Very cool tool - HVAC schrader core changer

You may get Deja-vu from this video, as it's the full length (and horizontal) version of an earlier short.
Because China has a huge infrastructure, there are some very cool tools available cheaply from online sites like eBay. This is one of them.
It's a schrader valve core changer, but is designed to change the cores under pressure/vacuum in active refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Note that this tool is not intended for changing schrader inserts on car tyres/tires. I'm not sure what size of port they use. This tool accommodates 1/4" and 5/16" valves.
The extra side port is for extra functionality, including pulling vacuum or injecting refrigerant with the core removed for speed.
Supporting the channel with a dollar or two on Patreon helps keep it independent of KZbin's quirks, avoids intrusive mid-video adverts, gives early access, bonus footage and regular quiet Patreon live streams.
/ bigclive
#ElectronicsCreators

[@mikeholloway8589]

You are correct, the side port is used to connect a hose, Typically if you are pulling a vacuum you will remove the schrader valve(restriction) to speed the process up.

[@linuxranch]

The other use is to purge the tool of air, with refrigerant from the system.

[@kevinyancey958]

You don't want any air from opening the tool to swap the valve to get into the system. Air is a non-condensible and moisture in the air will cause ice particles that can block the tiny restrictions leading into the evaporator.

[@pcsand]

Could also be used to recover refrigerant if something goes pear-shaped while swapping the core... Like if it cross threads, or if it falls out of the holder. Probably to pull a vac in the tool though, to prevent contamination.

[@truckerallikatuk]

It can also be used to attach probes as well as hoses.

[@johndododoe1411]

Pulling a vacuum would be blocked by the one-way valve when present. But attaching any toolB that needs access to the pressure system makes sense even with keeping and reinserting the original valve, as this toolA will only leak just enough gas to fill the toolA internals as it unplugs the valve and closes up, forming a closed chamber connecting the installed system and toolB.

[@tonyweavers4292]

That's brilliant! I have no use for it at the moment, but I feel I need one.

[@albanana683]

You stole my comment! The need/want conundrum is a technical concept, difficult to explain to Mrs Banana, I then point to her stash of shoes.

[@JimWattsHereNow]

Same here😊

[@alantripp6175]

Yes same here

[@ghibliinu6616]

Yes, a must have! Better to have it and not need it. Than need it and not have it, kind of thing.

[@loc4725]

The fact is if you don't buy it you'll inevitably later discover that you need one.

[@ledzappelin1179]

The CorePickingLawyer 😉

[@Quick_Fix]

The SchräderPickingScotsman

[@YamiOni]

Man, do I love specialized tools that solve incredibly specific problems, but do so in an equally incredibly creative way.... Thanks for sharing!

[@Slikx666]

Clive. Thank you for your help via email, it's really helped me. Today I woke up and got some jobs done, I have a good meal and visited my old support worker in her new workplace. I've got past the first day, next will be the first week. It's still hurts inside but I can cope with the pain. Thank you for being awesome. ❤️🙂👍

[@bigclivedotcom]

Glad things are looking up. It will take a while to get back to normal, but each day will be easier.

[@printerpr0n]

I don't even do HVAC and it is one of my fav tools. It's one of those tools when you learn about it you are like "HOW DOES EVERYONE NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS!?!".

[@billbucktube]

One week before seeing the short version of this I found a leak in my car’s AC at a Schrader valve. I was wondering how I could replace it. Saw the video, bought the tool, changed the valve and topped up the freon. AC blowing cold again! Thanks!

[@jamesspinks716]

The side port has a Schrader valve so what’s the point of removing one only to leave one in as a restriction. I remove the end after closing the valve and evacuate/charge the system directly. The side valve can be used for checking for pressure but best for fitting a vacuum gauge

[@toolchuck]

Clive, the side valve is to safely depressure the core changer prior to removing it as it would have pressured up to system pressure during the core change. This type of manifold is quite common in the refinery industry. But in that environment, the pressures, temperatures, and the size of the manifold are tad bit larger. All the Best, Chuck

[@Bored1386]

It's also to allow evacuation of the line set without the shrader installed for faster vacuum.

