Wheel weight pliers

[gregs]

Trying to figure out the correct tool to remove some wheel weights on my 2010 Suburban. Its got the factory aluminum wheels and the charts I have found call for MC clip on wheel weights. The problem is trying to remove them. The hole that the tip of the conventional pliers fits in is kinda further back and partially covered by the tire making it almost impossible to get on it. Thought about grinding the end to fit but figured there must be a different tool out there. I looked on a couple of different websites and there are a number of different tools with different profiles but they don't specifically show how they fit so its hard to choose. Anybody out there with real world experience? For what its worth it had P weights on them to begin with and thats what it looks like most tire shops use on everything no matter the wheel lip profile.

 

[kniptastic]

Those wheel weight pliers can be very difficult to use. I usually have to concentrate on my grip, separate from the prying motion. I find my grip loosens and the pliers slip. I usually just go straight under the edge/far end with a screw driver and pry if they are fighting me that much though.

Source: Auto Tech of 6yrs

 

[rlitman]

I have no issues with my KD 3358 tool and MC weights. You need to use a little force to get the hook into the sweet spot under the rubber, but it isn't all that hard. It looks like the Gearwrench is the same tool now.

I have the Snap On WWP12, and I like it's cutter for stick on weights, but its hook just doesn't do it for me.

 

[signcrafter]

I have a few different pairs that are all similar looking and some weights you just have to work a little harder for but they will work.

Do you have a tire machine and balancer or why are you removing them? If you do have a machine break the bead may help.

 

[plinker]

https://www.uwtinc.com/tools.php?tool=UWTPLIERS
These are the best wheel weight pliers available, no issues with removing any variety of weight (P,T,MC,FN,ete) to speak of. I've not pinchend myself with them which is the biggest plus. Down side is they arent cheap. Got them From my Matco guy, Amazon probably has them.

 

[rlitman]

https://www.uwtinc.com/tools.php?tool=UWTPLIERS
These are the best wheel weight pliers available, no issues with removing any variety of weight (P,T,MC,FN,ete) to speak of. I've not pinchend myself with them which is the biggest plus. Down side is they arent cheap. Got them From my Matco guy, Amazon probably has them.

Those look nice. $70 on Amazon right now.
The hook looks well designed and aggressive, and I like the idea of the padding on the opposing jaw, that is, if I cared about how my rims look. The handles look a bit short for my taste, but it should work fine.

 

[gregs]

Yes I have my own balancer but not a tire machine yet. I was balancing the wheels and putting on new weights and needed to take one back off. Thats where I ran into the issue. Plus I was thinking ahead when I balance them again.

 

[kbeefy]

I have the gearwrench weight pliers. You just have to force them in there, lowering the pressure may help.

 

[gregs]

I thought about letting the air out. It may be more about the tire than the weight. This particular tire has a square shoulder the sticks out past the edge of the rim flange a good bit. Guessing its some kinda "styling" as this tire has two different sidewall looks (offroad?, street). So you mount them whichever way you want it to look.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't have any experience with the UTI pliers linked above.

However, I've used these Snap on wheel weight pliers for about 20 years and always thought they were perfect aside from their price.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[engineer2]

The Bear Automotive pliers still work very well, but they are not as ergonomic as newer ones.