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How to get air pump needle out of basketball
The pump needle broke off, leaving the base in the nozzle. How to remove the stuck base?
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I was using this bicycle pump to inflate a ball. I inserted a needle pin to the nozzle, but the needle broke off after trying to insert it into the ball. The base of the needle pin is now stuck in the nozzle. What is the best way to remove the stuck base?
0
I just had this same thing happen last week. I straightened out a paper clip and bent a small hook in the end. Put the hook through the small hole in the center of the needle base and pull up. It came out pretty easily. Make sure you release the tension on the pump head first.
1
The "offcut" in the valve head is useless - so there's no point in trying to save it. Your goal is to save the pump head.
Very first thing would be to make sure the lever is in the "loose" position. It may be locked when vertical, or when parallel to the hose. You need to remember which way is loose.
If you have access to left-hand drill bits or an easy-out then simply backing one of them into the valve hole might be enough to pop it free. Another way to get purchase is to use a torx head driver of a suitable size, ranging from a t10 to a t20, and hammer it into the hole. The lands on the torx driver can cut in to get extra grip. It may destroy the torx bit.
You might choose to put some liquid penetrating oil into the head to loosen the threads, but this risks damaging the rubber components, like seals and gaskets and possibly the hose as well. Perhaps this is a later option not a first line of attack. Daniel's suggestion of liquid soap is great advice here too.
Your last resort is to replace the pump's head. They can often be bought as upgrades from a reputable bike shop.
4
I turned on the air compressor and the stub was popped out, pushed by air pressure from behind.
Remember to undo the clamp lever.
This just happened and I used a push pin to get under the broken needle and it came right out 😀😀😀
1
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How To Remove A Needle From A Soccer Ball?
Soccer is an exciting sport to watch and play, it is one of the best ways to exercise the body and get your system working as it should. But would soccer be exciting or even exist without soccer balls? Guess you already know the answer.
Taking adequate care of soccer balls should be a priority for every soccer fan out there who wants to preserve the existence of the sport. Properly inflating soccer balls is one of the little but important ways of sustaining this course.
A properly inflated soccer ball can determine the outcome of a match. Excess air pressure can cause a soccer ball to burst easily and inadequate pressure can hinder the ball from traveling as it should so a ball must be pumped to the right pressure for optimal performance.
Knowing how to properly use an air pump is also something everybody who enjoys playing soccer should learn, knowing that a deflated soccer ball is useless until it is adequately pumped.
Manual air pumps and ball pump needles are not hard to find at commercial sports stores around you. Buying a good quality air pump will do you a lot of good and don’t forget to also buy a good quantity of pump needles with a good air gauge.
Pump needles often get stuck on the tiny openings of soccer ball valves especially when they are not properly lubricated before insertion. This can also happen when they are roughly handled while pumping the soccer ball.
We know an incident like this can be devastating when it happens in a situation where there is no alternative soccer ball to be used. This article is accurately tailored to help you navigate when you find yourself in such a dire situation.
Contents
How to remove a needle from a soccer ball?
Vise-grip Locking Plier Method
Paper Clip Method
Conclusion
How to remove a needle from a soccer ball?
For those who might not know what a soccer ball’s valve is, it is that tiny dark circle on the top of soccer balls that controls airflow by opening and closing when needed. Soccer ball valves extend into the bladder of soccer balls to enable proper regulation of air pressure.
Sports balls may look different in size, texture, and shape but they often require frequent pumping using a specialized needle before they can function properly.
When purchasing pump needles, factors like metal type, cost, and size must be of priority to you. The inflation needle size must correspond to that of your soccer ball’s valve to avoid unexpected circumstances.
Standard needles are usually 5/16 of an inch (0.79 cm) in diameter and 1¼ inches (3.2 cm) in length. Based on your type of soccer ball, you can select from two common sizes of needles which are 7mm and 5mm. The two are highly recommended for soccer balls.
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Needles are manufactured with different metals which can directly affect their durability and strength. The most common types are the stainless-steel type and aluminum needles which are more durable than other types.
Some modern pump pins are designed to be slightly flexible to reduce breakage that often occurs while pumping soccer balls. They are suitable options for people fond of constantly breaking needles on soccer ball valves.
Sometimes, people find it hard to insert or remove needles from soccer balls when the needles are not properly lubricated before use. Lubricants like glycerin, hair oil, and olive oil should be applied to needles before inserting them into the valve.
Lubrication helps the needle to slide in effortlessly without much difficulty and also pull out after inflation without struggle. Moistening the needle is a step you mustn’t overlook while trying to pump a soccer ball like some people often do.
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High-grade pump needles are designed to suit many types of pumps such as hand pumps, foot pumps, and ball pumps. Once high-grade pump needles are correctly screwed onto the pump, they work effortlessly without fear of breakage, or else you are determined to damage them.
