Posted by Rick Denney on May 10, 2002 at 12:53:27:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Short action posted by Lew on May 09, 2002 at 23:14:40:
That may be part of it. But I really think the reason is that the valve is still pushed straight down.
When you push a piston from an offset point, you don't create any lateral force unless the valve sticks from friction. Of course, that friction ruins the valve action, which is why we oil valves to prevent it. So, for well-oiled valves, an offset button does not produce lateral force on the piston.
What DOES produce lateral force on the piston is pushing the finger button sideways as well as up and down. That will be done most damagingly when the finger is resting on the edge of the button. So, the reason short-action valves with offset buttons don't wear is that they put the buttons under the fingers, so that the fingers don't have to rest on the edges of the buttons. Therefore, you have no lateral pushing of the button, and therefore no unusual wear.
Rick "who will take a properly positioned offset button any day over a stretch that puts the finger in the wrong place" Denney