[@littlejackalo5326]

That's actually an unintended benefit of its real use, to pull a vacuum, as Nick said.

[@crazypete3759]

"Tad bit bigger" LOL, everything is relative! HAHA

[@jsa274]

That’s fantastic. I’ve never had to replace a schrader valve at work or on any car, but I’m glad there is an easy means to do so.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

This is mostly used in domestic hvac. And not neciasarily for changing the core just removing and replacing it during service work.

[@jamesmihalcik1310]

Sliced bread doesn't even come close to how useful these tools are :) I started using this tool in the 80's for refrigeration. I've also used these for installing and removing liquid tire ballast (weighted fluid) in heavy equipment and farm machinery. The side port is your system access service port (fluids and gases in or out).

[@robbytheremin2443]

I've used one of those a lot. The port is for your charging guage set. The Schrader valve is a significant flow restriction and it's removal makes charging much faster.

[@joshfloyd6185]

Hey!!!! I own a hvac company that specializes in ductless mini splits and use one like that every day

[@davelowets]

Damn! I could use one of these for servicing A/C systems on automobiles... I never knew this tool existed, and the very few times I've had to change a leaky valve on a car, I've pulled and recaptured the refrigerant, changed the valve, vacuumed the system, and put new refrigerant and oil back in it. Imma get me one IMMEDIATELY.... Thanks Clive!! 👌

[@Lizlodude]

Ohh that's cool. Saw the thumbnail and thought "Oh can you swap the core under pressure?"

[@SkitFireS]

Getting a serious sense of Deja Vu watching this video...

[@swe_nurse8121]

I have never touched any kind of refrigerant system and I most likely never will and I only have a theoretical understanding of them but this is a really cool tool, both in aesthetics and in function. Thank you for showing it.

[@Coltography]

So weird seeing these on here having used them so frequently at work haha, glad someone else finds them interesting!

[@keithjurena9319]

Similar devices are used for adding branches to pipelines operating and under pressure. Called hot tapping, it often involves welding..exciting? It gets better. Also done on natural gas collection and distribution lines. And hot repairs, where the leaking gas is often ignited on purpose. A pipe saddle installed in half sections is fully welded over corrosion holes.

[@michaeltb1358]

Amazing that the Schrader valve has been so universally adopted. Great device.

[@MARKE911]

This is basically a tiny version of how we make taps on water mains live. How we can drill, tap and install threaded valves. I agree very cool tool. Thanks, now I want one for demonstrating

[@chrishartley1210]

They are currently replacing the gas main at the end of my street and will do so without interrupting the supply, I imagine they will use a similar device.

[@jyvben1520]

@@chrishartley1210 the non sparking version i hope ...

[@jothain]

@@jyvben1520 I'm not fully sure, but I think sparks wouldn't actually do any harm on gas line as I think it's way "oversaturated" in lines to create any kind of explosion. Things would change if oxygen/air is allowed in the party though 🤔

[@johnantonopoulous6381]

The side port is because it is a pain to vacuum or pressurize a system with the valve in. So you can connect your vacuum pull the core and pump the system down in 20 min vs hours if it is installed.

[@jagboy69]

These have been around for years. I had an extra one and gave it to my mechanic, he had never seen one. Very handy to have.

[@heywoodjabozoff9383]

"tight but not too tight" - the secret to aluminum wheel lug torquing, chrader valves, and compression fittings.

[@clivepeacock8390]

We use this tool not only for core removal but it also helps in large refrigerant charge/discharging as removes the restrictions you can then use that side port to move refrigerant in liquid form rather gas

[@eightsprites]

Your video dragged me into two hours of hot tapping video deep dive. I now know much more about water and gas pipe hot tapping than I ever need in my life as a software engineer.

[@TheNapalmFTW]

This would be good for working on my bus's ac units. Thanks, Clive.

[@devin8656]

Super cool to see how these actually work. I've seen Chris over at HVACR Videos use one of these many times and while I understood the concept of the device I was never quite sure how the isolation worked once the core was removed but before the ball valve was closed. As for the port on the top, while I'm not certain if this is what it's intended for, it can be used to speed up recovery and charging of a system since you can tap onto it while the core is removed thereby reducing the restriction caused by said core.

