As the shorter days and darker evenings draw closer, the way you dive will naturally have to change. The window for good visibility underwater gets smaller at this time of year, meaning that your dive torch will take on an even more important role than normal as one of your dive buddies.
A trusty dive torch is one of the most essential bits of kit for both safety and dive quality, and getting a reliable one is key to navigating your way through both the simplest dives and trickier caves and wrecks. However, while it will often light the way with very little fuss, your scuba diving torch does deserve a little bit of TLC in return. A faulty light can be both a dive dampener and a serious safety risk, so learning how to look after your dive torch is a job you simply cannot overlook. With that in mind, we’ve put together this handy guide covering everything you need to know, from torch maintenance to cleaning tips.
Dive Torch Maintenance
A good dive torch can really stand the test of time if you look after it - we’re talking years and years. Yes, tending to your torch probably isn’t your first thought when you get back to land and have your wet kit and expensive items like your BCD and regulator to tend to, but a little maintenance at regular intervals will pay dividends in the long run and ensure you’re never left without the right light and the right moment.
One of the important things you should do to maintain your dive torch is to check its O-ring and seals at regular intervals. These small components prevent water from creeping into your torch and help the switches and head rotate smoothly, so inspect them for grit and sand and check that the seal is properly lubricated.
How To Replace Batteries In A Dive Torch
At some point, you will inevitably need to know how to replace the batteries in your dive torch. While most high-quality dive torches do come with rechargeable batteries these days, performance can dip over time and a replacement will help to keep yours performing for the length of time advertised.
When the time does come to replace the batteries in your scuba diving torch, stick with the right specification. Replace like for like and never with a battery that exceeds the maximum voltage your torch is designed for. Once you’ve got the right battery, you’ll simply need to open the torch, remove the old battery (disposing of it properly in a battery recycling bank rather than your general waste), and insert a fully charged new one with close attention to the positive and negative ends. Then, fasten the torch back up without overtightening and give it a quick test.
To preserve the life of your battery and prevent unwanted corrosion, it’s good to get in the habit of removing your battery using the above method between dives.
Cleaning Your Dive Torch
Cleaning your dive torch is also important. It will spend a lot of time exposed to salt water and sand, and both can be surprisingly harsh on your kit. Fortunately, the cleaning process does not need to be time-consuming. Simply rinse with fresh water after each dive and, while submerged, click the switches a few times to help flush out salt and grit.
Once you’re happy that your torch is clean, dry it off gently with a cloth or towel. Never leave your torch to dry in direct sunlight, as excess heat can cause unnecessary wear and even warping over time.
Replacing Your Dive Torch
Of course, you may have come to this guide experiencing an issue that the above care tips cannot rectify. In this case, your dive torch might be at the end of its life and a replacement will be necessary.
The type of replacement you need will depend on whether you are replacing your primary or secondary dive torch and whether there are any upgraded features you want to take advantage of. We’ve put together a handy guide to choosing the best scuba diving torch if you are in this position, as well as our recommendations of the top dive torches available to shop at Aquanauts right now.
If you’ve got further questions about looking after your dive torch or would prefer to chat through your requirements with one of our friendly team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.