Bead Breakers

[marcg]

I'm thinking of mounting my own tires and want to get an inexpensive small bead breaker that won't damage the tires (so that I have the option of remounting them later). I've read some articles that said that the face of the bead breaker that rests against the tire needs to be fairly broad, say 4" or more, to avoid bending the bead wire. Does this sound right? This bead breaker looks good -- http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=2115 -- but it fails the 4" test.

Any other tips on small bead breakers that work on up to a 190 tire will be gratefully accepted. Thanks!

[wsmc831]

forget that one, and tire size doesn't make a difference, only wheel size.

go to harbor freight. I bought a 60 dollar unit in the early 90's after using everything including tire jack under a pickup, so much easier and it's even cheaper now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92961

[marcg]

Thanks for the tip; that definitely looks like it wouldn't bend the rim wire. I'm looking for something that doesn't take up much storage space, though. Does that unit collapse for storage (other than disassembling it)?

Some of the small c-clamp style bead breakers do have a limit on tire size as they're installed over the tire.

[wsmc831]

doesn't collapse.

I did try those C clamp breakers prior to buying this with little to no success. I have plenty of room, but the harbor freight one is pretty easily hung up....

[slydrite]

doesn't collapse.

I have plenty of room, but the harbor freight one is pretty easily hung up....

soooo...you didn't have to bolt that one to the floor? :confused

[wsmc831]

soooo...you didn't have to bolt that one to the floor? :confused

not at all. actually, you can take it apart if you want I believe, I've just never needed too.

[Stormdragon]

Thanks for the tip; that definitely looks like it wouldn't bend the rim wire. I'm looking for something that doesn't take up much storage space, though. Does that unit collapse for storage (other than disassembling it)?

Some of the small c-clamp style bead breakers do have a limit on tire size as they're installed over the tire.

I have a similar model and it works great. As long as you don't mind spending 5 minutes clamping it on, 5 minutes unclamping it, 5 more minutes clamping it in another spot, etc. ( I paid a shop with a machine to do my last two sets :thumbup )

[Moto4Fun]

This unit fold up nicely in the garage!