Comparing & Testing Several Valve Core Removal Tools

How Hard is it to remove leaking shrader valve cores? We're about to find out, I'll let you decide which is the best.
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[@ReliableHVACR]

Follow up video on how to fix Appion kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooCbdZSrh8aAr7Msi=-l0YzRl9tUJeJwZC

[@shifter8207]

With appion you can squeeze the teeth together to get a proper tension on the core

[@buzz6792]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppOYc3VuitVlgsksi=yX0f7_y5GePIOnZ2

[@acrservicesmathewr7565]

Yes it should click onto the shredder which will not allow it to pull off. They come new not clamped so this needs to be done

[@ReliableHVACR]

Yes I mentioned that, some people said theirs were too tight out of the box

[@Tom-l9z]

The other thing I heard was to NOT screw them onto the fitting too tight because the o-ring squeezes out and makes the hole smaller. When you pull the core it hits the o-ring. The video showed you doing it without a tool and I agree that squeezing the sides together is a “fix” until you have to do it again. Always thought there was a better way to do it, but Appion seemed reluctant to make a change.

[@scrambler350]

Been waiting for feedback on the Fieldpiece VCRT - but LOVE that they made one with a sight glass.

[@scrambler350]

The hilmor VCRT is my 'Go-To' for replacing a leaking valve under pressure. I also have a C&D in my little 'grab bag' pouch that has the two tools, stems, and a couple nitrile gloves....there's also some old-school brass hex caps in case I can't get the thing out. The hilmor seems to grab the stems better than APPION (which I have 3 or 4 of) and some of the other brands - also have ones from NAVAC and Accutools that work just fine.

[@RileyKnifeandTool]

Good to know about the Fieldpiece 5/16" adapter. I usually double up the Appion if I want to isolate my micron gauge. It's little bit of a pain, but it works, and it's only slightly bulkier than the Fieldpiece 😄. Can't say I've ever had much issue with the cores falling out, but I think I did have to adjust the tension on one of them, which is easy enough to do. If I had it to do over, I'd probably grab a couple of Fieldpieces with the adapter.

[@brandonorozco6141]

C&D valve core removal tool hasn't failed me

[@rgmatta3524]

very informative video. Well done!

[@stueyknuxx]

Have got 2x of the Navac ones, used both 1/4 and 5/16 sizes at least half a dozen times each , no issues at all so far 👌

[@willllo]

ive got that navac ones too. great build and no issues too. decent price as well. not sure where you are but in the UK the appion stuff is ridiculous £100+ for a core remover is crazy.

[@idontlikemustard6888]

Thank you! You’ve made my journey in starting my business easier

[@flyinghigh5531]

I only have the first appion model for both sizes. I noticed when I remove the core, I have to back the threads out off the service port so the gasket isn’t smashed, and kinda wiggle the tool so it comes out easier, it can be a pain. Also, I’ve ran into service ports that are smashed from people over tightening the non gasketed caps, so getting the cores out is impossible😅 great review, I’m glad I’m not the only one!

[@Eddy_HVAC]

The amazon are the best ones!!! Hands down 😂😂😂😂 I’ll probably get the one with the sight glass

[@ReliableHVACR]

😂 someone told me why are these better than my $15 Amazon one, I was like na nvm 🤣

[@Eddy63]

Well , like Curt , you did a good demo & review as well ... Thx

[@ReliableHVACR]

Thanks Eddy

[@mattwoodbridge7924]

Thanks for the vid, I have a 1/4 and 5/16 from accutools. I'll stick with what I have, but if I ever need another tool, I'll try fieldpeice.

[@joeopalomino1028]

Your video appeared to show bias against Appion and in favor of Fieldpiece. However, it's worth noting that Fieldpiece also didn't grab on the first attempt. In my experience as someone who uses both tools in the refrigeration industry, space is a crucial consideration and sometimes the size of the Fieldpiece makes it impractical. Regarding the Appion's grabbing issue, I find that frequently pinching the ends is necessary for it to effectively grab the cores.

[@ReliableHVACR]

Not biased 😂 they all had the same test. If you have to pinch them then they ain't making them right. If anything I said I liked something from each of them And yes space is crucial, I do refrigeration. That appion lever has got caught up on things for me so I like the FP knob. Not biased just things I've noticed using them. And I purposely left in that fieldpiece needed 2 attempts

[@jmstroupe]

Are any of the core wrenches compatible with any of the other valves?

[@johnnyprotalk3352]

jb one is pretty cool i have to try that one

[@juicyHTX]

I’ve found with the Appion VCRT they can be a bit of a pain to remove the core once you have it unthreaded. There’s a trick to it, loosen the tool until you start to bleed pressure then screw it back in slightly and they come up every time.

