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.

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#ElectronicsCreators

[mikeholloway]

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.

[tonyweavers]

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

[Slikx]

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. ❤️🙂👍

[YamiOni]

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

[jsa]

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.

[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!

[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

[devin]

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.

[swe_nurse]

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.

[printerprn]

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!?!".

[MARKE]

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

[youtert]

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

[robbytheremin]

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.

[jagboy]

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.

[jamesmihalcik]

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).

[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.

[michaeltb]

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

[Coltography]

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

[joshfloyd]

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

[williamromine]

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.