How to Assemble Scuba Regulators | 4 easy steps!

How to assemble scuba regulators is a question which is asked a lot! Follow the four easy steps below and this is a safe and easy job you can do yourself. Rather see the live version?
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In this tutorial we put together a standard scuba regulator set consisting of: a First stage, a second stage, a alternative air regulator, a console and an inflator hose. If you want to change something later, for example adding a transmitter for your dive computer, that is no problem and you can easily do this yourself. The tools you need are a socket wrench 14 and 15 and an Allen wrench.

Step 1, how to assemble scuba regulators: Removing the Plugs

First thing on our list is removing the plugs from the first stage. For this you need the Allen key with which its easy to get the plugs out. An easy way to remember which plugs to remove is the fact that your regulators belong on the right side. All the other items like the console and the inflator hose belong on the left side. In most cases when you buy a regulator set the primary first stage is already connected. One the same side you need to remove one low pressure plug. These plugs are easy to recognize because the have a smaller diameter than the high pressure ports. On the other side you remove both a low pressure plug and a high pressure plug as the inflator hose and the console are mounted there.

Step 2: Attaching the Hoses

Attaching everything to the first stage is the next step. The longest hose of the bunch is up first and this is the alternative air. Like told before this goes on the right side next to the primary second stage. For now just turn it in with your hands because later on we will fasten it with a wrench. On the other side the inflater hose goes into a low pressure port. The console is the only one which goes into a high pressure port and this is also on the left side. You don’t have to worry that you accidentally mix up the high- and low pressure ports. They have different diameters and it wouldn’t fit if you did it wrong.

Step 3: Fasten Everything

Now its time to fasten all the hoses. Manufactures don’t have an agreement over which size connection they use so you might need some time to find the right size wrench. Turn all the hoses until they are fastned and remember fixed is fixed, don’t exert to much power because you will damage the hose or the first stage. Also don’t forget to fasten the primary second stage because you can’t rely on the fact that its fixed from the factory. Now its time to slide the sleeves over the connection so the hoses won’t damage when you bent them. Flex-hoses don’t need sleeves by the way. They are flexible enough to prevent damage when bending.

Step 4: Check, Check, Double Check!

Be sure everything works like it should before you head out and dive with your brand new regulator set. For this you need a tank and simply attach the first stage on it. Grab your second stage and gently push the purge button and slowly open the tank. Once air runs through the second stage release the purge button and keep opening the tank until its completely open. With this method you prevent pressure going through the system all at once.

If a hose isn’t attached the correct way or a o-ring isn’t making a seal you will hear a sissing noise. Please do not put your ear near the first stage to listen which one it is. A small leak can quickly turn into a large leak which makes a lot a noise. This could seriously damage your ears. Just depressurize the system and re-attach all the hoses once again and check again. If this doesn’t fix the problem head over to your dive center and let them check your set for any defaults.

Done!

You’r now done and ready to start your next dive adventure with your brand new regulator set. If you don’t feel comfortable or you don’t thrust your own skill please head over to the dive center and let a dive professional do the assembly for you.