Pump needles are essential for pumping all balls with a valve e.g., basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, handballs, netballs, water polo balls, etc. You don’t always have to buy different needles for different sports balls because a single needle can function across all varieties of balls.
One good thing about pump needles is that they are lightweight and crafted to perfection and can easily be carried around without causing discomfort. Pump needles are rust, chemical, and heat resistant which makes them enduring and durable.
When inflating a soccer ball, it is common to add pressure on the needle to avoid air from escaping into the environment. That action is capable of breaking the thin needle on the valve.
Completely deflating such a ball and pushing the broken needle from the inside out through the valve is one of the biggest mistakes you can make because the needle can damage the ball’s bladder.
Another crazy decision some people often make is that they push the broken needle into the bladder of the ball using a different needle. Actions like that can render a ball useless in no time.
To avoid making risky mistakes like these that can cost you your soccer ball, we have compiled a few step-by-step solutions that can save you time, money and the life of your soccer ball.
Vise-grip Locking Plier Method
This method is cheap and easy to replicate as long as you carefully follow instructions.
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Needed items for this method
Cotton balls
Vise-grip locking plier
Pump
Alcohol
Steps
Disconnect the pump nozzle from the needle adapter. Pick a cotton ball and dip it in alcohol, make sure the cotton ball is not dampened.
Take the cotton ball and try pulling the lodged needle on the valve, as you pull, make sure you are cleaning the needle as it emerges. Keep pulling until you can no longer pull with your hands.
Take your vise-grip locking plier and firmly grab the needle as you place the ball between your legs for an added grip as you pull. Keep pulling until the needle is out.
Clean the valve with the cotton ball and add a drop of alcohol to the valve itself.
You can now re-inflate the soccer ball to its recommended PSI. Carefully retract the needle after pumping.
Pros of the Vise-grip locking plier method
It is time-efficient
Very effective
Cons of the Vise-grip locking plier method
Drains a lot of energy
Pulling the needle too hard can damage the valve
Best Locking Pliers (VISE GRIPS)? Irwin vs Knipex, Milwaukee, Craftsman, Stanley, Malco, Pittsburgh.
Watch this video on YouTube
Paper Clip Method
The paper clip method is one of the widely used methods because of its ease and proven effectiveness.
Needed items for this method
Paper clip
Super glue gel
Steps
Get a paper clip, the type used to hold documents together, and slightly unfold it from its original shape to a pointy shape like a needle. Allow the remaining folded portion of the paper clip to remain.
Get a super glue gel and pour a little of its content on a container, and carefully coat the pointy part of the paper clip with the super glue gel before it gets dry.
When the paper clip has been coated with superglue, carefully insert it into the broken needle on the valve of the soccer ball until it reaches a reasonable level.
Allow the super glue on the paper clip to dry inside the needle before trying to pull the broken needle out of the valve by grabbing firmly to the folded portion of the paper clip.
Firmly hold the soccer ball with your knees as you wiggle out the broken needle from the valve.
After the needle has been successfully pulled out, properly inflate the ball and play. Please don’t use a plier to pull the needle when applying this method.
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Pros of paper clip method
Paper clips are readily available
Very easy to follow
Cons of paper clip method
A paper clip can mistakenly puncture the soccer ball
Super glue can cause more damage when applied in excess
Time-consuming
Conclusion
A broken and stuck pump needle can be a nightmarish experience if you care about playing an important tournament and you lack the available tools and needed skills to take them out.
Most soccer enthusiasts wouldn’t ever want to experience such a daunting situation knowing that soccer is a game designed to spread joy and happiness, not frustration.
Properly arming yourself with the needed skills used in handling this scenario is your key to a delightful soccer experience.
How to properly inflate the soccer ball
1. Preparation for inflating the soccer ball
1.1 Take the air pump and the needle for it. They are easy to find, you can buy them in our FOOTBALL WORLD store. Invest in a good quality pump, pressure gauge, and keep a supply of pump needles handy. Some pumps have a built-in pressure gauge. If you don't have one, make sure you have a low pressure gauge. You will also need silicone or glycerin oil for lubrication.
1.2 Determine the ideal air pressure for the soccer ball. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended air pressure for your soccer ball. The recommended air pressure is expressed in pounds, psi, or bar and is typically between 6 and 8 pounds.
If your soccer ball's recommended pressure is in a unit other than your pressure gauge, you'll need to convert it. To convert bars to pounds per square inch, multiply by 14.5037 or divide by the same amount to convert the other way. To convert bar to pounds, multiply by 10 or divide by the same amount to convert the other way.
1.3 Lubricate the needle and valve. Use silicone oil or glycerin oil and put a few drops in and around the football valve. This helps retain the valve and aids in needle insertion. Lubricate the needle with the same oil.
