Originally Posted by linux_author
- a few suggestions:
1. don't use a lot of finger torque when opening/closing the presta valve
2. don't use a twisting motion when removing the pump head from the valve
3. throw away the stem nut and cap that come with the tube
4. use a long-valve presta and hold the stem when attaching/removing the pump head
5. buy a better tube? (but honestly, i've never had trouble with any regular presta tubes - with the exception of three Performance's thorn-resistant tubes, all of which separated at the stem base)
How is #3 going to help with the OP's original problem?
Originally Posted by OP
snip…
I keep shearing off the little nut that one opens to admit air into tubes. Apparently, the little nut and the stem it sits on are extremely delicate.
…snip
If you're using a frame pump, learn to remove the pump with a swift, sharp blow (see pics); on no account twist and wiggle the pump-fitting to get it off the valve; by twisting and wiggling and wrenching it, you're almost guaranteed to break the valve.
- Wil