Cheap and Easy DIY Tire Deflators

jesse3638

Hooked
Cheap and Easy DIY Tire Deflators

Airing down on the trail is part of off-roading and at $60-$70 for adjustable tire deflators and $25-$30 for non-adjustable tire deflators, these are very convenient but can be expensive. That being said having the ability to deflate multiple tires simultaneously can save a lot of time. No one wants to be the guy using the back of a tire gauge or blade of a knife or screw driver that everyone is waiting on. So myself being cheap and always in a hurry, figured out a cheap and easy way to make your own tire deflators that also allows you to use a regular tire gauge to check the pressure as its deflating. All the materials used can be purchased at local auto parts and hardware stores for around $15 or less.


Materials Needed:
-Valve Stem Extenders from a local auto parts store
-1/8"-40 x 3/16" Coarse set screws
-Drill with 7/64" drill bit
-Vise or vise grips
-Needle Nose Pliers
-Phillips head screw driver


Step 1
Take the valve stem extender and place it in either the jaws of a vise or vise grips. I do not have a vise therefore I used vise grips. The valve stem extenders I used were purchased at a local O'Reilly's for around $5.00.

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Step 2
Using the drill and 7/64" drill bit slowly start to drill at the upper portion on the knurling (rough grippy part) just before the valve stem extender tapers down to the threaded section. I chose not to use a center punch as I thought the force may damage or crush the extender. A smaller pilot hole may ease drilling.

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Step 3
Once the hole is complete take the appropriate set screw (1/8"-40 x 3/16" Coarse) and using an Allen wrench place it in the hole. I found a 150 assortment pack of set screws at harbor freight for around $10. Individual set screws will probably be significantly cheaper. Using firm pressure start tightening the screw ensuring it stays as straight as possible. Once the screw is threaded in approximately half way stop. The extender is brass and the steel screw should cut its own threads no tapping was required.

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Step 4
Using a Phillips screwdriver or similar object depress the valve stem extenders' valve mechanism (for lack of a better word...haha) then release. If no resistance is felt tighten the screw 1/4 - 1/2 a turn at a time until the mechanism remains down approximately 1/4". Continue to tighten 1 - 2 turns and stop.

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Step 5
At this point the center pin will begin to deflect to the opposite side of the set screw. This will need to be straightened to ensure proper function. Turn the extender over to view the center pin. Using needle nose pliers gently bend the pin back towards center. Continue to tighten the screw until it is nearly flush. At this point you will again need to recenter the pin.

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Step 6
Once the screw has been tightened to a point where it is nearly flush and the pin is centered, stop. To ensure proper operation once again turn the extender over so u can view the pin. Place the extender on a solid surface and using needle nose pliers place gentle to moderate pressure on the pin to ensure the valve mechanism will not return to its intended closed position. If this happens, return to Step 4 and continue as directed. If the will not return to its closed position you are nearly finished.

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Step 7
Check operation by screwing you new tire deflator onto the valve stem of the tire you wish to deflate. Air should be released and pressure may be checked using any conventional tire gauge. WARNING! These are not preset and if left on the tire will deflate completely. Continue to monitor until desired tire pressure is reached then remove. Screw all the extenders together and place in your tool kit, glove box, etc.

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jesse3638

Hooked
Thanks! I've been using them for over a year and they have worked great. Even loaned a couple out while airing down to help speed things up. The trick I found is to put one on a tire then wait about a minute install the next and so on. This gives you enough time to check the pressures before one starts too get too low. The only thing worse than being the last guy to be aired down, is the last guy to be aired down but now has to add air...haha. If you make them I hope they work just as well for you as they have for me.
 

StrizzyChris

New member
Bumping this up. Finally got around to doing these. Super easy to do and only cost 4.99 for 4 valve stem extenders from pep boys and 1.50 for the 4 screws at home depot. Thanks again for the great idea and crazy cheap deflators! :thumb:

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Bullwinckle

Hooked
That's freakin sweet I got a friend that wants some but doesn't want to spend the money Ill let him know!!!


Ray ⛺
 

Journeyman

New member
Holy thread resurrection. Probably a great idea. Not sure I honestly didn't get all the ways through. The deflators I use are super basic terraflex at a whopping 14$ ish.


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Zevyd

New member
Thanks for this information!

Also, I have one question, maybe somebody knows the answer.

Are there any gambling fans among you?

I want to play at an online casino in Canada, and maybe you know something with bonus codes? Has anybody tried this site?

https://casinobonus-ca.com/bonus-codes/

I'd appreciate it if you could answer
 
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Brute

Hooked
Great idea...and yes, it is much faster to have four tires airing down simultaneously, not to mention much better for the back (old man comment)...
 

Seahawkfan

Hooked
Great idea...and yes, it is much faster to have four tires airing down simultaneously, not to mention much better for the back (old man comment)...

I can relate to that old man back thing.. So you just move around from tire to tire quickly? And when setting up the set screw you are not setting at full on open? Is this correct? Thanks
 

Brute

Hooked
I know on my deflators, which are Staun's and set to 12 psi...by the time I thread the 4th one on, I go to the first one and begin removing them all in the same order I put them on. Then I check with a gauge and usually only have to remove another two psi for the trail...more for sand or snow
 

Seahawkfan

Hooked
So you don't have to do one tire at a time? ��

--
Build Thread - Adventures of Fiona - https://wayalife.com/showthread.php?t=47407

Just thought maybe it would release to fast. I still have not had the need to air down yet. I just installed the ARB twin under the hood so one day when I finally come home my jeep is set up with what I may need. I think I may have jumped the gun when I bought it in 2011 I only have 22,000 miles on it. And unfortunately mostly highway miles.
 
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