Backplate question

scubajay · January 9th, 2006, 09:06 PM

OK. I am getting to grips with the new style of diving that is DIR, and I am practising in order to get the full pass rom the DIR-F provisional that I got recently.

I have noticed whilst diving in all this nice sexy gear that the wing nuts that hold the backplate and wing onto the cylinders come slowly unscrewed during a dive, and need to be tightened quite a bit after each dive. I've already lost one wingnut, and don't want this to be a regular thing. The same goes for the funny little non tightenting screws that hold the back protector onto the BP. How do I get these damned things to stay put. I figure one of you experienced DIR types know how to solve this minor problem.

Backplate is the Halcyon one that goes with the 40lb Halcyon explorer wing. I carry a 5kg V-weight, and at the moment am trying to wean myself off the extra 5kg I carry on a weight belt. (Any tips on getting rid of the weight belt, or trimming it down would be welcome too.

**jb2cool** · January 9th, 2006, 09:15 PM

you could try spring washers. These compress as you tighten them and should stop anything unscrewing. I use locking nuts (With the little plastic locking ring in them).

Bubble · January 9th, 2006, 09:20 PM

I was going to ask the same thing myself (re back protector). One set of screws have gone awol already....

I think this must be a common occurance given the comment on dirdirect.com

"Bolt kit for MC Storage Pak kit is made out of stainless steel bolts is used to attach the MC Storage Pak to the backplate although some DIR divers have found it practical to use tie wraps instead."

scubajay · January 9th, 2006, 09:22 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by jb2cool)

you could try spring washers. These compress as you tighten them and should stop anything unscrewing. I use locking nuts (With the little plastic locking ring in them).

Where can I get some of these bad boys? And also, do they come off when you want to strip the gear down for air fills?

Mal Bridgeman · January 9th, 2006, 09:33 PM

I use these....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pair-of-Backpl...QQcmdZViewItem

dunno whether they are DIR but they are very effective!
Rgrds
Mal

***Bob Cooper*** · January 9th, 2006, 09:37 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by scubajay)

I have noticed whilst diving in all this nice sexy gear that the wing nuts that hold the backplate and wing onto the cylinders come slowly unscrewed during a dive, and need to be tightened quite a bit after each dive. I've already lost one wingnut, and don't want this to be a regular thing. The same goes for the funny little non tightenting screws that hold the back protector onto the BP. How do I get these damned things to stay put. I figure one of you experienced DIR types know how to solve this minor problem.

I have never heard of the wingnuts coming loose before. Are you doing them up tight enough? When putting the plate on the tanks, sometimes it helps to stand on the plate and do the wingnuts up at the same time.

If you are talking about the stainless steel bolts and special nuts for the storage pack, my advice is..... throw the whole thing away! or just use cable ties to atach the pak to the plate if you think you really need it.

One drawback of the storage pak is that it makes access to the bolts more difficult. Perhaps another reason why they are coming undone?

JAG · January 9th, 2006, 10:18 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by scubajay)

Where can I get some of these bad boys? And also, do they come off when you want to strip the gear down for air fills?

Spring washers you can get from B&Q or whatever DIY shop for about £1.00 for 50 or so.
Woz does nice knobs, currently out of stock at the mo but I believe he's getting some more done in the near future. Prefer them over the wing nuts. Drop him a line.

**jb2cool** · January 9th, 2006, 10:19 PM

These are the options. A good DIY store can probably sort you out.

scubajay · January 9th, 2006, 10:19 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mal Bridgeman)

I use these....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pair-of-Backpl...QQcmdZViewItem

dunno whether they are DIR but they are very effective!
Rgrds
Mal

They look pretty good actually. Do they come undone at all? Also: doesn't the screw section from the cylinder protrude and cause grief?

TobinGeorge · January 9th, 2006, 10:23 PM

Look here http://www.deepseasupply.com/page13.html

These are also available in 8mm. The threads are intentionally slightly undersized for a snug, self - retaining fit.

The wing nuts can be used on any plate, the retainers require a DSS plate to fit and function.

