Auto inflate PFDs: I suck at rearming auto inflate PFDs Every time I try , the instant I screw in the cylinder it pops. I’ve had 3 deploy in storage. Figured that out. The high...

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

I suck at rearming auto inflate PFDs
Every time I try , the instant I screw in the cylinder it pops.
I’ve had 3 deploy in storage.
Figured that out. The high humidity in my storage activates them. Don’t store them there any more
Question is, does anyone have any tips on rearming
Spending 30 bucks on a kit only to have it deploy during rearm gets expensive really quick
Spending $100 + on new ones isn’t a good option either.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Ben Bragg wrote:

I suck at rearming auto inflate PFDs
Every time I try , the instant I screw in the cylinder it pops.
I’ve had 3 deploy in storage.
Figured that out. The high humidity in my storage activates them. Don’t store them there any more
Question is, does anyone have any tips on rearming
Spending 30 bucks on a kit only to have it deploy during rearm gets expensive really quick
Spending $100 + on new ones isn’t a good option either.

Hey Ben take the vest to the place of purchase. I go to West Marine very helpful folks there. Let them install it and if it deploys while they do it, they pay for it.

bottomcoon Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma

Ben Bragg wrote:

I suck at rearming auto inflate PFDs
Every time I try , the instant I screw in the cylinder it pops.
I’ve had 3 deploy in storage.
Figured that out. The high humidity in my storage activates them. Don’t store them there any more
Question is, does anyone have any tips on rearming
Spending 30 bucks on a kit only to have it deploy during rearm gets expensive really quick
Spending $100 + on new ones isn’t a good option either.

Howdy Ben. Had mine deploy in the rain. That sucks. I bought the rearming kit & it went off in my storage locker. That's it for me. My old Stearns jacket may not be as comfortable but it has never failed me. No more auto PFD for me. Good luck.

Whitey Loc: Southeast ohio

Ben I've never used one an after reading this I think I'll just stay with my best also. Seems to me whoever made them kits O's you some money lol

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

I've found auto-inflates are a wonderful idea that doesn't actually work too well - my advice is stay away - don't they make some that tether to the boat or whatever then if you fall in it inflates by pulling the cord? I just wear a regular vest in my kayak or tube.

hacksaw Loc: Pasadena, Texas

Ben Bragg wrote:

I suck at rearming auto inflate PFDs
Every time I try , the instant I screw in the cylinder it pops.
I’ve had 3 deploy in storage.
Figured that out. The high humidity in my storage activates them. Don’t store them there any more
Question is, does anyone have any tips on rearming
Spending 30 bucks on a kit only to have it deploy during rearm gets expensive really quick
Spending $100 + on new ones isn’t a good option either.

Well, after reading all the responses and Ben’s issue, I’ll stick to my trusty PFD I’ve worn forever.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

We are in a very dry climate but have never had the rain activate it. Got me thinkin about it now. Have had mine for three years - maybe it won’t activate??? Huh....

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

only one way to find out - and you sure don't want to find that out when you're least expecting it

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Yup - will give it a bath and see if it swims or sinks. Just winterized the boat today. Supposed to have more snow this weekend so back to the fowl hunting and streams until ice. Probably take it back to Cabelas and let them install new cartridge from what others are saying.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Huntm22 wrote:

We are in a very dry climate but have never had the rain activate it. Got me thinkin about it now. Have had mine for three years - maybe it won’t activate??? Huh....

# years? If memory strikes me correctly that is the time period those cannisters are good for. Might want to check on that in the spring Huntm.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

plumbob wrote:

# years? If memory strikes me correctly that is the time period those cannisters are good for. Might want to check on that in the spring Huntm.

They do recommend changing this one at three years.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

I love the auto inflates because they are just so comfy.
Many times I’ve worn it home and not realized it was still on
I like the advise of taking it in to the store.

Gary Northrop Loc: Richland WA

I had a Cabeles model deploy in my pickup on a hot
August day. If I had a bird cage I'd put it to good use.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Ben Bragg wrote:

I love the auto inflates because they are just so comfy.
Many times I’ve worn it home and not realized it was still on
I like the advise of taking it in to the store.

Hope that works for you Ben. If they want your business they will accommodate.

FinFisherman Loc: Born in Ohio - 40 yrs Florida- Clearwater,Fl

Spiritof27 wrote:

I've found auto-inflates are a wonderful idea that doesn't actually work too well - my advice is stay away - don't they make some that tether to the boat or whatever then if you fall in it inflates by pulling the cord? I just wear a regular vest in my kayak or tube.

They do and I own one. That's the only way it inflates. Pull the knob. I think I bought it at West Marine maybe 5 years ago. It's in my dock box which sets outside and I load the whole dock box in front of the steering wheel on my Boston Whaler. Dont know the name or mod # but if your interested Ill dig it out. I do remember they wanted to to change the cartridge by testing it once a year. Sorry never did that. You don't tethered it to the boat you pull the red ball to inflate it.