Second Stage In-Line Adjusting Tool w/IP Gauge

$85.00
In Stock
SKU
DX-70143
The 2nd Stage In-Line Adjusting Tool is used for fine tuning regulator 2nd stages which have an adjustable air inlet orifice. The tool also has a built-in pressure gauge which allows the intermediate pressure (IP) of the 1st stage to be checked.

Second Stage In-Line Adjusting Tool w/IP Gauge

Tool Assembled
Tool Assembled Configure for Either 5mm Hex Key or Flat Blade Slotted Adjusting Tip Reversible Adjusting Tool and Pressure Gauge Flat Blade Slotted Adjusting Tip 5mm Hex Key Adjusting Tip How to Reverse 2nd Stage In-Line Adjusting Tool
  • Fine-tune 2nd stages that have an adjustable air inlet orifice
  • Connects between the 2nd stage and the LP hose
  • Included gauge so IP may also be checked
  • Works with most brands - has both hex and flat end tips

This specialized tool connects in line between the second stage regulator and the LP hose, allowing adjustments to the "cracking pressure" of your second stage. Using the included pressure gauge the intermediate pressure (IP) of the first stage may also be checked. Then a flat blade or hex key (you must have configured the tool for one or the other before pressurizing) can be inserted in the 2nd stage to allow the orifice to be turned to find exactly the proper adjustment for the second stage air inlet (A.K.A. cracking pressure). This dual tool has an 0.032 inch flat blade, screwdriver-like adjusting tip, which fits most slotted regulator orifices and also a 5mm hex key adjusting tip (just reverse the tool - watch the video above). We use this tool in our own service department and our service tech tells us the quality is excellent but notes that while this tool works with most adjustable second stages, and nearly all modern designs, it does not work with every brand of second stage.

More Information
Brand DGX
SKU DX-70143
Weight 0.850000

Customer Reviews

4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars
96%
23 Reviews
100% of customers
recommend this product
5 stars 19 (83%)
4 stars 3 (13%)
3 stars 1 (4%)
2 stars 0 (0%)
1 star 0 (0%)
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Verified Buyer
Second Stage In-Line Adjusting Tool w/IP Gauge
3
Dec 17, 2018
This unit did not mate with my second stages. This tool has the driver and a 5mm hex whereas my second stages have 4mm hex. Totally my fault for not paying attention to the specs prior to purchase. Dive Gear Express always ships quality stuff fast.
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Verified Buyer
Second Stage In-Line Adjusting Tool w/IP Gaug
5
Nov 11, 2018
very good
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Verified Buyer
Smooth Adjuster
5
Oct 14, 2018
Mounts right up with no problem, doesn't leak and works just like a few of the more expensive adjusters I've used. I especially appreciate the smooth rounded edges and satin finish of the handle – very comfortable to use.
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Verified Buyer
reg tool
5
Sep 26, 2018
East to use tool for 2cnd stage adjustments .well built and has ip guage too.
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Verified Buyer
Perfect
5
Aug 26, 2018
The tool is very well built and does the job magnificently!
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Verified Buyer
Works great just as advertised. Makes adjusting your second stage simple, easy and quick.
5
Aug 1, 2018
This is a great tool at a very reasonable price. It makes adjusting your second stage a piece a cake. It’s fast, easy and works as described at a very reasonable price. You won’t be disappointed. High-quality construction. A nice unit and a must have.
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Verified Buyer
Scuba Equipment Service Tool
5
May 8, 2018
The interaction with Dive Gear Express was flawless! Delivery was prompt as promised Would buy again from them
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Verified Buyer
Second Stage In-Line Adjusting Tool w/IP Gauge
4
Mar 26, 2018
Overall, this is a great addition to my scuba toolbox. The price is right and it works. I knocked it a star for two reasons. First, the gauge is a bit smallish and hard to read for these old eyes. Just have to wear my readers. On the other hand, being compact is nice. But more importantly, what I found a bit annoying is the design of the tool. If the gauge is screwed/threaded all the way on AND you screw your 2nd stage reg all the way in to the other end, then there is no room for travel for the rotating adjustment arm. Ideally, you should be able to screw both on all the way in and have plenty of travel of the adjusting arm. You should be able to slide the arm over, make your adjustment, then slide it back before unscrewing the 2nd stage reg. But there is no travel so you can't back the arm off. As a result, the moment you try and unscrew the 2nd stage, it is instantly out of adjustment. Work around? I just have to screw the pressure gauge on a few threads and lock it there. On the other end, I can only screw on a 2nd stage a few threads, THEN and only then I get enough travel of the adjustment arm. This was the case with my ScubaPro regs but I don't know about others. But with a little creative adaptation, it seems to work fine.
Was this review helpful? 1
Response from Admin
Apr 29, 2020
The buyer did not correctly configure the tool when reversing the tool tip. The travel play in the insertion arm is also adjustable, using the jam nut. We now have a video demonstrating how to reverse the tool adjusting tip.
Verified Buyer
Efficient
5
Jan 11, 2018
I have been using other tools with do not have the built-in gauge. After using one of these devices that belonged to a friend, I decided it was worth having one of my own, since the price is quite reasonable.
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Verified Buyer
right tool for the right
5
Feb 24, 2017
right tool for the right job
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Tek Tip Warning Image WARNING

