This is the first time I see a tire mounted with starter spray! My friend has a tire mounting shop, here somewhere in eastern Europe, and dismounting-mounting with wheel balancing is roughly 1 euro per tire (we are not in euro zone) so nobody is doing it at home here. Very nice video. Also, he has re-purposed a 30 liter tank for a blow mounting of a tire, he put a 2 inch ball valve at the middle, a piece of pipe and piece of some flexible material at the end.
There's plenty of vids on youtube showing the starting fluid method. The air blast tank is way safer!! LOL. I may be building one of those too. Thanks!
I've been watching alot of videos on how guys use that thing and modify them. This is the first video that explained the bead breaker hole setting for better leverage and angle. You really made it look easy. I just got one from HF and can't wait to put it to use for the first time soon. Thanks for posting this, 9 years later and it still is helping others out like me, much appreciated.
You're more than welcome. :) Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words. You just have to do a few times and you'll get the hang of it. Check the description box for a couple other links with info on the anchors and such. -Mike
Yes I have this tire machine from Harbor Freight and I did fabricate a duckbill attachment.. because most of my wheels are aluminum and I didn't want to scratch them.. And yes I did bolt mine to the concrete floor which definitely makes this so much easier, you're not fighting with the tire machine moving all over the place.. and I did rebuild the tire bead breaker.. because the original one will definitely Bend ...
I watched this and it gave me all the clues I needed after trying for 2 hours. I appreciate it! Thanks. (I did not bolt mine to the floor, but onto a 2x4 which I wedged between a couple of workbenches. Wobbly but let me get all the turning force it needed. I don't want bolt holes in my garage floor.)
Sounds like a creative fix. Some guys bolt them to sheets of plywood or even pallets. The anchors in the floor are definitely worth it. If you know someone with a 3D printer, you could print some plugs to go in the anchors when not in use. But....I doubt you'll be using the machine all that often, so your method will do the trick nicely. :) I'm happy to hear the video helped. -Mike
A few months ago I put my first tire on with a power tire changer by the instructions of a former mechanic, he showed me first and then he told me to try it myself. Tire went on easily, and making the beads seat took like 5 seconds, later turned out that we also didn’t even need wheel weights to balance the wheel, since it was already perfectly balanced!🤣 that day I had a whole lot of fun at my job and my colleague was glad I did!👍🏼
@@UggaDuggaProductions Sorry I don't. I've always paid to have the tires balanced. Back then, it was a lot cheaper to have done. If I was still doing this, I'm sure I'd be balancing my own. lol
@@bluehandsvideo alright, no harm done. Over here putting 4 new tires on, so only mounting and balancing costs €100 which equals +/-$120, so about €25 or $30 per tire
@@UggaDuggaProductions No clue what it is over hear these days. I've heard good things about the bubble balancers, but you might look up info about putting beads inside the tire. They dynamically balance out the tire when it start turning.
I was telling my dad about this harbor freight tire removal tool and he said when he was a younger this type of thing is all there was to change tires. There was no actual machines like we have now. I was a tire buster at Sears in ‘88 and we had machines. That was actually a fun job for a 18 year old kid. I learned quite a bit from it.
Yep.....they had some nice heavy duty....but manual...tire changers back then. When I was a kid, I changed a few in the dirt driveway without a changer. My dad showed me how to use a bumper jack to break the bead and tire irons to change the tire. Around '83, I was in the AF and the base hobby shop had a machine. I changed quite a few tires on that machine. I really enjoyed doing it! This tire changer is in the middle of those two. lol I changed a lot more tires on this one than I ever did on the other two combined. I think I would have enjoyed that job at Sears. :) -Mike
Very good video. Probably the best Harbor Freight Tire video I've seen. Most of people with their Harbor Freight Tire equipment don't bolt It to the Ground. they try to bolt it to a piece of plywood or some wood and the thing kicks their ass all over the damn garage.
I bought this tire changer just a few weeks ago to be able to change out the junk tires on the front of my car... I decided to look on here for videos to watch to kinda get the idea before I used it... I found that your video was the most detailed of them all. I also like that you go step by step on the first tire and then real time on the second. I've done many tires manually with big screwdrivers, tire irons, etc. Makes me wish would have had one of these a few years ago. I have a couple of blown discs and arthritis starting in my back and I like how this machine gets the tire up off the ground to a level where it doesn't hurt my back to work on it. Thanks for the vid!!
You're more than welcome! I'm really glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to comment!!. :) I used the bumper jack and screwdrive/tire irons as a kid.....I'd probably blow a disc if I had to do it that way again. lol
lol....Thanks. :) I still try my best to respond to all of the comments. The channel has grown rather slowly, so it still isn't so big or busy that I can't keep up. :) Plus....I've actually made thousands of dollars from this video over the years, so the least I can do is respond to people that take the time to comment. Thank you!!
