Am I tying this knot correctly? Am I using the right line?

[Scuba Client]

However tight I pull these they always comes loose after a few dives.

I'm using cave lines but it feels to me it's too smooth?

Should I use other kind of line? Or different type of knot?
Or maybe I should just switch to a zip tie.. Any downside to that?

Thanks!

View attachment 661723

As long as stainless steel doesn't come into permanent contact with aluminum there won't be a problem.

 

[SaltyFrog]

As long as stainless steel doesn't come into permanent contact with aluminum there won't be a problem.

Is cut-ability something I should worry about?
There's no way I can break that zip-tie underwater .

I'd say probably not? If it gets tangled then I can just let go of the light? (albeit that's couple hundreds gone.)

 

[Scuba Client]

Is cut-ability something I should worry about?
There's no way I can break that zip-tie underwater .

I'd say probably not? If it gets tangled then I can just let go of the light? (albeit that's couple hundreds gone.)

Maybe not for a flash light. Follow the YouTube vids. I wouldn't use a zip-tie. Lights don't get tangled. You can place a O-ring from a motor filter on your wrist and attach the bolt snap on to that, in case you drop the flash light. Or buy a Goodman style handle.
Impugnatura Goodman per Torcia subacquea EOS | Mares

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Questions..

Which glue do you use?

And if you superglue it, then it's ok to use Zip tie?
I thought the reason to use line is because it's cut-able in an emergency. Are glued knots also cut-able?

Thanks!

Absolutely it’s still cuttable. Also that’s not primarily why I use cave line. I find it to be the most durable, flexible, adaptable option available. I use cave line to attach bolt snaps to lights, hoses, camera handles, etc.

I use the clear Gorilla Superglue typically. I use just enough to lock in the knot. Just a dab.

I don’t use zip ties because they don’t last. They are fine for a field repair but they don’t hold up to dynamic uses where they are pulled & twisted constantly.

 

[ginti]

The problem on lack of loops is because the hole on the light is too small.
It only allows for 1 thread.

Looking at the picture in the first post, it seems there is space enough for a second.

Also, one of the most critical aspects of a proper knot is finishing with fire; that's the thing that will hold everything.

 

[tbone1004]

The problem on lack of loops is because the hole on the light is too small.
It only allows for 1 thread.

That looks like the back of a LX20/LX20+/HP50 from dive rite. There is enough room to get a couple loops in there, or at least there is on the two of mine. You can also try a prusik on the bolt snap which is what I do, then the ends cross through the hole on the light and tie it back.

Is cut-ability something I should worry about?
There's no way I can break that zip-tie underwater .

I'd say probably not? If it gets tangled then I can just let go of the light? (albeit that's couple hundreds gone.)

Breaking zip-ties is surprisingly easy, just twist them.

Metal to metal connections are considered bad, but for most divers it's not something you'll ever have to worry about and not something I would prioritize, but the cave line is the best way to attach stuff.

 

[Storker]

I think you have a granny instead of a square knot.

Seconded.

If the hole in the light is too small for more than one loop, there are a few alternatives:

1. One loop, finish DIR style as has been shown by others already.
2. Use a thinner line.
3. Put a split ring in the light's hole, tie to the split ring.

In any case: Make sure you tie a square knot and not a granny, then melt the ends with a lighter and flatten the ends while they're still melted. I've never had knots slip open when I do that (says he, very much aware that he's probably jinxing himself...)

 

[Storker]

Metal to metal connections are considered bad, but for most divers it's not something you'll ever have to worry about

If you're an UW photographer, you probably should. A camera rig can be rather large and unwieldy, so I consider it to be A Good Idea(tm) to be able to ditch it if SHTF.

the cave line is the best way to attach

Agreed. And I'm never diving overhead and haven't taken Fundies.

 

[halocline]

I use a small ring of inner tube, maybe 3/8" in width, and lock the loop around the hose and then through the bolt snap. I do this for regulator hoses and canister light heads, but not for cordless lights. It stays nice and tight, only takes a minute with no tools to do it, and it's easy to break away if necessary. I've never had one break unexpectedly. I could easily replace one underwater if needed.

 

[lowwall]

I use a small ring of inner tube, maybe 3/8" in width, and lock the loop around the hose and then through the bolt snap. I do this for regulator hoses and canister light heads, but not for cordless lights. It stays nice and tight, only takes a minute with no tools to do it, and it's easy to break away if necessary. I've never had one break unexpectedly. I could easily replace one underwater if needed.

I think I understand this, but can you take a picture?