How to Remove a Valve Core from a Tire Valve Stem
Remove a valve core with a remover tool: cap off, turn the core out, fit a new core and cap the stem, using the tools and spare cores in this guide.
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How to remove a valve core from a tire valve stem: take the cap off, push the remover tool into the stem, turn it counterclockwise until the core comes free, and lift the core out. The tire deflates as the core comes out, so have the new core and the cap ready before you start. The remover tool is the tool for this job, because the core sits inside the stem where fingers cannot grip it.
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Below: the removal steps, the gear that handles each part of the job, and answers to common questions.
Riseuvo Tire Valve Stem Puller and Installer Tool
A valve stem puller and installer kit with TR412, TR413 and TR414 stems, 20 valve stem cores and single head, double head and 4-way remover tools.
Pros
- Pulls and installs snap-in tubeless tire valves stated
- TR412, TR413 and TR414 stems with 20 valve stem cores stated
- Single head, double head and 4-way remover tools stated
- 4-way tool also re-taps threads and reams the valve stated
Cons
- Piece counts differ between the bullets and the spec table, which lists 35
- Listing calls the stems both snap-in and bolt-in
- No warranty term is stated
- No tool dimensions are stated
Valve Stem Removal Tool - 20Pcs Valve Cores
A 35-piece set with 4 valve core removers, a 4-way valve tool, 10 valve stem caps and 20 valve cores.
Pros
- 4 valve core removers plus a 4-way valve tool stated
- 20 valve cores and 10 valve stem caps stated
- 4-way tool pulls the stem, deflates the tire and cleans threads stated
- 360-day return stated
Cons
- Title states 35 pieces while the spec table lists 34
- No warranty term is stated
- No tool dimensions are stated
- Tool handles and materials are not stated
BFXM 6 Pcs Valve Stem Removal Tool
A 6-piece set of valve core removal tools in single and double head forms, for standard valve stems and car air conditioning systems.
Pros
- 6 tools in 2 sets, a spare set if a tool is lost stated
- Single and double heads fit different valve types stated
- Metal, plastic and aluminum alloy with a non-slip handle stated
- Fits lawn mowers, cars, bikes, RVs and trucks stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated; the spec table states NO
- No spare cores are stated
- No valve stem caps are stated
- Listing claims the handle withstands any pressure, which is the maker's wording
Yunnergo 10Pcs Car Auto Screwdriver Valve Stem
A 10-piece set of screwdriver valve stem core removers with a 63 mm handle diameter and a 107 mm total length.
Pros
- 10 remover tools in the set stated
- Handle diameter of 63 mm and total length of 107 mm stated
- Works on all standard valve cores stated
- Plastic handle shaped for comfort stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No spare cores are stated
- No valve stem caps are stated
- No stem puller or installer function is stated
How to remove a valve core: the steps
- Take the cap off. Unscrew the valve cap and set it aside where it cannot roll away.
- Push the remover in. Push the remover tool into the stem until it engages the core.
- Turn it out. Turn the tool counterclockwise until the core comes free, then lift it out. Air escapes through the open stem, so stand clear of the stem as it deflates.
- Fit the new core. Thread a new core into the stem with the tool and snug it, then put the cap back on.
- Check the stem. Listen and feel for air escaping from the stem, and refit the core if air still escapes.
The gear for this job
The remover tool does the turning, the ZHSMS 4-way tool cleans the threads and deflates the tire while the Riseuvo 4-way tool re-taps the threads, and the spare cores and caps cover the parts you replace. See the best valve core tool kit for a full set.
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FAQ: garage tools
Can I remove a valve core without a tool?
The core sits inside the stem where fingers cannot grip it, so a remover tool is the tool for the job. The single and double head tools in these sets fit standard valve cores, and the ZHSMS 4-way tool also deflates the tire and cleans the threads.
Does removing a valve core deflate the tire?
Yes. Air escapes through the open stem once the core comes out, which is why the listings describe removing the core when the tire needs deflating.
Which valve cores do these tools fit?
The listings state standard valve cores for cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles, and the ZHSMS 4-way tool is stated for Schrader valves. The Riseuvo kit also covers TR412, TR413 and TR414 rubber valve stems.
Can I use these tools on an air conditioning valve?
The Riseuvo 4-way tool states it also works on A.C. unit valves, and the BFXM tool states it maintains car air conditioning systems. Check the valve type before you start.
How many spare cores come in these sets?
The ZHSMS set includes 20 valve cores and the Riseuvo kit includes 20 valve stem cores. The BFXM set includes 6 tools with no cores stated, and the Yunnergo set includes 10 remover tools with no cores stated.
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