Breaking Presta valves is it the pump

Bluestoesonnose
Bluestoesonnose Posts: 372
edited May 2008 in Workshop
I've now broken the head off two presta valves with my Pump, whilst i admit that it could be me being ham fisted and lacking skill in using small pumps i never seem to have the problem with my track pump. So is there any special tech for using small pumps on Presta valves or do i need another type of pump, if so what sort is concidered the best?

I am using an Innovations pump that can take a CO2 cart and has the ability to be pumped by hand as well, I'd like to add i'm not the only person to break valves whilst using this pump, so it can't be me, can it?

Cheers...
This is why!

Comments

  • rustychisel
    rustychisel Posts: 3,444
    No you're not the only one, but it IS usually poor technique. Sawing the pump body up-and-down or side-to-side is a recipe for disaster. Support the body of the pump at the valve end with one hand and try and hold it as straight as possible. This also stops you 'pushing' the valve body against the hole in the rim (which usually cuts through the rubber after a while).
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  • Crapaud
    Crapaud Posts: 2,483
    Try hooking a couple of fingers around a spoke and bracing a thumb against the rim while holding the head of the pump. It's a bit fiddly, but helps to minimise movement.
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