Patching a hole on a BCD

[gopbroek]

My LDS is E-bay and Craigslist. I wouldn't dream of not attempting to patch it.

 

[HalcyonDaze]

BC's can be punctured by fish spines, contact with spiney lobsters and other sharp things. A small puncture does not imply that the bladder/BC is failing or degrading etc. Not much different than a nail into a tire.

If the hole in the BC is a nuisance and leaks air slowly over several minutes, the diver can easily use the BC in that condition, but he may have to occasionally add air and may hear or see a small stream of bubbles.

Pathing a small, inconsequential hole to stop a leak is not dangerous in my book, because if the patch fails, there is still no danger.

I would not recommend others patch significant rip or tears (however if it is a torn bladder, I HAVE used a water bed repair(patch) kit with good results)

My LDS has told me two years running that I should replace the wing on my Halcyon; I patched my first hole in it back in 2007 (two years after I got it) and there are a few obvious repair spots on it now. I think they found one small leak that I hadn't caught; finally tracked the sucker down a few months ago and patched it. Haven't had any issues with buoyancy. If it's a small puncture, Aquaseal alone will do the trick - I put a dab on the puncture and then add a generous amount around it to seal the edges up. It doesn't look pretty, but I'm not concerned about looks. For something more concerning a patch kit is a good idea.

 

[Hickdive]

My LDS has told me two years running that I should replace the wing on my Halcyon; I patched my first hole in it back in 2007 (two years after I got it) and there are a few obvious repair spots on it now. I think they found one small leak that I hadn't caught; finally tracked the sucker down a few months ago and patched it. Haven't had any issues with buoyancy. If it's a small puncture, Aquaseal alone will do the trick - I put a dab on the puncture and then add a generous amount around it to seal the edges up. It doesn't look pretty, but I'm not concerned about looks. For something more concerning a patch kit is a good idea.

But, but, but, surely you are posting from beyond the grave having been killed, twice, by the leaks?

 

[gopbroek]

But, but, but, surely you are posting from beyond the grave having been killed, twice, by the leaks?

For a follow on a must read is:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/humor-games-clips-yarns-tales/480032-you-will-die-kit-death.html

 

[RJP]

Your LDS must love you!

Back to the OP. Bicycle repairs kits don't work on BCD bladders as they are normally some kind of plastic whilst inner tubes are latex.

Minor nit, that doesn't change the advice, but as a cyclist I'll point out that standard inner tubes are butyl rubber. Latex is used in higher-end racing tubes. Either way, a rubber patch kit won't work on plastic. (Though I have successfully used bike patches with aquaseal as the adhesive on vinyl/plastic pool toys.)

To OP: I'd try aquaseal and see if I could get a few more years out of it. As someone mentioned above, try to get it INSIDE the bladder.

The only thing that would worry me a little is the location. Which dump valve is it? I'd be more worried about a shoulder dump and would want to make sure that the minor leak is not actually a symptom of a more serious issue that could lead to catastrophic failure. If shoulder dump... does she have the type that is actuated by pulling down on the corrugated hose?

 

[gbf]

In historical chronological order:

Duct Tape
Drywall Screws
Goop Brand Adhesive
Cable Ties

Haven't "replaced" any of my gear since the last century. Or millennium.

Fundamental Law of the Universe:

If it's not stuck and you want it stuck, use duct tape.
Corollary: If duct tape won't stick it, use JB Weld.

If it's stuck and you want it unstuck, use WD-40.

 

[RJP]

Fundamental Law of the Universe:

If it's not stuck and you want it stuck, use duct tape.
Corollary: If duct tape won't stick it, use JB Weld.

If it's stuck and you want it unstuck, use WD-40.