vicp
Contributor
I have recently been buying older steel 72s since they are cheap, light, and basically have good buoyancy characteristics. I have been avoiding the 1/2" NPT taper threaded and lined tanks, getting only the 3/4" NPSM threaded ones that are unlined (inside). Fortunately, or unfortunately, I ran across two steel 72s, one 3/4" and the other 1/2" taper threaded. I did not want the 1/2" one but the seller gave it to me for free when I bought the other one. Being cheap and not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, I took it.
The tank looks like it is in good shape and I'm sure it will pass hydro, but it has this strange 1/2" yoke valve with the knob/opener on top. I have converted all my tanks to 200 BAR (convertible) DIN valves (have about 6 DIN regs and one yoke reg that I hardly use) and am looking what I can do with this one.
1) - I can use the valve that came with it - hopefully it works and I can can find parts for it after I take it apart and clean it (I service all my equipment)
2) - I can try to find another valve - used or new. XS Scuba does make a convertible "Pro" valve (200 Bar DIN w/yoke insert) with 1/2" NPT thread but it lists for ~$100 and can be bought at LP for ~$75
3) - Find out if a regular 3/4" valve thread can be machined to the 1/2" NPT thread - maybe just or more expensive than than XS Scuba valve
4) - Just forget about using the tank and give it away (if anyone wants it). My pack-rat mentality makes it difficult to just toss it.
I do my own service and have a compressor, so I don't care about whether an LDS will fill it. As long as it has a current hydro, all the shops I use in Florida's "cave country" will fill it when I travel there. I mostly cave dive anyway and have plenty of other tanks if I ever go to a more "touristy" destination (like the Keys).
I am just looking for some feedback from others that have had experience with these valves and maybe have done any of the options listed above.
Thanks
The tank looks like it is in good shape and I'm sure it will pass hydro, but it has this strange 1/2" yoke valve with the knob/opener on top. I have converted all my tanks to 200 BAR (convertible) DIN valves (have about 6 DIN regs and one yoke reg that I hardly use) and am looking what I can do with this one.
1) - I can use the valve that came with it - hopefully it works and I can can find parts for it after I take it apart and clean it (I service all my equipment)
2) - I can try to find another valve - used or new. XS Scuba does make a convertible "Pro" valve (200 Bar DIN w/yoke insert) with 1/2" NPT thread but it lists for ~$100 and can be bought at LP for ~$75
3) - Find out if a regular 3/4" valve thread can be machined to the 1/2" NPT thread - maybe just or more expensive than than XS Scuba valve
4) - Just forget about using the tank and give it away (if anyone wants it). My pack-rat mentality makes it difficult to just toss it.
I do my own service and have a compressor, so I don't care about whether an LDS will fill it. As long as it has a current hydro, all the shops I use in Florida's "cave country" will fill it when I travel there. I mostly cave dive anyway and have plenty of other tanks if I ever go to a more "touristy" destination (like the Keys).
I am just looking for some feedback from others that have had experience with these valves and maybe have done any of the options listed above.
Thanks
