What size snaps to use?

[tanzer2250]

What size snap do you use for (1) primary light, (2) backup lights and (3) pressure gauge when diving in cold water (northeast wreck diving) with 5 mil. gloves (not dry gloves)? Is there a recommended size to use?

 

[Spoon]

i use a 5/8" in warm water diving so i am assuming you will need bigger oned becasue of the thicker gloves you are wearing.

 

[double80s]

I like the 3/4" (3.5" long) bolt snaps. With thick glove they are easy to access.

 

[Ben_ca]

How to use: Selection of the correct device for the job is critical. Avoid choosing a bolt snap that is too big for the job. In general, the following sizes are used for the tasks indicated:
• Securing the long hose to the harness – 1/2” bolt snap
• Securing backup lights to the harness – 1/2” bolt snap
• Securing the SPG to the left hip D ring – 3/4” bold snap
• Securing stage bottles – 3/4” or 1” bolt snaps

http://www.5thd-x.com/xducation/accessories.html

Bottom of the page

 

[ShoalDiverSA]

I need some assistance making a decision regarding the size of snaps to buy. I am planning to purchase from Nix Dog Collars. There are a few options on the Diving Snaps page, but they don't appear to offer 1/2" snaps. I need snaps for general recreational use, e.g. backup light, SPG, SMB and so on. Would it be better to go with the "Mixed Bag" of snaps, with the following contents:

There are 2 Double Stainless Steel Snaps , 2, 1&1/8 Inch Stainless Steel Snaps , 4, 3/4 Inch Stainless Steel Snaps , 4 , 3/4 Inch with a large Ring Stainless Steel Snaps.

or should I just go with a bag of 3/4" snaps:

#34SS: 3/4" Stainless Steel Bolt Snaps.

?

As I am a recreational BP/Wing diver, I suspect that the second option would be the best, as I don't think that I would need the double snaps, for example. The 1 1/8" snaps would also be too large for my uses. Maybe I have answered my own question - but I would really appreciate your input.

If 1/2" snaps are the way to go, is there a reasonably priced Internet vendor of this hardware? From what I have seen in my research, Nix has the best prices by far.

Does the size of the ring on the snap influence the decision as well?

Cheers (and thanks),

Andrew

 

[DIR-Atlanta]

I am planning to purchase from Nix Dog Collars. There are a few options on the Diving Snaps page, but they don't appear to offer 1/2" snaps.

The 12SS snaps at the bottom of the page appears to be a 1/2" snap, just based on the size of the ring as compared to the size of the snap. I would call and verify before ordering, though.

I prefer the 1/2" snaps for backup lights and long hose, 3/4" snap for SPG, and then 1" "large ring" snaps for stage bottles and SMB. For 3/4" snaps, I would try your local Lowe's - I have had good luck finding SS snaps and small double enders there.

Whatever you buy, make sure that the spring in the snap is SS as well. A lot of the cheaper snaps use regular steel springs, which will rust over time.

Does the size of the ring on the snap influence the decision as well?

Yes - you want to avoid snaps with large rings for backup lights and SPG because it is very easy to accidentally clip something to the snap ring instead of the D-ring.

 

[MonkSeal]

Does the size of the ring on the snap influence the decision as well?

Yes, big snap eye on stage/deco tank will ease handling it under water.

 

[limeyx]

The 12SS snaps at the bottom of the page appears to be a 1/2" snap, just based on the size of the ring as compared to the size of the snap. I would call and verify before ordering, though.
..

Yeah, I am pretty sure I use the 12SS for 1/2 inch, and 34SSLR (3/4") for SPG and for stages. Not tried a larger one on stages yet.

 

[SparticleBrane]

This should help. If you're too lazy to click....
3/8" for the long hose and primary light heads
1/2" for the backup lights
3/4" for the SPG

To be honest I don't think that there will be a huge difference between a 3/8" and a 1/2" bolt snap for the long hose, so whichever will most likely be ok. Not that the DIR police probably aren't going to pull you over underwater and write you a ticket because your long hose bolt snap is 1/8" too wide.

 

[ShoalDiverSA]

Thanks for all the replies.

I must apologise for asking a question from a non-DIR perspective in the DIR forum. I just saw that this thread (mostly) addressed the issue I needed to solve. I think posting in the DIR forum introduced some confusion as to my intentions with the snaps.

However, it looks like the 3/4" and 1/2" snaps will cover most of my needs. I do not use stage bottles, or a DIR hose configuration (yet), so I will purchase to suit those needs in future. I will ask Nix Dog Collars if they can do a "special" combo for me...

Thanks again for the responses - particularly for pointing out the 1/2" snaps - they are much appreciated!

Cheers,

Andrew