Manual tire changer?

[Makoto]

Looks pretty cost effective to me. anybody ever use one?

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Sn2KQgQvyH4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[scarney1988]

Looks okay for non low profile or run flat applications. Obviously, its not great for a production shop , but looks okay for home enthusiasts.

not so sure about that inner tube application....

 

[signcrafter]

I've used the HF one and it works alright, not as easy as in the video. Also it only works on steel rims, if you do it on alloy rims it will scratch the heck out of them.

 

[Karl_B]

That version doesn't have a bead breaker. Manually changing tires can be ok, but it really depends on the tires you are changing. The lubrication and tire irons are very important for making it go smoothly. Signcrafter is right about the wheels, anything other than steel and you are asking for trouble, and those steel ones are going to at least lose a little paint. There is also no mention of balancing, but if you are doing tires for low speed or off-road vehicles only, that's not as big of a concern.

 

[Coopduc]

If changing alloy wheels you will need something more sophisticated like a no-mar changer. As others have said, lube is the key, along with getting the bead down in the drop center. When done right it's surprisingly easy. Done wrong it's incredibly difficult.

 

[Brians VWss]

I have the H/F unit. Best 40.00 bucks I spent. The key is to keep it lubed and do not force it. I like the bumper mount idea. I am thinking something that mounts to the hitch so the bead breaker still works

 

[RECox286]

For the home mechanic, who works with steel rims, the manual is

cost efficient, space efficient and not all that difficult to use if you

work it properly. If you don't know how to work a manual, then

you will probably get frustrated, and start the bad words. Fortunately

I've never had that problem, and I've been using the HF machine for

nearly 15 years. Great for doing inside tire patches, but I wouldn't

recommend getting one if you are into production tire work. I have

seen one used at a farmers mkt/flea mkt, where used tires were

on sale. That black guy could really make that manual sing ! If you

want to balance, as well as retire, then look at the HF manual balancer.

It will balance as well as any machine, if you are careful and take your

time.

Uncle Bob

 

[nicksnothereman]

Looks pretty cost effective to me. anybody ever use one?

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Sn2KQgQvyH4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Those are for something like 16s. I'm sure they make them for larger wheels but still a p.i.t.a.

Personally, I just rip the old tire off, throw a new valve in there, and take it to wally world. Like 13 bucks a tire mounted and balanced. I buy my tires from goofy sources because I'm cheap. It's not hard getting the old tire off but getting one on (especially a low profile tire) is a complete and utter clusterfubar without a machine.

 

[ndoran]

I remember watching them change tires like this in garages when I was a kid in the early sixties. I guess it was before the modern tire changers were available or most likely affordable.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I learned to change tire on a manual tire changer (admittedly it did have a pneumatic powered bead breaker). I have never used their Tyrepliers Bead Breaker but similar ones have been around for years.

• The machine MUST be securely bolted down. I have seen it bolted to a pallet or even a 1/2 sheet of 3/4" plywood. Those work okay. but not as good as bolted down to something really solid.
• You absolutely MUST use tire lubricant.
• You also need to understand how to take advantage of the mechanical leverage that you have and how to properly position the loose tire for removal/installation.

If you follow those 3 items, it really is as easy as the video shows !

If you are going to be working on anything besides a steel rim, spend the money and buy a No-Mar Mount/Demount Bar. It will cost more than the tire changer, but it comes with replaceable, lifetime warranty, non marring tips (3 extra demount tips included)

I don't know about where you live, but my son just paid $100 to have 4 tire swapped and balanced.

 

[MG44]

I have a HF Tire Changer with the NO-MAR bar I used for a while before I bought a Coats tire changer. It is a decent setup, doesn't scratch alloy wheels and is quite easy if you have good technique. The bead breaker is the bad part and may scratch the wheel when busting the bead face down due to the way it holds the tire. I use a folded up fender cover to protect the wheel when I was using it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

No-Mar make a complete manual tire machine. The Classic is their base model. One of the nice things is you can order it with a mount that plugs into a standard 2" hitch socket.