DIY Sheridan Valve Tool
Channel: Neftaly
Date: 2012-08-27

This is a guide on making a simple, cheap Sheridan valve tool

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The Sheridan valve is at the core of vintage Benjamin Sheridan airguns and paintball markers. It consists of a retaining nut with a square inner profile, a valve body with a rearward cylindrical protrusion, and a valve stem with spring. 

This tool attaches to a standard multi-bit screwdriver. It is made from a 1/4" hexagonal extension piece, usually available alongside such screwdrivers.

# Manufacture
This tool requires:
* 1x 1/4" hex bit extension piece, as used in multi-bit screwdrivers
* A 7mm (9/32") drill bit
* A drill
* A grinder or file
* A vice (vise) or other workholder

1. Hex extension is placed in vice, with flange facing up
2. Flange is bored through center, to depth of ~15mm
3. 4x flats are ground on outside of flange, from tip to 6-8mm, to a depth of 1-2mm
4. Round off corners as required - tool profile should approximate a 8.5x8.5mm squircle ▢

# Use
Never modify firearms or airguns without first making them safe. Safety eyeware must be worn at all times. Sheridan valve airguns must be disconnected from any pressure source and have gas cartridges removed. Their action must be worked and dry-fired in a safe direction a few times, ensuring no pressure remains.

1. Bolt removal
Bolt must be disconnected from any pump handle or lever action. It is then worked backward through the bolt carrier. The spring-loaded metal stud must be pressed down to fully disengage the bolt from the carrier guide.

2. Nut removal
The tool is inserted through the bolt carrier, and pushed forward into the retaining nut. The nut may then be unscrewed counter-clockwise, releasing the valve assembly.

3. Valve removal
The valve assembly must be ejected rearward. A wooden dowel or empty 12-gram cartridge may be pressed through from the front to assist.

# Notes
The thread on the valve body protrusion is not engaged by this tool, and may be ignored.

A lead crush washer may sit between the valve nut and valve body. It is not required, and may be discarded. It was likely intended to mitigate self-loosening and over-tightening; brass already has enough stiction and malleability to address this. Metal crush washers also only work for one use.

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CC BY-SA 2.0 N. HERNANDEZ 2012-2019
Greetz to Dan Bacci, Razor 1911, mum & dad