Pro Level DIY Tubeless Tyre Inflator

[@TLP388]

As a mechanical engineer I applaud your drilling technique!

[@jonbarnett70]

Highlight of the vid was how you got the valve in! Genius!!

[@MeantforDescent]

I'm gonna say that idea was borrowed, but it's definitely a great solution.

[@plaidtractor_creative]

Brilliant and elegant solution. Last capability I needed to be fully equipped for tubeless and I didn't need a compressor taking up space. Made one with a 4LB old extinguisher already in the house, works great! I only needed to buy a tubeless valve stem. I skipped the proper smart head upgrade and used spare plumbing parts on hand, and some stiff tubing to adapt to the existing rubber hose of extinguisher. The stiff plumbing hose is a cruse press fit on the valve stem, works fine. Even without taking the valve core out! Among the best tubeless hacks around, thanks!

[@MeantforDescent]

Excellent. I'm glad it worked. I still use mine and it hasn't failed me yet.

[@miamicyclist01]

I have seen a bunch of the fire extinguisher conversion inflator videos but yours seems the safest and the most practical.

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@darcyphillips70]

Tidy, like your attention to detail... great tutorial, I’m off to make my own now

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks, Darcy. It's been really handy. It's out on loan at the moment, doing the rounds.

[@braulio1o4]

So easy. Perfect for a "One day build"

[@AlGunolovera]

Gonna try making one of these as soon as i find an extinguisher laying around somewhere. Anyway, I´ve struggled in the past with this and found out all I needed to do was to apply soap to the tyre... just that and a regular pump has done it for me so far.

[@MeantforDescent]

That's my brother's favourite method. He swears by it. I just like making stuff.

[@Monkey_slapping_keys]

Actually an excellent choice for the task.Good job who first thought of the fire extinguisher.

[@lansdorf]

Thanks for this video I'm getting all the parts and then I'll set about making it, just found a redundant extinguisher in a disused warehouse in billingham so that's a good start✌

[@MeantforDescent]

Hope it goes well. Mine's still going strong. It'll probably outlast me.

[@jackdaniels2127]

I confirm it’s a great quick, cheap and reliable solution. Thanks for the instruction, and made a small deviation: used scrap tube to seal the presta valve instead of plumber tape. Losses: 1 drill bit Gains:🎉

[@AG-cg7lk]

Nice one. I just did the same. The spray port on my 2kg extinguisher was 1/8" BSP. Worth checking before ordering parts.

[@AjAlejandroLopez]

Thank you for the video. I've been thinking about this and this is the first time I searched. Easily, you came out. Nice clean build. I'll do my own, hopefully as good.

[@MeantforDescent]

Hopefully it works for you, too. I've just replaced my sealant and seating the beads was super easy with this. No regrets.

[@albertokusmic9239]

Simply brilliant and very well executed! Thanks for sharing

[@AMC-eq3jr]

Use a Super P-Nut if you need it more secure.

[@thebarofclay6100]

Said it afore, that's brilliantly simple. It's genius... I haven't made the tubeless plunge on my own vitus due to seating the tyre potential issues

[@MeantforDescent]

The cam strap really works. Without it that tyre wouldn't have gone on. My bro swears by soapy water on the side walls. I haven't tried that yet, but I'm sure he's had good results. Definitely an Improvement over the fizzy drinks bottle, though. You can get twice the pressure. The extinguisher's supposed to be good for 200 PSI, and that pressure relief valve is reassuring, too.

[@guymuller3558]

Wow what a great Idea I will test this out to see if it will do a leak down test on my aircraft engine. I will not need to carry around a bulky compressor again. Sorry not into Mountain Biking but really happy to learn something creative. Cheers

[@MeantforDescent]

Glad you've got a potential solution, Guy. Hope it works out.

[@steveoutdoors5964]

Wow, you may have now convinced me to go tubeless. I know of an old extinguisher sitting about at work. May have to give this a go.....

