I'm a dumbass...

I totally cracked the shade on my 8" dome today while tightening one of the screws. Didn't even feel any resistance before I heard the distinct *crack*. I pretty much knew exactly what I had done.

Close examination shows that the crack didn't split the entire shade - so it's still one piece. It's obviously just a bit weaker and not as tight as it would have been sans crack - but I'm not able to freely spin it unless I'm really trying or putting on/taking off a port body.

I can easily buy a replacement and I'm not adverse to doing so, but I was just wondering if there's any *real* harm in it being a tad looser than if I hadn't cracked it. At some point I think the crack will naturally split the shade in two, but with the three other screws, will this really pose a big problem short of aesthetics?

I'm going to go back to feeling like an idiot now.

ouch. What material is the shade? Maybe apply something like JB Weld or some waterproof epoxy to ensure the crack doesn't get worse.

will this really pose a big problem short of aesthetics?

I don't think it will, especially when stobes are used.

Another option is to drill and tap another 4 holes (median of existing holes), would then stay even if it does crack completely.

bmemike,

The shade set screws only need to be snug as they fit in a "groove" of the outer 8" port ring. The remaining 3 will likely hold it fine.

I am curious why you mention "spinning" it freely (????) The widest 2 portions of the shade should be at 12 and 6 o'clock to work properly.

If you are using the shortest #5510.10 extension, all you need to do is mount your port on the housing front, and rotate it until it stops. About 30-40 degrees turn with the port locks closed. Then line up the wide shade portions, press on and tighten (not over tighten) the set screws.

I'd recommend to just keep using it.........

YMMV

dhaas

perhaps the finest thread title on WP?

I am curious why you mention "spinning" it freely (????) The widest 2 portions of the shade should be at 12 and 6 o'clock to work properly.

Basically, I was just commenting that even with the one screw hole cracked (and I'm assuming that it doesn't apply as much tension as the other 3 non-cracked holes), that unless I'm applying some serious torque to the shade, it doesn't spin freely. If it did, then that'd obviously be "bad" and I'd need to get a new shade since I wouldn't be able to count on it being properly aligned throughout the dive.

perhaps the finest thread title on WP?

If not the finest, then certainly the most honest