Miflex

[HenrikBP]

I prefer stubby wrenches for working on my regulators. Those and a gentle touch; install hand tight and gently snug things up with a wrench. I even "palm" the wrenches.

Henrik

 

[Couv]

Changing out a regulator hose if very simple, you could have changed 10 of them in the time it will take me to type this; however, here are a few items to keep in mind. 1) An adjustable wrench is ok for a Save-a-Dive kit, but it is the last choice when selecting a wrench for most jobs...including changing a scuba regulator hose. The first choice would be a tubing wrench....like the one in this post: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/4099907-post22.html but most people-even those with a 6' tool chest don't have a set, so use the correct size open end wrench.

2) NEVER just un-torque and re-torque a hose end to a plastic second stage or hp gauge with out using a backup wrench. That is to say, one on the hose side, and one on the regulator side of the connection. Rather than me attempting to explain it, have a look at a manual at this site, quickly read thru and look at the pictures and diagrams and you will get the idea. http://www.scubatoys.com/servicemanuals/diverite/rg1200/rg1200index.html Scroll down to page 24 for a picture of someone using a backup wrench on a plastic second stage.

3) Use a little lubricant on the o-ring and the hose fitting threads. Not necessary, but while you have the hose ends off not a bad idea.

4) DO NOT over torque the hoses at either end. Hand tight all the way down, then just snug it with the wrench. Remember, the o-ring makes the seal, not the tension on the fitting.

Good luck....there is really nothing to it,

Couv

 

[scubafanatic]

Changing out a regulator hose if very simple, you could have changed 10 of them in the time it will take me to type this; however, here are a few items to keep in mind. 1) An adjustable wrench is ok for a Save-a-Dive kit, but it is the last choice when selecting a wrench for most jobs...including changing a scuba regulator hose. The first choice would be a tubing wrench....like the one in this post: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/4099907-post22.html but most people-even those with a 6' tool chest don't have a set, so use the correct size open end wrench.

2) NEVER just un-torque and re-torque a hose end to a plastic second stage or hp gauge with out using a backup wrench. That is to say, one on the hose side, and one on the regulator side of the connection. Rather than me attempting to explain it, have a look at a manual at this site, quickly read thru and look at the pictures and diagrams and you will get the idea. Dive Rite RG1200 Regulator Manual - Page %CURPAGENUM% of %LASTPAGENUM% Scroll down to page 24 for a picture of someone using a backup wrench on a plastic second stage.

3) Use a little lubricant on the o-ring and the hose fitting threads. Not necessary, but while you have the hose ends off not a bad idea.

4) DO NOT over torque the hoses at either end. Hand tight all the way down, then just snug it with the wrench. Remember, the o-ring makes the seal, not the tension on the fitting.

Good luck....there is really nothing to it,

Couv

...interesting info......sooo, if one were to be interested in buying a set (or a few select specific common 'regulator sized') flare nut wrenches, what exact sizes should I be shopping for ? ...what should they made of ? (chrome vanadium ?) and might you have a preferred supplier/manufacturer in mind ?

 

[Couv]

Well, I'm an (former) aircraft mechanic, so I had all my tools to begin with. Brands, I like are Snap-On and Mac, but Craftsmen (Sears) if fine. But if I were to need tools to work on regulators (you should dedicate a set in order to keep them clean) then I would find out all the different sizes I needed, get them from a pawn shop or garage sale. I like chrome plated steel tools, not that un-chromed would not work, they just look nice for a much longer time-not to mention, you may have some of these in your save-a-dive kit and expose them to salt water.

The sizes you will probably need are 11/16, 5/8, 9/16, 1/2, 7/16 ....if you can't find a set of tubing wrenches for a decent price, just get a set of open end. You'll need open end wrenches anyway, because you can not always fit tubing wrenches over every fitting.

Good luck,

Couv

 

[W8less]

Has anyone else encountered these minor issues with miflex hoses? The hose because the outer skin is braided seems to have an imbedded "twist" to them. The twist always seems to be in the opposite direction of the preferred hose layout.

The long primary hose, under arm around head, again because it is braided and has more surface friction seems to shorten and hang up during a dive. My reg always migrates to the right side of my mouth. It takes both hands to rework the hose around my neck. You cannot just grab the hose at the reg and pull some slack. The outer skin sticks to neoprene hoods like velcro??

 

[Doubler]

Righty tighty, lefty loosey that is about as hard as it gets. Even my tool challenged spouse can swap out a regulator hose. And MIFLEX hoses rock, good choice.

 

[Aquabear]

Thanks, read both posts. Great info. WIll be sure to add them to my save a dive kit for b4 puerto rico next week.

 

[spyder]

Miflex hoses came out at an opportune time for me. Getting into technical diving and needed to fix my hose lengths to streamline. I swapped out one reg set with Miflex hoses and after a few dives all my sets are swapped out. Awesome flexibility. The old hoses tended to move the regulator in my mouth when my head moved, not anymore. Haven't had any issue with the braid sticking to anything/getting hung up or twisting.