So I purchased a Valve tool from O'Reilly's to remove my valve stems but the guides I've seen online show a long handled tool which you use to pry the valve stem out. You have to pry it against the wheel which I definitely don't want to do. Am I just supposed to pull as hard as I can to yank the valve stem out?

 

You can remove the valve stem core by turning it out inside the valve stem.

But to remove the valve stem itself, you may have to dismount the tire or use a tire mounting machine to lower the tire enough to access the valve stem. If it's a rubber valve stem, you would have to use side cutting pliers to cut it off and replace it with a new one.

The long handled tool is used to install valve stems, you just pull it up and the rubber valve stem will push through the hole.

 

Don't forget to lube the rubber stem when mounting it. Tire soap or pure silicone based grease is best.

 

i have removed old valve stems on rims that i have bought used with plyers and a flat head without damaging the rim. you just gotta pull it through the hole really hard....lol that sounded dirty.

 

The part on the inside of the wheel is just rubber...just slice that part off with a razor blade and the rest of the valve stem will fall off. It's basically just a rubber grommet.