[Closed] idiot question how do i unscrew valve to add sealant?

Presta or Schrader?

apologies it's presta valves.

I'm assuming the valves have removable cores? Easiest way to tell is if the upper part of the valve, just below the plunger that lets air in and out, has two flat sides.

If so either get a valve core removal tool or use one of the slots on a chain tool (see the current "clever tool" thread for a photo) or just a pair of pliers.

just checked yes they have the flat parts below the plunger part.

will definitely order one of the core tools when i order the sealant.

thank you all for helping a numpty out ☺

I normally just use some needle-nosed pliers.

spare / replacement DT Swiss tubeless valves also come with a little core removal tool.

I just have a few of these in the box where I keep spare valve cores and other little bits and bats:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143584770624

There are a few different variations, but it's worth getting something for the toolbox. I have one in my saddlepack too as more than once I've come across "punctures" that were nothing more than a loose valve.

Instead of buying a tool, you can use an offcut of 10 speed chain. The space between the two chain plates is the same as the flats on the valve core so it'll undo them.

More to the point. What ever you do, let the tyre down first...

I fancied a Park Tool one cause I'm a tool tart but I ended up with one of these instead

Amazon Valve Core Remover

For a tenner its a nice blue anodized tool plus a bunch of spare valve cores for both presta and schrader

I usually use one of these ... fits exactly and has the benefit of also tightening spokes
I've a bunch of DT Swiss type ones in my toolbox (lid) with spare valves and spare cores but this is my go-to in the toolbox. (I also have other spoke keys ... wouldn't use this for a whole build but again its just easy to keep handy)

Best thing to loosen them is the attachment on a Lezyne minipump. 🙂

I have one of the Amazon jobbies up there. The valve cores included with it are bloody awful, though.

I like the Stan’s little red anodised valve core removal tools. Previously I used the free black plastic ones that come with new valves but the Stan’s one is much more satisfying to use and it’s red so it makes your bike faster

For years I've topped up through the valve using an old Stans 2oz bottle. Measures top up fluid easy, small enough to hold upright and one good squeeze empty's it in a few seconds with no spillage.

Another tip given by a mechanic at one of the races was to spray a bit of silicon spray into the valve assembly prior to putting it back in to stop the valve sticking when trying to inflate at a later date.

martinhutch
Subscriber
Best thing to loosen them is the attachment on a Lezyne minipump. 🙂

Ha! That reminded me of a bloke I helped on the SDW last year. He had a Lezyne pump and was trying to pump up the tyre after a puncture repair... It wasn't going well.

For years I’ve topped up through the valve using an old Stans 2oz bottle. Measures top up fluid easy, small enough to hold upright and one good squeeze empty’s it in a few seconds with no spillage.

Me too! Perfect thing for the job. It's looking a big tatty now, but it still holds fluid 🙂

Another tip given by a mechanic at one of the races was to spray a bit of silicon spray into the valve assembly prior to putting it back in to stop the valve sticking when trying to inflate at a later date.

Good tip, thanks. I've got one bike that has glued-up valves that I've been meaning to sort out, so I'll make a mental note to do this.

The valve cores included with it are bloody awful, though.

I'll bear that in mind, its a shame as the spare cores made it look like much better value than the proper Park Tool one they obviously copied.

thanks everyone 👍

i will be treating my bike to some new sealant as i haven't ridden for over 6 months due to various reasons.

am going to splash out on a decent syringe and valve core (along wity the sealant).

it is very embarassing as even though i have been cycling for a fair few years now (on and off 45 years),am still a complete numpty when it comes to bike mechanics stuff.

i do plan on trying to remedy that situation though.

I got some of Peary's valves at not full price. The valve cap is a Al core tool.

The gap on my multitool’s chain tool fits a valve core too.

Everyone is being very helpful here, but only dangeourbrain's post will save your eyesight.

The spout on a small bottle of stans is as good as a syringe and once you have the small bottle you can just reuse it forever.

I’ll bear that in mind, its a shame as the spare cores made it look like much better value than the proper Park Tool one they obviously copied.

£2 for a multi-spoke key and £4 for a pack of 10 valve cores ... spray with silicon and leave in tool box... when you top up remove old one... wash in warm water and fairy ... dry..spray with silicon and replace the one you took from the toolbox.

I use a brake bleed syringe to top up as seem to have loads of them, easier than trying to refill the 2oz bottle from a larger 500ml bottle. Depending on tyre size, one or two syringe fulls is about right.

Good advice 👆🏼Spoke key here too, slot 11 👍🏼.Got a stash of 100ml syringes(unused) from a derilict Pit infirmary

Men used to be able instinctively work these things out without having to enquire on a forum. It must be something in the water these days.

cheers for that fella