Sometimes, it's the little things that can make or break your dive trip. Learning tips and tricks for how to protect or use your scuba diving gear can go a long way when you're suiting up to head underwater. Here are a few handy scuba diving gear hacks that we've picked up over the years — such as how to secure your Velcro tank strap with a credit card or use a suction cup to remove a computer battery cover.

SEE MORE: Hacks that will make your dive life easier

How to install a large lanyard in a tiny hole

• Some accessories have small holes to mount lanyards
• You can mount thicker, stronger lanyards by installing a stainless split ring
• Thread the ring through the hole and attach a larger lanyard to the ring
• The ring also makes a handy place to clip the accessory

How to secure your Velcro tank strap with a credit card

• Some BC tank band configurations make it tough to secure the Velcro fastener.
• You can use a credit card, C-card, etc., to help you secure the strap.
• Insert the card over the tank band at the obstructed point.
• Slide the end of the tank band along the card
• When the tank band is snug, slide the card out.
• You can make a handy dive bag tool for this by cutting a piece of plastic and attaching a lanyard

How to use a suction cup to remove a computer battery cover

• Even with the retaining ring unlocked, some battery covers stick to the case
• Don’t pry with a knife or other tool – that can damaging the sealing surface
• Use a small suction cup like the kind used to hold window ornaments
• Wet slightly and press the suction cup to the batter cover
• Pull evenly until the cover pops off

Use a beer coozy to protect your dive computer screen

• Plastic screen covers protect your computer’s screen
• But they’re easily scratched – especially in your gear bag and on the dive boat
• A neoprene beer coozy will prevent scratches before and after your dive
• If it doesn’t fit snugly enough to stay in place, poke a hole and thread a small zip tie through it

Use fin inserts to dry your dive boots

• Foot pocket inserts keep your fins in shape when storing
• You can also use them to dry your boots
• After rinsing, roll the inserts and tuck them in your boots until dry
• They’ll help your boots dry quicker and keep their shape