New Diver Question - Picked up D1 Cold set..

[WhiteLightning]

Hey all, thanks to everyone who's posted lots of HOG questions/answers. I was leery about HOG (strictly due to the cost) when a friend told me about them. Everyone's comments made me feel much more confident about my purchase.

So, here I am with my new reg set. I'm going out on Saturday to use it for the first time... aaannnnd all I gotta do is assemble it. Well.. sounds easy, and it probably is, but I've read a bunch of posts about using a torque wrench or not using a torque wrench when attaching hoses, etc. My gear didn't come with an owner's manual, so I don't even know how much to torque it (seems like most are 35-40 inch lbs). I'd hate to screw something up and break it... or worse... turn into a missile underwater..

Anyone know if the LP ports should torque 35-40?

Also, is it the same for the HP ports as the LP?

And yes, I'm sure you're probably saying I should take it to the shop. I'd prefer to do it myself if I can.

Thanks,
WL

 

[divad]

Just screw the hose in by hand and tighten it with a crescent wrench enough to compress the O-ring. If you can't feel it bottom out, you probably should not do it yourself.

 

[Brendon]

Just screw the hose in by hand and tighten it with a crescent wrench enough to compress the O-ring. If you can't feel it bottom out, you probably should not do it yourself.

1/4 turn past hand tight you will need a wrench. Hand tight does not mean death grip and strain yourself either. In 18yrs I have never used a torque wrench on any first stage hose, regardless of the many brands I have delt with. Besides, could you imagine carrying one around in your dive bag? Maybe 1-1000 might go to such links for perfection .

 

[divad]

Torque wrench good for head bolt.

 

[Brendon]

lol....

 

[blue steal]

Welcome to SB. I purchased my first HOG set about 2 years ago. It has worked very well for me in cold water and warm.
The advice above on putting the hoses on is good. Just don't overtighten as it will crush the o-rings causing a leak.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

As others have pointed out, accurate torquing of the first stage hose junctions is not necessary. Screw in the hose by hand and snug up the junction a little with a wrench. As part of every pre-dive check, you should be making sure that all reg hose connections are not too loose.

If you ordered the HOG reg setup online and it didn't come assembled, there's a chance that the cracking pressure on one or both of the second stages will require adjusting. Hopefully, you know how to do that.

If you ordered a HOG SPG with the reg setup and it didn't come attached to the HP hose, then you'll need to generously lube the o-rings on the HP spindle/spool prior to tightening the junction with two wrenches. Hopefully, you know how to do that.

Experienced divers know that it is critical to do comprehensive functional tests on the reg setup prior to use. With any new first stage, it's important to check the intermediate pressure setting with an i.p. gauge. Hopefully, you know how to do that.

For any new-to-you regs (brand new regs and rental regs), it is critical to try them out in a relatively safe underwater environment. Since you're located in the San Diego area, La Jolla Shores is an ideal location for testing out new gear. LJ Shores is an easy shore dive site with a gently sloping soft bottom. It is never a good idea to take an "unknown" reg out on a challenging dive.

HOG regs are marketed towards tech divers and people with some knowledge of reg repair/assembly. If you don't fall into either category, please seek out the necessary information/training before monkeying around with anything inside the reg.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions. I live in the San Diego area, and I'd be more than happy to lend a hand.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

This is one of the reasons that unless requested not to, I assemble and bench test every reg I sell. No extra charge. You do not need a torque wrench for hoses. Just a small open end or crescent wrench. I usually hand tighten, then with two fingers on the wrench snug up the hose. Just for giggles I did take a torque wrench and take the hose off. Took 36lbs to loosen it up. So it falls right into that range that is suggested. I have found that the regs I've sold and assembled were tuned fine right out of the box.

 

[WhiteLightning]

Thanks for all the good input, everyone. I appreciate the responses.

I hooked everything up and it all seems to be working well. And yes, I'll be out at La Jolla tomorrow.

 

[SDAnderson]

If you know what you're doing a torque wrench isn't necessary but lots of people who should be using a torque wrench don't. There's no shame in using a tool; if you can't tell the difference between 20, 40, 80, 120 and 160 inch pounds by feel, a torque wrench is a sensible crutch. I'd rather use a tool than be one. 20 inch pounds is enough for a port plug, 40 inch pounds is best for a hose and 80 inch pounds is way too much for either. Be careful with the 5th port, however. If you overtighten that connection, you run the risk of loosening the turret bolt (very bad) when you remove the hose.