Bolt snap to SPG hose

[Nick Argue]

What's the best way to attach a bolt snap to an spg, or first stage hose for that matter? I like the idea of having something breakaway, and so far I've tried an o-ring through the bolt snap and then cable tied onto the hose. Problem is the cable tie looks like it's rubbing on the hose so I'm less than keen on that idea.

Any thoughts or suggestions please!

[Chris Cherrington]

I use a rubber band. They perish after a while but cost nowt.

Chris

[David Walker]

I use inner tube (from a bike tyre) - cheap (or free!), just cut a thin strip and they seem to last much better than normal elastic bands.

David

[tom_b]

string. like the stuff that's on your reel. see any DIR forum for excruciating details of which knot to use. no real reason to have a breakaway, and if you need to cut it off it will take about three seconds with a knife/shears.

cable ties are bad because they rapidly become brittle and will snap when twisted - just when you don't want them to.

[Fiona]

see any DIR forum for excruciating details of which knot to use.

Oh Tom and I was going to post a link to "how to tie a boltsnap". Well it helped me :)

[AndyDavis]

Ditto on the recommendation for some string.

Technically, this is a cut-away, not a break-away, but this is sufficient and safe for most diving applications. Use some standard line from your wheel, tie the snap on using a cave knot and then finish the job with a spot of super-glue to prevent it ever coming unravelled.

It's cheap, is flexible, won't snap at an inopportune time and is released with the flick of a knife.

As already mentioned, this solution is favoured by the DIR crowd and there are a host of websites detailing the knot required. The best description I've seen is on the Dive Rite Express site (here).....

http://www.diveriteexpress.com/library/boltsnap.shtml

Here's a pic of the knot is use (with a torch)....

http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/esm/staff/pages/shartley/projects/gear/torch.jpg

[Ben Panter]

Is it quicker to reach into a pocket, take out your shears, snip the string and put the shears away again or just pull the thing hard?

(Not very subtly in the inner tube clan myself...)

I have the guage clipped off high for ease of use - I look down and there it is. The emergency situation I envisage is either a pull (string *will* damage a HP hose, I've done it myself) or in a rescue situation where a rescuer wants to get me out of the kit asap. Anything that isn't obviously covered in the buddy check needs to come off without any thought. I suspect that I break an innertube unintentionally about twice a year.

I agree that for a DIR diver with the SPG clipped off behind the arm at waist level string is just as good - but I suspect that is not how the vast majority of divers here set up their kit.

Cheers,

Ben

[AndyDavis]

For the SPG, it's not vital. However, I've lost a lovely, shiney chrome bolt-snap from my Primary (as the bolt-snap hangs free for most of the dive) when a tie wrap got brittle. I've also lost a torch from using tie-wraps - and was chuckling evily in commiseration when a mate recently lost a brand new HID torch for the same reason. So now, I use cave line for attaching nearly everything.

[Woz]

Or: unbolt the hose from the 1st stage. Thread the hose through the eye on the snap. Re-bolt up.

Admittedly it's not cuttable or breakable but the way I have my SPG (same as Ben, there) it's just to the inside of my nipple so I can have a shuftie easily. Then again I use inner tube too as you can use that method with gauges with boots on.

[IainC]

I've used an o-ring without a cable tie for several years - looking in need of replacement at the moment after 4yrs+ but it works and it will break if pulled with sufficient force.

Iain C.

[Nick Argue]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll ditch the cable ties and have a fiddle with string/inner tube for the SPG. Kids are at school so they won't miss an inner tube for a while.

[NickMcV]

I use a snorkel clip - the figure 8 silicone rubber ones - this goes round the hose and threads through itself and then fit the clip in the same way to the other end. i.e thread the loop through the ring on the bolt clip, then strech the loop over the whole clip - ends up nicely tied on. gives a bit of stretch, doesn't go manky in salt water, if you're determined enough it will break away.

[Nick Argue]

I use a snorkel clip - the figure 8 silicone rubber ones.

Nice one :D , I've got a spare somewhere have long since lost the snorkel it came from. I'll use this on the first stage clip as I'd prefer this one to be on a breakaway.