Valve stems (16) for use in an aerosol metering valve (10) are described herein. The valve stems (16) include structures designed to limit the likelihood and extent to which a gasket (20, 28) can intrude into an opening (42, 34) in the valve stem (16). The valve stems (16) described herein also limit the likelihood and extent of damage to the gasket (20, 28) caused by repeated use of the metering valve (10) .