Using hose clamps to mount accessories to side of tank?

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

Hey all,
I’m trying to backmount a pony bottle to my main tank, and rather than spending $100 on a mount kit, I’m considering just using a pair of wide gauge stainless steel pipe clamps to mount one to the other, and jerry rigging to kind of connection/release in between. Does anyone see an issue with this plan? My tanks are aluminum, so I’m concerned it might scar the metal or something. Thoughts?

 

[Scared Silly]

Sounds like a PITA. The least expensive solution is Zeagle's pony bottle bands which runs $60.

 

[34109411]

Hey all,
I’m trying to backmount a pony bottle to my main tank, and rather than spending $100 on a mount kit, I’m considering just using a pair of wide gauge stainless steel pipe clamps to mount one to the other, and jerry rigging to kind of connection/release in between. Does anyone see an issue with this plan? My tanks are aluminum, so I’m concerned it might scar the metal or something. Thoughts?

you rather sling it and have access and fully control of you valve. You could done it also freely at any time.

You will also carry 3 second stage ?

 

[OTF]

Yes you can hose clamp them or make a DIY version of the hose clamp based mounts.

But for MANY reasons it's better to sling it on your side. There are several long threads discussing where to carry a pony.

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

@OTF @34109411 I've read all those threads, and for some of diving will definitely sling. However, some of my dive situations require my chest/sides to remain free for other gear, and sometimes I dive a heavy enough current that I really don't want any "give" to my pony bottle's attachment cause I don't want it flapping around like it would on a sling. To this end, backmounted upside down seems like the way to go for some of my diving.

Also, I only plan to carry 2 second stages of radically different designs (one a tusa RS 01, the other an all metal conshelf second stage), why?

 

[Zef]

Hey all,
I’m trying to backmount a pony bottle to my main tank, and rather than spending $100 on a mount kit, I’m considering just using a pair of wide gauge stainless steel pipe clamps to mount one to the other, and jerry rigging to kind of connection/release in between. Does anyone see an issue with this plan? My tanks are aluminum, so I’m concerned it might scar the metal or something. Thoughts?

If you are set in your mentality and desire to create a bodge of a gear situation then go for it.

You asked the general diving public here is they/we see an issue with this plan and specifically asked for thoughts.....folks shared what they see as an issue along with some thoughts and your response was to rationalize your intentions....that is just shy of being argumentative, but kind of just as rude. You could just absorb the thoughts and concerns being expressed, compare them to your thoughts and just move on with your intentions...unless you are just trolling for reactions.

So go ahead configure your gear any which way you desire...stop seeking vindication for what you have concocted in your head or in your garage (or both)....you don't need anyone's permission to cobble some hose clamps together.

***NOTE***
For any newbies out there who might be reading this thread, you all should reallize that a good number of folks have already gone through and moved past the discovery stages of what the OP is trying to do. Better techniques and specific products have been developed to accomodate this. Could a bodge work...of course it could! But more effective and more eloquent solutions are available even from an inexpensive DIY perspective.

-Z

 

[DivingSD]

@OTF @34109411 I've read all those threads, and for some of diving will definitely sling. However, some of my dive situations require my chest/sides to remain free for other gear, and sometimes I dive a heavy enough current that I really don't want any "give" to my pony bottle's attachment cause I don't want it flapping around like it would on a sling. To this end, backmounted upside down seems like the way to go for some of my diving.

Also, I only plan to carry 2 second stages of radically different designs (one a tusa RS 01, the other an all metal conshelf second stage), why?

If you haven’t seen the bungee side mount setup, check that out too. My pony disappears underwater tucked up behind my arm. I would also not want to carry it flapping around in front of me but this does work quite well. Plus it’s really cheap

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

@Zef Dude....They said "You should sling it." I responded "Sometimes I will, but sometimes slinging it doesn't work for what I'm doing and here's why." I fail to see what is so rude about this. I'm considering trying something, but I'm not sure if it will work/is a good idea, so I ask people who might know. The fact that of the two response I got, both answered a different question ("Should I backmount my pony bottle") rather than the one I asked ("Will Hose Clamps work for backmounting a pony bottle") leaves me with a lack of an answer beyond @OTF 's "Yes you can" (Which I appreciate, OTF, thanks!)

The major criticism I've heard of backmounting a pony is that you might get the second stages mixed up, or that it might free flow. I've accounted for the former by using two very different second stages, and I account for later by mounting the pony second stage directly under my chin so I'll notice a freeflow. Am I missing any other errors? I'm not trying to troll or start an argument, I just have yet to see any reason not to backmount given the diving I'm doing. If you have any wisdom to share on the subject, I would love to hear it.

@DivingSD I have, in fact, not seen that, but if you wouldn't mind sharing a link/some photos, I'm definitely open to the idea. Excluding my issue with current and worries that it will get in the way, I would much prefer a sidemount rig, as that can be handed off/reduces my surface weight.

 

[DivingSD]

@Zef Dude....They said "You should sling it." I responded "Sometimes I will, but sometimes slinging it doesn't work for what I'm doing and here's why." I fail to see what is so rude about this. I'm considering trying something, but I'm not sure if it will work/is a good idea, so I ask people who might know. The fact that of the two response I got, both answered a different question ("Should I backmount my pony bottle") rather than the one I asked ("Will Hose Clamps work for backmounting a pony bottle") leaves me with a lack of an answer beyond @OTF 's "Yes you can" (Which I appreciate, OTF, thanks!)

The major criticism I've heard of backmounting a pony is that you might get the second stages mixed up, or that it might free flow. I've accounted for the former by using two very different second stages, and I account for later by mounting the pony second stage directly under my chin so I'll notice a freeflow. Am I missing any other errors? I'm not trying to troll or start an argument, I just have yet to see any reason not to backmount given the diving I'm doing. If you have any wisdom to share on the subject, I would love to hear it.

@DivingSD I have, in fact, not seen that, but if you wouldn't mind sharing a link/some photos, I'm definitely open to the idea. Excluding my issue with current and worries that it will get in the way, I would much prefer a sidemount rig, as that can be handed off/reduces my surface weight.

Check out the link below. I actually just run a loop through the top hole of my backplate and wrap it around the tank neck. This will keep everything down and back along your side instead of dangling around in front of you.

How To Setup Sidemount Loop Bungees

An illustrated guide to the optimal setup for sidemount loop bungee systems.

scubatechphilippines.com

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

@DivingSD Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a try and see if I can get it to work.