Saddle Valve Punching Not working!!! HELP!

[kpms0n]

Recently i purchased a 1/4" self piercing saddle valve from Amazon and tried punching my cartos with it but failed. the first one i did, i did not hear a pop so i ended up drilling the spike all the way in and ruined the carto. second time around, the spike had twisted and wouldn't pierce the carto anymore and just keeps slipping on the side and smashing it...another one gone. I finally looked at the spike and it was just like the Ego-T atty spike and noticed that the tip of the spike was bent. Also, i noticed that the spike itself doesn't retract when unwinding the T-bar, instead it just fell out. I'm considering buying a new one but going to lowes or home depot for it but hesitating because of the spike design. Is the spike supposed to be shaped like the ego-t spike or is it supposed to be like the tip of a nail and is it supposed to fall out or is it supposed to retract back? I see everyone not having any trouble with the saddle valve method and able to use it numerous times but i only got one use out of it and lost 2 cartos in the process (one being my fault) I did exactly as the videos have shown me but I figured i may have gotten a knock off saddle valve or something. Any answers to my questions as well as tips and the exact saddle valve to buy would be very helpful! Thanks guys!

 

[thehangdude]

You have to tighten the philips screws that hold the carto in place. There should be a rubber piece that protects the carto from damage. If not, go to Lowes or Home Depot. They are about $2. They will be in plumbing section. 1/4" size is the right one.

After getting the cartos tight, screw in 3 1/2 to 4 full turns. Do this on two sides.

 

[r77r7r]

There is one that is heavy duty online, I'll try to find the link. That said, if'n folks are getting alot of use from them, you're gonna have to figure it on out.

I don't think they were made for more than a few uses anyways.

Nope, can't find it now- was from an online boatshop- really built well. Somebody post it for us please???

 

[kpms0n]

i found out in another thread that the spike isn't supposed to be like the one i have. which was the cause of the problem. I'm just going to use a nail and hammer for now until i get fed up and decide to buy a saddle valve. thanks for the advice hang dude

 

[thehangdude]

i found out in another thread that the spike isn't supposed to be like the one i have. which was the cause of the problem. I'm just going to use a nail and hammer for now until i get fed up and decide to buy a saddle valve. thanks for the advice hang dude

When using a hammer and nail, put a condom (the plastic thing that fits on the end of the carto) on one end, and put the carto in an opened phone book. That will keep the carto from spinning/moving.

 

[kpms0n]

i thought about doing that but i haven't had any issues with it moving around and what not. i just use the cradle part of my saddle valve to keep it still and i just use my fingers to stabilize the carto and nail. that bottom half is VERY handy for the nail & hammer method

 

[D. Waterhouse]

try sharpening the tip on the saddle valve, that worked for me.

 

[r77r7r]

i found out in another thread that the spike isn't supposed to be like the one i have. which was the cause of the problem. I'm just going to use a nail and hammer for now until i get fed up and decide to buy a saddle valve. thanks for the advice hang dude

There are different spikes???????? can someone link me, please??

 

[DavidTop]

This is the other saddle valve style



Its 5.95 here


PG-SV6 Premium Aquatics - PG-SV6 Aquarium Supplies

I find it easier to use as you don't have to even out the screws. If you use it for go-go carts use the smaller side. the other side is a little to large and will distort the cartos when tightened and needle is tightened.

 

[atom48]

There was one recommended in another thread of this forum. I didn't bookmark the thread, but I did bookmark the Home Depot link for the recommended product:

1/4 in. Chrome-Plated Brass Self-Tapping Saddle Valve-A-50 at The Home Depot

You may want to look for this if you decide to purchase another one.