, etc. This is the cortridfe CO2 cylinder that fits into a life vest or is used (now) to inflate bicycle tires. You can get them at bicycle shops if not at your LDS (CO2 cylinders have kinda gone out of favor since the advent of BCDs). You can also get these cylinders filled with air now (I saw them today at REI). I only used used ones for my regulator repair (I still have some).
I have also used small jeweler's screwdrivers to remove the HP diaphragms on those first stages using them, but you have to be really careful not to scratch the sealing surface if you use them.
Herman probably has some more info, as he also sells his tools.
john
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Post by herman on Mar 2, 2019 19:00:57 GMT -8
For the most part, you can use standard tools. I prefer not to use adjustable wrenches if possible, right tool for the job. A couple of thin wrenches helps for the tight, thin nuts on some second stages. There are a few special tools the make serving some regs a lot easier. Body and ring nut wrenches for USD double hose regs for example or specialty wrenches such as custom tools to remove yoke nuts and nozzles. Then there are some special tools that are a huge help like the pin spanner used for removing Voit MR12/Trieste/Titan nozzle assemblies. Bottom line, most regs require a special tool or 2 the make serving them easier.
Where to find them. There are some sellers around. Myself for older regs and Scuba Tools for modern regs.
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Tools
Mar 3, 2019 12:24:44 GMT -8
Post by vance on Mar 3, 2019 12:24:44 GMT -8
Don't forget the screwdriver handle-type nut driver! At least get the 1/4" driver that fits second stage lever nuts. A set of fixed ones takes up space, but are more solid than a 1/4" drive handle and sockets. If not yet mentioned, a set of T handled Allen keys is also great. Also takes up space, but better than fumbling with a folding pack. And a lathe. And a milling machine....
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Tools
Mar 3, 2019 16:16:10 GMT -8
Post by crabbyjim on Mar 3, 2019 16:16:10 GMT -8
The second stage nut was giving me fits. I have a set of small wrenches but an appropriately sized socket would make it much easier.
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Tools
Mar 3, 2019 17:00:57 GMT -8
Post by vance on Mar 3, 2019 17:00:57 GMT -8
They are often staked. That means they are locked in place with a punch that basically buggers the thread at the top. This gives everyone fits! You are not alone, my friend! Take the second stage out, grab on to the seat carrier's bottom, and undo!
The IP adjuster is also staked on many regs with this type of adjuster. Now, in this enlightened age, we use nail polish. Not that there's anything wrong with it! Any color will do. Just daub a nice glob onto the threads and you're Robert's nephew, IYKWIM!
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Tools
Mar 4, 2019 5:35:16 GMT -8
Post by crabbyjim on Mar 4, 2019 5:35:16 GMT -8
I need access to better schematics. Which piece is the seat carrier? And while I have nothing against whichever color nail polish you wear or use, is there any reason why I shouldn't use Loctite?
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Tools
Mar 4, 2019 7:05:23 GMT -8
Post by crabbyjim on Mar 4, 2019 7:05:23 GMT -8
I was able to find all the information I need at VDH under manuals. Thank you, Bryan!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2019 7:18:10 GMT -8
I need access to better schematics. Which piece is the seat carrier? And while I have nothing against whichever color nail polish you wear or use, is there any reason why I shouldn't use Loctite? One has to buy Loctite..........wives buy nail polish..........and most have many bottles.....why waste your loctite?
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Post by vance on Mar 4, 2019 8:45:35 GMT -8
And loctite is overkill. You do want to loosen these things up again sooner or later. BTW, I am using a lovely shade of fuschia these days.
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Post by herman on Mar 4, 2019 12:14:52 GMT -8
On the staked LP seat holders. It's best to screw it IN a turn or 2 first. This helps clear the threads since you are going away from the staked part. Then you can try working the nut off. Remember the stem is brass and it's very easy to break it off. If it will not come off easily, it's best to clean up the threads before proceeding by screwing the nut down as far as you can (compressing the spring) then cleaning up the threads with a die. The thread on USD and Voit products (and most others I suspect) is 5-40, not the more common 4-40 so a somewhat less common 5-40 die is needed. Breaking one of these use to be the end of a USD DH but VDH has reproduced them so breaking one is not the nightmare it use to be.
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Post by herman on Mar 4, 2019 12:16:16 GMT -8
I need access to better schematics. Which piece is the seat carrier? And while I have nothing against whichever color nail polish you wear or use, is there any reason why I shouldn't use Loctite? One has to buy Loctite..........wives buy nail polish..........and most have many bottles.....why waste your loctite? And at least 6 bottles of colors she just loved......until it dried.
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Tools
Mar 4, 2019 17:21:09 GMT -8
Post by crabbyjim on Mar 4, 2019 17:21:09 GMT -8
Why? One already has loctite and one would have to be suicidal to mess with one’s wife’s stuff.
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Post by vance on Mar 4, 2019 20:58:04 GMT -8
Why? One already has loctite and one would have to be suicidal to mess with one’s wife’s stuff. Blue loctite is too strong. Red's practically permanent. Even if you have to buy your own nail polish, don't use loctite.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2019 5:19:34 GMT -8
Why? One already has loctite and one would have to be suicidal to mess with one’s wife’s stuff. Blue loctite is too strong. Red's practically permanent. Even if you have to buy your own nail polish, don't use loctite. I tried neoprene glue recently and it works pretty well, easy to clean up too.......just gotta wait for it to dry before breathing off the silly thing.
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