[@MeantforDescent]

As inflators go, It's so much better than a plastic bottle. Until that tyre went pop, I've not had any punctures in 12 months, so I'm sure that the sealant is doing a great job. Don't think I'd go back to tubes now.

[@DualDesertEagle]

I don't ride tubeless (yet?) but I might go ahead and build this anyway coz who knows what else it might be useful for.

[@kinza999]

Worth painting it so it no longer looks like a fire extinguisher, wouldn't want to shoot air onto a fire

[@MeantforDescent]

Oh, I don't know. Probably depends on what I've set alight. ;)

[@beafmilk]

These kind of stuff is the reason women live longer...I am making one today!

[@MrSmoothasf]

Awesome, I've been using the pop bottle inflator for years and it's lasted but this looks great. FYI a set of stans rims and you can inflats a tyre with a track pump. This would be ideal for my gravel Bike though

[@howarthgreenoak4257]

Love it. I've a LifeLine Airblast track pump which goes up to 240 psi but the canister is just too small to seat my 3" 27.5+ tyres (on 40mm rims). Debating whether to go all in and get an electric air compressor but they're £200+ minimum....this looks like a great middle ground!

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks, Howarth. I've actually got a compressor, but this can go in the car on road trips, so it wins hands down on practicality. One of my bikes has 27.5 plus tyres and I'm thinking about making a video when I convert it to tubeless. I'm sure it won't be a problem with this, though.

[@howarthgreenoak4257]

@@MeantforDescent that'd be great. I've so many pinch-flats on my 27.5+ (usually on the rear as it's a hardtail too)! Had absolutely no flats on my full-sus tubeless 27.5 on 2.4"-ers.

[@awesomexistence]

@@howarthgreenoak4257, try this video at the 3minute mark and watch the technique used; kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfLiJlmZdhqfZY Hope it helps you to seat easily with your existing pump.

[@leoj5659]

Canny Man! Thanks very much mate from Western Australia

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

Why not a Schrader valve? They have removable cores by design and the self-returning valve pin prevents air from escaping once its inside. Plus it allows you to fill the tire at gas station or using regular air compressors without having to carry those adapters that you easily lose and don't work sometimes. It might also be a good idea to fit a pressure gauge as well. You don't want those steel canisters exploding because you put more air than it can handle. Or your tires.

[@MeantforDescent]

Why not a schrader valve for my wheels or for my inflator? For my wheels that's easy. They're designed to accept a presta valve, which is narrower than a schrader. Drilling them to accept a schrader valve doesn't seem very sensible, so there's no chance that I'm going to change. Also, because the presta valve is narrower, the hole in the rim can be narrower, so the integrity of the rim isn't compromised to the same degree as it would be if a larger schrader valve was used. With regards to my inflator, it's something that I did consider. Schrader valves are used to fill tanks and are available with 1/4" and 1/8" national pipe threads, but they are typically screwed into tapped bosses that are welded into the wall of the tank. Strangely enough, I do have a TIG setup, so it's something that I could do, but for most people doing that would be beyond their means or skillset, so it wouldn't make for a very helpful video. Tubeless presta valves typically have an external thread, so fitting them to a thin walled tank is also very easy. You're right to say that schrader valves have a removable core by design, but so do a lot of presta valves, very much like the one I used in the video. You're also right to say that schrader valves have a self-returning valve pin, but is that reason enough to favour one? Presta valves are held closed by the pressure that is in the wheel or tank. They don't need an internal spring, so there are fewer parts to get gummed up with debris, such as tyre sealant, for example. I suspect that's why they're generally not used in tubeless systems, at least within the cycling community. Really, that means that the key benefit of choosing a schrader valve over a presta vaIve would be that they can be used at filling stations. don't see anything really wrong with using a schrader valve, but the filling station thing doesn't really trump the simplicity and ease of installation that a presta valve offers. Fitting a pressure gauge is a good idea, and again something I weighed up, but it's an unnecessary cost, especially because I have a Topeak pressure gauge which I can use if I want to be accurate. As it happens, I think just being cautious is probably all that's needed. I hope this gives you an insight into why I used the parts that I did. Regardless, thanks for watching.

