• Dive Tips

• To fix common leaks from your low pressure inflator, buy a tire tool from a business that repairs tires. The seat in this hose is usually the same as a valve stem in a tire. Regular valve stem tools are not long enough to reach the valve insert. This tool will and save you a lot of time and money.
   
• Use an Antioxidant on all your electrical connections. As the moisture, even humidity, corrodes the electrical connection, resistance builds up which promotes loss of efficiency and increased heat, especially with regard to scooters and high wattage lights. The Antioxidant also serves as a lubricant, to prevent binding of dissimilar metals. In looking for an anti oxidant, make note that many exhibit electrical insulating properties – such types may not be appropriate for electrical connections.
   
• Helmets can be purchased at any hardware store throughout the U.S. They are about $6 to $8 depending on the store. Take out the liner and cut out the back, so you can raise your head with doubles on. I used surgical tubing for the neck strap.
   
• Heavy rubber bands are available at ceramic shops, and are used in firing ceramics and molds. These bands are made of surgical type material and are approx. 1" wide and 1/8" thick. They work fine to keep hoses stowed on stage and sidemount bottles, instead of using cut inner tubes. Because of their thickness, they are easy to lift making hose deployment and replacement simple underwater.
   
• To prevent roll-offs on my doubles, I use small pieces of PVC pipe, cut approx. 3" in length, or pipe caps, which will slip over your valve knobs. Connect the two with surgical tubing. In the unfortunate event you hit the ceiling, your valves are less likely to roll off. Because I like small caves, this has really worked well for me.
   
• On ascent, if you put the power inflator at your neck level and depress the deflate button, the BCD will find neutral buoyancy by itself. It will work like the automatic deflation valve on a drysuit.
   
• If you change to tanks that need a brass ring around the neck, consider using a Bull Nose Ring. You can replace and remove them when you want, and clips can be mounted much closer to the tanks because the adapter has been eliminated.
   
• On your back up BCD inflator hose, install a short piece of 4" diameter inner tube over the power inflator. With a single touch, in total darkness, you will know instantly whether it is the primary or back up.
   
• On cutting tie wraps, use a flush cutting pliers commonly found in the sewing section of Wall-Mart. These will cut the tie wrap flush with the securing end, and will not leave a sharp burr.
   
• At Office Max, or like stores, you can buy SS Bankers Clasps, ACCO #50505-72045, and attach to your light, so when you need both hands just slip the clasp over your wet suit sleeve or under your computer wrist band.
   

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