DIY reg servicing

[Packhorse]

I have amassed a small collection of scubapro regs and have decided to learn how to service these myself. I have just ordered the oxyhacker reg book and will look at doing a reg service course.
I use small tools everyday and am fairly confident its not rocket science. My only concern is having the right tools for the job.
I have looked at scuba tools and the scubapro multi tool seems like a good investment. Are there any other specialist tools I need.
Do I need mk20/25 assembly tool or does it just make it a bit easier having it?

Please no disscussions on self servicing is a bad idea unless you can come up with a really really good reason. I trust my abilitys and all my regs are second hand so warrantys are not an issue.

My regs are mk10,mk20,mk25x2, M50, G250, S600x2. also a AL adj micra.

 

[UWupnorth]

I dont know about any specific tools off hand for scuba pro because I use a different brand but you probably can get any tool you need here. http://www.scubatools.com/

 

[Packhorse]

Yes those were the tools I was refering to.
Do you do all your own servicing? What regs do you use and how does it take?

 

[UWupnorth]

I have apeks regs and it is a whole lot quicker and easier than rebuilding a carburetor on a car. I do have a copy of the factory service manual which is a big help. With the number of regs that I have I would go broke taking them in for servicing. The tricky part is finding someone to get the parts kits from.

 

[redacted]

I've been servicing my own Scubapro regs ranging from old regs to new for the past 7 years. I don't think I would want to try the Mk20/25 without the assembly tool to locate the piston HP o-ring and bushings in place and hold them there. You will also want the bullet tool for the Mk10. I passed on the multi-tool but it is probably not a bad idea. Soft jawed pliers (or a rag with std pliers) do the job on the knerled nuts. I made my own pin spanners for dealing with the swivel cap (ambient chamber) and the seat retainer. You will also need the special yoke nut socket to properly torque the yoke nut. Again, I made my own.

 

[ToddK]

Hi Packhorse,
I'm in your same situation- I opened up my first MK20/G250 about a month ago. These regs are very simple, but care needs to be used. Oxyhacker's book is great, and I'm just finishing reading Peter Wolfinger's (scubatools.com) book, which does a good job on some of the reg theory.
From scubatools, I purchased the multitool, piston assembly tube, yoke nut socket, first stage handle, christolube and a portable IP gauge. So far I think I've spent about $150USD, and am seriously looking at buying the IP and maghelic gauges for another $300USD, and a torque wrench.
You'll need to find a source for parts, and getting copies of the service manuals is very good idea.
Good luck.
-Todd.

 

[Hoyden]

Hi Packhorse,
I'm in your same situation- I opened up my first MK20/G250 about a month ago. These regs are very simple, but care needs to be used. Oxyhacker's book is great, and I'm just finishing reading Peter Wolfinger's (scubatools.com) book, which does a good job on some of the reg theory.
From scubatools, I purchased the multitool, piston assembly tube, yoke nut socket, first stage handle, christolube and a portable IP gauge. So far I think I've spent about $150USD, and am seriously looking at buying the IP and maghelic gauges for another $300USD, and a torque wrench.
You'll need to find a source for parts, and getting copies of the service manuals is very good idea.
Good luck.
-Todd.

Wolfinger's book is much more useful for understanding how regulators work - the Oxyhacker book is more like a generic "how-to" manual - both should have their place on your shelf. You really do need the special tools for scuba pro's - just bite the bullet and buy them. They will save you lots of time and irritation. A nicked o-ring can ruin your day. You also need the service manuals for your specific regulators and source for service kits.
My investment in tools/supplies paid for itself in two years, but I have a lot of regulators. But even if I only had a few and I could have never broken even, I'd still want to do my own services

 

[Packhorse]

Well my multi tool and piston assembly tool turned up yesterday. I have already stripped my mk 10 and mk20 for a clean and resilicon.
Oxyhacker wouldnt accept my credit card so the books still need to be ordered. Id like to get the oxy books and the scubatools one (didnt realialise they did one untill after I placed my order) but the cost and postage is a bit prohibitive at the mo. So im only going to get 1. any sugestions which would be better?

 

[FFMDiver]

stay away from their pin spanner, it a very weak design and can bend easily...

 

[redacted]

I have Harlow's book. It covers lots of stuff and seems to be prepared more for the DIYer rather than the professional tech. I don't have Wolfinger's book but my impression is it is more detailed and probably more appropriate for the professional tech. I do have some of his Scubapro manuals and they are very well done.