Art

Since it is the spring that failed, it is my guess that the spring rusted.
Checking the body of the clip with a magnet will not prove anything about the
spring.  However, if the body is magnetic, then there is a good chance that
the spring is of equally inferior material, so it is a worthwhile test.

In the old days before I knew better I used to buy all sorts of clips and
"really useful gadgets".  It is surprising how many of them, although brass
or SS, had other components within them that were subject to rust e.g. ball
bearings used for dents, springs.

As an aside for those still using brass...

These days, I avoid brass clips and use two sizes of SS clips, they have been
in and out of salt for years with no problems and operate more smoothly than
some brass clips that I have used on hired cylinders that have been in fresh
water only a few times.  Brass is also softer and will shred your thumbs if
you use the clips regularly e.g. when dropping stages on a cave dive.  The
stiffer the action of the bolt snap, the greater damage to your thumbs.
Brass can be kept in good working order, but why bother when SS does the job
more effectively and without maintenance.

Other problems with brass are the bolt snap locking open.  In the worst case,
this can result in the loss of an item of equipment.  In the case of a clip
locking shut it may prevent the access to a reel or removing a stage.  Both
potentially serious problems in come circumstances.

Also, I have seen on two occasions a brass clip break.  Both times they were
on the boat and spotted before jumping in.  In the first, the clip broke in
two pieces, the fracture occurring along the bolt/spring recess.  The second
time the snib on the bolt sheared off.  I've never seen a good quality SS
clip fail.

David Shimell
Project Manager, Sequent Computer Systems Ltd., Sandton, South Africa.
Email: shimell@se*.co* <mailto:shimell@se*.co*> 

-----Original Message-----
From:	Art Greenberg [SMTP:artg@ec*.ne*]
Sent:	Saturday, July 03, 1999 2:09 PM
To:	Cavers; Techdiver
Subject:	Stainless Steel Bolt Snaps

Folks,

I've just replaced another large SS bolt snap on my rig. This one was on
my primary reel, and I had just replaced that one a week ago! The total
now, between my wife and myself since the start of this season, is six.
All failed in the same way, the only way these could ever really fail -
the spring gave up. And all of these snaps are less than a year old. We're
diving in salt water.

I obtained all of the SS snaps I use, three sizes, from McMaster-Carr. So
far, only the largest ones have failed, but they're the ones getting the
most use at this time. I now need to order some to keep as spares (I
figure its a sure bet more will fail). Before I place another order, I
thought I'd see if any of you have a suggestion for an alternate source.

Any input on this matter is appreciated.

-- 
Art Greenberg
artg@ec*.ne*







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