What IP Gauge to buy?

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fishmunger

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Well, just finished overhauling my first conshelf 2nd stage (I have 4!). Super easy, it was a breeze, and the only tool I had to buy was some circlip pliers.

Now I want to overhaul 1 of my 2 Conshelf 1st stages, so I was checking out scubatools.com but couldn't decide what IP gauge I need. I'd like to keep cost at a minimum (college student) but still get something decent that will last and allow me to do the yearly O/H with no sweat....any recommendations...??

Also, since I have yet to open up the 1st stage, I was wondering if there are any "special" tools I should also order from them that will be necessary for the job (other than wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc)?

Thanks guys,

Nate
 
I have several IP gauges, but the one I use the most is Peter Built Co. standard hand help IP gauge: Model 20-165-111 (fits a standard power inflator quick disconnect coupler).
http://www.scubatools.com/Gauge.html

The only tool you need to disassemble the first stage (other than standard wrenches) is a Snap ring pliers similar to this one: 10-101-500 Mark 15 Snap Ring Pliers (OTC), again from Peter Built Co. at this web site:
http://www.scubatools.com/Universal.html

I would also highly recommend the following assembling tool:
http://www.vintagedoublehose.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=9

This High Pressure Block Assembly Guide is the best that I have seen and makes putting the high pressure assembly back together literally a snap. It can be done with just a wooden dowel, but after a couple of times of all the springs, filter etc. flying in the air you will which you had a good guide.
 
I second the suggestion to get the guide tool. It's not neccesary and doing it without the tool is not all tht hard - once you get your technique down - but it makes the job a whole lot easier and eliminates the steep learning curve of how to stuff it all back inside without the tool.

A suitable IP guage can be made with a normal hardware store variety air tool pressure gauge, a 2" female 1/4 NPT to female 1/4 NPT nipple and a 1/4 NPT to quick disconnect adapter. The first two are hardware store items and the last can be obtained from the dive shop.

However, if you are ordering something from Peterbuilt anyway, just get their 20-165-111 IP gauge as it does not cost much more if you are combining shipping already.

A yoke nut socket is another nice to have item and you will want to pick up a suitable lubricant. I prefer ChristoLube 111.
 

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