Tire Valve Stem Cap Tool

[rgsparber]

I'm sure glad there is no lower limit on simplicity here at Homemadetools. The tool I built is dead simple yet I find that it is handy. Without this tool, I often fumble with the valve stem caps on my tires and they drop inside the hub cap. Then I have to remove the hub cap and sometimes the tabs break off. So what started as a simple task of checking tire pressure ended up requiring me to replace the hub cap.

The tool fits tightly over the cap and lets me unscrew, handle, and reinstall the cap without dropping it.

Start by finding a 1/2" long piece of soft tubing that is a snug fit over your valve stem cap. Then find a 3" long piece of stiff rod (wood, plastic, or metal) that is a tighter fit inside the tubing. Push the rod about 1/4" into the tube.

To use, push the tube over the installed cap while holding onto the rod. Then roll the rod to unscrew the cap. When done checking tire pressure, spin the cap back in place, pull out the tool, and finger tighten the cap if necessary.

[DIYer]

Thanks Rick Sparber! We've added your Valve Cap Tool to our Wheel and Tire category,
as well as to your builder page: Rick Sparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Valve Cap Tool by Rick Sparber

tags: tire, valve

[Jon]

For those who think that their tool may be "too simple" to post, please don't let that stop you.

Everyone has lost a tire valve stem cap, whether it fell inside a hubcap, or rolled away from your first bicycle and was hard to spot against an asphalt driveway. Even a child can build this tool.

[mklotz]

For those who think that their tool may be "too simple" to post, please don't let that stop you.

Everyone has lost a tire valve stem cap, whether it fell inside a hubcap, or rolled away from your first bicycle and was hard to spot against an asphalt driveway. Even a child can build this tool.

Let me echo Jon's thoughts: even the simplest ideas can inspire others' ingenuity.

As an example, a simple variant of this tool is to use it as a nut starter. Substitute a nut for the stem cap and you have a way of starting a nut on a bolt buried deep inside a piece of machinery, electronics, whatever. Once started, the tool easily pulls free from the nut.

Another variant... Fitted with the right size tubing and a push rod, such a device can be used to insert BBs into a BB gun clip or small bearings into a ball screw.

[rgsparber]

Thanks to all for their encouragement!

Rick

[Jon]

...pushpin setter

[Toolmaker51]

I'm sure glad there is no lower limit on simplicity here at Homemadetools. The tool I built is dead simple yet I find that it is handy. When done checking pressure, spin the cap back in place, pull out the tool, and finger tighten the cap if necessary.

Huh? Where are the valve caps on your conventional bucket crawler? That'll dig some tater's, bushel at a time.
JK and cheers to Rick.
While dexterity is nice, weather and other detriments bring need for solutions. I agree with other posters...do not infer sophistication is a requirement here.

I guarantee sites exist where self-elected elites try to out- pace others. That's BS Scoff now, suffer later chump.
That makes me boil, even with near constant 101/ 60 blood pressure. I gotta post an event, just yesterday, in our off-topic ''shop truths...'' area. Things I'm adamant toward, are probably conspicuous by now.

The point is to convey remedy; before a party requires it, who recalls the info utilizing a method to save the day. I'd challenge anyone contrary. We couldn't begin to estimate how many 'simples' created remarkable advancement.

[olderdan]

Great idea Rick, I have used this method for starting spark plugs in deep locations as you avoid a cross threading situation, never thought of doing it for valve caps (I will now).

[rgsparber]

Great idea Rick, I have used this method for starting spark plugs in deep locations as you avoid a cross threading situation, never thought of doing it for valve caps (I will now).

Glad you liked it. I do use it often. It is no fun trying to fish those caps out from behind my hub caps.

[Frank S]

Glad you liked it. I do use it often. It is no fun trying to fish those caps out from behind my hub caps.

Or trying to remember where the special hubcap removal tool is knowing that if you do not retrieve the lost cap you will have that annoying rattle every time you slow down.
Too simple to be a tool? Bulderdash! Just like Toolmaker 51 stated simplicity has lead to many advanced accomplishments.