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getting the valve in! getting the valve in!
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Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 25 Mar 2015
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getting the valve in!
Ok, its not really a bodgers job, but something where a bit of advice would be appreciated.

I have done a good 10 tyre changes now using some rather poor tyre levers bought off Ebay, but at least now I can change the tyre pretty easily without breaking anything or making a total mess of the alloy wheels.

I am running on tube and tyre, but the one thing that causes me no end of grief is getting the valve down the hole. I am doing it solo and usually give up and get help from the nearest and dearest who slots it in whlist I peel the tyre back.

I might not have any help out in the real world and I just can't find an easy way to open up the tyre to get my hand in and also seat the wheel so I can get the valve in.

There must be some wizzend person who might know a better method? Any tips?
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  #2  
Old 25 Mar 2015
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Tube valve puller
These things work a treat, 7.50 Quid! Yeah I know, cant believe you didn't think of it
Enduro Trail Tube Valve Puller Ideal FOR Bumbag OR Pocket | eBay


Last edited by Drwnite; 25 Mar 2015 at 09:41.
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  #3  
Old 25 Mar 2015
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now it all seems so easy!!!

yep, didn't know they existed, but I will see if i can make one first. £7.50 could be spent elsewhere!!!!

Thanks!
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  #4  
Old 25 Mar 2015
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Is there not some way that you can use a bit of garden twine, with a slip knot. Push in with one hand, then slip knot over valve. Pull and hold. Should have both hand's free to do job. But that sound's too easy.
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Old 25 Mar 2015
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Yeah, I have tried, because the valve needs to go 90 degrees and the twine adds to the width of the valve it just won't go through. It will get it close though, so can be part useful.
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Old 25 Mar 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davebetty View Post
Yeah, I have tried, because the valve needs to go 90 degrees and the twine adds to the width of the valve it just won't go through. It will get it close though, so can be part useful.


What would happen if you put the dust cap on, then slotted it under the dust cap? The twin that is?
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Old 25 Mar 2015
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The dust cap certainly wouldn't go through the hole. There is very little clearance through the hole, just a few fag papers.

I'm going to see if I can make one with an old valve core and a bit of wire, if I can both of them in my pile of junk!
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Old 25 Mar 2015
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I can't help you then. That's the best I can think of. Sorry.
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Old 25 Mar 2015
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Hardly news I know, but I'm confused.


We start with a naked rim?


Rim tape on.
Tyre on one bead.
Shove the tube in the tyre starting opposite the valve hole.
Squeeze the tyre opposite the hole and shove it hard down into the well.
Stand the wheel up and stand on the rim pushing the tyre really hard into the well.
Place your hand in the top to get the valve in the hole and fit the nut.
Lay it flat and sort out any possible traps.
Part inflate to avoid traps.
Get the other bead on.
Remove the tyre to get the "spare" tyre lever out. (Clever ***s can skip this bit)
repeat from step one.
fully inflate.


Maybe I just have a womans hands?


Andy
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Old 25 Mar 2015
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Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Maybe I just have a womans hands?
Andy
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Old 25 Mar 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Hardly news I know, but I'm confused.


We start with a naked rim?


Rim tape on.
Tyre on one bead.
Shove the tube in the tyre starting opposite the valve hole.
Squeeze the tyre opposite the hole and shove it hard down into the well.
Stand the wheel up and stand on the rim pushing the tyre really hard into the well.
Place your hand in the top to get the valve in the hole and fit the nut.
Lay it flat and sort out any possible traps.
Part inflate to avoid traps.
Get the other bead on.
Remove the tyre to get the "spare" tyre lever out. (Clever ***s can skip this bit)
repeat from step one.
fully inflate.


Maybe I just have a womans hands?


Andy
I know I am making a mountain out of a molehill but I just find it hard to get the tyre in position and opened up so I can get my hand in. I guess I need to practice it a lot, but I don't want to bother doing that. Trying to make the tool now. Cheers Dave
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  #12  
Old 29 Mar 2015
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old mate I knew many years ago had one he made from an old valve and a bit of metal trace from a fishing line.

Oh, there was a swivel in there for some reason too.

It was a long time ago, I can't remember exactly how it was put together
I'm sure you can work it out
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  #13  
Old 29 Mar 2015
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Big huge cable tie to hold it in the well?

The former fishing float glued to an ex-valve looks worth exploring though.

Andy
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Old 30 Mar 2015
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I've tried the puller thingies and also used to keep a lever in one side and use a block of wood to hold the tyre away from the rim on the other.

Having done many tyre changes I now just line everything up and slip my fingers under the bead to guide the valve through the hole. Practice it now and it'll hold no fear when you have to do it at the side of the road.

Some tyres are easy and some are a real b'stard due to tight beads and stiff carcasses.

If you're doing it at home in the winter, putting new tyres next to a radiator for a few hours really helps.
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  #15  
Old 30 Mar 2015
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1) Put some air in the tube and put the tube inside the wheel.
2) Put the rim into the wheel so the valve fits the hole and tighten the nut.
3) When the wheel is almost on remove the air.

Good luck!
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