Thanks!! Bolting it down to the concrete is what makes it so usable. Welding it comes in a close second. If you expand the description box, you'll find links to more info about the anchors I used. Good luck with yours. I hope it performs as well as mine has. :) Mike
+redwhitentrue You're right!!! Considering the size of the shop and the fact that I could unbolt it and store it in the shed, it was as close to "ultimate" as I could justify. :) And now that I don't use it, it's still perfect. lol I've got a cnc mill sitting over the anchors now. :) Thanks! Mike
Good on you for taking the time to provide detailed steps and advice from the perspective of someone being new to mounting & dismounting tires.. Most people aren't willing to spend that much time to educate folks on how to do something. Two big thumbs up to you!
best way to not scratch or damage the rim edge is simply to turn the rim upside down with the face pointing downwards. Just cut a hole in a rubber mat and place it on the top surface of the harbor freight tire changer. When working on the backside it doesn't matter if you get some minor scratches
Thanks! You are the first Harbor Freight manual tire changer video I came across that actually bolted down the machine "Firmly" to the floor. Nice video and great explanation of how it works!
I could not get past the last 10 inches as it was far too tight (Michelin low profile tight tires). But I found that I could lift up the handle at that point and it pushed the rest down. I'm talking about the outside face of the tire - the last step. Hope this helps someone.
Flipping the bar like that to get the last of it on is pretty common on tight tires....I know I've done it quite a bit.....but thanks for pointing it out in case others don't figure it out.
I am glad we have these people willing to share their expertise. The service industry will never lack for work, so anything we can do to keep our money is a good thing. Thanks
Thank you very much!! I originally learned how to change tires with the old, powered tire changer that works just like these manual ones. Understanding that machine made using this one simple, just way more physical. lol :)
I forgot how to use this thing!!! thanks man for the refresher! great job and I found me a ring to use so I don't damage my rim ,, I need some of that tire lube that helps a lot! Im going to bolt my tire changer to the floor just like yours and weld the lower section. I broke the pin that goes through the bold hole in the rim to stop it from moving and i used my 90 amp welder from HF to weld it back together, the welder did a great job of fixing it, All round this video is a great help to many People ! Thanks
Explosive finish! When the tire pops it is so fast that I wondered at first if it was a special effect with the video editing software. I love making DIY videos and I take my hat off to your entire production. You narrate and explain really well and keep things interesting. You showed the 'failed' flaming attempt at seating the bead and why...I can see you have a lot of cool equipment in your shop and I like that you threw in the air jets that the tire shop has to seat the beads.
I about peed myself on the first attempt with the starting fluid! lol Thanks for all the kind words. :) This is by far my most watched vid. There are times I think that I should try to do more of these type, but I just don't work on car stuff that much any more. Plus, I've got even more equipment in the shop now. I still do car related stuff, but it's designing/building parts for cars...more specifically, old Datsun trucks. I still don't have a problem showing my "fails".....I think there's almost more to be learned from some of them than a perfect run through. Plus...I don't rehearse anything before hand, so I end up videoing the good and bad.....why waste it. :) Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!!!!! I really appreciate it! Mike
I have fond memories of the Datsun cars and trucks from the 70's. Everything is so big and bloated these days. Also, I like the tub of tire dressing - I have seen that at the tire shops and could see the value right away.
They're great little cars and trucks! They're bringing the Datsun name back. Already have models overseas....no clue when they'll come to the states. If you scan the comment to this vid, there's a lot of other suggestions for lubricating the bead of the tire. If you don't do it very often, some of them may fit the bill better than buying a gallon of this stuff. :) I don't typically use it when removing a tire, but it does help a lot with removal! :)
We had a 76 B210 fastback.....LOVED it!! We never got that kind of mileage with it. I think 36 was the best for me. Might have hit 40 if my wife had been driving. :) We thought about getting another, but they're too low to the ground and too small these days.......and by that I mean we're too old and fat for them to be comfortable!! lol :)
LOL....maybe back then. I've still got the weight to put behind it, but my strength seems about half of what it used to be. I actually just gave this tire changer away to a buddy a few days ago.
I bought this machine after watching video's like this on TH-cam but, all I can say is that you must be operating under different laws of physics as this does not work for me. I can get the tyre off but there is no way it is going back on no matter how I try.
Double check that the tire going back on is the correct size. There's no way you'll get a 13" tire onto a 14" rim. Also, make sure that the bead of the tire going on is in the valley of the time. If it's up on the lip where the bead will sit after it's on, it will never stretch over the outside edge of the rims. I show this right at the 12:14 min mark.