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

@@MeantforDescent As a side note, you can get schrader valves that have a fully threaded shaft like presta ones. Presta valves, due to their design, lose more air than schrader ones. Another way would be using a ghetto tubeless with a split inner tube setup with added safety by gluing the excess tubing to the tire's side walls with rubber contact cement. Trials rider Ali Clarkson has a video demonstrating this technique, which he learned from another rider's mechanic.

[@rdavies1305]

Great little find pal and great job on the pump, 👍

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tseivan3624]

This design must be the best amount all solutions of 'how to inflate a tubeless tire without a compressor'!

[@MeantforDescent]

It certainly worked for me. I wouldn't be without it now. So handy.

[@tastytechaddictsmtb]

regular c02 tyre inflators that you carry on the trail work really well for seating beads.

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks, Iain. I do carry an inflator on the trails; usually with the bigger 25 gram cartridges. I get the feeling that these were particularly stubborn, though. Even with the inflator they wouldn't seat without the help of a cam strap pushing the bead against the rim. Top advice though. Cheers.

[@tastytechaddictsmtb]

@@MeantforDescent a good way when fitting a new tyre is to put in a tube and inflate it really hard overnight, then the next day remove it and go tubeless, that way the tyre has then taken the shape of the rim, so seals pretty easily then.

[@MeantforDescent]

Good call, Iain. I'll give it a go next time around. Cheers.

[@glennroyds7654]

Awesome video many thanks for sharing, this is my next project having now gone tubeless. I think the STANS valve link is wrong, it should be a Presta valve for a 6mm hole ? Keep up the good work. Cheers

[@Unlimited2038]

I put my video of this on GMBN and it was featured on hacks and bodges! They didn’t credit you like I asked but thought you should know!

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks Damien. Good shout.

[@romexpert]

Nice job mate. Thanks for share. No tubeless user here...yet. But I wonder if the booster need it just for the first tire set up only? What should be the best choice: a smaller can filled at high pressure or a big one at moderate pressure? This cans works at 15 bars (200 psi) around and are tested at twice as much. Definitely small 1l tanks as Airshot, Topeak, Schwalbe...are such of jokes for larges tires.

[@MeantforDescent]

Some of the tyres I've had went with just a pump, some not. I think folds in new tyres can cause problems, but I've had issues refitting tyres, too. The jobs a lot easier with this though.

[@AndyL1964]

Too many coincidences here. Same rims, same track pump, same valve caps, same extinguisher (not yet modified) and most importantly......... same accent. 😁 Very helpful, as I now know what size thread for the hose outlet 👍 Edit to add: It's worth re-inserting the handle so you get the position of the valve in the right place

[@MeantforDescent]

Sorry for the late response. Good work on the accent, BTW. Rumour has it it's the best one out there. I think I reassembled a few times to make sure everything fitted where it should. Measure twice and cut once, and all that nonsense.

[@stevefairley2535]

Wonder how many extinguisher cylinders you need for 4x4 tyres from 18psi to 40psi?

[@EnricoAndreucci-y5q]

BELLISSIMO! GRANDE LAVORO! GREAT JOB!!

[@MeantforDescent]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@lwliang8108]

Great tutorial! Thanks!

[@MeantforDescent]

No problem. Thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@tannoyboy5021]

great video dude!

[@pigeonpoo1823]

Well done. That is genius!

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. I hope it's helpful.

[@jackwrightson2036]

Amazing video

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks Jack. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@turbo_nerd86]

I just made one, is it normal to have a bit of condensation when you fill it up to about 100-120 psi? There's condensation around the tire valve and the lid of the tank, basically anywhere where there's a potential air leak.

[@MeantforDescent]

I've never had condensation when I've used mine, but refrigeration is caused by the movement of gas, so I'm sure it's a plausible. I wouldn't worry too much.

