Abstract: A tire tool for inserting a valve stem in a wheel and holding the valve stem in place during the tire inflation operations. The tool includes a body which is threaded onto the valve stem and has an air passage through which air is passed during tire inflation operations. A handle is pivotably attached to the body for movement into engagement with the rim of the wheel to apply leverage on the body for valve stem insertion and holding purposes. The tool further includes a releasable locking device which holds the body in alignment with the handle to facilitate threaded attachment of the body to the valve stem.