Making it Better - Presta to Schrader Adapter

This is a handy and reliable Presta to Schrader adapter. The problem with the thread on adapters sold at bike shops is that they don't work well with a Schrader air chuck (as used with a compressor).
Note: This video is old and as you know the bike accessories market is constantly changing so instead of linking to a specific pump head as I mentioned in the video what I recommend you do is get your pump head FIRST and determine the size of the tank valve you will need (1/8" NPT or 1/4" NPT).

[@woodman39]

Thanks for the great idea. I just made one like yours and it works great, first time I can actually fine tune my tire pressure. I had to use 1/4" NPT adapter with the Planet Bike pump head I got from amazon. I also had to put red locktite on the thread when I screwed it together to stop the leaks. Now I can check the pressure with my digital gauge and get it within a half pound. Thanks again.

[@efranco3598]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. You have no idea how I've struggled to inflate my Presta valve hybrid. I did get the Schrader adapter to use with my air compressor, but I still can't get the hang of it. I'm going to have to try your method. Thank you again.

[@tonydoberman21]

dude these valves are the bane of my existence

[@coolhandxxx]

Brilliant I’ve been looking everywhere for a proper product like that. I’m looking forward to building it. Thank you 🙏

[@felixmadison5736]

Damned Presta valves remind me of the 'new' gas cans. Supposed to be better and you end up spilling more gasoline than you ever did.

[@jrnamida5470]

Oscar, the Presta valves have been around for many years, not many problems with them. Good Luck and enjoy drilling your expensive narrow road bike rims for the larger Schrader valves. Quote: "The small diameter of the Presta valve requires a smaller hole in the rim, whose size is important for narrow rims where cross sectional strength is significantly reduced by a stem hole. In narrow rims, clincher tires also leave insufficient space between tire beads for larger Schrader valves." This is changing in the road bike area as wider tires are now considered faster with a different size contact patch than the 22 width tires inflated to mind boggling PSI. Wider tires can use wider rims, thus Schrader size holes will not weaken the rim like they did in the past years. Also wheel manufacturing has improved and we have better rims with different properties today. In Japan where I ride on Holiday they have a different style valve, that requires a different style pump head "English or Woods valves". kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3a1d4yJasZrgtk

[@martinhayden3396]

Thanks for answering so quickly. The floor pump repair kit head that Amazon sent is the problem. The inside dimension exceeds 3/8”, as the 3/8 bit is not even snug when placed inside the head.

[@bretthl1]

Thanks for the info!

[@pault.juckniess7265]

go to your local hardware store and get a 1/8 npt 2 inch nipple and a coupling. The nipple is tapered and you should be able to thread the nipple into the repair head

[@georgerogers2681]

You have a pillar drill in your hobby room? And my wife thinks I have too many tools!! Great video. I'm going to mash up one of my old track pumps and make one of these right now!!

[@hanselsanjuan8003]

Thank you. Very informative

[@bretthl1]

You are welcome!

[@brentonwilhelm6920]

Neat tool, however I just use metal adapter on presta valve and same result. The pump head is really not needed. Only advantage I see is easier access to valve.

[@bretthl1]

The problem with the thread on adapters sold at bike shops is that they don't work well with a Schrader air chuck.

[@mikehoffman3690]

Nice job.

[@johnkerr99]

Genius bud!

[@tonydoberman21]

you had me at "this is probably going to be a terrible video"

[@ernieadsett2843]

Just wondering how to one of the pump heads. The link is dead. Thanks!

[@billytaylor7900]

why not buy the Presta to Schrader Adapter and leave it on the valve - then use standard pump?

[@bretthl1]

I never found one that worked all that well.

[@hfjchan]

@@bretthl1 Yeah, I got 2 Adapters from 2 different suppliers and they both causing problem. One leaky during pumping. Another one cause a lot of leakage when be removed.

[@pault.juckniess7265]

you have to find an adapter that works then you have to take it off to open the valve , put the adapter on , fill with air , take the adapter off and tighten the valve. then replace the adapter again so you don't lose the bugger

[@martinhayden3396]

I purchased both items from Amazon. Something is wrong! Do you mean 1/8 npt or 3/8 npt?? You use a 3/8 drill bit so how is 1/8 going to fit. Thanks for your help.

[@bretthl1]

The diameter of 1/8 inch NPT male thread is 0.39 inches (give or take a few thousands because it's tapered).

[@joeseagle7935]

That didn’t copy well! I’ve drilled the 3/8 hole in the head. Amazon has what they call a 1/8 not with shrader. Think that’s it?

[@caRpetbomBer1]

Do you have a link to the pump head. thanks

[@bretthl1]

I did but they keep changing so I stopped linking. Get you pump head first and then check hole size before getting the tank valve (they come in a few different sizes).