2. Inflating the soccer ball
2.1 Attach the needle to the air pump. It is screwed onto the end of the pump. Secure the needle with the locking mechanism of the pump. Insert the tip of the needle into the valve hole of the soccer ball.
2.2 Grab the pump handle and start pumping. The ball will begin to inflate. Move slowly so you don't pump the ball and put unnecessary pressure on the seams.
2.3 Stop pumping as soon as the gauge reaches the correct air pressure. If your air pump has a built-in pressure gauge, simply stop as soon as the level on the gauge reaches the recommended air pressure. If your pump does not have a pressure gauge, you will have to remove the needle and check the pressure regularly with a pressure gauge once it becomes solid.
3. Care of the ball
3.1. Do not abuse your soccer ball. Avoid strong kicks against walls. Never sit or stand on a soccer ball. This puts too much pressure on the stitching of the ball and can cause it to warp or break.
3.2. Check pressure frequently. Ideally, you should check the air pressure in a soccer ball with a pressure gauge every couple of days. The more often it is used, the more often you need to check the pressure. Balls with a butyl bladder will hold air much longer than balls with a latex bladder.
3.3 Lightly deflate the ball after play. Although not required, the manufacturers recommend that you release some air from the soccer ball after the match. This reduces the stress on the ball when not in use. Just remember to inflate it again before using it again.
3.4 Play on smooth or soft surfaces. Although soccer balls are quite durable, they are vulnerable to sharp and abrasive surfaces. Try to play on smooth wooden floors, grass or turf. Surfaces such as gravel and asphalt can damage the ball.
How do you get the ball down without ruining it?
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Proper care of sports balls will ensure long and trouble-free use without additional expenses. Manufacturers of sports equipment recommend using exclusively specialized equipment, but in some cases a soccer ball can be lowered with the help of improvised means. After the game, be sure to deflate the ball a little, because excessive pressure can damage it.
The most common consequences are deformation and weakening of the joints, stretching of the panels. This leads to a deterioration in the game characteristics of the projectile, the loss of the correct shape and a decrease in elasticity. In addition, a ball that is too inflated absorbs moisture faster, which can lead to deterioration.
Proven ways to deflate the ball with improvised means
Usually, a special needle is used for this purpose, which is sold with the pump, and also purchased separately. Its cost is low, so such a purchase will be fully justified. If it was not at hand, other improvised devices will help to replace the needle for the ball.
How to deflate a soccer ball:
With an empty refill from a ballpoint pen. It should be without a metal tip and ink inside. The process will take almost the same time as using a needle.
Narrow end of empty syringe. A little inconvenient, but completely justified way. At the same time, it is highly not recommended to use the needle itself, as it can pierce the camera.
Spoke from an old umbrella. The design of the spokes implies a groove in the middle through which air will pass.
Q-tip hollow tube. Use the same way as before.
Lubricator, dispenser or pipette tip. With the help of these devices, you can carry out the outflow of air.
Laminated or glued products do not have a nipple in their construction, therefore they are transported and sold inflated. Such balls do not deflate, and in case of accidental damage they practically cannot be restored.
Precautions
The nipple acts as a non-return valve, keeping the pumped air inside. If necessary, the pressure can be relieved by slightly pressing on its central part, which will lead to the opening of the hole. At the same time, the nipple is the most vulnerable part of the ball, so extreme care should be taken when using foreign objects when deflated.
Precautions:
Often players will use a toothpick, match, knitting needle, or any other thin object. In this case, an impromptu needle must be slightly deflected to the side for an unhindered exit of air. When doing this, extreme care must be taken not to damage the nipple inside the ball.
Handy inventory should be slightly lubricated with oil, glycerin, or at least saliva. This is to prevent excessive tool pressure and damage to the nipple (check valve).
Hold the fixture strictly perpendicular to the surface of the ball to prevent accidental damage to the nipple. When using fixtures without a cavity inside, the deviation to the side should be minimal. The deflation time will be somewhat longer, but the risk of accidental damage will be reduced.
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If there is no special needle, it is not recommended to use sharp objects, apply excessive force, loosen the nipple from side to side.
Perhaps this is a later option not a first line of attack. Daniel's suggestion of liquid soap is great advice here too.
But would soccer be exciting or even exist without soccer balls? Guess you already know the answer.
5” long
You don’t always have to buy different needles for different sports balls because a single needle can function across all varieties of balls.
The recommended air pressure is expressed in pounds, psi, or bar and is typically between 6 and 8 pounds. 
The more often it is used, the more often you need to check the pressure. Balls with a butyl bladder will hold air much longer than balls with a latex bladder. 
After the game, be sure to deflate the ball a little, because excessive pressure can damage it. 
