Got my Saddle Valve today....

[Violy]

After a week of waiting since I ordered my Saddle Valve. $5 + $5 shipping, I finally got it in the mail 30 mins ago and I eagerly decided to try it out. I've been holding out on even trying my brand new ProVari, because I wanted to experience it the first time with the Phiniac tank and brand new juice and vape myself into heaven.

I set up the saddle valve and played with the screw thingy and noticed right away the needle wouldn't come back up unless I pushed it back up with something. It annoyed me, but I figured if it worked well it didn't really matter.


Attempt #1



Yay, it works! But I think the hole is probably way too big. I try to put another carto into it and this time the needle is just going off to the side of the carto and making a dent instead of going through the carto and making a hole.

After much frustration I give it to my boyfriend to try and figure out while I look up youtube videos to see what the right size hole would be.


This is what he gives me back....



I'm laughing and crying at the same time. Maybe I'll just order the thing from CoV and wait another week to try out my ProVari

 

[markfm]

If there's ever trouble with COV punch availability, this also works well, consistently: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/pay-forward-pif/272989-diy-carto-punch.html

A $5 hub and 1/4-20 sheet metal screws. A local auto parts place might have the screws (mirror screws), I got mine online.

The hub has a circular hole, just larger than carto diameter, it is impossible for the screw to skate off-center.

 

[PaulB]

...
I try to put another carto into it and this time the needle is just going off to the side of the carto and making a dent instead of going through the carto and making a hole.
...

I haven't seen it suggested here, but I've found that a good way to prevent the needle from "walking" is to do the punching through the carto condom for better grip. Your picture looks pretty much like my results. I've done four or five all with what looks like about the same size hole and the dent. They seem to work fine.

 

[joe1971]

im pretty sure you can buy saddle valves at home depot in the pluming asle for a couple of bucks.

 

[ToweKnee]

There are 2 different style saddle valves. One actually has a pointy needle type end where it punches through the carto. The other style I believe is just a blunt type tip. They were side by side at my HD and the tags even showed a diagram of the difference.

Def try using the condom over the carto though.

Aslo make sure the rubber grommet is on the saddle part as well. Tighten the screws using a screwdriver but do not over tighten it. When you tighten the screws give one side a turn then the other side. So you are screwing it down as even as you can. If you tighten one side then the other it will cause the needle to run away to the side. You have tighten it down evenly.

Also you might to see how far the needle comes out the valve and use a marker to show how far down you should turn it. You should also hear a pop when it pierces through. I wait a second or two before backing it out.

 

[donnah]

I got my saddle valve at Lowes. I had trouble at first with the needle slipping down the side. Now I make sure the carto is seated in there evenly and I tighten the screws evenly. I've found that it has to be tightened down pretty snug or it will go down the side. I've thought about the cov thing too but kept working with the saddle valve and now can get a good hole the first time (or two) your hole doesn't look too big, if it's just one hole. But as far as you having trouble getting the punching needle back up.. that shouldn't be happening and would frustrate me also.

I just tried punching one with the condom still on and that worked great! Thanks for the tip! you still have to tighten the screws and get the carto in there snug.

 

[WillyB]

I would also add once it has slipped off to the side a sharpening is in order. Either way they do get dull.