Attaching D-rings to inside of BCD pocket through knife grommet holes?

[Rearviewmirror]

Hi all,

I've got an Aqualung Axiom BCD, and I'm trying to figure out how to mount a couple of D-rings inside the pocket so that I can clip off gear (so that it doesn't accidentally yard sale out if I take one piece of gear out (DSMB, reel, signal mirror etc.).

I was hoping to use these HOG book screws through the grommet holes of my BCD and then attach these D rings to the inside of the BCD pocket through the knife grommet screws.

Unfortunately the HOG screws are a little too big in terms of diameter to fit fully through the BCD grommet screws. They're also a bit longer than I expected, and so stick out into the pocket more than I really need.

Has anyone else successfully solved for this, or can recommend an alternate grommet screw that is smaller diameter and shorter?

Thanks!

 

[kelemvor]

Cut holes and install a bronze grommet or two. You could put one on either end and thread some bungee through it giving you a good place to clip things.

This amazon seller wants 15 bucks for some bronze grommets and a grommet gun: random grommet tool with grommets from Amazon

 

[Rearviewmirror]

Hey Kelemvor. I have the grommets already (the Axiom has 3x grommets in the left pocket) the issue is more how to attach something to clip on to through the grommets. I was hoping to find a way to attach D-rings inside.

 

[kelemvor]

I would use a short length of bungee. Stick either end out from the inside and tie a knot on the bit that sticks out. Then you can attach d-rings to that loop of bungee.

 

[rhwestfall]

^ this!

 

[Endler's]

If you want to use your D-rings, take your BC into your local Marine hardware store. Clerk will help you to pick out correct size SS nuts/bolts. Take some adjustable wrenches to tighten in store, to make certain bolt end does not protrude past nut. West Marine here even has SS acorn nuts.
OR
Make loop of bungee cord you want to use in pocket. Leave long enough tag end, that you can thread it through inside of pocket grommet. Tie knot on outside of pocket.

Simplest, would be to loop bungee, through best two grommets, with knot inside of pocket. Tie additional knot on inside of pocket, so that there are knots, on inside of both grommets. Work/cinch second knot, to make outside length of bungee taught. Use taught/exterior section, as additional attachment point.

 

[-JD-]

^
^
Yep.

If the material is sufficiently thick, maybe skip the grommets if they aren't the right place and just use a conical soldering iron or hot nail to carefully melt a holes for the bungee (or punch then melt/seal).

I actually use a loop of bungee which runs across the inside top of my pockets that is long enough to pull out of the pocket to make clipping on/off easier. It is too confining and too hard to see to work in the pocket. It is also almost necessary in order to get end-clipped items (think backup-light) maneuvered in and out.

 

[Rearviewmirror]

Awesome advice! Thanks all

 

[TroyGT]

Awesome advice! Thanks all

Corset D-Ring and bcd grommet screws

 

[BoltSnap]

Corset D-Ring and bcd grommet screws

View attachment 750179

Where can you get something like this please? What about the screw and nut to secure it?