Most authorized dealers are able to perform warranty, repair and service work on your equipment. Availability of sub-assemblies and components, repair parts, specialized tools and maintenance manuals does not imply qualification to assemble and/or service scuba equipment. Service by other than an authorized dealer voids the warranty on all products we sell. Improper service of dive equipment can lead to serious injury or death.

Dive Gear Express recommends that divers participating in more advanced technical and exploration type diving be trained in equipment service. We recommend that non-qualified individuals seek professional training/mentoring before attempting repairs or servicing on any diving equipment.

What is the knob and lever on my second stage?

The knob and lever are used to alter the breathing characteristics of some types of regulator second stages. All our downstream design high performance second stages, including the DGX Xtra and D6, Dive Rite XT2 & XT4, MaresXR HR, and the Apeks XTX200 & XTX50 include a knob to adjust inhalation cracking pressure (aka opening effort.) Some second stages, including the DGX Xtra and D6 along with the Dive Rite XT2 & XT4 and all the Apeks XTX Series, offer a lever to disable/enable venturi assisted inhalation. The Mares XR HR/VR/SXS stages use a unique Vortex Assisted Design (VAD) system that does not require a venturi lever. Upstream designs with a servo-assist valve, such as the Poseidon Xtreme, don't normally incorporate these features because the design inherently obviates most of the need for them. Many special application designs that are light duty, such as backup (aka 'octo', 'safe second', 'alternate', 'oxygen') and BCD integrated second stages, may omit the diver adjustable cracking pressure and/or the venturi assist features for the sake of simplicity.

The knob is for diver adjustment of the cracking pressure (aka opening effort) which is the inhalation force it takes to trigger the second stage valve to open and begin to flow breathing gas to the diver. Some people might refer to this as the 'breathing resistance' but this is a misnomer because once the gas starts flowing, adjusting the cracking pressure during inhalation will have minimal effect. On most high performance designs turning the knob all the way out (counter clockwise) will cause a slight hiss or dribble of free flowing gas and turning it all the way in (clockwise) will make it difficult to breathe from the regulator. Start by setting the knob in the middle of the adjustment range and then turn the knob to set the cracking pressure to your personal preference. Some divers will occasionally adjust it during the dive based on changes in their physical effort and depth, but most divers find a setting they like and never feel a need to change it. †

Many high performance second stage designs include a venturi assist feature that reduces breathing resistance by automatically increasing gas flow during inhalation. Regulators with the venturi assist enabled are prone to free flow if the second stage is not in the mouth. The venturi lever set in the pre-dive position (-) will substantially eliminate the tendency to free flow. Second stages in pre-dive mode WILL deliver breathing gas, but with some increased breathing resistance because the venturi assist feature has been disabled. On the primary second stage, you should push this lever in to the dive position (+) when you put the regulator in your mouth. On second stages not in the mouth during the dive the switch remains in pre-dive position; should circumstances require its use while in-water, once breathing from the regulator just switch the lever from pre-dive to dive mode.

The knob and the lever have related yet different functions, the knob determines how easy it is to start the breathing gas flowing to the diver and the lever determines how easy it is to maintain the breathing gas flow. Some lever designs are {predive| dive} with little or no range of adjustment to the venturi effect, however the adjustment knob by design always has a significant range of settings. Both can be set to minimize the possibility of free flow.

Some divers (especially those who use a breathing pattern called 'skipping') incorrectly believe that by using the adjustments to decrease the regulator performance they will conserve gas. In fact, improperly adjusted second stages have the opposite tendency to cause most divers to retain CO2 and increase their respiration rate thus gas usage while at the same time causing some discomfort and/or headache.

† You might be surprised to learn some experienced divers dislike having an adjustment knob on their second stage. They view the knob as an unnecessary option that is thought to be more of an entanglement hazard, certainly adds to the cost of the regulator and some just prefer a more streamlined second stage. Unnecessary? Yes, even when there is no external knob, the cracking pressure on downstream designs is always adjustable internally. This an easy skill to learn, beneficial to know, and there are videos on the internet to show you how.