Diving Bottle Test?

[Hares Ear]

What is the lengh of the test period on a Diving Bottle, from the date of test?
Is it worth getting a retest? How long does the retest last?

[Northernspark]

Surface valve 5 years

Wet valve 2.5 years

Steve

[Hares Ear]

Presumably an Air Arms adapter and gauge is a surface valve?
I haven't used it for ages, and I have just noticed the test is three years old.
Do I have to take it to a Gun Shop To be filled, or will a dive shop still do it?

[Northernspark]

Not sure what defines a surface only gauge

Some gunshops have the facilitys to refill but i prefer to take mine to the dive shop

Steve

[Dave.]

Although the type of valve should in theory dictate the test period, in practice it doesn't.
It all depends on the individual dive shop, some will accept a surface valved bottle as 5 year testable, others will still want a 2.5 year test or may refuse to fill it.
Some will accept diving (wet) valves as a 5 year test if they know you and know the bottle is only used for airguns, others wont.

Basically it just the luck of the draw at your local dive shop.

[Northernspark]

whats the difference between a 'wet' valve and a dry un?

Steve

[Dave.]

A wet (not an official term as far as I know) is any type of valve that can be used with diving gear, regardless of whether you actually use it for diving or not.

A surface valve, as far as I know is not compatable with diving gear, so in theory should only require a 5 yearly test, but some dive shops still want a 2.5yr test.

[Northernspark]

Yes I know but how do I tell if mine is surface or not

Steve

[Dave.]

Has it got a gauge and bleed screw built into the valve on the bottle ?

[Hares Ear]

Dave, Steve.
Thanks for your input.
As it is several miles in one direction to a dive shop, and several miles in exactly the opposite to a gunshop with charging gear, I will not risk the dive shop any more.

[Northernspark]

Has it got a gauge and bleed screw built into the valve on the bottle ?

Think it's on the (removable)gauge

Steve

[Dave.]

Sounds as though it's a standard post valve or DIN fitting then. Not a surface only valve.

[Northernspark]

Thanks Dave

Steve

[Dave.]

Steve, the one at the bottom is a MDE surface/airgun valve. The other is a normal DIN fitting

http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL662.../105127647.jpg

[Northernspark]

Thanks Dave, looks like a 2 1/2 year test for me then

Steve