How to Test a Hand Pump

A bicycle hand pump is very basic. It is a small cylinder with a handle. You never know how much pressure they can deliver or if they are are even working. Before you head out on the open road or wilderness trail, you should check your pump for leaks and capacity. It's easy to do in your own garage, but very hard to do when you're miles from home.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle
  • Tire pressure gauge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the end of a tire pressure gauge into your bikes valve stem to release all the air from the tire.

    • 2

      Place the hand pump air nozzle over the bike's valve stem and push down. When the end of the valve stem penetrates into the end of the air pump, pull up on the lever to lock the pump to the stem. The lever is just behind the nozzle; it's the only lever on the pump.

    • 3

      Begin pumping the handle, extending from the end of the pump. Pump it about 20 times and then feel the tire with your fingers. It should feel firm to the touch. If it's still soft, keep pumping the handle until you can just barely depress the rubber on the tire with your fingers. If your tire stays soft no matter how many times you pump it, your pump is not developing pressure.

    • 4

      Tip the pump back and forth. Listen for hissing. If you hear any hissing, tip the pump back and forth. Release the lever on the stem and move the nozzle around and lock it back down again. If the hissing won't stop no matter what you do, your pump has a leak.

    • 5

      Pump the tire up if you hear no hissing, and the tire continues to build pressure as you pump it. Pump it up until you can just barely depress the tire with your fingers. Check the pressure with a tire pressure gauge. Your tire pressure should read between 30 and 50 lbs. If you have this reading and you don't hear any air leaking, your pump is fine.