Isollations & Shutdowns?

[Richard Greenwood]

This has probably been covered before, but thought I'd raise the question again.

Has anyone got any general tips for reaching cylinder valves (centre tap's not a problem, as I've fitted a remote to this). I find it very difficult to reach my valves on my twin 10's.

Any suggestions about improving arm flexibility?

[JohnK]

Richard - how do you find the slob knob?? - does it get in thr way etc etc. I am having the same probs with all valves !!!

[Richard Greenwood]

I had a problem with it when it was first fitted. Originally it was fitted so that the hose came up over my shoulder, and I found to be a real PITA, as well as a potential tangle hazard. I had it changed so it now points down. The hose runs so it now comes under my right arm and is held in place in a velcro loop I have on my BC. I now have no problems reaching it & turning off the centre tap.

It's the other 2 that I need to perfect now!

HTH

[Dominic]

Keep your elbow as close to your head as possible - resist the temptation to stick your elbow out.

Make sure you can still reach the central knob, as slob knobs HAVE been known to fail.

[Mark Chase]

Glad your not bowing to pressure and have opted for the slob knob. Fact is even if you cant get to the two remaining valves if you have gas planned properly the gas in the single working cylinder should get you home.

That said:

Reaching the left and right valve has not been a problem for me just a bit slow. I relese my waste band and use the oposing hand to push the twin set up and tawards the ofending valve. The other hand can then reech the valve.

I can do this OK and in reasnoble time but if you cant things that will help are:

Extended rubber knobs (From Portland Ocienering in Portland)
A Valve Cage (from just about anywhere but CD one is my recommendation.)

The long knobs are an advantage and the cage alowes you somthing to grap on to and pull the tanks into a working position.

My M8 used THREE slob knobs to compleat his Trimix COurse. The examiner was not amused but could not argue. You might think he (and his girlfreind) have just been INVITED to join one of the top trimix groups in the UK today.

Mind you he has lost two of the three slob knobs since the trimix course.

All the best

Mark Chase

[Hobby]

You could always turn them the right way up and you'd easily reach them then!Hobby.

[Dr Stevil]

RN invert styl-ee Hobby ? yes...must investigate that when I've more time for playing around, deffo need at least one new longer hose first though.
£ x slob knobs = 3X ~£90 = £270, blimey, is your mate made of money Mark?

Richard - I've got twin 10s too, could reach the valves recently but the trim is all wrong (top-heavy) so gonna have to play around with that a bit more in future. I've got CD valve protectors which I found useful 'cos it helps you pull the tanks up a bit.
BTW - I sent you an e-mail about the pony reg recently, did you receive it? I basically said if the 1st stage is din fitting, I'll take it, let me know.
Chee-az
Steve

[Richard Greenwood]

Thanks for the replies so far, guys.

I think I might put extended rubber knobs on the valves for starters. Valve protectors an option for the future.

We were talking at the weekend about inverting twins sets - Any tips?

Steve - haven't received your email. However, the first stage is A clamp only, so I assume you won't be interested.

(Edited by Richard Greenwood at 7:27 pm on Jan. 20, 2003)

[Dominic]

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Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]I think I might put extended rubber knobs on the valves for starters.

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This is pure hearsay - but I have heard that some varieties of rubber knob will strip their threads easily and therefore just rotate on the spindle without turning it.

Apparently there are also some rubber knobs with metal on the inside that stop this happening. Might be worth looking in to..

[Richard Greenwood]

Thanks for the info Dominic, didn't realise this might be the case.

To go back to the original question, has anyone tried any stretching/flexibility techniques and if so what are they?

This inability to do shutdowns is really starting to bug me, as I know if I want to go on to do trimix then I really ought to be able to do this drill.