[@ICountFrom0]

I was just making a similar comment, they both do such good work, no?

[@timearp8185]

Same here! Seen it used a number of times.. Its magic isn't it?!

[@youtert]

"How 'bout it , Hank? Should I let you go?" "My name is HVAC Schrader"

[@static_motion]

Came here for this exactly! I knew somebody would've made this joke.

[@Junkotherstuff]

@@static_motion Same.

[@thebugmonster38]

love to see trade tools shown off, this is my favorite tool for pulling a vac down when doing a resi install. compared to leaving a schrader in i can pull down to 150 microns in 15 minutes compared to 20-30.

[@curtishoffmann6956]

And Big Clive shows that, yet again, he can work under pressure.

[@papaalphaoscar5537]

There is something similar for a SCUBA regulator. It is an inline adjuster for the 2nd stage orifice. You thread the tool between the 2nd stage and hose and you can adjust the orifice under pressure. You can't remove or replace the orifice though.

[@Petertronic]

Thanks for putting this version up - I don't watch shorts.

[@ruftime]

Nice Clive! I use the Appion 1/4 and 5/16 units……even nicer “ kit”😎

[@jlucasound]

I learned of Shrader valves in 1968. They have lasted the test of time. Nothing can replace it.

[@71dembonesTV]

this device has saved me many hours and headaches. i use the yellow jacket ones. one in the tool bag and two in the speed-evac kit. the side port is typically used for a micron gauge while pulling a vacuum. I also have an automotive version of this with the adapters for various different ports. Highly recommended

[@alanhyt79]

I served in the US Army with a guy who often said, upon parting, "Keep a cool tool, and don't let your meat loaf." Of course I had to watch this video.

[@jlucasound]

This is the extended view! Thanks Clive! 🤩😝🙂

[@blitzblade8870]

It was so sad when HVAC Schrader died in breaking bad, thank you for making this video in memorial. Truly heartbreaking.

[@S.park.y]

Refco make a far superior model. Same theory but better build quality. The 1/4” access on the side is for pressure reference if pumping down a system or if no other access points at evaporator it can be used for vacustat. Great explanation! I did 12months of trade teaching and you explained this much more efficiently then I ever did and this is part of my trade haha

[@instrumenttech4220]

I have six they are great the second port is for a vacuum pump line we pull the Schroeder valve out to evacuate the system

[@LariFariYoutube]

We have things like that over here in Germany to change heating radiator valves under pressure. So you dont need to drain the heating system. It is called "Schleuse"... sluice... Same thing, but a bit bigger.

[@vwegert]

Yep - search for "Ventilschleuse" and you'll find a number of videos showing these things being used... Someone had to do this for our bedroom several years ago after the valve failed. Sleeping in a 34°C room is really not recommended...

[@martingreen55]

I started out nearly 50 years as a time served capstan setter operator and set lathes up for mainly females to operate them as many years passed I was went on to NC lathes and maybe the first of many to be involved in CNC lathes, the concept was staggering, but now I see turned and milled parts like this are just on another level. I don't vape but often find then in the gutter and with hand protection, I take them apart to just look at the level of accuracy on the tiny parts, with threads, dovetail grooves, holes of the size I just cannot believe and the goal post just gets smaller and smaller. I suggest with gloves and pick up one of these components off the pavement and take it to bits It's just bloody insane ... Martin Green

[@barrieshepherd7694]

Can't comment on the use of silicone lubricant in refrigeration lines but any grease in, or near, an oxygen line is a no-no. It's possible for a leaking oxygen line / valve to cause the grease that a worker can get on their overalls to combust.

[@williamromine5715]

Finally, a topic that I can fully understand, and appreciate. As I have said before, I generally don't understand one word in ten, but this is a really neat tool. Thanks for letting me feel a little bit smart in my old age.

