Question about putting tanks and valves together!

[jonnythan]

They know me and my son so well, my shop lets me fill my own tanks including nitrox, so we could fill them without a problem. They do insist on doing a VIP when due, so I would have to put a VIP sticker on them, but we have some extra stickers stowed around the house.

Interesting.

Who taught you how to do a vis?

 

[Florabama]

Interesting.

Who taught you how to do a vis?

My son is in the NAUI DiveMaster Program at my local shop. They are real good about making sure a student learns how to fill tanks and do the VIPS as well as teach classes.

 

[jonnythan]

Cool.. I wish I had that going

 

[ScubaSarus]

Same question comes up here. Usually you need a vis if the tanks come empty. But if you are connected with a shop why are asking here just ask at the shop.

 

[Florabama]

Same question comes up here. Usually you need a vis if the tanks come empty. But if you are connected with a shop why are asking here just ask at the shop.

Maybe, just maybe....because this is a discussion board for things Scuba related, and I was interested in hearing other opinions. If you're not interested in the discussion, why are you posting on this thread?

 

[mer]

Please do consult the shop that lets you use their fill station as to how they want tanks assembled and inspected.

FWIW, I do not lube the tank neck oring (increases chances of extrusion). Threads are lubed, as COVCI explained, to try to keep the valve metal (chrome & brass) away from tank (steel or AL), so that you can get the valve apart next year without damaging either -- one reason it's important to do annual vis. Dip tubes are secured, but careful not to mar the chrome.

As for O2 cleaning and/or nitrox use, many threads here on that. Let me summarize a bit.
- partial pressure filling and/or mixes over 40%, tanks and valve must be cleaned and christo used
- you will see much debate over what material to use for orings in tanks/valves in this case
- pre-mix or continuous under 40%, no cleaning necessary, but I'd still stay away from silicone
- individual store policies will vary as will tank marking procedures for nitrox and/or clean tanks as will period to re-clean the tank

 

[MarcLaukien]

Use cristolube only on the oring and not much, use a clean wrench to snug up the tube without stripping the chrome off. Otherwise your tank will end up sounding like a rattle. I just give the handle of the valve a smack with my palm to tighten, no rubber mallet needed here at all!

Today I assembled a tank and valve for the first time. I'm afraid I stripped of some chrome of the dip tube Is this really a problem, should I disassemble everything again?

 

[JimC]

Hand tight only.

Trying to get an argon bottle apart for a friend...
After multiple tools, I finally had to stick the valve in a vise (ruining it) and put a 6 foot (yes -6-) pipe wrench on the bottle and heave with almost everything I had to get it to spin. I think they used lock tight.