Thanks, I very much appreciate you taking the time to reply. I can't for the life of me see what is wrong, the tyre and rim are both 14 inch and I am putting the same tyre back on the same rim it came off so definitely not different sizes. I cant even get the first bead to go back on while I see you got the first bead on by hand. The bead seems to be in the valley, I can see from underneath that it's in there but it gets three quarters of the way on and then gets so tight it will not go any further. I'm in Australia, you can probably tell by my calling a tire a "tyre" but I'm certain the laws of physics are the same here, even though everything is upside down and we drive on the other side of the road. Surely our tyres and rims are the same here as in the States? I just can't see what I'm missing. Oh BTW, we definitely don't use ruglide when getting romantic with our kangaroos. That's probably something you should take up with the New Zealanders and their sheep. (joking, of course) Lol
You're more than welcome. Roo-glide!! That's funny!!!! Hmmm.....only 3/4's of the way on the first side. That's especially strange since it's the same tire that came off.......so it has to be in the technique. Oh....which way do you have the rim? if you notice, the valley is typically off center. of the valley is closer to the bottom of the rim as you're trying to mount it, they that's the problem. The tires can really only go on the rim one way. The tire can be flipped....it's symetrical.....but the valley needs to be near the top of the rim when you put it on. Maybe you have a weird rim and it's reversed? If you've got any pictures you'd like to send me, you can contact me on the contact page of my site..... www.bluehandsfab.com ....at the bottom of the page is a link to upload pics/files if you'd like. If you have a vid and upload it, put a link in your reply and I'll take a look at it. I'm really kind of thinking that the valley is in the wrong position...it's the only thing that I can think of. Mike
@@bluehandsvideo Hi Mike. There must be a difference between US tires and the Australian tyres I think. I have checked all of your suggestions and still can not get this tyre to fit back on. After a huge wrestling match I did get the first bead on but was not able to manage this without damaging the tyre bead. It did prove to me that the tyre is definitely a 14 inch as is the rim otherwise, as you said, it would be impossible to get it on at all. The second bead is even tighter and there is no chance at all of it going on. The valley of the rim is closer to the outer face side of the wheel so a normal type of rim. I may try to get some video of my efforts but, for now I need to attend to my injuries and get my breath back after my last round with this malicious beast. Unfortunately, I am far too old and fragile now to consider this an easy DIY option. It seems I may have to relegate this new contraption to the scrap metal pile. I tell yer what though. I thought trying to have sex with a kangaroo was rough and dangerous but, after this darned thing I'm not so sure.
Hi Paul, Sorry to hear you damaged the bead. Did you have this much trouble getting the tire off the rim? It will be interesting to see a video if you do one. Maybe leave the kangaroos for the young guys......Koala's are much cuter anyway. :)
very good. the only demo of this tool I have seen on u-tube where you have the tyre changer clamped down properly. great teaching. thank you. Just bought one! Graham
I was thinking of returning the tire changer until we viewed your video. Thanks very much for showing the complete install, including your idea of bolting to the floor, I really did not want a pallet hanging around. So its a keeper and we are off to HD for bolts and then changing 4 tires / rims on our Honda CRV.
this video was much better than some of them that I've looked at it's a little lengthy but it's more thorough and it actually shows how to use all the tools that come with the manual tire changer an extra information that's very helpful a way to mount it to the floor to keep it in place the manuel Tire change it is inexpensive and really great when you don't have much money to pay somebody what's the tires on the rims for you and it's good to have a video to show you how to use it properly and safely. I got mine really cheap at Tractor Supply. Cheaper than eBay or Amazon and I picked it up the same day. Don't buy this at Harbor Freight in Pennsylvania they only have the one for motorcycle.
Wow! Thank you so much for taking to time to post such a wonderful comment!! I really do appreciate it!! You wouldn't believe how many "fat" comments I've gotten over the years from this video. LOL Did you open up the "show more" on the description box? Kinda sounds like you did. There's more specific info there about the anchors and other tools. It's definitely a bit on the long side, but some of that is the "fun" stuff at the end. lol Thanks again!!!!! Mike
@@bluehandsvideo obviously the people watching were not trying to learn how to use the machine properly or get tips if they had time to make jokes about your weight. I would like to have more information on how to put a brand new tire on the rim. I don't have the power to push the first part of the tire down on the rim. I'm a little on the light side, and short too. Lol
@@cheryljago2459 Yep....trolls will be trolls. lol It was pretty obvious that they weren't there for anything relating to tire changing. Hmmm.....I guess I don't really show that in the vid. New tires are a bit tighter than the used ones. Are you using lube? Liquid dish soap should work and will help a lot! If you start the vid at the 11:00 minute mark, you do the same thing with the first bead, it's just a bit harder since the bulk of the tire is in the way. Once you get the tire bead in the V of the bar, hold the first bead below the rim and move the tool around the rim in a clockwise direction....same as shown for the second bead. You'll want to hold the tire bead under the rim. As it starts to go on, the tire will hold itself in position, but it will want to rotate with the tool when you start. It's rather hard to explain and I don't have the changer anymore.....otherwise, I'd consider doing a short vid for you. His setup is different, but he uses a clamp/holder to help start the tire. th-cam.com/video/z10aytYSr3c/w-d-xo.html It's on the second half of the tire, but it will give you an idea how it works. You might be able to use vise grips or a C clamp.
Good video on changing tires. A word of warning. The harbor freight tire changer will rip up your beads even when well lubed with Ru glyd. New tires not so bad but tires with some miles the bead will be damaged. Listen to the ripping sound at 7:18-7:35. Before you air up the tire make sure to loosen the center hold down or it will be difficult to remove.
