What exactly is a tire valve stem fishing tool and how do you use it?

We explain the difference between a valve fishing tool and a valve stem puller and reveal how you can make changing motorcycle inner tubes or installing tubeless valve stems faster, easier and more comfortable with these handy little gadgets.

What Is A Valve Stem Fishing Tool?

It’s a simple yet indispensable tool with a small handle at one end, connected via a wire cable to a threaded male or female end.

Essentially the male version, known as a valve fishing tool, is designed to be screwed inside an inner tube stem (after the valve core has been removed) in order to guide it through the rim hole in a motorcycle wheel or, for that matter, any wheel rim running an inner tube.

Valve Fishing Tool (Male Version) – Note the core remover tip

In contrast, the female version, known as a valve stem puller or installer tool, is designed for installing or removing a tubeless valve stem in a motorcycle, car, pickup, ATV or golf cart wheel rim.

Valve Stem Puller/Installer/Remover Tool (Female Version)
Note the core remover inside the handle

Some models have an integrated core remover either on the tip of the threaded end of the tool or occasionally on one end of the pull handle. Both the male and female version of this tool are only compatible with schrader stems which are the most common valves used on everything from motorcycles to pickups to cars to golf carts.

These tools are only compatible with Schrader stems.

What Problem Does The Valve Stem Fishing Tool Solve?

By far the most frustrating part of installing a new motorcycle tire or fixing a flat (when running inner tubes) is fishing around trying to poke the inner tube stem through the hole in the rim. Considering how stiff the sidewalls on off-road tires can be, this seemingly simple task can quickly turn into a mission requiring an excessive amount of time and energy. If you happen to have large hands, it can often be nigh on impossible to complete this uncomfortable, if not painful, chore.

You pinch your fingertips, scrape your knuckles and your four legged garage buddy (dog) runs for cover after hearing the unsavory language escaping your lips. It’s even worse in cold weather but you can avoid all of this suffering and frustration with a compact and incredibly handy tool called a valve stem fishing tool or valve stem puller to “pull” the inner tube stem through the rim hole for you while your hands remain outside of the tire cavity.

What Problem Does The Valve Stem Puller/Installer Tool Solve?

The most common way of installing tubeless valve stems in a wheel or rim without the correct tool is to use a set of needle nose pliers or vice grips. The problem with this method is two fold – it’s easy to marr the threaded finish of the tubeless stem meaning the plastic cap may not thread back on easily. Secondly, it requires a lot of effort to “pull” the valve stem through the tight fitment of the rim valve hole while holding the tool at an angle.

In contrast, the female valve stem fishing tool threads onto the end of the valve stem so no damage can occur to the threads. Also, when you pull on the tool to seat the valve in the rim hole, the pulling force is coming from directly above the valve stem making it much easier to seat the stem into the rim hole.

How Do I Use a Valve Stem Fishing Tool?

Step 1. Once you are ready to install the inner tube, remove the inner tube valve core using the tip of the Valve Fishing Tool.

Step 2. Next slide the inner tube valve stem nut over the threaded brass head of the tool and onto the wire.

Step 3. Push the threaded brass head through the rim hole,

Step 4. Thread the brass tool head into the (empty) valve stem.

Step 5. Push the valve stem back inside the tire and towards the rim hole.

Step 6. Spin the pull handle to remove any twists or kinks in the wire before gently pulling and watch as the inner tube valve stem is guided quickly and painlessly through the rim hole.

Step 7. Install the valve stem nut, unthread the tool and admire your undamaged knuckles.

How Do I Use a Valve Stem Puller/Installer Tool?

Step 1. Push the threaded head of the tool through the rim hole.

Step 2. Thread the tubeless valve into the tool. Smear a small amount of lubricant (such as dishwashing detergent or cleaning alcohol) over the base of the rubber valve.

Step 3. Pull the cable through the rim before pulling firmly to seat the valve in the rim.

Step 4. Remove the valve stem puller tool and install the valve core using the tool inside the tool handle.