The Blow-job...yes or no?

[100days-a-year]

Must say the title was eye-catching,but I suspected a tame question.Mine stay on ,they don't get blown but wiped or the remnants of any water bottles poured on them.When we hear that tell-tale sign from a nearby boat it gives rise to similar comments and conjectures.

 

[vicky]

You must remember that blowing air from the tank not only can send the O-ring flying 20 meters away, it also can annoy some people around you, and damage one's eardrums.
If you're diving for several days I don't think it is so important to blow air all the time, since the cap will be in water quite frequently. Better to leave it a few minutes until it is dry and only then put it on the first stage cover. If you can't help the urge to blow air you can only open the tank 1/4 of a turn or whatever gets you enough air to dry the cap without causing an heart attack to the nearest person who stands nearby (want to get sued?? )
Myself, I like to lick the cap to remove salt before closing it ut:

 

[100days-a-year]

This conversation could start to deteriorate at this point .I'm waiting for NetDoc or TexasMike at least to chime in,or are you guys working on new material?

 

[stingray3]

Originally posted by Uncle Pug
Now why would your dust cap have salt water in it or on it?

You don't actually leave the thing tied to the regulator while you are diving do you?

The correct proceedure is to not have anything dangling that could pose and entanglement hazard... that applies especially to things behind you like on the tank neck or first stage reg.

Keep your dust caps for both the bottle and the regulator in your dry bag or coat pocket and you won't have to blow them off.

Okay now don't be stupid here, the cap stays with the reg or you'll end up losing it (That's why it's designed to stay with the reg) Take reasonable care with all your gear don't get anal about it! service it regular and your fine.

 

[Zept]

Originally posted by vicky
...it also can annoy some people around you, and damage one's eardrums.

I too have been told this -- on a recent trip everyone was instructed to use a towel instead.

Z

 

[sunfish]

Well, I wanted everyone's input on the subject, so I chose a catchy title....and hey, it worked VERY well!

Seems there is more than one debate issue on the matter...the original "blow-job...yes or no" issue, and the "all that you can't leave behind" issue. Everyone has a valid point, and I can see myself doing either thing either way.

 

[ebbtide]

the topic did get my attention and tried to figure out how it could take place 30 ft below after seconds witch seemed like minutes ponderning on the subject i realized AFTER i clicked in haha
and ide have to say leave the darn cap at home or topside ,
as an entanglement hazzard it has no busness under water on my back .
ive been hired out to dive in fish traps witch are made of mono netting and as every one knows it catches more than just fish , so i say go as bare as possible carry 2 knives one on the leg and one on the chest somewhere (mine is on the BC webbing on my chest) practice taking off the BC and untangling it it helps sometimes as you may HAVE to some day remember yer traning ,
practise

 

[roakey]

Originally posted by stingray3
Okay now don't be stupid here, the cap stays with the reg or you'll end up losing it...

Always look to solve the "root problem" not a symptom.

Looks like your root problem is that you need to figure out how not to lose equipment.

Manufacturers don't always come up with the best solution. A dry cap keeps your regulator innards dry.

Surprisingly, this appears to be a difficult concept for some, but if you want to keep something dry don’t carry it in the water with you.

Leave the cap on board and all this discussion of blow or not to blow, use a towel or not, losing O rings, etc. becomes moot.

Solve the root problem, period. A dry cap does not belong in the water.

Roak

 

[CaymanCowboy]

Stingray3 is right, don't get to anal about this, diving is fun, simply wipe the cap dry when your done and replace it, no water gets inside. Your more likly to get a droplet inside the first stage the second you take it off the tank, that's why we service them!
Relax people.

 

[Rooster1]

sounds like too much debate on such a minor thing.