DIY Diver Rattle

Diver rattles are used by scuba divers to attract attention underwater. This can be during emergencies, to show points of interest or to help buddy divers to locate each other in poor visibility. The design of the rattle you make should take into account how loud it will be under water, how big it is going to be and whether it will be positively or negatively buoyant. The noise from the DIY rattle is generated by ball bearings knocking together inside a PVC tube.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2 inch diameter PVC tubing
  • Hacksaw
  • Drill
  • 3 metal ball bearings
  • 1/2 inch diameter PVC end caps
  • Super Glue
  • Nylon rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 4-inch-long length from the 1/2 inch PVC tubing. Measure along the tube and mark off 4 inches. Place the tube in a clamp and, with the hacksaw, carefully cut down the marked line.

    • 2

      Drill three holes in the side of the PVC tube. Make sure that the holes are of a smaller diameter than the ball bearings. The holes are to ensure that water can enter the device so that the device is not positively buoyant.

    • 3

      Insert the ball bearings in the tube. Once inserted, seal the tube with the PVC end caps. Use Super Glue or marine sealant to make sure that the end caps cannot become detached.

    • 4

      Attach the nylon rope to one end in a loop. This enables the rattle to be fastened to a D-ring on a buoyancy control device.

    • 5

      Test the shaker. Hole the shaker submerged in a bath or another large water container and shake to hear the results.