Damn Small Circumference Tire/Tubes...
02-15-20, 02:25 PM
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Damn Small Circumference Tire/Tubes...
So, I know this is rarely a "bicycle" application, but as I know there are numerous bike shop folks on here ... What tools are you using to reinstall tires on little (8 1/2" most commonly) wheels? I snap levers on these damn things, bleed, and teach the locals new words trying to get the tire beads back on. It looks like Harbor Freight has a Mini-Tire Changer, but not sure that works for these damn things... I freaking hate to see them come through the door. Thanks in advance.
02-15-20, 03:12 PM
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It is nearly an irony that the cheapest and smallest tires can be the hardest to mount. Try a tire bear jack like the Kool Stop version. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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02-15-20, 03:20 PM
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Have used pure muscle in the past. Not sure I could do that today. Exceptionally careful use of screw drivers may be a way out, but must be very, very careful to not puncture the tube.
02-15-20, 05:56 PM
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8-1/2". Wheel barrow, baby carriage....
Motorcycle tire irons are much stouter and still not overly large.
Motorcycle tire irons are much stouter and still not overly large.
02-15-20, 07:53 PM
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I've got one of those tire bead jack thingies but I've never found it to be particularly useful. Am I missing something that should be obvious?
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02-15-20, 10:06 PM
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The hardest tires I've ever installed were the 7" tires on the front wheels of my father's wheelchair. I finally got them on after heating them up in the clothes dryer and using a Kool-Stop bead jack.
02-15-20, 10:27 PM
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No but it's just another tool/option for others. I'm sure you've watched people gravitate to one tool or another, to do the same job. I have found the KS Tire Jack to be helpful to those who can't use a tire lever to mount a tire without pinching the tube. Also those with less hand/wrist strength then usual. I hardly ever need to use it but have worked with some who really like it. It is cool to show a customer how it works. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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02-15-20, 11:23 PM
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When i worked in an auto/farm tire shop, they always gave me the garden and wheelbarrow type tires, as they were difficult, and i was good at it. I simply used large flathead screwdrivers, and a generous amount of soap.
02-16-20, 06:07 AM
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Some tire rim combos are just evil.
By the time I realize the problem, I am too fried to think it through , too.
Some times it is non adherence to standards and mis-measurement, by the mfr
Cheap tires exhibit that more, but there is a lot of user induced fog, too.
Multiple measuring errors on both parties' part abound.
Then you can always watch some bozo slip a tire on bare handed ,
and stare at you like "What's YOUR problem?"
If you need to be consoled by the unhelpful.
By the time I realize the problem, I am too fried to think it through , too.
Some times it is non adherence to standards and mis-measurement, by the mfr
Cheap tires exhibit that more, but there is a lot of user induced fog, too.
Multiple measuring errors on both parties' part abound.
Then you can always watch some bozo slip a tire on bare handed ,
and stare at you like "What's YOUR problem?"
If you need to be consoled by the unhelpful.
