{"id":12020,"date":"2022-03-09T07:26:15","date_gmt":"2022-03-09T15:26:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/?p=12020"},"modified":"2022-03-09T07:26:15","modified_gmt":"2022-03-09T15:26:15","slug":"tiny-but-valuable-4-way-valve-tool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/tiny-but-valuable-4-way-valve-tool\/","title":{"rendered":"Tiny But Valuable: 4-Way Valve Tool"},"content":{"rendered":"
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4-way Valve Tool<\/p><\/div>\n

Every once in a while, a piece of equipment comes along that just makes sense. It\u2019s inexpensive, versatile, and small. And once you have one, you wonder how you got by without it. Such is the case with the 4-way valve tool.<\/p>\n

Chances are you\u2019ve seen one of these before. Might even have one lying around somewhere. Do you know what\u2019s it\u2019s used for?<\/p>\n

Offered by several manufacturers, the 4-way valve tool can be had for around $2 or $3. (They run up to about $17, but you don\u2019t need to spend that much.) Small and compact \u2013 it fits in the palm of your hand \u2013 the 4-way tool has all the features you need for issues related to tire valve stems. This humble device replaces at least four other tools. (Though the individual tools perform better in some instances.)<\/p>\n

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Using the tool<\/p><\/div>\n

How is the 4-way valve tool used?<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the name suggests, the 4-way valve tool is four tools in one.<\/p>\n

It aids in removing, cleaning and reinstalling a valve stem and Schrader valve. The tool is designed for most passenger and truck tires.<\/p>\n

Narrow tube with slot:<\/strong> To tighten, remove or install a Schrader valve.<\/p>\n

Wide tube:<\/strong> Thread chaser for threads that the valve cap screws into. Is also used to pull a valve stem through the hole in the rim. (Do not use pliers for this step. You\u2019re likely to damage the threads and\/or crunch the brass stem itself.) Screw this onto the cap threads, and give it a good pull.<\/p>\n

Threaded stub:<\/strong> A thread chaser for the threads the Schrader valve screws into.<\/p>\n

Tapered tool\/end:<\/strong> Deburring tool. To remove dirt and dust from the inside of the valve stem.<\/p>\n

Common tire valve issues solved with 4-way valve tool<\/strong><\/p>\n

If a tire is slowly losing air, the first thing to check is the Schrader valve. If loose, use the appropriate end to tighten the Schrader valve. Many times, that simple step stops the air leak.<\/p>\n

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Schrader Valve<\/p><\/div>\n

At times you\u2019ll need to replace the Schrader valve. Prior to installing the new Shrader valve, use the tapered deburring tool to remove any debris or dirt from inside the tire valve stem.<\/p>\n

If the cap threads appear to be chewed up, use the appropriate cap tread chaser tool to restore the threads.<\/p>\n

Finally, as mentioned, the large open-ended tool is used to grip and pull a new valve stem into position. This is handy, because you don\u2019t need to fully remove a tire to replace a valve stem. Break the bead for several inches around the valve stem. That will provide enough room to get a hand in there.<\/p>\n

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View without valve core<\/p><\/div>\n

Pack extra valve stems<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a good time to discuss valve stems. I suggest having several on hand at all times. If you do any amount of work on your tires, you\u2019re bound to snap one on occasion.<\/p>\n

Buy a three-pack of the standard valve stems. Each valve stem includes a Schrader valve. You can replace an entire valve stem or just the Schrader valve. If you lose a Schrader valve, you can cannibalize from one of the complete valve stems.<\/p>\n

Invariably, you will drop a valve stem into the tire before it gets pulled through. Leave it there and get another one.<\/p>\n

Safety Seal tire kit a good addition to toolbox<\/strong><\/p>\n

Of all the tire kits available, I\u2019m really keen on those made by Safety Seal. Their tools are good, and their tire plugs are probably the best around. Unfortunately, the kits don\u2019t always have all the tools I think they should.<\/p>\n

Plus, most of the kits are made of hard plastic. That type of box takes up extra space in your tool box. Buy the soft-sided case instead, and supplement it with various tools for a complete tire repair kit. Tools to add include:<\/p>\n