OA gas regulator differences

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Anyone know the difference between light, medium and heavy duty regulators? I've blown a couple of light duty diaphragms in older acetyleneregulators. Yes I do open the tank valves very slowly. Is there a differencein the strength and durability of heavy duty vs. light duty diaphragms,and how long can a regulator be expected to last with occasional (2 to3times a month) use? How important is brand name in regulator longevity?Do diaphragms deteriorate over time regardless of use? I am in the habit ofbacking off the T handle when I finish welding or cutting for the day.Thanks,Don
Reply:Hi Don,Well I dont know how well informed I can really be on the subject.  However, one would think I would be lol.   I usually use medium to heavy regs and even at that Im used to seeing them not last. However,   there is a definate differnce in quality betweeen name brand and that which isnt.  Also, you find that the heavier regs are better.  There are single and dual stage.  Basically the duals handle up better, less pressure at the output.  These will last the longest, but big money. Personally I would suggest med duty regs for even the occasional users.  Single stage is fine.  Some of the jobs Ive worked they only bught med duty cause they guys wre gonna tear the stuff up anyway I dint matter.  Harris, smith, Victor,  these are good brands I would stick to the name brands.  I think you will find deteriation over time, however, more importantly I think the light duty regs much much more suseptable to this then the mediums.  But again over time I think they all do this.  I don tthink your habit of backing off the t handle will hurt,  But I dont personally see a gain.  I could be wrong, but I just leave it as is and move on.  The heavier(name brand) regs also are more service friendly when they do fail.  So you can get them reworked.  But again, some folks just assume get new stuff ever so often then work with something older.  But all the same my best advice is a name brand medium duty.  Thats what I run thats what I like.  Best of luckIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Anything made of plastic and/or rubber is slowly dieing the day it comes off the line. Anyway, good reg diaphrams should give many years of service. More in the great dank damp northwest than in the sonora desert but still many. I've always wondered if the breather holes on the regs are also a UV inlet to the diaphram?? True--not true????
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyI've always wondered if the breather holes on the regs are also a UV inlet to the diaphram?? True--not true????
Reply:I expect my tools to give me considerably more than a year of trouble free performance before I'll consider them excellent tools, but I've had my Smith medium duty regulators for over a year and have not been dissapointed yet.  I just turn the handle, the needle points to a pressure, and it stays there for the duration of the job, no fiddling necessary.