[@wallace8637]

This one is the best , tnx alot 😁😁

[@junjunmulleda5467]

Nice work!

[@Alistair-Scott]

Nice work! How come you didn't fit the valve where the pressure release is?

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. It seemed sensible to keep the pressure relief valve with it being a safety feature.

[@danmooney4162]

Does the extinguisher need to be this big or can a smaller extinguisher hold a big enough volume of air to inflate a tyre?

[@MeantforDescent]

I'm afraid I don't really know. I can say for sure that the one I used works well, but it's the only one I've made.

[@jofajura]

What is the volume of the fire extinguisher you used? What would be the smalest size that work?

[@Thepoeticmtbr_The_poetic_mtbr]

I think I have an extinguisher lying around somewhere so I may give that a go when I've got some time👍..Well done on the subs count 👍

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. I think it's a worthwhile little project if you're running tubeless. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out and just how useful it is, too. I love having the right tool for the job.

[@aldanboston3476]

is this the 10lbs tank or 5lbs???im currently making a purchase online but not sure what to buy

[@jcanderton]

Great work! Having just made one using a garden sprayer that obviously won't go to 160 PSI, I fancy giving this a try. One concern is that a canister that size piped up to 160psi has a lot of volume so it may be possible to inflate the tyre beyond its safe max pressure. Any idea what pressure your tyre sits at after a full discharge, i.e. when they tyre and inflator are equalised? Cheers

[@flosa1995]

Volume should not matter because the pressure equalizes, so if you got 3 bar of air inside your garden sprayer but 4 bar in your tire, the tire would push air into the garden sprayer If your garden sprayer has 3 bar and your tire 1 bar then from garden sprayer to tire If both equal out after that in pressure level the air stops moving, you should have heard that already When you inflate your tire with it and the remove the hose from your tire you are still left with pressure inside the garden sprayer, doesnt matter if 2l or 200l volume. Makes sense? Ofc this dude wont push 160psi into his tire, else that mtb tire would be very unhappy, you just give it bursts until the tire seats, but it enables him to reuse it and not have to repressurize after each tire like with the 3bar of a garden sprayer

[@jcanderton]

@@flosa1995 Very good point - Thanks :)

[@fractalofgod6324]

I know it's missing the point a bit but with the price of all those parts you could of just brought an airshot. Non the less or was a great video, I enjoyed it.

[@MeantforDescent]

Yeah, you're right, but I've potentially entertained several people for as many as 9 minutes. ;)

[@fractalofgod6324]

@@MeantforDescent I do have a couple of old fire extinguishers here so might be worth me doing

[@sekorak]

Hi, great DIY projects. Is it enough if im using 1kg fire extinguisher?

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. To be honest, I don't know. I'd guess it is because I've seen others use them. I had originally intended to use a 1kg extinguisher, but the heads are different to the one I chose. I picked the 2kg because I found a 1/4" BSP hose tail with a 3/16" barb that would screw straight in. That was absolutely the deciding factor.

[@carsandtools]

I just built one out of a 1 kg and it works perfect too.

[@JulenAramburu]

I'm makaing same in a couple days!!!

[@MeantforDescent]

Hi Julen. How did it go?

[@JulenAramburu]

Well, I have just leave a 15 day quaraitine, so not much... I’ll text you when done. 😅

[@MeantforDescent]

Man, that sucks. At least you're out.

[@JulenAramburu]

Just finifhed the project. The worts thing?.. removing the extinguishing powder 🤣

[@TwoGuysOneVan]

Nice job mate... >That's some top quality Mc Gyver-ing that... :D

[@MeantforDescent]

There's nothing better than a good, old fashioned tinker.

[@amtb9977]

Crashed my bike yesterday and bent my wheel slightly! Don’t have a trueing stand or many tools?! Any tips? Thanks 👍

[@MeantforDescent]

you can use your frame as a truing jig. attach pencils to the frame/fork with elastic bands, either side of the wheel, making sure that the blunt ends are against the rim. You can then spin the wheel and use the pencils as a guide to see the location and severity of the buckle.

