Should I buy a tank pressure checker?

[TSandM]

We always check fill pressure before taking the tanks from the shop where they got filled. I've never been to a shop that didn't have a pressure checker. We do have a tank checker, but it's because we have a bunch of tanks at home, and sometimes get mixed up about which ones have been used and which haven't.

 

[Pongo1998]

Thanks everyone, I'm still not sure what I will do. Its over a $100.

 

[djtimmy77]

I got mine for $37.50 two weeks ago.

Cylinder Accessories - Dive Gear Express

 

[rhwestfall]

but dropping a second stage or your SPG as you are unnecessarily connecting your normal gear can cost you how much? The fewer the opportunities, the better the odds....

 

[iluvtheocean]

I got mine for $37.50 two weeks ago.

Cylinder Accessories - Dive Gear Express

and if you have yoke tanks -- a din/yoke adapter is inexpensive there as well...

 

[ams511]

How many people have their own pressure tank checker? A couple of times I have had short fills and am considering
buying my own pressure tank checker. Does everyone check their tanks when getting filled? This has only happened
when I am away from home diving in other places. I did a search but didn't find an answer to this question.

I have read this thread and I would say it is not worth you purchasing the checker. Every dive shop should have one available to check tank pressures. Sometimes a tank monkey will hot fill a tank to 3000 psi and then forget to top it off when cool. If the shop doesn't have one then I would use the regulators.

A more expensive but more adaptable solution is to buy another first stage, spg, and an over pressure valve and make your own. It will more likely be more expensive BUT you will have a backup first stage and SPG if you need one.

 

[Pongo1998]

I know shops have a checker but I have had shops get pissy about asking to borrow theirs. That's
why I am considering buying one.

If I was going to buy another reg, spg then I would just use the reg set I have now. I think that would be a pain in the butt.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

I own a pressure checker. Not mandatory, just more convenient and "faster" than using a regulator's spg if you have more than just a couple tanks to check before loading them up for a dive.

I had never owned one until just a few years ago... now, like smart phones, I wonder how I did without it .

Best wishes.

 

[iluvtheocean]

I own a pressure checker. Not mandatory, just more convenient and "faster" than using a regulator's spg if you have more than just a couple tanks to check before loading them up for a dive.

I had never owned one until just a few years ago... now, like smart phones, I wonder how I did without it .

Best wishes.

no such thing as a "smart phone" -- just handheld computers that you can make calls on now .... i've thought about my own pressure checker-- but debating whether i'd prefer an O2 checker instead to verify the blend before i get in the water....

 

[Rand]

Has anyone tried making their own pressure checker? Aside from using a cheap first stage, OPV, and gauge as described above, does anyone have a source for the parts needed?

You would need a yoke clamp/DIN attachment, a way to bleed off the gas when removing it from the tank, and a gauge. Are there any parts I'm missing?

Just curious if it would cost less, however the DGX pressure checker linked to above is probably cheaper than you could buy the parts for.