How to Use a Vacuum Pressure Pump for a Bicycle Tire

A vacuum pressure bike pump is a small hand-held pump with two sets of valves. Called a "dual-action pump," it pumps air into the tire on both the up and down strokes of the handle. When the pump handle is pulled up it compresses air at the top of the cylinder creating a vacuum in the bottom cylinder. When the pump handle is pressed down, the valve closes and a vacuum is created in the top cylinder. Each stroke creates a vacuum. The valves close and the air that is drawn into the vacuum is expelled into the tire with each stroke.

Things You'll Need

  • Tire pressure gauge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the end of the air hose nozzle from the pump on the tire valve. Flip the lever on the side of the air nozzle straight up to lock the nozzle to the tire valve.

    • 2

      Hold the cylinder in one hand. Grab the end of the pump by its handle. If the handle flips up, flip it up and turn it sideways and let the handle slip into your palm. The stem of the handle should be extended between your middle finger and your ring finger.

    • 3

      Pull the handle straight out. You will hear a slight hiss as the air is pulled into the bottom cylinder and air is expelled out down the hose at the same time.

    • 4

      Push down on the handle to expel the air into the hose from the bottom of the cylinder. Continue pushing and pulling up on the handle as you hold the pump in your hands until the tire is firm to the touch. Remove the air nozzle from the tire valve.

    • 5

      Place a tire-pressure gauge on the valve to check the pressure. Continue pumping and checking the tire to inflate it to the recommended pressure that is marked on the side of the tire.