using a saddle valve and having problems

[donnah]

I purchased a saddle valve at Lowes.. It was the last one, and in an open package so it may have been returned.

Anyway, I'm having a hard time using it to punch my cartos. When I insert the carto, making sure it's centered and tightened and so forth, and go to crank the handle.. the Piercing "needle" wants to go on either side of the carto instead of down. I'm sure I have the carto in straight but the needle just seems to dent it and then proceed to slip down either side instead of punching a hole through the middle.

Anyone using a saddle valve.. is this a common occurance or do I have a defective saddle valve?

 

[aziffel]

Happened to me too.The saddle valve punched two cartos and then went to the side so I tossed the valve and just slot with a dremel
IMO slots work better and don't deform the carto

 

[Beans]

I had the same problems also. Did your SV come with a black rubber thing a babober that's curved with a hole? I used that piece, pushed it up in the SV so the needle comes through and hits the Carto properly. Mine doesn't pop now but it works.

 

[oplholik]

I use one like this that I got off of ebay and don't have any problem with it going off center.

[/IMG]

 

[donnah]

I had the same problems also. Did your SV come with a black rubber thing a babober that's curved with a hole? I used that piece, pushed it up in the SV so the needle comes through and hits the Carto properly. Mine doesn't pop now but it works.

yes my sv has the rubber piece.. I pushed it up more and took a bit more care loading the carto and it seems to be working pretty good. Thanks!


Now if only I could find smoktech cartos that came in stainless steel in 3.0! Trying to get the black stickers off is a pain!

edit... one worked alright but now I can't keep the needle from grazing off to one side or the other.. Grrr.. had to get out the hammer and screw