Deflating Tyres with compressor

[HeavyPizzaz]

Anybody here just use the gauge and the relief / deflate valve button on their air compressor for airing down? I mean rather than dedicated tyre deflators. Just wondering whether it’s worth getting deflators. I’m assuming it’s a fair bit quicker to air down with deflators which remove the valve.

[GHendo]

I suppose it depends on how much time you have - deflators are much quicker. I do wonder however, if it is a good idea to keep removing the valve from the tyre – ie. if you don’t put the valve back correctly or somehow cross the thread you could have a leak that would be a right pain in the butt.

Cheers

Geoff

[Ian H]

I've got a deflator but don't use it. I just press the valve in to let out a good amount of air initially and then use the gauge from the compressor to let out a bit more and read the pressure.

[dhula]

I followed the Jones and got myself a Vv core removing type deflator.
Used it for a couple of beach runs and went back to my Stauns.

Don't like the idea of pulling/reinserting the Vv each time. The little pin in the centre is designed to be pushed in/reseated many times where as the Vv itself and it's seal isn't really designed to do it over and over again IMO. I'm sure many will disagree with me and site 100's of remove/insert cycles with no damage but it only takes one to stuff the internal thread of the Vv stem bad enough and you're changing a wheel to get home (unless you have a Vv stem handy of course )


In answer to the OP's Q, yes you can use a normal tyre inflator to deflate tyres. Just change the chuck to a self locking type as it'll make it easier (lock it on to the Vv steam instead of having to hold it). It will deflate quicker if you unplug the hose and hold the trigger compared to holding the little "deflate" button

[hinsch]

I bought Stauns deflators, expensive for what they are and slow to deflate, suggest you look around for a different brand. I adjusted them to 16psi which is what I normally deflate to when on sand. Because they are slow I normally put three on then use a tyre gauge to deflate the forth tyre then just move around with the tyre gauge. You could get really keen and install a second inflation valve into the rim, this one does not have a valve inside just a good fitting dust cap, tyre goes down real quick using this method.

[sharkcaver]

I'm sure many will disagree with me and site 100's of remove/insert cycles with no damage but it only takes one to stuff the internal thread of the Vv stem bad enough and you're changing a wheel to get home (unless you have a Vv stem handy of course

I would fall into that category. I've never had a drama. But then i also on occasion just use a stick, and using a stick is fraught with more danger than a valve removal type deflater. I've never used a genuine staunn, but i found my generic knock offs slow and not very repeatable.

As for valve cores, I've carried spares for years. never had to use one.

As to the compressor deflator button, a good solution for incremental adjustment, especially if the compressor is already connected (IE accidental over inflation) but just not effective for a major deflate due to the volume of air that can flow through it. Especially if you have to pull the compressor out to do so. Just carry a stick and a push on gauge

[stumagoo]

I used to use an old school valve remover - I had an idea of how much I wanted the tires to bag up (and what pressure that was) and I dropped by eye. I got pretty good and because I did mine all the time I could get mine withing 2-3psi (around 13-16psi aiming for 15)

However like above the idea of dropping or cross threading the valve and the ease of getting them to the same pressure led me to grab a tire deflator (mine is a rough country one) for around $50 it has a gauge. No idea how reliable it is but its within a couple of psi and as long as they are all the same I dont really care. It also keeps crap out of the valve and makes it easy to not lose the valve and refit while deflating the tire

[hinsch]

I would fall into that category. I've never had a drama. But then i also on occasion just use a stick, and using a stick is fraught with more danger than a valve removal type deflater. I've never used a genuine staunn, but i found my generic knock offs slow and not very repeatable.

As for valve cores, I've carried spares for years. never had to use one.

As to the compressor deflator button, a good solution for incremental adjustment, especially if the compressor is already connected (IE accidental over inflation) but just not effective for a major deflate due to the volume of air that can flow through it. Especially if you have to pull the compressor out to do so. Just carry a stick and a push on gauge

Take 4 match sticks with you and stick them into the valve core, did that when we where kids to the teachers that gave us a hard time.

[Pauno]

While Staun’s are expensive they are handy. By the time you walk around and put one on the 4th tyre you only have to wait a minute or so then the first finishes. Then you just walk around and take them off, put the cap back on as they are all done in the same time. I can’t see why some people trash them so much

[Ian H]

While Staun’s are expensive they are handy. By the time you walk around and put one on the 4th tyre you only have to wait a minute or so then the first finishes. Then you just walk around and take them off, put the cap back on as they are all done in the same time. I can’t see why some people trash them so much

Mainly because you are stuck to deflate to whatever setting they are on. Sometimes I want 20psi and others I want 25. They are no good for that.

[nj swb]

While Staun’s are expensive they are handy. By the time you walk around and put one on the 4th tyre you only have to wait a minute or so then the first finishes. Then you just walk around and take them off, put the cap back on as they are all done in the same time. I can’t see why some people trash them so much

Mine weren't particularly precise - lucky to be within a couple of psi of the original set point.

[old Jack]

I have used Staun for over 10 years, and although not super accurate, I set them a few psi higher than desired then it only takes another 30 seconds per tyre to drop the pressures the desired level. Quicker, more compact and lighter than an ARB type deflator. I also do not like the valve being removed during the deflation process.

OJ.

[sharkcaver]

Talking about fear, does anyone have a real world example of an issue with a deflation by removing the valve core? as long as there is no dirt ingress, I cant see the issue.

I'm glad I wasn't one of Hinsch's teachers

[Lazarus]

I go old school, use car key to deflate the tyres. Then check the preassure with the gauge.
Do not like removing the valve.

[NJV6]

What is so bad with removing the valve? Done it for years. Quick and easy.