Multi use tool for airing up or down

I just answered a post on CT and thought I'd share here too since I know you guys love to froad. He was asking about those things that you screw onto your valves to air down and how many people do air down...

My Post
I'm a huge believer in airing down when hitting the trail. Mainly for the extra comfort and traction. The thing is having a pump is key for leaving. I made a thing that clips onto the stem and has a gauge and lever to control the air, (you can even hook a hose to it & air 2 tires up or down at the same time, or steal air from a spare) but I found that I only use it when I'm close to the desired pressure when airing down. I use it all the time to air up.

The best way to drain a tire quickly is to simply remove the core and count the seconds it takes to get close to where you want to be, then I stick this thing on. This method turns 20 minutes into 5 minutes for all 4 tires. I think those things you mentioned are too expensive for what they are and they're still slow at draining. I always pull the core & focus on 1 tire at a time since this method is QUICK. (just carry a spare core in case you loose one, be careful when pulling it out as they can go flying!) hasn't happened yet.

The hose is just long enough to reach the valve on the wheel while it's sitting on tire. When I air up I simply connect it to the valve on the wheel and hook the fill hose to it and occasionally close the lever to check the pressure I'm at.

 

I made a similar tool this week using spare parts I had around the garage. I planned on just using it for airing down. I hate kneeling down holding a key for 20 mins. With this I just attach it to the valve stem, open the valve and wait for the pressure I want.





I guess I could add a fitting to attach a air hose to the other end of the valve. That way I could also use this to air up also.

 

There are lots of tire deflators on the market also.

I have Oasis tire deflators. Set 'em up, screw 'em on, and walk away.
The only tidbit to these, is the original tire pressure has gotta be atleast double the pressure you've set them to or else they won't open up.
For example - if you're running 30psi street pressure, you have to air down to below 15psi for them to work.

 

That thing is sweet! How does it attach to the valve stem? Quick release?

hhhmmm, interesting.

 

It threads onto the valve stem. That piece was from an little old compressor you plug into a 12v power source.

 

Nice.

 

We have Staun tire deflators and they work great...the 1st time you get them you have to "set" them up to the correct tire pressure you want. But once that is done like someone said hook them up and walk away!

I don't understand what you are trying to say...we run about 45 lbs on the street and air down to about 14lbs...as far as Airing up...CO2 will air up all 4 tires from 14lbs to 45lbs in less then 5 minutes! =)