@Zef :
I sure hope I did not trigger all the legalistic thought you presented by stating I don‘t want my DIN valves torqued off the tank by torquing the DIN thread part sideways with an inserted threaded pipe and if anyone did against my wishes I‘d ask them to replace the valve. I sure hope you do not seriously think people would go to court over aN item available for around $40.- (@DGX). It’s as simple as that: My valves come off by engaging them with the proper tool at the therefor intended geometry.
Coincidentally, I once had a DIN valve on a steel tank that all of a sudden, after hydro and VIP the first stage would not turn in anymore without force I was not willing to apply. The darn thing had been ovalized a little and there was a slight ding at the edge. Looked to me like the tank fell. Does not matter if it did and of course no one could ever proof if and when or where it fell. The shop was kind enough to drain the tank, take the valve off, put a new one on at cost and refill the tank. As I was right there with it I noticed in the process that the dip tube also was off the valve when it came out and loose in the tank. Some VIP that must have been done after hydro. That was the second time my trust in what shops do was broken. First time was when I for the first time took my then new AL 19 onto a flight to a destination for pony tank use. I taped clear tape over the tank opening so it could be visually inspected. At the destination that tape was full of aluminum chips. More came out shaking vigorously. I cleaned the threads carefully with a hotel my toothbrush and did what I could to get the interior clean. Luckily I had a skinny single AAA-cell flashlight with me that allowed ne to see. Upon my return I had a more serious discussion with the shops owner telling him point blank that the tank they sold me never had a visual despite what the sticker said. They accommodated me and made promises this will never happen again, while simultaneously insisting that all their visual inspections are done properly of course.
Well, between the two incidents I decided to become my own VIP inspector. Unfortunately a bit too late to still be able to get the older TDI card that does not expire all three years. Oh well. But I know what to think of my tanks first hand. Of course I still need to use shops and will. Haven‘t decided yet if I keep the VIP thing up. Depends on how many tanks I‘ll have after a pending move. Anyway, for me it I.e. also took one quick oil change place visit where they forgot to put the filler cap back on to get me on the track to mostly change myself. At least I know what I got, that a new filter is on and correctly so (not double gasketed), the drain screw is with a new Alu washer and torqued to spec. and the darn filler cap is back on. I quite dislike doing it, but the industry thought me that some self reliance may be beneficial.
So, anyway, just explaining my mentality about my stuff. If possible only people who I know will do it right work on it. If not, I double check as possible. I for one learned to somewhat „distrust“ the „anonymous professional“ in the shop. ... Ymmv.
About the „PADI professional“ knowing better: Thank you for your explanation. I was aware. That may not have been obvious.
@TeamZissou : Well, I‘ll be the judge of my problems and what is being done with my valves and that‘s that.
I sure hope I did not trigger all the legalistic thought you presented by stating I don‘t want my DIN valves torqued off the tank by torquing the DIN thread part sideways with an inserted threaded pipe and if anyone did against my wishes I‘d ask them to replace the valve. I sure hope you do not seriously think people would go to court over aN item available for around $40.- (@DGX). It’s as simple as that: My valves come off by engaging them with the proper tool at the therefor intended geometry.
Coincidentally, I once had a DIN valve on a steel tank that all of a sudden, after hydro and VIP the first stage would not turn in anymore without force I was not willing to apply. The darn thing had been ovalized a little and there was a slight ding at the edge. Looked to me like the tank fell. Does not matter if it did and of course no one could ever proof if and when or where it fell. The shop was kind enough to drain the tank, take the valve off, put a new one on at cost and refill the tank. As I was right there with it I noticed in the process that the dip tube also was off the valve when it came out and loose in the tank. Some VIP that must have been done after hydro. That was the second time my trust in what shops do was broken. First time was when I for the first time took my then new AL 19 onto a flight to a destination for pony tank use. I taped clear tape over the tank opening so it could be visually inspected. At the destination that tape was full of aluminum chips. More came out shaking vigorously. I cleaned the threads carefully with a hotel my toothbrush and did what I could to get the interior clean. Luckily I had a skinny single AAA-cell flashlight with me that allowed ne to see. Upon my return I had a more serious discussion with the shops owner telling him point blank that the tank they sold me never had a visual despite what the sticker said. They accommodated me and made promises this will never happen again, while simultaneously insisting that all their visual inspections are done properly of course.
Well, between the two incidents I decided to become my own VIP inspector. Unfortunately a bit too late to still be able to get the older TDI card that does not expire all three years. Oh well. But I know what to think of my tanks first hand. Of course I still need to use shops and will. Haven‘t decided yet if I keep the VIP thing up. Depends on how many tanks I‘ll have after a pending move. Anyway, for me it I.e. also took one quick oil change place visit where they forgot to put the filler cap back on to get me on the track to mostly change myself. At least I know what I got, that a new filter is on and correctly so (not double gasketed), the drain screw is with a new Alu washer and torqued to spec. and the darn filler cap is back on. I quite dislike doing it, but the industry thought me that some self reliance may be beneficial.
So, anyway, just explaining my mentality about my stuff. If possible only people who I know will do it right work on it. If not, I double check as possible. I for one learned to somewhat „distrust“ the „anonymous professional“ in the shop. ... Ymmv.
About the „PADI professional“ knowing better: Thank you for your explanation. I was aware. That may not have been obvious.
@TeamZissou : Well, I‘ll be the judge of my problems and what is being done with my valves and that‘s that.
