Knurled nut on valve stem

[Will Spin]

Anyone know if that little knurled nut on the valve stem is of any use? I don't put them on and have lived a fairly peaceful life since deciding to omit them several years ago. This evening I mended slow puncture in the inner tube on my rear wheel, I was feeling very pleased with myself as I managed to get this done in time to serve Mrs Spin her G&T on the lawn before sunset. But then, just as I was admiring my handiwork, the rear tyre suddenly deflated with a large and annoying hiss. Is this retribution for not fitting the knurled nut?

 

[HLaB]

I tend to buy smooth stems that don't have them. I could be wrong but I think they are a throw back from when valve hole manufacture was less precise and they stopped the valve rattling about.

 

[Ian193]

Did you find what caused the puncture in the tyre. Go round the inside of the tyre with a bit of cotton wool that will catch on the offending article so you can remove it

 

[mcshroom]

The continental ones have a useful lip on them which is the right size to stabilize a presta valve in a schrader valve hole. Other than that they don't do a lot really.

 

[sight-pin]

I always assumed the knurled nut was to stop tube rotation: I've noticed wonky stems on kids bikes etc where i suspect they let the tyre pressure get so low it rotates a little, thus dragging the tube with it. But i have no idea really?

 

[Ian H]

They are things to throw away. Years ago they were useful as spacers for toeclips if you had large feet.

 

[mjr]

It stops you pushing short valves back into the rim when the tyre's flat. Not sure if they've much other use.

 

[classic33]

Collect enough, and you could make a necklace.

Presta, Woods or Schrader, and where do I send them if you're planning on making one

 

[Pale Rider]

I like them because they hold the valve proud when you are using a push-on pump on a flat tube.

Most track pumps are push-on, although the pumps I carry have screw on hoses for ease of attachment.

Those also keep your fingers away from the grubby valve/tyre, which is handy when inflating at the roadside.

 

[CUBE CRD]

Those also keep your fingers away from the grubby valve/tyre, which is handy when inflating at the roadside.

Yeah....clean fingers means my white bar tape stays white a little longer

 

[Illaveago]

It is annoying when you are trying to attach a pump and the valve just wants to disappear into the tyre.

 

[Pale Rider]

It is annoying when you are trying to attach a pump and the valve just wants to disappear into the tyre.

Perhaps it's more of a problem for those of us who use tyres with a large air chamber, which would also explain why those who use skinny roadie tyres can't see the point of the locking ring.

 

[Levo-Lon]

Ive put them on my new campagnolo wheels as the valves rattle..i need new longer valves so its only short term..but i may need an insert to remove play..bit odd for a quality wheel.

 

[KneesUp]

Yeah....clean fingers means my white bar tape stays white a little longer

Perhaps as long as 25 minutes in my experience

 

[Levo-Lon]

Perhaps as long as 25 minutes in my experience

Like a Travolta suit