How to Attach Diving Gauges to Regulators

As the scuba diver's life depends upon her regulator, this piece of equipment is often the first item many divers choose to buy. However, you must know how to put it together, which means navigating the tangled world of regulator hoses and attaching equipment. Almost all regulators have a gauge console attached to them, and these gauges are attached to a different part of the regulator than the mouthpieces from which air is drawn. Therefore, some care must be taken in attaching gauges onto a regulator.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the regulator's manual to determine how many high pressure (HP) ports are in the first stage of the regulator, which is the part that clamps onto the air cylinder. Also, if the ports are coded using a tag other than "HP," this should be indicated in the manual.

    • 2

      Examine the first stage of the regulator and find the HP port(s). These are usually on the left-hand side. If you have more than one port, imagine how the hose and gauge console will come over your shoulder and lay on your body to determine which port to use.

    • 3

      Unscrew the port plug from your chosen port using an allen wrench.

    • 4

      Screw the hose nozzle from the gauge console into the HP port until it is firmly set. If you have accidentally chosen an LP port instead, the HP hose nozzle won't fit.