FAQ Friday #15 - Why should I use the right valve tool, rather than a pair of pliers, to undo a valve?

Sometimes a pair of pliers will work just fine…. But when it doesn’t you will kick yourself for not using the right tool.

Halkey Robert type valves typically have 6 or 8 sections and splines (although some only have two). So you grip onto one with your pliers, go to undo the valve and SNAP!! You’re now one spline down. That’s not much to worry about though is it? ….but then another snaps… and before you know it the valve really doesn’t want to come out and you’re having to try and glue something to the inside of the valve so you can remove it.

A complete pain – a 5minute job has just become a right task!

By using the correct valve spanner with either 6 or 8 sections, the force you exert on the valve, to undo and remove it, is evenly spread and split across all the splines. The valve should undo without too much difficulty and the new valve front can be installed using the same valve tool.

If you have a Leafield Marine valve, gripping the valve with pliers just isn’t as easy as using the correct tool and you can leave nasty marks on the valve surface too. Plus if you slip it can somewhat hurt.

At RIBstore we always recommend using the right tool for the job!

Here's all the valve tools we stock:
6 section valve tool
8 section valve tool
2 / 6 section valve tool for Bravo flush fit valves 
Leafield Marine A6, B7 valve tool
Leafield Marine A6, C7, D7 valve tool
Leafield Marine B7 valve socket tool