+scyth625 Thanks. I've only gotten damage on tires that had dry, crusty beads already. The sound was just dry rubber squeaking on the dry rim. You can see the bead at 7:54 and it's not ripped.....but I have had them rip. Since the tire hangs by the rim in free space, air it up doesn't cause any issues......but it does on the old style automatic tire changers....did that a bunch of times before I finally learned! lol :)
+bluehandsvideo Thanks for the reply and taking the time to make the video. I have been unhappy with the HF tire machine but use it to break the beads when needed.
+scyth625 I'm sorry to hear that you don't like it. Have you seen the bar by No-Mar? They have a delrin end on them to stop the marring on nice rims, but I think it might help with the beads tearing on you.
Always avoided switching summer>winter tread because I didn't want to pay the install fee every year. Now that I know they make these I'm gonna look into a second set. Good video~thanks
Thanks! I'm in an area where we don't get much snow, so I have a second set of rims with my snow tires mounted on. I can switch out quick and easy when I need to. If you put your winter tires on and leave them on for the season, this will pay for itself the first use. Google "tire balancing beads". A lot of guys use Airsoft pellets.
You have one of the best videos on th HF tire changer Thanks for adding the extra video at the end It is funny how the exploding fuel can seat the tire But also cool and make a vacuum to unpop the bead It reminds me of the suck an egg into a milk bottle trick
not2fast4u2c Thanks!!! Yep....that starting fluid trick at the end is quite the trick. I was so intrigued with it when I watched it in other youtube vids, I just had to try it. I had to throw away those shorts, but it was worth it. :)
When I worked at a Gulf gas station in the 70's, we had an adjustable inflatable hose we wrapped around the tire, then inflated it and it expanded to get the tire to seat on the rim. It was made for that purpose and worked well. Enjoyed the video. Now I want one.
I remember those!!! I don't think I've seen one since the 80's. I doubt they'd work on the extremely stretched tires like the air blast tanks, but for normal tires....they seemed pretty good. I've always wondered if one fit all diameters of rims. Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
bluehandsvideo They do fit all diameters of rims. It has double D rings on one end and the other end is the belt. The trick is to tighten the deflated belt in the center of the tread as much as you can before airing it up. As you inflate the belt it forces the beads to tighten against the rim. They can be dangerous if not used properly. Many guys have been injured by them exploding from over-inflation. The key is to start with the belt extremely tight before inflating so it can do its job. Starting with a loose or excess slack belt may not tighten against the tire enough and this is where guys get in trouble over-inflating the belt until it explodes.
liv2drive1 Ah...thanks for the explanation! I had originally thought it was an inflatable o-ring that fit between the bead and the rim......they'd hold enough of the air in and get pushed out as the tire inflated. I can imagine the ones you were using could cause some pretty good pain if not used right! I think I'd be getting an air canon/tank if I had more tires to do. Thanks again!!!!
+s jordan Thanks! Having it anchored down and also having some weight to put behind the bar makes it a lot easier. :) That's an older video.....even more equipment in there now! lol .....master of none! :)
Great start by showing the female anchor threads. I never used those and I wanted to mount this on the driveway but I didn't want bolts sticking up. Now I know to do what you did, thanks!
If you pull down the "show more" for the description, I have a link to a vid that shows the anchors specifically. Thanks!! I use the same anchors with eye bolts in the driveway to hold my carports down. :)
I was thinking about one of these HF tire machines after fighting tires!!!! you sold me on this thing next time I am there one is coming home with me!!!! thanks for the vid!
+MegaBearslayer Awesome! The trick is to get it anchored down really well. Click the "show more" to see links about the anchors. It paid for itself the first time I swapped 4 tires/rims around :)
I'd advise using special care, or just going to a shop for alloy wheels. I learned the wrong way. Screwed up the edges from getting the tire off, and even the middle area of the spokes when deflating the tire.
roberij05 Absolutely! I bought this, mainly for rims/tires on parts and project cars. I've done some aluminum rims that were scrap.....not pretty! Thanks!
A great example of helping yourself. I have one of these HF tire changers. I don't know where to install it because It takes Garage Space. I am thinking to put in in concrete outside and cover it from rain. Great Video. Thank you
+sahmadi1000 Thank you! You're more than welcome! I store mine in the shed. I only bring it in when I need it. That's why I used the type of anchor I did....so that when I don't need it, I don't have any studs sticking up from the floor. I have links in the description box to other vids showing the anchors. Thanks!! Mike
Now I have a question that maybe you can help me with:) I bought the changer and with your instructions it works like a champ! The question is; do you know if the HF balancer will work with a dulley wheel, I have searched google and TH-cam , I even went back to HF and they didn't know ..the questionable hitch that I am concerned about is the weight of the dulley wheel. I don't know if it will bottom out and possibly damage the balancer . Thanks for any input. Sincerely Phillip Hall
phillip hall I was just looking at the manual online. I don't see a weight limit listed anywhere, but the cone will only handle up to a 4" center hols. If the dually rim has a larger hole than that, I'd say no, it won't work. I'd be careful placing the wheel on the balancer if it's really heavy. Hmmm.....get the lifetime warranty with it.....just in case :)
:) good advice, even if its not useable in this application at least I can still use it for my regular car and truck tires. It's a rewarding feeling to be able to handle the tire situation myself at home , especially with online tire shopping wirh the tires delivered right to our door. Thanks again for your easy to understand video and you input about the balancer. God Bless You and your family . Sincerely , Phillip Hall
He a tire changer similar to yours at Tractor Supply for $35 (managers special sale) about five years ago. Love it. Only issue I had was the bead breaker. The two flat posts bent... I welded some 1/2" angle iron to them and have not had a problem since. I put a couple of pumps of Slime in the tires in case. Seems to really reduce issues with nails and such.
