I got some of the DSS bolt-on weights (used) for my DSS backplate. But, they did not come with any hardware for mounting them or any instructions. Hopefully, someone here can help me with some info. I called DSS and spoke with Tobin to try and purchase the necessary hardware to attach the plates. He seemed annoyed with me for calling him at all, since I didn't buy the weights from him, and told me to just go somewhere local and buy 1/4-20 x 3/8 SS screws. IIRC, he did not specify button head or flat socket head and I definitely didn't think to ask about that.
- Am I supposed to be using button head screws, or should I be using a flat socket head, like this:
- Am I supposed to put a screw through the top hole on each weight plate? There are two screw holes down around the waist belt area and the screws I got (1/4-20x1/2 button head, 'cause I couldn't find anything shorter) seem to work fine, there. They're longer than spec, but they do not stick out the far side at all, even with no washers used. But, both those holes are near the bottom, so don't give ideal (in my mind) retention on their own. There is a third threaded hole near the top of each weight plate, but it lines up with one of the big side holes on the BP. The head of the screws I got fits inside the hole in the BP, so, clearly, the screw by itself will not work. I used a 1/4" lock washer on top of a 5/16" flat washer and that seems to make a solid connection. Assuming I am supposed to put a screw through that top hole on each side, what is the official way to do it?
And if I'm supposed to use a flat socket head screw, how do I make that work with the big hole in the BP for that top screw?
- Am I supposed to use flat washers or lock washers anywhere?
- Are the weights supposed to go on the diver side or the tank/wing side of the plate?
If they go on the diver side, that means I have to disassemble the whole waist belt assembly and take it out of the BP in order to mount the bolt-on weights. That seems like more work than I would expect to have to do to install/remove these weight plates. But, maybe it's normal and expected that the weights will be installed and generally just left on, so no constant remove/replace, meaning a little extra work is no big deal.
But, if they go on the tank side, that means the bolt heads that hold them on are potentially going to dig into/damage my wetsuit.
If I'm supposed to use flat socket head screws, then I guess they would be flush with the plate and not an issue with damaging my suit. And maybe then I really would need 3/8" long screws for them to not stick out the far side.
Thanks for any help. I'm definitely look forward to getting these things on and not having to carry that extra 8# of lead on my cam bands or on a waist belt.
- Am I supposed to be using button head screws, or should I be using a flat socket head, like this:
- Am I supposed to put a screw through the top hole on each weight plate? There are two screw holes down around the waist belt area and the screws I got (1/4-20x1/2 button head, 'cause I couldn't find anything shorter) seem to work fine, there. They're longer than spec, but they do not stick out the far side at all, even with no washers used. But, both those holes are near the bottom, so don't give ideal (in my mind) retention on their own. There is a third threaded hole near the top of each weight plate, but it lines up with one of the big side holes on the BP. The head of the screws I got fits inside the hole in the BP, so, clearly, the screw by itself will not work. I used a 1/4" lock washer on top of a 5/16" flat washer and that seems to make a solid connection. Assuming I am supposed to put a screw through that top hole on each side, what is the official way to do it?
And if I'm supposed to use a flat socket head screw, how do I make that work with the big hole in the BP for that top screw?
- Am I supposed to use flat washers or lock washers anywhere?
- Are the weights supposed to go on the diver side or the tank/wing side of the plate?
If they go on the diver side, that means I have to disassemble the whole waist belt assembly and take it out of the BP in order to mount the bolt-on weights. That seems like more work than I would expect to have to do to install/remove these weight plates. But, maybe it's normal and expected that the weights will be installed and generally just left on, so no constant remove/replace, meaning a little extra work is no big deal.
But, if they go on the tank side, that means the bolt heads that hold them on are potentially going to dig into/damage my wetsuit.
If I'm supposed to use flat socket head screws, then I guess they would be flush with the plate and not an issue with damaging my suit. And maybe then I really would need 3/8" long screws for them to not stick out the far side.
Thanks for any help. I'm definitely look forward to getting these things on and not having to carry that extra 8# of lead on my cam bands or on a waist belt.