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Corrosion of band securing screw on diver band mask

A member has recently reported the failure of a band securing screw on a DSI Mrk 18B band mask. During the annual return to base for a full strip-down and service of the diver band mask, the company reported the failure of one of the band securing screws, resulting in the band falling away from the mask. The dive technician was re-assembling the unit and had already inspected both screws and considered them fit for use. While tightening one screw, the head of the screw fell off.

On closer inspection, severe corrosion could be observed where the head of the screw joined the threaded section. This corrosion was not visible prior to the failure – only slight wear of the cross-head was reported. Since then, the company concerned has instigated a full inspection of all band-securing screws with any screw showing slight wear being replaced.


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