Choker Clip Solutions...

[Paul S]

I use "The Band" brand velcro watch bands. They are completely secure and yet easily removable

Just want to say thanks for this. It got me thinking in another direction. I went down the local diy store and bought a role of velcro. Hooks one side, loops on the other. Cut it so it goes around the neck twice and trimmed the width.

Secure as anything, fully adjustable and no loose ends.

 

[The Chairman]

1. Do you find the reg facing you getting in the way with more than one tank per side?

This is my first venture into using the choker clip system. I'll be diving it later today or tomorrow.

2. What 's the top bungie for?

Keeping the reg and it's hose controlled. When I pull the reg down the bungees it doesn't flop over. Lot's neater!

3. What is the thing the hose clamp is attached to?

Copper wire. I used the same bend that the beginning photos with the zip ties has, only 10 gauge rather than 18 gauge wire. While I use lead solder, I might use a silver solder instead for strength. Including the soldering, each piece took about five minutes to make and the clip is fairly rigid when zipped or clamped in.

 

[beanojones]

Just want to say thanks for this. It got me thinking in another direction. I went down the local diy store and bought a role of velcro. Hooks one side, loops on the other. Cut it so it goes around the neck twice and trimmed the width.

Secure as anything, fully adjustable and no loose ends.

You mean that double sided velcro?

Now you gave me your better idea. I just had extra watchbands laying around (i use them for student compass bands), but they are not ideal. That double sided velcro sounds ideal. But the only one I have seen uses the not really velcro type system which is not as secure as actual velcro.

Where did you buy it, and what was it actually labeled as?

 

[The Chairman]

That's the fun of side mounting: innovation is BACK.

I made a spreader plate for diving a doubles wing with only a single back with absolutely no taco effect back in 1999. When I posted pictures of it, people told me how making my own Scuba Equipment was extremely DANGEROUS and should be left to the manufacturers. Hoq wash! Now we are seeing a more collaborative effort and a lot of ingenuity. I love it!

 

[Paul S]

You mean that double sided velcro?

Yep.

But the only one I have seen uses the not really velcro type system which is not as secure as actual velcro.

Where did you buy it, and what was it actually labeled as?

B&Q in the UK, which I think is home depot out in the states. Velcro branded, I think they call it "self gripping ties".

To be honest I was a little sceptical as the hooks are shorter and stiffer than normal velcro, but given a decent amount of contact area it's really strong. The tape appears to have a high plastic content rather than being fabric. That means it cuts really neatly and keeps it's shape. I bought the wide tape and cut it down the middle with a sharp knife to get my two chokers.

 

[kwinter]

(Getting a little more tail) Can you explain this?

Move the hose clamp higher up the tank so the tether to the bottom clip is a bit longer. Or show up at a singles bar in a limo with a lot of cash. Either way works.

 

[Slmason.72]

I've been thinking about side mount for the future and love the DIY / multiple options it allows,so I read these threads with great interest.

If you're not in a big hurry for that Velcro, I use these For only $2.00 each when QTY 50+ purchased - Hook & Loop Fastening Cable Ties 13inch, 10pcs/Pack - Yellow | Velcro Ties for all kinds of stuff around the house. They are also the shorter style hook, but hold very well. Plenty more options (and cheap zip ties) on that site too.

 

[Paul S]

I saw ties like those when I got mine. Two reasons I didn't go that way.

1. I got a role of the stuff so I could cut the length I wanted.

2. They looked a bit thin.

Consider that the top clip is being held to the neck by this. So when the cylinder is lifted by the top clip (walking around with it attached) it's basically the whole cylinder weight going through this piece of fabric. My chokers ended up being about a half inch wide and held fine with steel 12s (HP100s) hanging off them.

Fine in the water though or lighter cylinders.

 

[mdax]

I used chokers for a while, but didn't like that they didn't allow the tanks to sit behind my arm pits far enough...then went back to looping the bungie over the tank valve knobs. I keep a loop with choker holding my extra mask in my pocket so if the bungie breaks I can re-secure the tanks .

 

[JamesK]

I used chokers for a while, but didn't like that they didn't allow the tanks to sit behind my arm pits far enough

Same reason I quit using them. They were easy to use though, which was nice.