GBB Mag valve removal tool
 

For removing the valves on GBB Magazines, do most people use the special valve removal tools, or are they using something else?

I have tried large flat-head screw drivers but they are either not long enough to reach both slots, or too large and it doesn't fit into the slots.
Also they seem to damage the head of the valve slightly.

You've seemed to have answered you're own question on if a valve tool is the right tool since a flat head screwdriver does damage.

It's a worth while investment.

As soon as I started using GBBs I saw that a valve tool would be a smart investment.

I agree a proper valve tool is better, but if you have a bucket of different old flat head screwdrivers and a cut off wheel to slot them to fit, the price is right then...

Okie doke.

If the Tool is the best way I'll start looking for the tool.
It appears as if the popular ones are sold out most places. Im also having trouble finding replacement valves for my Tm P226 mags that aren't High Flow.

if you own any gas operated airsoft gun, that piece will literally pay for itself in the first use, I regret cutting away a chunk out of my "snap on" screw driver.

I'll wait for the tri-valve tool to be re-stocked at airsoftparts.ca. Looks like it has everything you could want for mag disassembly.

The SD tri-valve tool is not very durable. It's is cast out of soft metal, the first time I used it on a TM valve, the lips bent. 10 valves later it barely worked anymore. Get a specialized, steel headed tool for the kind of valve your mags have.

I got a tri-valve from either SD or Element (SD I think but still not totally sure)

Changed 5 output valves on WE Stanags, and the "lip" literally sheared off, quite easily I'd say. Won't ever buy that brand again for sure.

That brings me to ask: what brand would be of decent steel construction?

x2. If not the SD tri Valve then what is recommended to buy? (or at the very least, what do I stay away from?)

The other option I see for my TM is this one:

http://www.airsoftparts.ca/store2/in...roducts_id=671

If you cannot get the special tool for it, make your own. Get a flathead that is the same width as the valve, dremel cut off wheel to make the cut, then a grinding bit to round it to clear the plunger and engage the slots.

Make sure to not heat the head of the tool up too much, keep a glass of water nearby and douse it every so often or you will weaken it.

I have about 3-4 custom tools for all the different mag valves I have come across over the years, all made myself, do the job perfectly.

I have a bunch of valve keys in stock.

The Pro-Arms one I have in stock is made of steel.

This one is a clone of the Guarder key. It's constructed well, but the problem with it is that it does not fit fill valves. Release valves only, for the TM valves (and clones), as well as WA mags (which you will rarely find these days.)

Get a Pro-Arms one from Illusion. Like he said they're stronger, and a much better design just for ergonomics and torque than the SD tri-valve ones.