inflating turn balls and boat guides

[tvano]

i've just busted 3 inflating needles trying to poke the d#%$ thing into the turn ball valve.

i must have missed that life lesson while growing up in rural america.

is there a magic chant or some simple method that you can share?

[ibelieve]

I've had the same problem when using a small hand pump. If you use a small compressor with a blower nozzle, you can push the nozzle up against the hole in the ball and pull the trigger ... it will inflate in a hurry without having to insert anything into the hole.

/Steve

[skicrave]

Did you lubricate the needle before putting it in (stay away from the jokes, as tempting as they may be)?

I've never had that problem.

[VinRLX]

A little soap and/or water on the needle. But I've broken them as well.

Jason, if you've never bent the shaft, perhaps you've been waaayyyy too gentle with your equipment???

[skicrave]

I thought about putting a disclaimer in for you specifically, Jack, but then i figured that was unnecessary. I should have known better.

[VinRLX]

Who, me?

[tvano]

yup, i've lubed the needle prior to attempting insertion.

was hoping to carry the spare balls w/o inflating them and use a hand pump prior to floating them.

thanks for the feedback, buoys.