[@un_cetatean]

That's genius

[@MeantforDescent]

Definitely a step up from a plastic bottle.

[@realredbarron7311]

Would this help with a realy loose fitting tyre? My front continental fits perfect on a bontagra rim but the rear had to be replaced with a raleigh rim and it feels smaller, i can put on and remove tyre without tools with ease, or do i need to go getto?

[@MeantforDescent]

Hi Nick. I had real problems with mine seating, and tightening a cam strap around the tyre was a huge help. It pushed the bead against the rim to limit the amount of air escaping. If you have access to a compressor give that a go. Together with the strap you'll probably make it work. If you don't have a compressor then some sort of inflator would be a good choice. This one hasn't let me down yet.

[@realredbarron7311]

@@MeantforDescent no compressor but will have a go with building this, and using a cam strap, how tight should the strap be?

[@MeantforDescent]

Just as tight as you can get it. Go easy if you're using a ratchet strap, though. You could probably do some damage with one of those.

[@myhipenie]

brilliant bro...

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks, man.

[@모른다몰라]

Genious!

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@anthonybrown7959]

Now that's a fantastic job. Where did you get the extinguisher from. We have loads at work but iam sure there would be something said if one went missing. 😉

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks, Anthony. I think I bought it from Screwfix. It's not the smallest one they do, it's the next one up.

[@anthonybrown7959]

Cheers I will have a look on the website. I have plenty of time on my hands right now. Went to chopwell woods about 2 weeks ago, hit jump line ..like it it lol. Second peak rolled off and bust my collar bone. Currently sat soaking up the sun watching mtb videos wishing I was out having fun. Ps. I have stans tubeless kit and maxxis minions to fit so your video has inspired me to make one of your creations. I just live in Wardley Gateshead so I might bump into you on our beautiful local trails🤘

[@MeantforDescent]

If you see a ruggedly handsome, 6' 3" bearded bundle of awesome, who clearly enjoys beer too much, it could be me.

[@anthonybrown7959]

@@MeantforDescent 🤣👍

[@craigmaddison8254]

That's class that like.

[@MeantforDescent]

Cheers, Craig. Works a treat.

[@GarryFam]

Hope someone no taking wrong when they NEED this.

[@turboelephant6298]

Does anyone know how many pumps it takes to get this up to 160psi? I tried it with my own extinguisher flash can using a foot pump, and I was utterly fucked before I'd even got it to 80, then I broke my flip flop. 8|

[@MeantforDescent]

LOL. Suppose it depends on your pump. With a foot pump I'd go slider or higher. May be even a plimsoll. Did it in under two minutes with my track pump. My Five Tens braved it like champs, too.

[@turboelephant6298]

@@MeantforDescent Thanks for getting back to me, it's size 13 Adidas sliders replacing my flip flops, and a Topeak something or other track pump replacing the foot pump. If this combination can seat my Jumbo Jim fat tyres then I might patent it. 👍👍

[@MeantforDescent]

Add a cam strap around the tyre and could be onto a winner. Good luck.

[@metiks111]

nice movie

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnkneemtb]

£56 of parts, £40 with a free extinguisher vs £45 - £50 to buy the actual tool for the job. Genuinely curious what the benefit of this is?

[@MeantforDescent]

It's robust, I know how to fix it and it was fun to make. Like I said, I'm sure it can be done for less, but if it's not for you, it's not for you.

[@paulmwanza8708]

Niceeee!

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks Paul. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@testdirver]

i guess if you´re boooring, in my country the price of a presta valve+hose+accesories+extinguisher+time=airshot

[@MeantforDescent]

Absolutely, but I think this is bomber and, in the unlikely event it does break, I won't have any problems fixing it. Also, I made it because I enjoy making stuff. If you don't, it's probably not for you.