[@buzz6792]

They are ajustable… kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppOYc3VuitVlgsksi=yX0f7_y5GePIOnZ2

[@HVACOG]

Thanks for that

[@ReliableHVACR]

adjustable tension with pliers, I did a follow up video

[@jdewitt-pn9kr]

That appion has been adding 15 minutes here and there just fucking with the core. Such a pain in the ass. Thanks for the comment

[@HVACOG]

@@jdewitt-pn9kr yes it’s shitty

[@Puffalupagus360]

You can easily adjust the grabber on the appion vcrts with a set of needle nose pliers like it explains and shows in the instructions manual.

[@ReliableHVACR]

Yup did a video on it

[@Jordanely-ko2up]

Core removal tool? I didn’t know that even existed I just use a core tip screw driver given to me By the local supply house Just make sure area is clear put a brick in the Core path and let it rip

[@sanproekt]

How You can do it under pressure?

[@williampfendler1786]

I’ve had trouble with the Appion and found that you can’t tighten the valve on the port as it squishes the oring gasket making the opening to small for the core

With Accutools VCR I found out that main reason to failure to remove core lies in rubber gasket. If you tighten too much the tool on valve, you fail almoust every time. Removing core is best with litlle losse tightening of tool. What frustrates me is they all pretty quick lost their 20 micron rating for vacuum pulling and even leak liquid refrigerant when I filling initial refrigerant charge.

[@willg574]

I've mostly used Appion. Couldn't stand the NAVAC tool that broke apart under pressure. Recently started using the JB VCRT's. I'm super interested in the Fieldpiece VCRT's. I had two Appion 1/4" VCRT lose the vacuum I was pulling after isolating the system. For whatever reason the shut off valve would over rotate and create a gap. One was older and one was brand new out of the box.

[@thesilentonevictor]

Removal tool madness

[@Airbender-kl7cu]

I was using the APion As a splitter / shut-off on my Fieldpiece recovery pump, and noticed the Apion kept working Loose from the vibration 😢 so now I want to get the fieldpiece one that has a sight-glass built in.

[@gp9616]

Have always had the same issue with the appions. Brand new out of the box they won't grab them. Usually end up using pressure to shoot out the cores which doesn't always work then working on a running low temp rack running under 20 psi

[@ReliableHVACR]

Yup. You gotta adjust the ends with pliers is that helps. They usually need to be tweaked

[@search_eternal]

I just used my Appion the other day and it worked fine. It snapped on and held the core. Looks like yours isn't snapping on.

[@ReliableHVACR]

Had to be adjusted, I made a video on how to because a lot of people didn't know that

[@chewielewie6564]

I've bought Schrader depressors / core removal. JB / Yellow Jacket / C&D / all the gaskets eventually melt and the tools are useless. Good luck getting new gaskets in them. I've recently bought Appions. Well see if they hold up better.

[@ReliableHVACR]

My appion depressors gaskets just got shredded, I'll see if they're replaceable

[@Christopher._M]

The question is which one is the best deal and which one last longer?

[@tombalboni2143]

Lol, I've only used Appion so far as they started the "vacuum rated" mantra.. Have rebuilt and been frustrated by all appion models. Be prepared for sticker shock when you buy the Appion oring rebuild kit. WAY too expensive for a couple Fin O-rings. When my current appion orings go bad, I'm switching to the fieldpiece. Be thankful you never had to rebuild the 1st gen appions in the field. There are TWO orings stacked up front and almost impossible to replace both without damage. And somewhere in a field in NC there sits 2 Fin 1st gen vcrts rotting in hell..

[@eyestosea]

I use Appion for my evacuations and reinstalling cores only, for it's vacuum rated body. Not a service tool for replacing cores under pressure. The NAVAC core tool has been ok so far

[@joefuentez1972]

We also have the same issue with the appion core remover. Always

[@Puffalupagus360]

With the appion 2 things are vital 1 is that the grabber is adjusted properly which is where the grabber does click onto the core and 2 DO NOT over tighten the vcrt body to the port as if you do the inner o-ring will get squashed such that the inside clearance reduces enough to grab the core. If you have problems getting the core out with an appion try loosening the end a lil bit at a time. Until I figured that part out it wouldn't work for me. As far as the jb goes ive had 2 so far and they both leaked at the lever fresh outta the box. I gave up on those. As for the accutools I really dislike the grabber end and it hasn't worked out for me yet.

[@scottcpan68]

At least in HVAC it appears that they're all still using the standard type schrader valves. In the automotive industry they're using at least 11 different size valve cores that I know of. Each one requires a different VCRT.

[@marciomaciel8886]

I believe the Fieldpiece has the best built vctr, followed by the JB. I have Appion and Uniweld and I like the later better

[@leealtmansr.3811]

I would love the JB (torque) with a site glass. A cross between FP and JB. We should be checking the valve core torque.

[@ReliableHVACR]

I would love to put them all together for the ultimate tool 🤘🏽

[@fshn76]

Great video. I use my JB a lot now but may be in the market for new ones soon. Might have to give the FP ones a try.

[@ReliableHVACR]

Talk to Curt, he's been using them in the field quite a bit.