[@Ralesk]

I'm glad you made a proper video of this type of device, with more explanation too :)

[@JM-sx9yk]

I learned about these while learning air conditioning in community college in 1989, it was called a "Schrader evader" back then. I once watched a contractor "hot tap" a 12" high pressure gas line with a similar outfit. They welded a plate with a threaded nipple to the pipeline while fully pressured and gas flowing. They then screwed a valve to the nipple and then a device to drill a hole in the pipe through the ball valve. They drill the slug from the pipeline with a magnetic hole saw about 3" round and extract the slug a drill shavings through to valve they just installed. Then they connect the new pipeline to the system. Scary watching them welding a big metal plate to fully pressured pipe filled with methane.

[@napalmholocaust9093]

"Hot tapping" with that tool to siphon off illicit gas and sell it. Not really a thing in developed nations. We send camera pigs through the lines that would see it.

[@chrishartley1210]

Even scarier these days, considering the pipes are made of plastic.😳

[@mrtechie6810]

How do they do it safely?

[@chrishartley1210]

@@mrtechie6810 The methane inside will not burn without air so as long as they don't go through the pipe there's no danger. The old pipes were probably made of cast iron, newer ones from steel, and were quite thick. The welder would not have enough power to burn through. Even with a leak (such as a cracked pipe) all they do is set fire to the escaping gas. I believe they then repair it with a similar technique, the gas to the flame passing through the valve which can then be closed to finish the repair.

[@d.t.4523]

No point in losing fingers to frostbite without one. I have a couple spares if you ever need another one. Cheers! Good luck! 👍

[@AndrewWorkshop]

That is ingenious! Learned something useful today, hopefully will never need to use it.

[@jamesspinks716]

I use these almost every day. If you are filling a system the core can freeze and never seal up again apart from the restriction it causes both when evacuating and filling. I use the side port to fit a vacuum gauge that needs to be removed before filling, because any pressure will ruin them.

[@johndododoe1411]

If there was a vacuum behind the Schrader valve, it would instantly pull in ambient air. Unless the valve is backwards.

[@catmadscot]

Schrader valves are used in car AC systems and tend to become leaky over time, the system has to evacuated to change them, I imagine that this is tool is intended for changing those without the need to evacuate and refill.

[@zaprodk]

Sadly this tool is too small for those valves - they are bigger and there is two sizes. And not all systems use the same valves / couplers just to make it extra fun.

[@catmadscot]

@@zaprodk Shame, pre-emptively changing them before they leak would've been nice.

[@jaredj631]

I use these to evacuate systems quickly and to manage fill rate and add my Bluetooth psi sensors. Super handy time saver

[@bigclivedotcom]

Those bluetooth sensors are great.

[@kevinyancey958]

Once you remove the valve, you have the full pressure on the refrigerant behind it, so placing the new valve takes a bit of effort. Fortunately, this is a very infrequently needed tool. Usually, it's the fault of a heavy handed torch user, not protecting the valve from heat, that causes the valve to fail. They are capped except for service, so dirt should never be an issue.

[@markhonea2461]

Not removing the valve core before brazing is unthinkable! 😏

[@davelowets]

@@markhonea2461 😆 We've ALL done it....

[@markhonea2461]

@@davelowets yeah. Yep. Sure have. 👍

[@derekloudon8731]

A very neat device. It would be great to see more videos like this one 🤗

[@ArtturiSalmela]

I've renewed the vacuum in a liquid nitrogen dewer with a system like this. Instead of unscrewing a schrader valve, it was a normal cap, though. The port on the side was what was used for the vacuum connection.

[@helenjohnson7583]

Also very cool how you say “cool tool”! Yeah. Oh, and I’m sold!

[@czibbell74]

Cool little tool. If someone were concerned about using silicone, they could easily use a drop of PAG oil, instead. It's available in any auto parts store.

[@fazergazer]

It is always gratifying to play with a cool tool! ;)

[@Earthling418]

Most Excellent demonstration.

[@samheasmanwhite]

It appears to be constructed entirely from standard fittings aside from the rear cap and plunger. Easier to design, produce, modify, and repair. Very good!

[@wrongtown]

Very neatly done!

[@angiee33]

Just bought these for R134A thanks clive!

