Valve Stem Hack! Possibly the Worlds Best?

by kyle brinkerhoff in Circuits > Reuse

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Valve Stem Hack! Possibly the Worlds Best?

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Ok, this is a fairly simple one, BUT ive never seen anyone else do this, so without further adue, here it is: the worlds best valve stem hack !

concept: valve stems are generally, compatible with all air compressors and bicycle pumps, why not use them as a way to get compressed air into projects, like cannons and dart guns?
plus, valve stems are able to operate safely far beyond the regular pressure of a inner tube , and most importantly,THERE CHEAP! and sometimes free!

so lets get started!  

Materials and Tools

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you will need the following,

a valve stem, either type will work, just the screw in is better / safer you can get these for  fairly cheap, and oftentimes tire stores will give you one for free

a pipe fitting to mount the valve stem in that fits your project

vice

drill bits, one that has the same diameter as the rubber fitting on the valve stem, and a small one for a pilot hole.

a drill

knife and sharp-e

Mark and Drill a Pilot Hole

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next we will mark the middle of the pipe fitting and drill a pilot hole.

Make the Hole Big

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now use the closest matching drill bit you have to the diameter of the rubber gasket on the valve stem, and drill the hole into the fitting

Clean Up the Hole

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use your knife to trim away unwanted excess plastic  

Insert Gasket

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take the gasket off of the valve stem and check to see if it will seat properly , you may have to use your knife to trim a little off the sides.

Insert Valve Stem

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insert the valve stem into the gasket and screw on the nut onto the other side, and tighten down till it wont budge. and your done!