Valve Core Tools - What do you use?

[WhataTool]

Any smart valve core tools out there?

I either lost or permanently loaned my Matco one, but wasn't in love with it. I don't need a big screw driver looking tool or to torque to a perfect 4.2 in/lbs. Snug works for me.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Since introducing them, we seem to sell a lot of these:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011ILQTEU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

____________
Chris
Product Manager

 

[LXCam]

I have a couple manufactured ones. But my go to is one of those simple metal valve stem caps that had a steam remover on the other end. I just loctited a 3" long bolt to it and painted it orange. I've had that thing since the early 80's and it's always worked great.

 

[G_P]

I use the basic 4 way tool. That locking Astro one looks nice though.

 

[Jure]

steam caps...

 

[JKady]

I have a nice Matco one that is very seldom used. We've got 3 or 4 from Napa or O'Reilly on the tire machine at work that have the built in ratchet that clicks when they're at the proper torque and those are usually what I grab.

 

[WhataTool]

I use the basic 4 way tool. That locking Astro one looks nice though.

Haha, I like how the features on the 4-way talk about providing extra valve cores for the ones you lose and the Astro locking tool mentions locking so you don't lose them.

Sounds like everyone else has about as much luck as I do holding onto those things.

 

[KEH]

Nice little Snap On I picked up somewhere. Works fine, but the 4 ways I've had work fine too.

KEH

 

[gonmad54]

I have the Astro one. It takes a little getting used to but it does make it harder to drop the core. I bought it to use while out in the desert or sand dunes.


#54

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have a freebie pocket screwdriver from somewhere that has a valve core tool on the other end that's my go-to.

 

[wombat31x]

I use this double ended one I got from Jamec Pem

 

[APEowner]

I use them so rarely that I'm not that fussy. I have a no name four way one from my bicycle repair days in my youth but I'm just as likely to grab one of the freeby Snap-On screwdrivers with the valve core tool on the end that the dealers used to give out.

 

[martin666]

Usually don't care which one I grab, they all get the job done

 

[rlitman]

I use them so rarely that I'm not that fussy. I have a no name four way one from my bicycle repair days in my youth but I'm just as likely to grab one of the freeby Snap-On screwdrivers with the valve core tool on the end that the dealers used to give out.

I'm the exact same way (and have the same two tools).

 

[paranoid56]

i like mine

 

[str8axle55]

I have an orange S/O one, but they grow legs if left on the machine. I usually use my red MAC one that is old and beat. It doesn`t walk away and gets the job done, and fits in my pocket nicely. It`s the same as Martin666 posted.

 

[CutterFarms]

I just got the snap on orange one but before that I had a old screwdriver I just ground down and notched.

 

[rshadd]

I have a few valve core tools that I use mostly for bike tires.

I use Milton S-446 2-in-1 Valve Tool most of the time.

Milton S-446 2-in-1 Valve Tool

Use this end to quickly deflate (I use this feature the most)

Use this end to remove the core

The Milton S-445 4-in-1 Valve also works well

Motion Pro 08-0183 Valve Core Remover

I also have the Astro Pneumatic Tool (Astro 9512 The Grabber - Clamping Valve Core Removal Tool) and found it awkward to use. I like the idea, but I couldn't get it to operate like it's design to function. When the grabber prongs are extend to the point where it can grab the stem, it doesn't fit inside the valve core.

 

[FigureItOut]

Haven't used it yet but I bought a Matco one last week. Until now, I just used the cap I saved from a bottle of Slime I'd used.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[drmarkr]

This:

plus this:

and wa-lah! Valve core removal tool. Cheap and easy. Works great.

 

[gonmad54]

I use Milton S-446 2-in-1 Valve Tool most of the time.

Milton S-446 2-in-1 Valve Tool

Thank you for spending my money. Added this to my Amazon cart.

 

[CobraRed]

I also have the Astro Pneumatic Tool (Astro 9512 The Grabber - Clamping Valve Core Removal Tool) and found it awkward to use. I like the idea, but I couldn't get it to operate like it's design to function. When the grabber prongs are extend to the point where it can grab the stem, it doesn't fit inside the valve core.