Tobin

January 9th, 2006, 09:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
scubajay(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Great Totham, Essex Posts: 59	Backplate question OK. I am getting to grips with the new style of diving that is DIR, and I am practising in order to get the full pass rom the DIR-F provisional that I got recently. I have noticed whilst diving in all this nice sexy gear that the wing nuts that hold the backplate and wing onto the cylinders come slowly unscrewed during a dive, and need to be tightened quite a bit after each dive. I've already lost one wingnut, and don't want this to be a regular thing. The same goes for the funny little non tightenting screws that hold the back protector onto the BP. How do I get these damned things to stay put. I figure one of you experienced DIR types know how to solve this minor problem. Backplate is the Halcyon one that goes with the 40lb Halcyon explorer wing. I carry a 5kg V-weight, and at the moment am trying to wean myself off the extra 5kg I carry on a weight belt. (Any tips on getting rid of the weight belt, or trimming it down would be welcome too. __________________ We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. 20,000mm Under the Sea

January 9th, 2006, 09:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
jb2cool (Online) Padawan learner Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire Posts: 796	you could try spring washers. These compress as you tighten them and should stop anything unscrewing. I use locking nuts (With the little plastic locking ring in them). __________________ http://jb2cool.bulldoghome.com

January 9th, 2006, 09:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
scubajay(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Great Totham, Essex Posts: 59	Quote: (Originally Posted by jb2cool) you could try spring washers. These compress as you tighten them and should stop anything unscrewing. I use locking nuts (With the little plastic locking ring in them). Where can I get some of these bad boys? And also, do they come off when you want to strip the gear down for air fills? __________________ We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. 20,000mm Under the Sea

January 9th, 2006, 09:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mal Bridgeman (Online) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Suffolk, UK Posts: 662	I use these.... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pair-of-Backpl...QQcmdZViewItem dunno whether they are DIR but they are very effective! Rgrds Mal __________________ Opinions and beliefs are correct at the time of posting but are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the author.

January 9th, 2006, 10:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
JAG(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Essex Posts: 130	Quote: (Originally Posted by scubajay) Where can I get some of these bad boys? And also, do they come off when you want to strip the gear down for air fills? Spring washers you can get from B&Q or whatever DIY shop for about £1.00 for 50 or so. Woz does nice knobs, currently out of stock at the mo but I believe he's getting some more done in the near future. Prefer them over the wing nuts. Drop him a line. __________________ -.. .. ...- . / ... .- ..-. . / ... .... .. .--. -- .- - . ... www.narknark.co.uk

January 9th, 2006, 09:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bubble(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: London and New Zealand Posts: 11	I was going to ask the same thing myself (re back protector). One set of screws have gone awol already.... I think this must be a common occurance given the comment on dirdirect.com "Bolt kit for MC Storage Pak kit is made out of stainless steel bolts is used to attach the MC Storage Pak to the backplate although some DIR divers have found it practical to use tie wraps instead."

January 9th, 2006, 09:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
*Bob Cooper*(Offline) Moderator - "Don't stop me now!" Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 680	Quote: (Originally Posted by scubajay) I have noticed whilst diving in all this nice sexy gear that the wing nuts that hold the backplate and wing onto the cylinders come slowly unscrewed during a dive, and need to be tightened quite a bit after each dive. I've already lost one wingnut, and don't want this to be a regular thing. The same goes for the funny little non tightenting screws that hold the back protector onto the BP. How do I get these damned things to stay put. I figure one of you experienced DIR types know how to solve this minor problem. I have never heard of the wingnuts coming loose before. Are you doing them up tight enough? When putting the plate on the tanks, sometimes it helps to stand on the plate and do the wingnuts up at the same time. If you are talking about the stainless steel bolts and special nuts for the storage pack, my advice is..... throw the whole thing away! or just use cable ties to atach the pak to the plate if you think you really need it. One drawback of the storage pak is that it makes access to the bolts more difficult. Perhaps another reason why they are coming undone?

January 9th, 2006, 10:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
jb2cool (Online) Padawan learner Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire Posts: 796	These are the options. A good DIY store can probably sort you out. __________________ http://jb2cool.bulldoghome.com

January 9th, 2006, 10:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
scubajay(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Great Totham, Essex Posts: 59	Quote: (Originally Posted by Mal Bridgeman) I use these.... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pair-of-Backpl...QQcmdZViewItem dunno whether they are DIR but they are very effective! Rgrds Mal They look pretty good actually. Do they come undone at all? Also: doesn't the screw section from the cylinder protrude and cause grief? __________________ We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. 20,000mm Under the Sea

January 9th, 2006, 10:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
TobinGeorge (Online) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 566	Wing Nuts Look here http://www.deepseasupply.com/page13.html These are also available in 8mm. The threads are intentionally slightly undersized for a snug, self - retaining fit. The wing nuts can be used on any plate, the retainers require a DSS plate to fit and function. Tobin Last edited by TobinGeorge; January 10th, 2006 at 01:51 AM.