Thanks for the video, I used the HF Tire Changer to break the bead on the tire so I could replace my TMPS sensors in all 4 tires. I didn't even have to remove the tire from the rim. Thanks again for the "How To". Also, I used the drop in anchors you mentioned to secure the tire changer.
Dobie Gillis Awesome!!! I'm happy to hear that! You're more than welcome! Since my garage is full of equipment now, I think I'm going to put some anchors in the driveway so I can mount it out there when I need to. :) Thanks! Mike
I just bought one to take 2 snows off their rims and put 2 new ones on. I have to tell you, I had a way harder time putting the new ones on than you did in this video. I thought I was going to ruin the bead. The one advantage I did have was by the time they were on, I didn't have to do anything to help them take air. They were already tight enough to the rim :-)
I've done some truck tires with stiff sidewalls that were a ton more work. These were nice used 14" passenger tires. New tires are definitely stiffer and typically require more lube.....the new flashing on the inner edge can get caught and tear if you do it dry. I'd almost rather fight with getting it on then having to fight with getting the bead to seal up enough to start filling up. If you can still do 105 pushups, I doubt strength was an issue......but I'm sure I have a lot more weight to put behind the bar!! LOL Thanks!
People, The tire bar that keeps slipping off when your trying to get the bead to seat on top, your bottom of the tire is where you want to keep upward force....Forget the topside!! AS I sit here pissed and about to loose a nail, this is the number 1 thing to remember. KEEP THE BOTTOMSIDE OF THE TIRE UP AND OVER THE CURVE.
Thank you for doing such a nice job explaining how to mount/dismount tires using this changer. I had a heck of a time mounting snow tires and discovered why at 12:08 of your video. Very explanatory.
I've found that using simple White GOOP hand cleaner is an excellent rubber lubricant for beads on tires.Try it sometime.Washes off & no residue.I'm buying 1 of these Tire Changers.I didn't even know that HF sold em.Excellent Video!!!
Thanks for the video. I will be getting one of these for my shop and mounting it exactly the way you did, I love how it can be moved away so easily when not needed. Excellent video!
***** You're more than welcome! Glad to hear it! Did you see the other video about the anchors I used? I've heard from a couple of guys that have poured a small concrete slab outside of their shop to anchor theirs down. We get too much rain to consider that option. Thanks!!!
Thanks for the video. I have a Harbor Freight unit and have swapped a half dozen ATV tires. Perhaps the wheel's bead is more pronounced for off road applications so as to stop the tire bead from unseating. But even with pre-lubing the tire/rim, I found breaking the bead to be more difficult than what you've shown. You have it mastered. P.S. the portion at the middle of the rim with the smallest diameter, which serves as an aid in installing and removing tires is called the 'Drop Center'.
@@bluehandsvideo Harbor's tool has a great price. But I have two complaints about it. 1) The little triangular steel bump on the frame, shown to the left of the screen at 1:17 tends to scratch steel rims and gaul aluminum ones. I place fabric over this, which quickly gets chewed through but protects the rim. 2) My biggest complaint is exactly what you mentioned at 4:18. Even with the rim shoe set at the highest leverage, the angle was often not sufficient to stop the shoe from falling to the center of the sidewall. I resorted to various 'grunt' means to force the shoe to stay in position. Again, I suspect that the rims used in off road applications may have a slightly different geometry, making more difficult to unseat the tire.
@@gregparrott I did the same.....folded shop rag over the angled piece. Yep....I never liked the angle...or the weakness of the bars. If I used it all the time, I would have done some mods to it. I hadn't used it for at least 5 years??....so I gave it to a buddy a couple of months ago. :) I don't have any clue about the off road stuff.....you may very well be right about them.