[@willjosephson]

Ha! I was just thinking about this video this morning. Amazing timing.

[@huzudra]

We have a very similar very old very name branded version of this for automotive AC systems, we rarely use it but it is neat to have! It's like an airlock for AC systems!

[@davelowets]

Lemme guess.... "Snap-On", and it prolly costs $350. I'm not saying don't buy Snap-On tools, as I own many of them, but for a tool that I'll use twice in a decade, the one in the video will do just fine... 👌

[@huzudra]

@@davelowets Not sure, might be Mac or a boutique brand but it's got fittings for R12 if that tells you how old it is!

[@davelowets]

@@huzudra Probably 1995 or earlier..

[@huzudra]

@@davelowets Very likely, it hangs out in the cabinet below the R12 machine. I'm sure at the time whomever made it had a lock on the design and were the only ones making or licensing it's sale through other vendors.

[@craigr6186]

There are two thing, one the extra fitting they sent you probably is for 5/16 which typically is on ductless split systems so you can just use regular non 410a hoses. Secondly the best function of this tool as some already stated is removing the s header and using the side port to speed up charging or evacuation.

[@robert574]

When you're drawing a deep vacuum on a system, you attach one of these to both the high and low side ports and withdraw the Schrader valves to open up the lines and pull a faster vacuum including hoses that don't have the depressors in the end. Also, you never know when a piece of crap might stick a Schrader valve open and won't seal after the gauges are removed so it's a good idea to have one handy along with a thin glove. There are keyed safety caps required by code to keep the huffers out of AC and heat pumps but the brass flare caps are a minimum to keep the system tight. They have these tools for some automotive ports and they're not very expensive, but a lot of automotive ports don't use Schrader valves.

[@JT-tz5hp]

Very cool tool indeed. Almost want to get one to change tire valve cores as a party trick!

[@NusaCat]

You didn't mention it, but the backside of the valve cap is also a valve removal tool.

[@jyvben1520]

can you pinpoint the time in the video where that is visible ?

[@NusaCat]

@@jyvben1520 From about 1:30 until the end of the video. Sitting on the table, cap end up.

[@jyvben1520]

@@NusaCat thanks for the info, sadly not really moved so impossible to see how it would work.

[@shtfengineering7472]

Very cool. I will be adding this to my shopping list! 😁👍

[@2020HotShotTruckingLLC]

When removing a core under pressure, there's no need to pull the knob - the refrigerant pressure does that for you. Can be hard to push back in when the pressure is high. I did refrigeration repair for 20+ years and it's amazing how many technicians do not have one. To lube the plunger, use refrigeration oil... The side port is for pulling a vacuum on a large system which works better if you remove the core and leave the tool in place.

[@bertblankenstein3738]

Reminds me of hot tapping on a pipeline. Weld a new stub pipe on the original one, put a valve on the added stub, add another piece of pipe with a drillbit. With the valve open drill through the original pipe, retract drillbit, close valve, remove drillbit, and now you can add pipe as you wish.

[@Super1337357]

Reminds me of a tool I use on my truck to remove the valve core to deflate tires more quickly.

[@darren25061965]

I have to agree, that is a cool tool. Probably never need one, but as I love tools I might have to get one.

[@steelbender1457]

Those tools are generally used for evacuation of a system and removal of the Schrader greatly speeds up the process. Removal and replacement of the Schrader under pressure is doable but very difficult due to the force required to ensure the core is installed correctly. Not an issue under vacuum however. The side port is for gauges or hoses

[@gvii]

Pretty slick little device.

[@paulbeddows6014]

Now that is a cool tool.thanks for sharing that.

[@imajeenyus42]

Holeeeee crap, that is EXACTLY the sort of tool I could have used a good while back!! I needed a way to evacuate and seal off a Bourdon tube assembly (long story), but make it reusable (otherwise I would have pinched off the tube). Ended up making basically this tool that could seal on to a little connector on the Bourdon tube. Zero need for one now, but I've gone and ordered one of these anyway just to remind me!

[@penfold7800]

Thats genius. Definately worth getting for future use when these things will become rarer. Hmm. I must have one.

