Setting up fill/repair station

[tlongjones117]

Good afternoon, my employer is wanting to set up a fill station, the idea being to rent out our own tanks, be able to fill customers', and do VIPs. They've sent a few of us to get VIP certified, and as the one with the most dive experience I've been tasked with making a list of what tools and parts (O-rings, grease, etc) that we will want the station to have.
We have a decent tool box with adjustable wrench, allen wrenches, sockets, rubber mallet, pics, razor blade scrapper, screwdrivers, etc. I would appreciate any advice on what other equipment you would recommend, for instance, ideal light/mirror for inspecting threads, grinder and plug for removing rust, O-ring and grease, or anything else your greater experience brings to mind.
Much appreciated and have a great day.

 

[rhwestfall]

Your VIP class will go over tools, but I would add a strap wrench to the collection.

here is an option to see what is out there: Cylinder Inspection Training | Cylinder Training Services

there is however a lot of overpriced stuff that you can get way cheaper at hardware and automotive stores...

 

[happy-diver]

Man, I drove over 500miles last week to collect these monsters 282lbs each, that's how I build a fill station

And if I didn't have a car



A big day another great day

 

[DogDiver]

The number one first thing to do is discuss your business plans with an attorney and look into the outrageous price of liability insurance. Good luck.

 

[TrimixToo]

The goal should be to be a full-service shop. What you are describing is a reasonable first step. But you'll need to service regulators, BCs and wings, change computer batteries, and such. Find the local hydro shop and make a deal so you can offer hydros at a reasonable price. Add a tumbler and get certified to O2 clean, add the capability to do nitrox, and such.

Why? Until you can do it all for the average diver, people will have to go other places to get the rest done. When they do, they might just keep going to those places.

The training your team gets along the way should reveal all the tooling you need to get everything done. HTH.

 

[bakodiver391]

The tool with an abrasive ring to shine up the o-ring mating surface on the tank neck, along with a bunch of spare abrasive discs. Trident Diving Supply sells them. You are going to find that nearly every tank that you VIP is going to need the o-ring recess shined up. The tool itself is expensive for what it is, I made one on a lathe in about 5 minutes.