Silt Screws

[fixxervi6]

Can anyone direct me to a resource on silt screws and their construction?

Are they simply sections of PVC pipe with a notch cut in it for line tie offs or is there something more to them, or any suggestions on creating them for baby powder fine silt that could be anywhere from 5 to 10 feet deep, thanks in advance.

[DeWayne]

3-4ft lengths of 1/2" PVC pipe seem to work well. Shape them like a tent stake, with a notch at one end and the other end drawn down to a point.

[fixxervi6]

Ok so more like a silt stake than a silt "screw" then, I've always heard the term silt screw so I thought maybe there was something to it.

[Webmaster]

I think the terminology may have come from ice screws, which really are basically a large hollow tube with flights on the outside.

Like Dwayne said just cut your PVC to length, with an angled cut on one end (doesn't really need to be a point), and drill a small hole in the other end which you can pre-tie with a short loop of line. Or you can notch it for wrapping the line, depends on your preference. I like having a loop since you know it won't pop off.

You might try several lengths to see how it works, ones that are ~2 ft long are a lot easier to manage than ones that are 4ft long. If it's really loose stuff you might need the longer ones, but it would be worth trying a couple of shorter ones first.

[mwenner]

I like to cut them to the length of the cylinder you're going to use, as we usually tuck them in the rubber bands around the tanks. Usually we're side mounting in those situations. They are a problem at longer lengths, if you're packing the tank up to haul it to a sump to dive (which would be the occasion, usually), and then they end up in your dive bags, and I have hole's in my bag from screws, and the last dragging session. The line loop around the end seems to work, and I allow enough of a loop to pass a reel through it, so you we keep going. Tieing takes time. I also cut the angle on the end with a chop saw, and I leave the end a bit blunt.

[J.D. Mislak]

would a surf rod sand spike work? They are cheap too...JD

[FW]

would a surf rod sand spike work? They are cheap too...JD

Hard to imagine they would be cheaper than a piece of PVC pipe. Do you have a picture of one, or a link? If they are waterproof, and long enough, they should work.

[temrich]

OK, I am new to cave diving, so dont kill me for this comment...what are silt screws used for? I think I have a good idea, but just want to make sure. Thanks...Travis

[RH]

Silt screws are used to keep the line out of the silt in a system that has alot on the floor also used in systems that are really fragile to keep the line and divers off the rocks.And i'm sure theres other uses for them.

[Webmaster]

Primarily they're used for when there are no natural tie-offs, and there is enough sediment (mud, gravel, whatever) on the floor to jam one into.

Or there are no natural tie-offs where you would need them for good line routing.