Help with BCD Repair--Torn Fabric

[Bratface]

I mounted a pocket to my Scubapro Ladyhawk a few years ago. It's mounted to the outside of where the weight pocket inserts using plastic screws. It worked great until it pulled loose today. I have been thinking about reinforcing the hole with glue to keep it from stretching then mounting a plastic washer to both side of the screw before reattaching it.

I'm pretty good at thinking of solutions but would welcome any other ideas. The BC is around six years old and while I dive every weekend, it's not ready for the bone yard yet.

 

[uncfnp]

Can you get to it well enough to use grommets?

 

[undrwater]

Yes. Big plastic fender washers. That's what I'd do too. Or shaped PVC.

 

[Bratface]

Can you get to it well enough to use grommets?

When I originally mounted the pocket, my grommet maker was the wrong size. Not sure that will be an option. May need to reinforce the fabric if I try it.

 

[dmaziuk]

I tend to use shoe goo (try your local ace hardware) for any fabric stuff that doesn't require much flexibility. Should work for reinforcing the fabric with e.g. a piece of webbing, may not work on plastic washers. Though some plastic will stick well enough if you roughen it up with a file or sandpaper first.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I mounted a pocket to my Scubapro Ladyhawk a few years ago. It's mounted to the outside of where the weight pocket inserts using plastic screws. It worked great until it pulled loose today. I have been thinking about reinforcing the hole with glue to keep it from stretching then mounting a plastic washer to both side of the screw before reattaching it.

I'm pretty good at thinking of solutions but would welcome any other ideas. The BC is around six years old and while I dive every weekend, it's not ready for the bone yard yet.
]

I'd consider fusing the frayed edges of the hole with a hot knife or soldering iron to limit additional fraying. Then I'd take a ~ 2 2" x 4" pieces of 1000 denier fabric. Fold each in half so you have a piece ~2" x 2" Place one on each side of the existing hole and punch through both. Then set the grommet. The extra fabric gives the grommet something to "bite" into.

Good luck,

Tobin