Schrader Valve-threaded brass plug
 

I have a tire-inflation rig that has a bad gauge. Because I pieced the rig together from two different rigs, I have two gauges. The bad gauge uses a Schrader valve threading. I'd just assume put a brass plug. Any ideas on where I can get such a plug?

Ace hardware?

I've been to Lowe's, Menards, Farm & Fleet, and Tractor Supply. No luck.

I don't believe they make one because the valve seats on the lip inside the stem.

No, no. I just need a brass plug that has the same outer diameter and threading as a Schrader valve.

Most of the time, Ace has a better choice when it come to hardware than the big box chains..

I can't remember what the thread is but it's a bastard thread. You may be better off trying to figure out a different way.

It's not a standard NPT thread, correct?

I think it is 5/16 OD & 32 TPI

Buy a metal valve stem cap and add a little adhesive or epoxy when you thread it on.

JR

Edit:

What are you plugging, exactly? A stem, or a hole? I may be confused....

Yes, it is. I just went through this on a project we planned to use inner tubes on. I was looking for an adapter from Schrader to NPT. I ended up finding an adapter in a kit at Harbor Freight. You can get the tap at MSC.

Legion, how much is a new rig? In my search I wasted a lot of time (money) trying to find something.

I'm plugging a hole.

And I may just contact Summit Racing for a new valve and/or rig. It was around $50 and does two tires at the same time to the same pressure.

Can you braze? I haven't done this before but I believe it would work. Using a needle for inflating balls, cut off and then braze the hole shut for the needle? An old boss said you have to know when you are screwing elephants and when you are making watches. This would be the latter. That is my first thought on an easy fix.

Edit - you may also be able to epoxy an extremely small screw into the hole for the needle portion shut from the inside of the thread in area ??? and cut the needle off ??? I say a screw because you would want something with a head on it so the pressure doesn't blow it through.

Keep in mind you can always drill & tap it to a known thread and put a real screw/plug in it. Again - the latter above :)

Another option is drill the hole that you want to plug in your rig out just a little to 11/32 and tap with an 1/8-27 NPT tap then plug. Should be able to buy all of this stuff at your local big box home improvement store or local hardware store.