Bolts and nuts for Halcyon backplate

[ahar]

Hi Guys,

I've got my new Halcyon backplate (which is very nice) but I don't like using the wing nuts (to secure the backplate to the tanks) I got with it and want to replace them. Has anyone tried using the Portland Oceaneering large backplate nut things (wide stainless screw on things that you can do up and take off with your fingers rather than a spanner) with a Halcyon backplate and do they fit ? Also, what about the Woz equivalent ? I only ask as I've seen that the indentation down the middle of different plates varies in its width so something wider than a wingnut might not fit

Cheers for the help

Andy

[Digger]

The big lobed knobs are pretty big, and I don't think would fit in the Halcyon channel from what I've seen.

What's so bad about wingnuts? Never had a problem with them. Get some different ones if need be, but I can't see why it's causing problems.

[turbanator]

Never seen wingnuts come loose in about 8 years of using a BP.

[David Martin]

Originally Posted by Digger

What's so bad about wingnuts? Never had a problem with them. Get some different ones if need be, but I can't see why it's causing problems.

The only problem that I can think of, is that they might stick into your back. It's not a common problem, but it may affect some people, especially when they're kitting-up/de-kitting. (The nut should be away from the back at other times!)

If this is the problem, I suggest that you go for standard hexagonal nuts.
I'm not sure if the Halcyon plate comes with imperial or metric bolts.
If you don't know, just replace the bolt as well. You'll want M8 nuts/bolts and (ideally) a pair of 13mm offset ring spanners, or similar to adjust them. Just make sure that you get good quality stainless ones, or they'll corrode in place.

Originally Posted by Turbanator

Never seen wingnuts come loose in about 8 years of using a BP.

I have. I've seen someone's set after one came off during a dive. That said, if you tighten them properly, and check them each dive, or use lock washers, it will be fine.

David

[gunsentry]

Originally Posted by ahar

Hi Guys,

I've got my new Halcyon backplate (which is very nice) Andy

Question: Are the new plates arriving deburred?

Thanks?

[Angus]

Custom Divers do some long nuts which go through the backplate and down the bolt. They fasten with a screwdriver and leave an almost completely flat finish.


Don't ask me where the hell I got them though cos I can't remember!!

[Bob Cooper]

This is a perceived problem that just does not exist in the real world!

If anything is going to stick in your back it will be the end of the bolt, not the wingnuts. The reason the end of the bolt sticks in your back is because you are using the wrong bolt, or worse still studding, which has been cut with a hacksaw and has sharp or burred edges. This will damage your drysuit.

Proper bolts of the correct length with wingnuts will not do any damage.

The thought of a BP detatching itself from a set of tanks because the wingnuts have come loose is just laughable. Come on guys, get real!!

Bob

[And]

Originally Posted by gunsentry

Question: Are the new plates arriving deburred?

Thanks?

Hi

Halcyon SS plates come deburred with a mirror finish.

Halcyon aluminium plates come deburred with a hardcoat finish.

I have both plates and they are excellent.

The bolts on a twinset should not be visible from a side profile. Therefore the wingnuts cannot protrude into your back. Highland Mills do the right bolts with their bands.

Andy

[Woz]

WozKnobs. Stainless and shiny and lovely. Use 'em myself on a Buddy BCD which has way less of an indentationthan a real proper backplate.

I repeat. They are shiny.

www.kitfondle.co.uk

Under backplate accessories

[ahar]

I'm not worried about the wingnuts coming off, I just don't think they are as easy to finger tighten as the Portland wide nuts and the kitfondle ones. Also, they're smaller and easier to lose.

Yes, the backplate is deburred and has a lovely mirror finish!

Woz, what are the dimensions of the ones that you sell (diameter vs height)?