Replacing pillar valve knobs on twins?

[Dr Stevil]

<font color='#0000FF'>my replacement rubber knobs have arrived and I'd like info from anyone who as done this previously: as long as it is only the knob being replaced (not the valve being disassembled for lubrication) do I need to empty my tanks? I think I read somewhere that as long as the regs(s) are on you can do this with gas in your tank.
Additionlly, has anyone removed valves from an MDE manifold before? there is a plastic insert which looks like it has to be unscrewed with something like circlip pliers or a modified screwdriver as the screwthread at the centre protrudes into the slot, I tried to make a diagram in the post with keyboard characters but it didn't work out.

                 
Chee-az
steve

[Lou]

Hi Steve

Watched the guy in the shop replacing my knob the other day (as it had broken). &nbsp;As long as you hold the handle whilst undoing the screw (so you don't open the valve) you can do it with the tank full.

He also just used a standard screwdriver on one side of the &quot;2 sided&quot; screw slot you mention. &nbsp;I don't think the connection is made very tightly so it should work as long as you are careful. &nbsp;Alternatively you could probably knock something up quite quickly to do the job gripping both sides.

HTH

Lou

[Dr Stevil]

<font color='#0000FF'>Chee-az Lou, I'll get right on it tonight
Steve

[Mr T.]

Hey Steve,

I watched Hayhurst do this recently in 5 mins flat. Doesn't matter about whether the tanks are full or empty. Simply go for the central screw, unscrew, remove current knob and replace with 'rubber tactile' knob.

My word this conversation has the margin to go wrong, what? &nbsp;

HTH

Failing that, just bring them with you to Anglesey and we'll get you squared away.

[Gavin Yates]

<font color='#000F22'>Last time I was at Andy's he showed me after I'd asked.

I expected a long drawn out explanation involving screws and stuff and he said.

&quot;Get a screwdriver - unscrew the screw - tek knob off - replace with the rubber 'un - and screw it back together. Even you can manage that lad.&quot;

By that you can all guess that I'm not one for DIY unless it involves bungy.

[Mr T.]

........and a Gimp mask &nbsp;

[Gavin Yates]

<font color='#000F22'>Bren shush !

or I'll tell everybody about your egg whisk and German flying helmet.

[Ian Murray]

There's a link of how to do this on the dis-uk site

http://www.dis-uk.org/gallery.htm

In the bit about changing rubber knobs

I found that if you've got a large flathead screwdriver and either cut or file a 'V' in it then it's easier than trying to use a normal screwdriver.

[Dominic]

I replaced mine t'other day. It's dead simple, the only thing to remember is, it's easiest to do it when the valve is fully opened. So stick a reg in and open the cylinder fully, then just unscrew and remove.

Alternatively, if you're sure you can switch over REALLY quick, don't bother with putting the reg in first

Bet you can't do it in under 50 bar...