I found this video to be very helpful. I want to buy one of these things now. I work in a tire/lube shop and we have expensive machines that do this type of job like nothing. I don't need these expensive machines at home though. I'll just be working on my tires and my family's tires LOL. This can be very handy when doing flat repairs yourself or putting on new tires. It comes out to be cheaper if you do the work yourself. :)
If your having trouble with the weight on the rim get a piece of chalk or tape and put it on the tire to mark where the weight was and where the valve stem was then take the weight off and when you put the tire back on the rim line up the line on the tire with the valve stem and then put the weight back where the other line is just a little tip
You're more than welcome. Floor mounting it is definitely the way to go. If you expand the description box, there's links to other info, including the anchors I used. Thanks for watching and commenting! :) -Mike
best way to not scratch or damage the rim edge is simply to turn the rim upside down with the face pointing downwards. Just cut a hole in a rubber mat and place it on the top surface of the harbor freight tire changer. When working on the backside it doesn't matter if you get some minor scratches
Great Video. I'm pretty sure I'm going to purchase this tire changer now. Hell 3 tires and it's paid for. Also no worries bout the slip-ups on words, if viewers can't catch them they probably shouldn't be changing their own tires. Also very much thanks on showing the starting fluid trick, My wife has forbade it till now. Owe ya!
Wanted to thank you for this video ..... wasn’t stretching the tire properly and damaged a bead , couldn’t for the life of me figure it out until I watched your video , thank you sooo much !!!!! Make sure you check out some of videos as well and keep sharing the knowledge 😀
Thanks! I'm happy to hear that. :) I was a bit rusty...hadn't done one in some time when I made this vid. I figured I shoot the vid since I was pretty sure it was my last time doing it......and it was. I gave that changer away a few years ago. -Mike
Well I've got a new hero. Thanks for this and showing one and all that big guys can do just as much as skinny guys when they put their mind to it. Nice shop, too!
+Ron Moore You're more than welcome Ron. Yep....without putting them in the middle part, it's extremely hard....maybe impossible?....to get the tires on. I'm glad the vid helped!! Thanks, Mike
Really thinking about buying this! I have to buy new tires for my car this spring, and will be swapping 8 tires / wheels for my Jeep in the spring. Way easier than doing it by hand!
LOL! I know what you mean! As a teenager, I did it manually in a dirt driveway. I used a bumper jack and weight of my dad's full size truck to break the beads, then used tire iron/lug wrenches straight out of the trunk to swap the rubber. I'd be in the hospital if I tried to do 4 tires like that today!! :)
When I originally learned how to use a tire machine, I was never shown to use the lube when removing the tire. So, I don't think to do it when I use this machine. But.....it's a great idea and it's been pointed out several times by other viewers. If I ever change any tires again, I'll have to keep it in mind. Thanks!!
You're more than welcome. I think I would have hated it if it weren't for welding it together and anchoring it to the floor. It's light enough I can easily carry it out to the shed to store it. It paid for itself the first day I used it. Have fun!
I have this tire changer , with alloys care is needed , the top clamp will leave marks , the bar will also leave marks if you are not careful , I place pieces of rubber under the claw that holds the rim down..care is also needed with the beading edges. thanks for the video.
bill blyth You are absolutely right!! It's been brought up a couple of times in the comments, but it's always good to have a fresh one posted. That bar can really chew up the edge of an alloy rim! Heck...the bead breaker will do enough damage without protection. Rubber pads are a great idea! The pads could probably be cut out of the sidewalls of some scrap tires. :) You're more than welcome and thank you for your input!! I appreciate you taking the time to comment! Mike
Max pressure is the max that tire should go to. Always go by the tire placard on the inside of your door jam. Running a tire at 44 psi on a car that only calls for 32 psi will prematurely wear out the center tread of the tire. Over all nice tutorial!
Great video!! I just bought the Harbor Freight tire changer for my 4 wheelers and wanted to know the best way it works. Thanks for explaining it in great detail.
Wow I bought one of these tire changers just like this one off craigslist... I got a good deal I think... I got it for $150.00 The guy said it cost $250 new... It looks new to me...I'm glad I found this video now I know better how to use it... I got it to fix my lawn tractor tire... Thanks For posting this great video...
Yes, lube is the ticket! I only used dish soap since I didn't have anything else. I wonder if the Ru-glyde would have been better (probably). In any case your clear explanation of how to get the second bead on was huge! I might have given up withou it :-) Thanks bunches... After I was done I felt like I did 105 pushups. LOL!
According to a bunch of comments on this vid, dish soap is just fine. The Ru-glyde feels just like dish soap anyway. I'm glad I explained it clear enough :) The 105 pushups was a reference to one of your vids :)
Regards the insulation tape, I use a wide 2" roll and clearly apply quite a few turns to beef it up. You're right of course! It's necessary to add more to it as the oayers get wrecked
This works well on steel and chrome/plated wheels. It does NOT work on painted Aluminum as the bar digs into the aluminum and does not peel well. It also damages the rim face.
great little tool to have I have saved tons of money with mine the only issue ive had is the bar it comes with twisted in half so I had to use a piece of galvanized pipe in its place but ive mounted up to 38 inch tires and it works awesome
My bar started to bend and I thought I'd have to do the same thing, but I've gotten lucky so far. I hardly use it anymore. Did you happen to lengthen the pipe for more leverage while you were at it?
Thanks for sharing this video I was looking at the harbor freight tire changer myself and wanted to know how well it worked. I did not want to permanently mount this, but with the anchors in the floor I looks like I could make some " long handle T Bolts " to mount this with, I will also consider welding too.
