Can't unscrew metal valve stem cap. What are my options?
02-03-13, 09:45 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Can't unscrew metal valve stem cap. What are my options?
Doesn't matter if I turn left or right, it neither tightens or loosens. It's a metal cap so I can't exactly cut it off. WTF do I do?
02-03-13, 09:52 PM
#2
Use a vicegrips. Install new tube.
02-03-13, 10:04 PM
#3
Mechanic/Tourist
If the cap turns in both directions the valve stem itself is broken and you will need to cut it in order to remove the tube. If the cap is frozen and does not turn at all you can try PB Blaster or similar. If that does not work you can cut the valve stem below it so that you can remove the tube. If you're determined to save the cost of a tube you could use a dremel or similar tool with a cutoff wheel to cut up both sides of the cap until you can remove it.
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 02-03-13 at 10:07 PM.
02-03-13, 10:14 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 39,657
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Liked 3,491 Times
in
1,916 Posts
Tubes are cheap enough, and odds are the threads are damaged anyway, so you might as well use a hacksaw and cut the valve stem in half. Then remove and replace the tube. Valve stems are made of brass and cut like butter.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
02-03-13, 10:23 PM
#5
Certified Bike Brat
Probably just slightly seized - it happens, particularly to tubes with sealant in them.
So before scrapping everything, suggest you just use a couple pairs of pliers and some rags to avoid damaging anything. One pair to hold the valve stem - so it doesn't twist and the other to tweak the valve cap.
If that doesn't do the trick - go to plan B.
So before scrapping everything, suggest you just use a couple pairs of pliers and some rags to avoid damaging anything. One pair to hold the valve stem - so it doesn't twist and the other to tweak the valve cap.
If that doesn't do the trick - go to plan B.
02-03-13, 11:28 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,562
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Liked 732 Times
in
519 Posts
Kill it with fire!
Presta valves don't require caps, BTW. Much nicer than Schrader... and you can always leave an adapter screwed onto one valve.
Presta valves don't require caps, BTW. Much nicer than Schrader... and you can always leave an adapter screwed onto one valve.
