Tools for second stage overhaul?

[Scubaroo]

Question for the folks who actually work on their own regs - what tools do you use for overhauling your second stages? I have a TX40 and TX50 that are currently spare on the shelf, and the TX50 needs some work.

I have a copy of Vance's reg book, but what tools do you personally use?

 

[Stone]

I can't speak directly about Apeks, but I would have a hard time adjusting my regs without the "in-line adjustment tool" I bought from Scubatools.

Scubatools has one or two tools for the TX100.

 

[redacted]

As Vance says, some mfgr of user adjustable barrel poppet 2nds recommend setting cracking pressure with knob all the way out and other hve it partly in. Although SP does not recommend it, I set my G500 to freeflow slightly with knob all the way out and stop within a half turn. this simplifies the setting procedure when not using an inline tool. Only other "special" tools needed are those for handling o-ring. Dental pick work but be carefull. Whenever possible, I try to do it with a finger nail or plastic tooth pick.

Oh yeah - one lesson learned the hard way, of course. If you are not going to replace the LP seat, try not to disturb it and make sure you get the seat carrier reinstalled as it was. This way any set that the seat has taken will continue to engage the orifice correctly. Not catestrophic if you can't but performance will suffer a bit.

 

[Scubaroo]

Stone once bubbled...
I can't speak directly about Apeks, but I would have a hard time adjusting my regs without the "in-line adjustment tool" I bought from Scubatools.

Do you use the optional IP gauge at all? Is it really required?

 

[ElectricZombie]

For unbalanced 2nd stages, all I really need is a in-line adjustment tool, an IP gauge and a Magnahelic.

For balanced 2nd stages, (ScubaPro anyway) the only other tool I really need is the balance chamber adjustment tool.

For picks I use brass so I don't scratch anything important. I'll use dental picks for troublesome o-rings.

 

[Stone]

Scubaroo once bubbled...
Do you use the optional IP gauge at all? Is it really required?

The IP gauge is only "optional" when attached to an in-line tool. It is required for troubleshooting the first stage.

I don't use an IP gauge attached to the "in-line" tool.

I have two IP gauges for convenience. One has a QD for checking IP from the BC inflator hose (when a second stage is attached), but the one I use when working on a first stage screws directly into a LP port and has a pressure relief valve on it.