New Jersey Scuba Diving

Regulators - Hose Protectors

regulator

Hose protectors are those funny rubbery tubes that fit over the ends of your air hoses. Their purpose is to prevent the hose from being bent sharply at the connector, which will eventually cause it to fail. However, they are practically impossible to put on. Here's a hint that makes it easy:

Soak the hose protector for a few minutes in not-quite-boiling water. This will make it much more soft and pliable. Then fish it out and jam it onto the hose quickly before it cools and hardens. Be careful not to get water in the hose orifice. Maybe I'm slow, but it took me quite a while to figure out this simple trick.

Some people claim that hose protectors promote corrosion of the metal hose fittings beneath. My experience is that if you clean your gear properly after every dive, this is not an issue, and in any case, the soft rubber of the hose is far more at risk than the hard stainless steel of the connector.

Another use for a hose protector is as a cap for a spear point.

Dive Knives

knife

A dive knife should also be considered standard equipment since many dive locations have hazardous monofilament in which you can become entangled. Don't skimp on your knife either - the most commonly found artifact off the New Jersey coast is the cheap dive knife that has slipped from its sheath. When looking at knives in the store, scrutinize the locking mechanism and the sheath. Is it secure and unlikely to release by itself, yet also easy to use? Will it loosen under use, or break with age? Tug at it, and try to see if you can work it loose without actually hitting the release. If you can, then don't buy it. Also, bigger is not necessarily better - many of the best knives on the market are only 10 inches long overall.

Some other features to look for in a knife are:

  • Blade shape: blunt tipped blades are safer, while pointed blades are more useful if you are into underwater hunting.
  • A good big sturdy handle: you will probably have thick gloves on.
  • Metal-butted handle: useful as a tank banger, or light duty hammer.
  • Saw edge: for heavy duty cutting.
  • Quick release depth compensating straps: much better than buckles.

More: Dive Knives ...

Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

Copyright © 1996-2026 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted

Powered by WordPress. No, really.
Cookies blah blah whatever

This website is 100% ad and AI-free

21 // 97305 // 274

Printed from njscuba.net