Quote Originally Posted by KSH
Yea, I bought this nice tire pump, and I am scared to use it, because I can't seem to get the attachment to the tire (?? what is the stick called where you put the air in ) ) on and off without a HUGE struggle.

I hit my hand the first time I tried to do it on my own and it hurt for 2 days.

So now, I look pathetic and ask guys to pump my tires up. Sad, I know.
The stick is called a valve and there are two different kinds. The schrader valve is black and rubber-coated and the actual valve is down inside. The presta valve is metal and skinnier and the valve which you unscrew to open is at the top.
Yeah, sometimes they are hard to get on and off but it gets easier with practice. Also, sometimes slightly unscrewing the pump side of the deal makes a difference. Slightly, though.
Oh, and OUCH! I really hate it when that happens!
And some guys like playing Mr. Macho. There's a thread on the perils of that somewhere around here, too.