How to change a CGA on a used regulator

Background: I used Vice Grip locking pliers to unscrew the original CGA-580 that came on this HPT 500 regulator.

For all of you who are thinking about buying a dual stage reg oon ebay, here is how you change a CGA-580 to a CGA-320.

I bought the Chrome SMith CGA-320 nut and nipple from the link in post #1.

I'll let the pictures do the talking, but I will insert text when there is something to add.

it arrived via USPS flat rate:

 

First step, gently slide the nut on the nipple with the threads of the nut facing out over the nipple. (self explanitory...LoL).







Now I added my non-toxic ARP (automotive) teflon based non-hardening thread sealer:

 

now it's time for the fun!


Now some of you may conclude that there is no real way to tighten down a non-hex nipple (a nipple with no flat surfaces). I freaked out, too, when thinking about this. Simply, you use the body of the regulator to tighten the nipple.

In other words, one hand is gripping the CGA 320 nipple with a non-slip grip and the other hand is twisting the regulator and ultimately torquing the CGA 320 nipple on tight. Don't overtorque (hard to do).

One thing I didn't show is that I used a smaller crescent wrench to torque down the nipple after I hand tightened it. If you look at the tip of the nipple, you'll see a hex-like pattern, which is a perfect spot for a wrench.

Here is how it looks:

 

Here are more shots after cleaning up the extra thread sealer, etc.








Here is the finished product. It's ready for any domestic CGA 320 (CO2) and a post body kit....Richard... :wink:

 

Since this thread, I have taken Victor/Thermadyne's advice and used teflon tape on the CGA 320----> regulator body connection. Thsi not only protects the threads on the regulator and nipple, but it also seals really well. I found this out the hard way with my SGT 500 build, which is the same configuration, except in stainless.

 

If you don't have air-tools or a bench vice, then you can muscle it off with a large vice-grips. Turn the stem counterclockwise. DO NOT use heat.
To install, all you need is a 8 or 10" adjustable wrench. Use Teflon tape.

 

I either use air tools or a vice grip to remove the CGA stem. Then to tighten I use an adjustable wrench. No need for a bench vice.

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I either use air tools or a vice grip to remove the CGA stem. Then to tighten I use an adjustable wrench. No need for a bench vice.