[@TheFurriestOne]

Quite the clever little tool! One I might get someday.

[@seannot-telling9806]

Clive, you can also use PAG oil from the system you are working on.

[@WaffleStaffel]

In a large system, techs will remove the core to speed up evacuation or charging. The side port can be used for this, but so can the plunger end. Sometimes a gauge is connected to the side port.

[@okbridges]

Great review of a handy gadget that has saved my bacon on many occasions!

[@fluffyblue4006]

That is indeed a very cool tool. I feel the need to have one. It is very useful for changing out the schraders of your car tires at home, without having to use a jack or lift. But for DIY HVAC? If you need to replace a leaking schrader valve, that means, you'll also be needing a manifold set and a jug of the right refrigeration gas in order to properly refill what leaked out. Might as well call a pro. But still, I want that tool. Just fiddling with those things can keep me busy for hours. And there are household applications for that tool, too... I'd imagine fitting valve stems to some cola bottle caps. And getting a small jug of CO2. With that, I could keep my half empty cola bottles pressurized so the fizziness will always be at the same level as that of a freshly opened cola bottle. Of course I need to be able to change a schrader valve without spoiling any fizziness.

[@mgancarzjr]

HVACR VIDEOS is a nice channel to watch.

[@bigclivedotcom]

It is indeed.

[@--Zook--]

huh, really cool. Like you I feel I want one, although I cant imagine me ever needing it.

[@sugarhieroglyph]

Very nifty! Thanks for the video!!

[@TheZombieSaints]

Awesome tool! Thanks Clive 👍

[@FridayParanormal]

I use mine about once every two weeks. A tech's must have.

[@rss608]

yes, bought one of these, worked perfectly...

[@Kaibil66]

great tutorial, very professional.

[@GadgetBoy]

That's a super clever doohickey

[@wimwiddershins]

I like that! Very clever gadget.

[@GavinM161]

Very clever design.

[@RR-rf7vr]

Reminds me of a "hot tap" at the gas plant were I work. They weld a pipe on to a live line (keeping gas flow to keep weld from burning through, norm. 900 psi @ app 30 mmcf) Bolt a new valve on, bolt a drill on with an isolated chamber. Drill pipe and back up bit, close valve and remove drill. They do it so we don't have to go down to tap new lins in or blow down the whole system

[@peterjensen6844]

Was expecting you to say "this is the tool I made with BosnianBill" 🤣

[@paulmccoy2908]

These were like $500 when they were new and under patent. I bought mine when I first saw it for

[@bigclivedotcom]

In a pro situation I'd be using pro components. It's cheaper in the long run.

[@greggv8]

Somewhere I have an AMP D-Sub connector pin inserter/remover tool that was given to me by a guy who worked in telecommunications when D-sub connectors were new. Told me it cost over $200 and his boss would have a shitfit when anyone lost one. At the time he gave it to me, AMP was selling the exact same tool for $5 or less.

[@janne65olsson]

@@bigclivedotcom Hi Clive. There spamers in the comments. I have reported meny of them. But maby it easyer for you to clean them out. Thanks for a grate channel. 😎👍

[@bigclivedotcom]

@@janne65olsson I've blocked one and tried to implement a new filter.

[@BentusiProgenitors]

Appion by far makes the the best one. Yellow jacket used to make a thermometer that could be used for direct refrigerant temps although it's useless for obvious reasons. If your core does not come out it's because your seal is compressed and is decreasing the diameter inside. Just loosen it a little on the access fitting and try again. Instead of silicone we will use vacuum pump oil or mineral oil.

[@justindarkcloud]

Have you tried Nylog? Handy stuff, nice and thick

[@jamesspinks716]

On to it

[@paulwestlake4278]

Learn something every day.

[@DEADB33F]

NB. You wouldn't ever use a Schrader valve to hold a vacuum. They're basically a one way valve which will let gas in but not out. Kinda the total opposite of what you'd want in order to hold a vacuum.

[@jaimeortega4940]

Neat, yeah, I could see how you put a gauge on the side port to see if its leaking while changing.

[@slomotrainwreck]

That's pretty cool!