How to Make a Tank Valve Tool






I had a buddy who had a leaking tank valve. He send his doubles to my favorite (sarcasm) dive shop and received a $55 bill for the replacement o-ring and fill.

The first step in doing it right by yourself is to make a tank valve tool to easily pull the valve handles on and off the valve stem.

Go to Home Depot or Lowe's and purchase a "tack puller" in the tools department next to the screw drivers.

Internet/Catalog #100034526
Store In-Stock SKU # 693232

When you get home, you need a good hammer and a strong surface. I used the flat mental section on the back of my vice. Wait until the middle of the day when no one is sleeping and start hammering away at the curved tack pulling edge until it is flat. Near flat is good enough. I also put mine in the vice grip to flatten it out.

While making one as a going away present for Charlie Gamba, I broke one of the ends off. Don't worry, it has a life time warranty. Just go into the store with a look like you were wrestling the biggest tack of your life and they'll give you a replacement.

Cost $6

From the Home Depot Website:




Husky tack pullers are guaranteed forever. Used for the removal of tacks and small nails. Alloy steel blades are heat treated for superior strength and durability and plated for corrosive resistance. Handles are designed for strength and chemical resistance.
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Guaranteed Forever
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Tough Butyrate Handle for Strength, Durability, and Solvent and Chemical Resistance
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Nickel-Plated Blade for Superior Protection Against Corrosion
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For Pulling Tacks and Small Nails

Internet/Catalog #100034526 Store SKU # 693232