[@sosoblaq]

I know it's a struggle but let go of maxxis there are other brands (michelin)

[@MeantforDescent]

Yeah, I'm sure there are great tyres out there that aren't Maxxis. I just replaced like for like because they've been awesome. Now I think about it, though, in the last 10 years I've only ridden on High Rollers, Ardents and Minions.

[@sosoblaq]

@@MeantforDescent people get sucked into them it's like iPhones smh anyway how much were the posh top peak bits and pieces I probably got that name wrong I'm old the memory going

[@MeantforDescent]

The hose kit was £20, so needlessly expensive. It works well, but there are definitely cheaper alternatives out there.

[@sosoblaq]

@@MeantforDescent yep cheaper than my airshot think that was around £50 much more satisfying building it yourself anyway bike review on that vitaes I probably spelt that wrong but you know what I mean

[@RoryMag]

This looks more expensive than just buying a purpose built tubeless inflator, am I wrong?

[@MeantforDescent]

It was the same cost as an Airshot, but I bought all the parts new. It could definitely be made for less with a cheaper extinguisher, a cheaper valve and a cheaper hose kit. That said, cost wasn't really my concern. I wanted something fairly unique, more robust than the alternatives, and I wanted to build it myself. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. Boxes ticked.

[@RoryMag]

@@MeantforDescent Interesting, I just looked it up and fire extinguishers are a lot cheaper than I expected them to be. I think when I need one I'll try the weed sprayer inflator hack cause I already have one, and if it doesn't work well, then I don't mind shelling out and getting a track pump with a reservoir, but this is still a cool idea.

[@MeantforDescent]

The soft drinks bottle was my cheap and on hand solution. It was so much hassle that I'm glad to have the extinguisher. As long as you find something that works and is reliable, you'll have made a good call.

[@carsandtools]

It can be done a lot cheaper too, though. Mine was like, 10 EUR all around? 6 EUR for 20yo (basically cannot be certified anymore so they are not worth much) 1 kg fire extinguisher, 1.something EUR for the hose tail, 2 EUR for PVC hose (5 mm inner diameter), and that was it. (I have surplus of those tubeless valves, but those are really cheap too). Works great. Eventually I am gonna put on nicer hose and stuff, more for the sake of tinkering than anything else, but for 10 EUR it absolutely works and is miles better than soda bottle (which worked somewhat, but it was a struggle).

[@MeantforDescent]

Spot on. I'm glad it all came together. Love mine. Can't beat it for seating tubeless tyres.

[@lenolenoleno]

Rad bit of hackery! Though you don't need a tubeless inflator to mount Maxxis MTB tyres, never have needed one after mounting 200+ over the last 10 years or so with any old floor pump. Just use a tyre lever and mount the tyre (as much as you can) manually, see Syd and Mackey's technique here if you have a particularly undersized rim. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnaWmWekoqmXhdE

[@PeakTorque]

Canny like

[@johnmckenzie1623]

It's like porn for engineers who also ride bikes, is that why you chose the 70's lounge music, I kept expecting a plumber to turn up like.

[@MeantforDescent]

That music's mint. I'm listening to it now. Hang on. That's the doorbell. There's some woman her to fix the fridge.

[@johnmckenzie1623]

@@MeantforDescent you wish!

[@redalert2834]

Why not use the air in a pressurised car tyre to inflate your bike tyre? Remember to pump up the car tyre again afterwards.

[@kennethcampingdiary1976]

Shut up and take my money😅

[@davidschmidt6013]

Just Curious, did the thought ever cross your mind that guys who enjoy building things also enjoy the sound of tools? AND being able to hear any helpful tips, guidelines, admonitions or suggestions which YOU may add, without having to filter those sounds and statements through that disgusting sleazy background of '50s cocktail jazz...? lol Seriously, I love music but that is just totally out of place..

[@memilome3431]

Laugh a minute,CO2 extinguisher is the way.

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.