Schrader valve/mini pump problem

[Cloudymoor]

Very embarrassing question. I have a Fuji mini-pump that I haven't used before. It's one of those pumps that reverses to presta or schrader. The instructions are just some illustrations. I have it set for a Schrader valve but what do I do now, lol! After I reversed it, I assume I should screw back that cap before inserting it on top of the valve. That didn't work. I took it off and placed it on top of the valve but that doesn't seem right either. I put it on top of the valve, air comes out and I don't even know how it's supposed to "lock into place."

I'd like to avoid driving to the LBS. I'm too mortified to explain the problem.

[sundial]

If you have it set for schrader, the big fat valve, push down on the pump firmly, then lift the lever (if it has one) to lock it into place. Then carefully pump air into it and try not to jiggle the pump too much so that you don't break off the valve. Just one of those dumb things I've done in the past.

If you have a floor pump, that is the ideal way to pump up your tires because you're more likely to get it fully inflated.

[Cloudymoor]

Sundial,
Thanks for this ultra-speedy reply. Should the screw on cap (For the pump of course) be removed while inserting it on top of the valve. When I try pushing it on top of the valve, it just retreats into the tire

[sundial]

I tried finding a picture of a Fuji mini-pump online and couldn't find it. So let me go get my mini pump and I'll be right back. Stay tuned.

[Cloudymoor]

You're too kind Sundial. To complicate matters. I just went back to try again, found my valve under the tire, sort of crooked in there and I couldn't pop it out without risking further damage. When I tried to pump it in that position, all I succeeded in doing was making the schrader pump adapter damaged. I'm disgusted. Quite frankly, I agree about the floor pump.

[sundial]

Here's the mini pump. This head is set for a presta (skinny) valve, so I need to change it for schrader.



I unscrewed the outer black ring and pulled out the presta adapter.



This is the presta adapter and I'll need to reverse it for the schrader.



I've set it for schrader and I need to screw the black ring back on the pump at this point.



Now I'm attaching it to my valve. Notice the lever is in the down position. Press the pump down firmly until you feel it "give".



Now pull up the lever and it should lock it into place. Now you can start pumping up your tire. Be very careful to not jiggle the valve too much so as not to break it.

[tulip]

Then carefully pump air into it and try not to jiggle the pump too much so that you don't break off the valve. Just one of those dumb things I've done in the past.

I've done this more times than I care to admit.