[@johnnyprotalk3352]

mini splits is where the larger ones have issues because of where some put their ports

[@cadamham]

Let’s see them chickens

[@johnnyprotalk3352]

in response to the appion remover that one is the second generation, there is video they have to adjust the tip.

[@NANNYGRITZ1]

I’ve been having the same issues with my appions…it always does that bs

[@bphc1969]

Appion has a video and you should pinch them or expand them every time to get a tight fit but I will get the FIELDPIECE ones just because I love FIELDPIECE

[@ReliableHVACR]

👍🏽

[@ebfsystem]

I have used every single core remover on the market and eventually they all leak at some point, specially Apion

[@ReliableHVACR]

True. I actually been wanting test mine cuz I know something is leaking somewhere

[@marcoferreira226]

I have purchased CPS core removal tools for the price there "F/N" great

[@ReliableHVACR]

Jake told me that one was good, haven't tried it yet

[@Roadkill750]

I despise the Appion's never has worked in years of use....I always blow it out with the gas pressure.

[@johnnyprotalk3352]

i get it its just a reference but true tech tools isnt always thge best price just a fyi for other techs

[@user-sp5eh7km7j]

I prefer my C&D, looks the same as Accutools brand, prefer over Appion which is bulkier.

[@ReliableHVACR]

I broke mine 😅 didn't make it to the test but yeah it's identical

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

Appion, leaks after 3 times? Bought Yellow Jacket then.

[@ReliableHVACR]

I've heard that a few times now

[@Seedavis397]

I have yellow jackets and they have trouble sometimes too. Seems like this is a hard item to design because it looks like they all have drawbacks

[@ReliableHVACR]

If only we could mix them to make the perfect one 😅

[@sykotictendencies6032]

I use an extra to adjust the grabber.

[@ReliableHVACR]

I noticed you really need to

[@sykotictendencies6032]

I’ve had a few different brands and they all needed adjusting . If i didn’t already have 4 of the 1/4” and 2 of the 5/16” the field piece would be a no brainer but I ain’t buying any more . Haha If they want to send me one I’d use it of course . Hehe

[@sykotictendencies6032]

I adjust them when I first got them so i wasn’t doing it when needed .

[@gordonborsboom7460]

I purchased Appion after Yellow Jacket core tool ownership. The rubber seals leaking on the YJ drove me to look at alternatives and the o-ring seals on the Appion are better. The first Appion purchase was the pink 5/16th unit and it had the stem grabbing type end. The next 1/4” Appion had the body grab style. This is a terrible design as the tolerances on cores are all over the map. Sometimes it grabs, sometimes not. I ended up using the YJ core trapper on the Appion body, as it grades on the stem. This seems like a half ass solution as they did make the stem grab type remover. Frustrating! My original 5/16 Appion are giving me vacumn fits as it seems that the ball valve is leaking and cannot be serviced by the repair kit offered. I think I may have to scrap them after spending $78 CDN on the repair kit. F*#k!ng maddening.

[@BabyKMoney]

Man I had a Navac once, first time trying to remove one under pressure the fuckin thing literally blew apart I lost the entire charge

[@ReliableHVACR]

That's what I've been hearing! That sucks man

[@BabyKMoney]

@@ReliableHVACR thanks for the review tho, much needed I got the field piece without the sight glass was thinking about getting that one

[@buzz6792]

I love your videos, but your sponsorship is showing through.. the Appion are adjustable, the standars for cores are trash. Having a tool that allows you to adjust them in the field gives you a wide range of ability. Don’t get me wrong Fieldpeice really has come up with the work of art adding the sight-glass and isolation valves. I’ve also never had an issue with NAVAC, other than their length Which seems to be a common problem with most core tools with most mini splits. My recommendation is if you’re going to review tools take the time and do the research on how to use the tool correctly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppOYc3VuitVlgsksi=yX0f7_y5GePIOnZ2

[@ReliableHVACR]

I wasn't paid for this so I do not care to promote any brand, I genuinely think FP will work better for my equipment. And no disrespect with my reply here but I mentioned that I know you can pinch them, idk if you saw it but I did a follow up video to show the instructions. Lot of comments and messages that nobody knew that, they expected them to work out of the box which was my test. It's 120 degrees out right now who wants to fumble with adjustments.

[@ReliableHVACR]

And I've had several people that bought navac and hated them 🤷🏽‍♂️ so I never bought em

[@Shawn_RHVAC]

The appion code tools sucks, I WAS VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE INABILITY TO GRAB THE CORE AND REMOVE

[@ReliableHVACR]

Need adjustments, I did a how to video

[@hecherr1121]

After first min watching you use appion, I knew. Couldn't finished watching your "Review" , you couldn't even use it properly. Not all core are sized exactly the same. Wonder which core removal tool was paying for your "review" 😂

[@ReliableHVACR]

None of the others had an issue 😂 they must of all paid me! NOT! Nobody paid man, go check out the follow up video on Appion. So many others had the same issue and didn't know about adjusting it. I mentioned here I know you can pinch them. And this wasn't a review it was a comparison of them working as is 🤷🏽‍♂️