You're welcome! T bolts is a great idea! The impact gun worked well for me, but if you don't have one, the T bolts would be awesome! If you open the description box by clicking the "show more", I have links in there to more info for the anchors I used. Thanks!
+Stephen Webb Thanks! There's a lot more vids of that method on youtube....especially with stretched tires and 4x4's. The air cannons are way safer!! :)
You are a tire changing machine… I’m going to watch this a few more times a week… for a long time… I’ve never seen or had it go so easy mounting a wheel back on…
lol....Thanks! I learned the principles on an old automatic machine at the base hobby shop. I changed a ton of tires on this manual machine. I gave it to a friend a couple of years ago. :)
Very nice tutorial! Now, I know how I can make my own tire changer for those delicate plated vintage Kawasaki rims - and how to use it! Scary business, that starting fluid but You came out safe & sound to make more interesting videos in the future! Thanks..:)
Thanks! You're welcome. :) I learned how to use the old automatic ones at the base auto hobby shop when I was 19. I got really good at it. And yes, I had done quite a few on this changer prior to this vid. I this this vid was actually the last time I ever used it. I don't have any way....or need....to use it now, so I gave it all to a friend that will. Anchoring it to the floor is by far the best upgrade to it. After that, if you can weld it together, that helps a lot too. Good luck and have fun with it. I have some other links in the description box for other arms, anchors and dimensions of the tool holder if you can or want to build your own. The tool rack doesn't come with it and I've never seen another one available anywhere. -Mike
@@ricksspringfield45 You're more than welcome. :) Easy use? LOL I've got a lot of weight to put behind the bar and they were nice soft tires. A skinny friend came over once to do some 50 series 15" tires......he could not manage to pull or push the bar around. We got a pretty good laugh over it. :)
@@bluehandsvideo In saying that I meant the way you have the tools handy, within reach. lol At 6'1 250 I can put my weight in to it but my son's at a buck fifty may have some issues.🥴 We have been doing this with crowbar for years... anything's gotta be better than that! 😉👍
@@ricksspringfield45 :) That tool caddy was definitely worth buying. They only offered it for a short time. It's funny....the chinese copied it right down to the "COATS" name on the lube bottle. LOL HF still sells tire irons that would probably be easier to use than crowbars. I grew up doing this manually on the ground with a bumper jack to break the bead and crowbars for tire irons.......so I can relate. :)
God did job looks effortless I have that machine but not in controlled environment gave lots of good tips. I use to do it all by hand on the ground the way my dad taught me to change them now I got Harbor Freight to hep me. Thanks for recording
You're welcome :) I've seen these mounted on 2" square tubing so that they can be hooked to a receiver hitch. Here's one option if the link works. www.mytractorforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=896137&d=1405853257
Thanks! I'm glad it helped. Google No-Mar......they make a bar for the manual tire changer that won't mar the rim. It looks like something you could make fairly easily too. This HF setup will definitely scar nice aluminum rims.
To seat the bead, just press the the air hose female fitting onto the valve, with valve core removed, Works almost every time.. Thanks for the video...
I used to fill tires up like that all the time. I'd have to try it again, but I don't think these universal connectors will do it. I know I tried it before and it didn't work, but I can't be sure which connector I had on the hose at the time. I'll have to check again. Thanks!!
Super great vid man. Thank you. I had already mounted mine like you but welding hadn't occurred to me. I'll do that for sure. One thing I noticed is your setup came with holders for the bars and such. Mine did not.. and only one bar. I'm wondering if my kit was missing it or if they just stopped providing all the stuff. Annoying not having a place for the bar.
weeral1 The tool holder setup was a separate purchase and it's no longer available via HF. I don't recall the second bar off hand....if it's silver, it's a tire iron from HF.If you look in the description box for this vid, I put a link there to a vid I did that has all the measurements of the changer and the tool holder. You can probably make one quite easily. :)Thanks!!
Thanks. :) My use of it was pretty sporadic, but it's one of those tools that's great to have waiting in the wings. Since I can easily remove the anchors, I keep mine stored in the shed, out of the way. :)
Great Video. I wish Harbor freight stuff cost 20% more and was built twice as good. I enjoyed the written script corrections. Probably leather conditioner would work too, well maybe not when lubing up the rear!
kuladeeluxe From the time I started buying from HF.....about 10 years ago?.....that's exactly what they've done. The prices have gone up some, but the quality of certain things....especially electric tools.....has gotten way better!!! Certainly still room for improvement!! The most common input on lube from commenters is dish soap. Is the leather conditioner a rubber cleaner too? I have no clue about leather conditioner. Thanks!!!
I just got one a couple days ago from HF. On sale & with a coupon it was only $35.99! At that price it'll pay for itself quickly considering what tire shops charge. Next will be a "bubble" balancer to go along with it.
