Bicycle Mechanics - very newbie question - pumping a bike

Hi guys, sorry for such a dumb question but I cannot find any info on this.

I need to pump my tires up on my bike. I am no bike expert but I know that they are schrader valves and I am using a small hand pump. "Blackburn Mountain Air". It supports both schrader and Presta valves.

Problem is I can't get an air tight lock on. I've never dealt with schrader valves so while fooling around with it I realized pushing the pin in released all the air and now one tire is completely flat :\

I've had this pump for ages and lost the instructions a long time ago and have never needed to use it till now.

Hope someone can help.

http://www.bicyclinglife.com/HowTo/ConvertAPump.htm

I think the link aboove may help you convert your pump from schrader to presta. Bet that is why it will not lock on.

Thanks for the response but I am a bit confused still :\

My tire valve is schrader so I don't think I need to convert my pump to presta. But if I had to all I do is flip the inside piece around I think.

That link did mention lock caps and I assume I do have a lock lever on top but I don't notice anything when I open and close it. No idea how to tighten the cap either if that is the problem.

Try a local shop for assistance - I can't imagine not getting the 30 seconds of help it will take.

See if the "nozzle" has a threaded ring around it.
Try tightening it up.

You've never dealt with Schrader valves? Like on your car, motorcycle, lawnmower, wheelbarrow and kid's bike? Really?

You've never dealt with Schrader valves? Like on your car, motorcycle, lawnmower, wheelbarrow and kid's bike? Really?
It's possible, really.
As a side not, I've been using computers since the early 80's and had never touched Microsoft Windows until I started using AutoCAD about 3 or 4 years ago. (lots of people don't believe that one)

You lucky sod!

It supports both schrader and Presta valves.

Problem is I can't get an air tight lock on..
This might be the problem. In my experience a pump that can handle both is usually set up for presta valves. You probably need to convert it to a Schrader valve.
Download the manual from http://www.blackburndesign.com/support.html
I don't know if your pump is the same, but it might give you an idea.

...and please, get a new computer.

I do not knw what your pump looks like, but on some pump models the chuck on the hose end has a reversable rubber sealing thingee. You may be able to remove it, flip it over, replace it and be able to maintain an air tight seal on the valve stem.

I started using AutoCAD about 3 or 4 years ago. (lots of people don't believe that one)

I don't believe you're actually using AutoCAD either. What is this, 1994?