If you need to remove or replace scuba valve handwheels (aka knobs) you will need the handwheel nut tool, which works on nearly all brands of scuba valves and handwheels. The handwheel nut, which screws on to the valve stem and retains the spring against the handwheel, requires a special slotted flat blade to remove or replace the nut. This low cost device, from the same people who make the popular Vindicator scuba valve handwheel, is a single purpose tool. We also offer multi-purpose devices which include a slotted flat blade tool as well, see our our Scuba Multi-Tool.

To use, close the valve and while holding the handwheel to keep it from spinning insert the blade into end of the valve handwheel and on to the matching slots of the spring retaining nut. While pushing in slightly, use the tool to unscrew the nut from the stem to free the spring and handwheel. To reassemble, push the handwheel on to the valve stem, then insert the spring followed by the nut in to the end of the handwheel. While pushing the nut firmly against the stem, capturing the spring, screw in the nut. Screw the nut in until the end of the stem is flush with the top of the nut. The stem should not protrude past the top of the nut or the spring will be too compressed and the handwheel will be difficult to operate. A small amount of 'play' in the handwheel is normal, as this improves its impact resistance.

Watch the one minute Product Video above demonstrating installation of the Vindicator Handwheel on a tank valve using the Handwheel Nut Tool.