Stripping the rubber off my ScubaPro gauge

[wannadivenotwork]

I realise many will open this thread on the simple basis that we are stripping back plastic/rubber off stuff, however:

Should/can i take the rubber cover from my Scubapro single gauge? I assume it is just a simple metal gauge underneath?

[And]

Yes, it will be a simple metal gauge underneath.

I take all the rubber covers off my gauges, the theory is that the rubber covers are havens for grit and sand and also that should you have a small leak from the gauge it is easier to spot.

To be honest I have not had a small gauge leak so don't know about the leak thing, and have never had any corrosion on a gauge either, but maybe thats because I took the boots off

Of course, taking the boots off has not impaired the gauge in any way, and I don't see the need for protection, so the question should be 'Why are they there in the first place?'

Andy

[wannadivenotwork]

Well, thats exactley whY I wanna do it. Makes them look more pleasing to the eye, maybe?

Ok, the rubber comes off tonight then....

Until I saw Woz's reply.

great. now what?

[Woz]

Originally Posted by And

Of course, taking the boots off has not impaired the gauge in any way, and I don't see the need for protection, so the question should be 'Why are they there in the first place?'

Now I would say keep the rubber on. Stops the gauges from getting knackered in the rough and tumble of dive life. However- when I wash my kit I take the gauges out of the boots so I can clean all the kak out.

Personally I'd leave them on. There are reasons for taking them off but, IMHO, not good enough ones.

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by And

Of course, taking the boots off has not impaired the gauge in any way, and I don't see the need for protection, so the question should be 'Why are they there in the first place?'

Andy

The rubber boots are probably there for those people who drag their kit up the beach or carpark at Stoney

[And]

Originally Posted by wannadivenotwork

Well, thats exactley whY I wanna do it. Makes them look more pleasing to the eye, maybe?

Ok, the rubber comes off tonight then....

Until I saw Woz's reply.

great. now what?

Hi

All I will say is that the boots have been off mine since 2000-ish. In those 6 years or so they have been through multiple cave diving trips, loads of ocean dives, and have survived without needing any protection in the form of a boot.

As my gauge is on the left, and my stage/deco bottles go on the left, the primary gauge is frequently bashed about before, during, and after dives.

I do not take any particular care with my gear and it is all thrown together in my gear box, without any problems whatsoever.

But...if you are 'scared' then don't do it, I'm sure it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference

Andy

[Jetsam]

Compromise.


Cut the boot down to expose the swivel, put it back on to protect the upper part from knocks.

[Al_Star]

I dived for a couple of years before I pulled the boot of my guage and I have to admit I was staggered that there was corrosion on the gauge. I thought washing it would have prevented it but the boot seem to trap salt water against it. It still works but doesn't look great.

I've also seen someone pull a boot off their gauge in between a couple of dives and discovered it was hiding quite an annoying leak from the swivel.

I just don't see the need to have a boot unless you plan to swim along bouncing it off the bottom

[Sakara Drinker]

I don't see why you need to remove it. Mine has been on my regs for donkeys and isn't showing any sign of corrosion despite frequent dips in the red sea. Just pull it back when you wash your kit and it will be fine.

[Freeflow]

The argument for removal to spot a leak is a bit misleading, after all can you fix a leaking gauge under water? The cover can't 'hide' a leak as all that gas will gave to come out anyway.