Vintage Double Hose

OK, sooner or later I'll stop asking questions. As soon as I learn everything!
My problem this time is my new diaphragm from the scuba museum. It looks great, fits in the can real well, but I can't get the band around the can after I put the diaphragm in. The ends where the screws go is 1/2 inch or so too short.
What am I doing wrong, and how do I fix it?

Because the new diaphragm has not been compressed between the cans as of yet, it is thicker and a little harder to work with. You'll have to compress the can halves together tighter so you can work their edges into the band clamp.

I am learning so much! Thanks, I'll just keep at it. Maybe some vice-grips will help.

If you can find a hardwood flooring guy like me, our hands work better then vise grips. Your down in the heart of ceramic tile country though. Ha. The cold weather is moving in up here. Wish I could visit you and give you a few pointers in person. Might help with my arthritis.

You can also install a slightly longer screw, just make sure it is stainless steel or you can usually get away with installing a steel screw, letting it set for a while then going back with the original screw..Just don't dive, esp in salt water, with a common screw.
I assume you mean using vise grips to close the band clamp but just in case, Do NOT use vise gripe on the cans, all you will susceed in doing is damaging the cans.