USD Tank Help

[simonbeans]

I have seen many methods for J rod attachment. This one is the simplest to make and works very well. Made of a piece of stainless steel or brass (I have used a section of hose screw clamp) with a hole drilled in it and then a 30-45 degree bend to offset the hole for the rod. Slip it under the tank band and it works great.

[Dave2]

Thanks simonbeans, that looks simple and bombproof.


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[Bryan]

Right on Allan.....Here is one shown in an 80's Aqua Craft catalog.

Aqua Craft pull rod.jpg

[Dave2]

Would 14GA (.078") be strong enough? I'm assuming you want some rigidity in the bend to maintain friction on the rod, correct?


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[simonbeans]

It really doesn't matter. The holder just keeps the rod next to the tank and not being lost. It doesn't need any friction.

[Dave2]

It really doesn't matter. The holder just keeps the rod next to the tank and not being lost. It doesn't need any friction.

Gotcha. Maybe I'll try a few different thicknesses and make a couple for my SS band and a couple for nylon bands.


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[antique diver]

I still have a few of AquaCraft A57's, but the Simonbeans model has an improvement added with the slight lip folded out at the bottom to help keep it in place! Nice touch.

[Bryan]

Allan, if you make me one of your improved "Rod" holders I'll see about having some made up for the store.

[simonbeans]

Sample and high school level (9th grade) mechanical drawing class schematics sent.

[Bryan]

Thanks Allan. I'll see what I can come up with

[Dave2]

I'll take one... or two.


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[Dave2]

Didn't have time to source some stainless steel so I decided to make/prototype one out of standard hardware store aluminum.

I started with 3/4" wide by 1/16" thick flat bar (4' piece was $5.61)











Seems to be good enough for some freshwater dives.


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[8dust]

I have made a number of those out of the SS hose clamps myself of identical design.

One word of caution to anyone making one, especially with a hand drill and anything other than a fresh drill bit, CLAMP that little bugger down. Because of the weird way SS is both hard & soft-ish at the same time, and because that material is so super thin, you'll have a tendency to really bear down on the drill to get it going and before you know it, it will be about 2/3 of the way through and catch and want to spin that little SOB and take your fingers with it. A drill press & a sharp bit will help, but even then, the clamp is the most important part. I like the Idea of using AL and the added advantage of it being a little thicker so that the hole can get going a bit before it starts to break through. Still, clamp for the good of the fingers. I suppose punching the holes would be by far the best, but that exceeds my garage fabrication abilities.

As the physical, emotional, and spiritual scars have all finally healed, I may try the AL next time I need a couple, or take the time to set up properly rather than rush the job in between items on the wife's to-do list... or even better, just add them to my next order from Bryan...

Happy rod holder-ing,
Fred

[Dave2]

Agreed Fred,
I used a drill press because hate getting bit.

Now that my VDH plate showed up this morning, I need to make one for a cam band.


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[captain]

On the original bands the retainer was welded on and the rod just slipped in and out. I have duplicated them using the smooth section of a stainless steel hose clamp bent into the correct shape. Drilled 2 holes through the clamp and band and used an aluminum flat head rivet to hold it in place. Place the rivet head inside the band and set it on the outside. In the photo this is a set of aluminum bands I made for my Navy double non-mag 90's.