Scuba diving can be a wonderful experience. Whether witnessing the multiplicity of ocean life in the reefs and kelp forests or mapping hidden caves in mountain lakes, scuba divers experience an element unknown to those of us who walk above. But with that comes an element of danger. Scuba divers—from coastal tourists to scientists to search and rescue professionals—depend on their gear to keep them safe below the water. For repair work, that means paying careful attention to the nuts and bolts.
The small bolts and screws that hold regulators, computer cases, and gauges together may not seem like major components, but they have to stand up to the same changing pressures and temperatures as larger gear components, in addition to being able to handle water and salt. A lost screw can mean a blown dive, while an over-tightened bolt can crack its housing under pressure. By using quality torque tools, scuba repair professionals can ensure their fasteners always make the dive.
Controlling Torque in Scuba Gear Screws, Bolts, and Valves
Over the decades, scuba gear design has evolved towards simplicity, effectiveness, and durability. As such, it has as few failure points as possible and, correspondingly, few screws and bolts. These, however, are the fasteners that manufacturers couldn’t do without, as each serves a vital function. Proper snugness is essential to proper function.
The screws and bolts are typically small and often screw into plastic. While it doesn’t take much torque to tighten them to the proper amount, it’s easy to apply too much torque. This can strip the threads or the head, warp or deform the fastener, or bend or crack the assembly. Even without visible damage, a fastener can fail under the stress of a pressure change or a shift in temperature. The same is true of threaded valves made of brass or stainless steel; over-tightening can strip threads and cause pressure loss, while under-tightening can create a widening leak.
Torque tools which limit the amount of torque applied to a fastener can help scuba technicians ensure that each screw and bolt is secure. Small and lightweight, these tools can be carried in kits for field repair or make themselves useful around the shop. Adjustable tools can handle a variety of different scuba gear models, as well as side work like small marine engine repair.
The Best Torque Tools for Scuba Repair
Since the screws and bolts used in scuba gear are small and vary widely, the best torque tools are light and versatile. The careful pace and small amounts of force required for repair work make hand tools more effective than power tools, as do their lower cost. A set of screwdrivers and wrenches can outfit a shop.
A range of adjustable torque screwdrivers can accommodate the different screw sizes and torque values needed in scuba repair. To prevent over-tightening, these screwdrivers are built with internal clutch mechanisms. When the screwdriver had applied a set amount of pressure to the screw, the clutch slips, stopping the operator from tightening further.
For the nuts and bolts of scuba repair, two types of torque wrenches are effective. Cam-over wrenches, like torque screwdrivers, have an internal clutch which slips when the right torque is reached. Break-over wrenches instead have a hinge that “breaks” when the set torque is applied, requiring its user to reset it before applying more torque. Break-over wrenches are small and versatile and can accommodate different head styles to master unique bolts. This style of wrench is effective for securely screwing in threaded valves as well.
Scuba gear repair demands precision and care. After all, scuba technicians have a responsibility to ensure the safety of others. With excellence as a standard, taking the time to get the details of repair work right is essential. Applying the correct amount of pressure to every screw, bolt, and threaded valve ensures that each part holds up to the conditions it’s rated for. Torque wrenches and torque screwdrivers give repair professionals the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their work is dependable underwater.
