nwbrewer
Contributor
Does anybody know if the CO2 canisters used to inflate old vintage BC's are available anywhere? Are these things safe to use? Any info appreciated, thanks.
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I think that the military version was even larger than the 25 gram CO2 cartridges. Its been a long time since I saw them an a vest, but in the USAF we used Underarm Life Preservers, and they had the larger CO2 cartridge. I may still have one, and if so, I'll post about it.CO2 cartridges are available in various weights and thread sizes at Boaters World. As was stated, most are 3/8 neck regardless of weight. However, if you have a SAR or UDT military (SEAL) vest the cartridges are a special 25 gram size, eg, they have large, 5/8 necks or 7/16 necks and may be harder to find. Buy the correct weight for your vest. If the vest does not have a relief valve blowing the gas cylinder could damage your vest. Also, same thing if the vest has been partially inflated by mouth. As the diver ascends the gas will expand.
That's fine, but realize that if you are using a modern rig, and you plan that it could be a backup for emergency breathing, a CO2 cartridge could compromise that function.Sweet thanks. I think the BC is a gonner, (rodent damage) but I was thinking the CO2 mechanism might be kind of nice to incorporate into a DIY SMB, like the Buddy SMB's.
Does anybody know if the CO2 canisters used to inflate old vintage BC's are available anywhere? Are these things safe to use? Any info appreciated, thanks.