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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: rv_safetyman on April 24, 2010, 09:07:57 AM

Title: Clip-On Air Chuck?
Post by: rv_safetyman on April 24, 2010, 09:07:57 AM
OK, another minutia question.

On my system and when I charge fire extinguishers I need a clip-on air chuck.  I have been using a cheap version of the one shown in the first photo and described here:  http://www.wescotools.com/p-14170-milton-s698-female-14in-npt-air-chuck-with-clip.aspx. (http://www.wescotools.com/p-14170-milton-s698-female-14in-npt-air-chuck-with-clip.aspx.)  My cheap version is less than reliable and can cause a real problem during the charging/recharging process.  I want to step up to a "professional" level.  I suspect buying a Milton or other brand name would probably solve my problem.

In doing a search, I found a different design concept - see the second photo and at this link:  http://www.gemplers.com/product/G27273/Clip-on-Air-Chuck (http://www.gemplers.com/product/G27273/Clip-on-Air-Chuck)

What is the best design and who is the best manufacturer?  

Hope this will be considered on-topic, as it also applies to filling our bus tires ;)

Jim
Title: Re: Clip-On Air Chuck?
Post by: Iceni John on April 24, 2010, 10:47:21 AM
You may want to look at bicycle floor pump air chucks.   Almost all of them have locking mechanisms to secure them on the valve stems, usually by means of a lever that compresses the sealing grommet, forcing it to grip tighter around the valve stem's cap threads.   Even the reversable Schrader / Presta chucks use this system.   Your local bike shop may have something similar to this:  http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_126926_-1_200315_200278_200407 (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_126926_-1_200315_200278_200407)
Bicycle tires often require well over 100 PSI, especially for narrow road tires with Presta valves, and this design has proved to be effective at those pressures.   Most locking chucks these days are plastic, but you may be able to find metal ones by Zefal or Silca or SKS, maybe.

John
Title: Re: Clip-On Air Chuck?
Post by: luvrbus on April 24, 2010, 11:09:44 AM
Jim, you need yours for a different purpose but I use a Milton lock on the threads type stick them on no clip to worry with.
Being a little on the lazy side when airing up the tires I just hang it own and set my inline regulator at 90 or so lbs then move to the next tire in a few minutes.


good luck
Title: Re: Clip-On Air Chuck?
Post by: bobofthenorth on April 24, 2010, 11:33:57 AM
I'm sure you've noted this already Jim but that second picture wouldn't work on the outside dual with a standard valve stem installation. 
Title: Re: Clip-On Air Chuck?
Post by: robertglines1 on April 24, 2010, 11:44:16 AM
I also use the Milton type on our service trucks...one draw back I see sometimes when they get bumped they come off...you need a better locking type if this would be a problem . a ck valve on a threaded screw on valve stem extender might solve your problem..and be more dependable.
Title: Re: Clip-On Air Chuck?
Post by: junkman42 on April 24, 2010, 11:58:30 AM
Jim, there is a screw on type that once screwed on has a small cross bar in the head that when screwed presses on the valve in the stem.  Once screwed on You screw the valve down which opens the valve in the stem.  These are seen on strut charge hoses for aircraft and on fill hoses on aircraft tires.  I will try to take a picture and see if mine has a name on it!  They do not come off and before taking it off You just back off the valve and unscrew it.  Give Me a little while and i will see if I can post a picture.  Regards John L
Title: Re: Clip-On Air Chuck?
Post by: junkman42 on April 24, 2010, 03:43:49 PM
Jim, google up SKY GEEK and look at schrader part no 556 and 2755 t handle chucks.  You can buy the 2755 for 32 bucks and You will never have it come off again when You least expect it!  You screw the hex nut onto the valve stem and then screw the t handle in which causes a pin to depress the valve core.  When the desired pressure is reached You unscrew the t handle and remove the hex nut from the valve stem.  You loose no pressure which is really handy when pressurizing items that hold a low volume of gas.  Hope this helps.  Once You have one You will wonder how  You ever did without it.  Regards John L
Title: Re: Clip-On Air Chuck?
Post by: rv_safetyman on April 24, 2010, 05:05:28 PM
John L, the link is:  http://www.skygeek.com/ats-556.html. (http://www.skygeek.com/ats-556.html.)  That would sure do the job.  However, on my system valve and some extinguishers it would not be possible to screw it on.  Might works with a flexible tire extender.

John, I had not thought about bicycle type air chucks.  I have one on an old 12 V compressor.  It looks like an IP chuck and seems substantial unit.  I will jury rig a connection to my nitrogen tank regulator and see if it will handle 175 psi. 

I am still interested in input on the air chuck shown in the second photo of my original post:  http://www.gemplers.com/product/G27273/Clip-on-Air-Chuck (http://www.gemplers.com/product/G27273/Clip-on-Air-Chuck)

Thanks for all the input.

Jim