Very cool tool - HVAC schrader core changer

You are correct, the side port is used to connect a hose, Typically if you are pulling a vacuum you will remove the schrader valve(restriction) to speed the process up.

That's brilliant! I have no use for it at the moment, but I feel I need one.

The CorePickingLawyer 😉

So weird seeing these on here having used them so frequently at work haha, glad someone else finds them interesting!

I don't even do HVAC and it is one of my fav tools. It's one of those tools when you learn about it you are like "HOW DOES EVERYONE NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS!?!".

Man, do I love specialized tools that solve incredibly specific problems, but do so in an equally incredibly creative way.... Thanks for sharing!

Clive, the side valve is to safely depressure the core changer prior to removing it as it would have pressured up to system pressure during the core change. This type of manifold is quite common in the refinery industry. But in that environment, the pressures, temperatures, and the size of the manifold are tad bit larger. All the Best, Chuck

Clive. Thank you for your help via email, it's really helped me. Today I woke up and got some jobs done, I have a good meal and visited my old support worker in her new workplace. I've got past the first day, next will be the first week. It's still hurts inside but I can cope with the pain. Thank you for being awesome. ❤️🙂👍

One week before seeing the short version of this I found a leak in my car’s AC at a Schrader valve. I was wondering how I could replace it. Saw the video, bought the tool, changed the valve and topped up the freon. AC blowing cold again! Thanks!

That’s fantastic. I’ve never had to replace a schrader valve at work or on any car, but I’m glad there is an easy means to do so.

Hey!!!! I own a hvac company that specializes in ductless mini splits and use one like that every day

Super cool to see how these actually work. I've seen Chris over at HVACR Videos use one of these many times and while I understood the concept of the device I was never quite sure how the isolation worked once the core was removed but before the ball valve was closed. As for the port on the top, while I'm not certain if this is what it's intended for, it can be used to speed up recovery and charging of a system since you can tap onto it while the core is removed thereby reducing the restriction caused by said core.

Damn! I could use one of these for servicing A/C systems on automobiles... I never knew this tool existed, and the very few times I've had to change a leaky valve on a car, I've pulled and recaptured the refrigerant, changed the valve, vacuumed the system, and put new refrigerant and oil back in it. Imma get me one IMMEDIATELY.... Thanks Clive!! 👌

This is basically a tiny version of how we make taps on water mains live. How we can drill, tap and install threaded valves. I agree very cool tool. Thanks, now I want one for demonstrating

Sliced bread doesn't even come close to how useful these tools are :) I started using this tool in the 80's for refrigeration. I've also used these for installing and removing liquid tire ballast (weighted fluid) in heavy equipment and farm machinery. The side port is your system access service port (fluids and gases in or out).

The side port is because it is a pain to vacuum or pressurize a system with the valve in. So you can connect your vacuum pull the core and pump the system down in 20 min vs hours if it is installed.

I learned about these while learning air conditioning in community college in 1989, it was called a "Schrader evader" back then. I once watched a contractor "hot tap" a 12" high pressure gas line with a similar outfit. They welded a plate with a threaded nipple to the pipeline while fully pressured and gas flowing. They then screwed a valve to the nipple and then a device to drill a hole in the pipe through the ball valve. They drill the slug from the pipeline with a magnetic hole saw about 3" round and extract the slug a drill shavings through to valve they just installed. Then they connect the new pipeline to the system. Scary watching them welding a big metal plate to fully pressured pipe filled with methane.

Similar devices are used for adding branches to pipelines operating and under pressure. Called hot tapping, it often involves welding..exciting? It gets better. Also done on natural gas collection and distribution lines. And hot repairs, where the leaking gas is often ignited on purpose. A pipe saddle installed in half sections is fully welded over corrosion holes.

I've used one of those a lot. The port is for your charging guage set. The Schrader valve is a significant flow restriction and it's removal makes charging much faster.

Refco make a far superior model. Same theory but better build quality. The 1/4” access on the side is for pressure reference if pumping down a system or if no other access points at evaporator it can be used for vacustat. Great explanation! I did 12months of trade teaching and you explained this much more efficiently then I ever did and this is part of my trade haha