Uhhh... I don't think it's made for bike tire valve stems like that. It works fine on passenger car tires, co-worker has one. Can get a pic

 

[TigerDude]

I use the basic 4 way tool. That locking Astro one looks nice though.

this

 

[gonmad54]

Uhhh... I don't think it's made for bike tire valve stems like that. It works fine on passenger car tires, co-worker has one. Can get a pic

My Astro works fine on my bicycles. Im pretty sure that a schrader valve core on a bike is the same size as a car. I do believe the part that seals can be made from different materials but the size should be the same. Picture is the core from my BMX bike. (Please correct me if I am wrong)

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

i like mine

You ****. When I bought mine a couple years ago, the only one on the truck was orange. I really wanted the green one.

 

[L.Cheapo]

You ****. When I bought mine a couple years ago, the only one on the truck was orange. I really wanted the green one.

That handle says "T15" on it. I'm guessing he swapped the orange handle for a same-size green one.

 

[rlitman]

My Astro works fine on my bicycles. Im pretty sure that a schrader valve core on a bike is the same size as a car. I do believe the part that seals can be made from different materials but the size should be the same. Picture is the core from my BMX bike. (Please correct me if I am wrong)

Yep. Car and bicycle schrader valves are the same. Refrigerant schrader valves are different.

Bicycle presta valves do not have serviceable cores, though they work differently too.

 

[PMD1966]

If it was labeled "Snap On", it would cost $50.00.

 

[bwringer]

I use Milton S-446 2-in-1 Valve Tool most of the time.

Milton S-446 2-in-1 Valve Tool

I use this or one like it most of the time because I primarily work on motorcycles. There's often only a small amount of space available between the valve stem and the brake rotors.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Usually don't care which one I grab, they all get the job done

what brand is that flexible one? I have a snap on one but would like to pick up one like you have as well.

 

[CobraRed]

My Astro works fine on my bicycles. Im pretty sure that a schrader valve core on a bike is the same size as a car. I do believe the part that seals can be made from different materials but the size should be the same. Picture is the core from my BMX bike. (Please correct me if I am wrong)

Hmm, yeah good info. Def looks different than the above (presta valve?) but same as passenger car.

 

[gonmad54]

Hmm, yeah good info. Def looks different than the above (presta valve?) but same as passenger car.

The picture is still a schrader. I believe the spring on the bottom just adds some pressure so keep the valve from leaking.


#54

 

[CobraRed]

The picture is still a schrader. I believe the spring on the bottom just adds some pressure so keep the valve from leaking.


#54

Yeah, it looks weird to me though. See how the jaws are still extended when it's holding the valve?

The one I've seen the jaws completely recede when holding onto the valve's stem. Something awkward is going on there.

 

[gonmad54]

Yeah, it looks weird to me though. See how the jaws are still extended when it's holding the valve?

The one I've seen the jaws completely recede when holding onto the valve's stem. Something awkward is going on there.

I agree with you but I think it's something with the tool. Maybe a defect or a burr that is making it catch.


#54

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I agree with you but I think it's something with the tool. Maybe a defect or a burr that is making it catch.


#54

If that is the case, rshadd hit me up with an address I'll send out a replacement.


____________
Chris
Product Manager

 

[rshadd]

PM sent. Sounds like I got a defective tool.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

PM sent. Sounds like I got a defective tool.

Pm sent. Thanks for letting us know.

________
Chris
Product Manager

 

[gonmad54]

If that is the case, rshadd hit me up with an address I'll send out a replacement.





____________

Chris

Product Manager

Love a company that takes care of their customers!


#54

 

[tatra]

I use a brass cap that has the tool in it. I mount this on a long used valve stem. Always another one waiting to be built . I changed tires for years and found this to be my go to combo. I do have four ways and specialty tools but these cheap ones work good. Never concerned if the get lost.

 

[CJM8515]

Does the one I stole off a mercedes spare tire count? I just attached the piece to an old valve I had laying around.