Help! LDS damaged my Atomic primary-Advice?

[Todd128]

I'd like some help and advice here, please. I just got back from my LDS where I had a simple hose change on my primary. Dump an old dive computer and install a new dive computer. When the reg cam back, it had a deep gouge in it and there were metal shards poking up through the threads where the new hose was installed. The gouge goes through the silvery outer metal and into brassy metal, and the shards are chunks of brassy metal. The hose was threaded over the shards, and I can see them coming out of the port. Even the yoke has scratches over it where a tool must have scratched it.

I called and spoke with the manager and he'll have a look at it tomorrow. The regulator is a minty Atomic Aquatics Ti2, and the primary is Atomic Aquatics with serial number AGB036.

What should I expect as far as compensation? I'm hoping to get this replaced, and not with something inferior. I am on a first-name basis with the store manager, and a really young, inexperienced employee, about 20 years old, was the employee that took it and boogered it up. It wasn't even returned with the dust cap put back. I think it's unacceptable service.

Thanks for any advice.

Todd

 

[WVDiver]

I would expect a new replacement and accept nothing less.

 

[acwaman]

Please contact me at:

acwaman@aol.com

Would like to help resolve your issues.

Seamus Callaghan
Atomic Aquatics
National Sales Manager

 

[dk2943]

I think they bought the damaged part

 

[DA Aquamaster]

A completely new first stage may be expecting a bit much as damage of this type is normally fully repairable with the replacement of the damaged parts. But you should expect to have all the damaged parts of the regulator replaced to restore the reg to the condition it should have been in after they serviced it - and the shop should give you a loaner if they have to wait for parts to be shipped.

Occasionally a reg will come in so badly corrdoed or user serviced and badly over torqued that getting some parts apart is extremely difficult and may carry some risk of damage. But generally when this occurs a tech should adivse the owner of the situation and let them know the options, the possible risks and potential costs before proceeding. If on the other hand the tech just screwed up or got careless, the resulting damage should be covered under warranty (if it is an authorized dealer/service center) and/or by the shop.

 

[The Kraken]

This one has me, too, intrigued!

That's a pricey reg.

the K

 

[WVDiver]

This one has me, too, intrigued!

That's a pricey reg.

the K

Yeah and with less than 25 dives on it I would think a new replacement would not be demanding too much.

 

[The Kraken]

This is the part that sends up a red flag for me:

"The hose was threaded over the shards, and I can see them coming out of the port."

I'm hoping he didn't strip the threads somehow.

Needless to say, an integrity test with a soapy water solution is definitely in order!

the K

 

[Thalassamania]

It needs a new body and possibly hose.

 

[captain]

Yesterday I couldn't spell repair tech, now I am one. Giving a man tools does not make a mechanic.