Cool! If you like the tool holder, I posted another vid with the dimensions. I put a link in the description box above....just click the show more. I wish there was a cheap way to dynamically balance tires. I'm not a big fan of bubble balancers......especially on wider tires/rims. Have fun!!!!
This is the first time I see a tire mounted with starter spray! My friend has a tire mounting shop, here somewhere in eastern Europe, and dismounting-mounting with wheel balancing is roughly 1 euro per tire (we are not in euro zone) so nobody is doing it at home here. Very nice video. Also, he has re-purposed a 30 liter tank for a blow mounting of a tire, he put a 2 inch ball valve at the middle, a piece of pipe and piece of some flexible material at the end.
There's plenty of vids on youtube showing the starting fluid method. The air blast tank is way safer!! LOL. I may be building one of those too.
Thanks!
I've been watching alot of videos on how guys use that thing and modify them. This is the first video that explained the bead breaker hole setting for better leverage and angle. You really made it look easy. I just got one from HF and can't wait to put it to use for the first time soon. Thanks for posting this, 9 years later and it still is helping others out like me, much appreciated.
You're more than welcome. :) Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words. You just have to do a few times and you'll get the hang of it. Check the description box for a couple other links with info on the anchors and such. -Mike
Yes I have this tire machine from Harbor Freight and I did fabricate a duckbill attachment.. because most of my wheels are aluminum and I didn't want to scratch them..
And yes I did bolt mine to the concrete floor which definitely makes this so much easier, you're not fighting with the tire machine moving all over the place.. and I did rebuild the tire bead breaker.. because the original one will definitely Bend ...
@@garyindiana8037 That all sounds great. I checked your channel hoping to find a video.... :( Please let me know if you decide to do one. :) -Mike
I watched this and it gave me all the clues I needed after trying for 2 hours. I appreciate it! Thanks. (I did not bolt mine to the floor, but onto a 2x4 which I wedged between a couple of workbenches. Wobbly but let me get all the turning force it needed. I don't want bolt holes in my garage floor.)
Sounds like a creative fix. Some guys bolt them to sheets of plywood or even pallets. The anchors in the floor are definitely worth it. If you know someone with a 3D printer, you could print some plugs to go in the anchors when not in use. But....I doubt you'll be using the machine all that often, so your method will do the trick nicely. :) I'm happy to hear the video helped. -Mike
A few months ago I put my first tire on with a power tire changer by the instructions of a former mechanic, he showed me first and then he told me to try it myself. Tire went on easily, and making the beads seat took like 5 seconds, later turned out that we also didn’t even need wheel weights to balance the wheel, since it was already perfectly balanced!🤣 that day I had a whole lot of fun at my job and my colleague was glad I did!👍🏼
Awesome! I learned on an old power tire changer at the base auto hobby shop.....40 years ago. lol
@@bluehandsvideo great! That’s a little while back for sure! Do you perhaps also have a video on how to balance tires?
@@UggaDuggaProductions Sorry I don't. I've always paid to have the tires balanced. Back then, it was a lot cheaper to have done. If I was still doing this, I'm sure I'd be balancing my own. lol
@@bluehandsvideo alright, no harm done. Over here putting 4 new tires on, so only mounting and balancing costs €100 which equals +/-$120, so about €25 or $30 per tire
@@UggaDuggaProductions No clue what it is over hear these days. I've heard good things about the bubble balancers, but you might look up info about putting beads inside the tire. They dynamically balance out the tire when it start turning.
Great easy step by step guide of bead breaker, dismounted and mounted
Thanks! I'm glad you like it. :)
I was telling my dad about this harbor freight tire removal tool and he said when he was a younger this type of thing is all there was to change tires. There was no actual machines like we have now. I was a tire buster at Sears in ‘88 and we had machines. That was actually a fun job for a 18 year old kid. I learned quite a bit from it.
Yep.....they had some nice heavy duty....but manual...tire changers back then. When I was a kid, I changed a few in the dirt driveway without a changer. My dad showed me how to use a bumper jack to break the bead and tire irons to change the tire. Around '83, I was in the AF and the base hobby shop had a machine. I changed quite a few tires on that machine. I really enjoyed doing it! This tire changer is in the middle of those two. lol I changed a lot more tires on this one than I ever did on the other two combined. I think I would have enjoyed that job at Sears. :) -Mike
Very good video. Probably the best Harbor Freight Tire video I've seen. Most of people with their Harbor Freight Tire equipment don't bolt It to the Ground. they try to bolt it to a piece of plywood or some wood and the thing kicks their ass all over the damn garage.
Thank you very much! I really like hearing that. :) Bolting it down is the single best thing you can do for that changer.
I bought this tire changer just a few weeks ago to be able to change out the junk tires on the front of my car... I decided to look on here for videos to watch to kinda get the idea before I used it... I found that your video was the most detailed of them all. I also like that you go step by step on the first tire and then real time on the second. I've done many tires manually with big screwdrivers, tire irons, etc. Makes me wish would have had one of these a few years ago. I have a couple of blown discs and arthritis starting in my back and I like how this machine gets the tire up off the ground to a level where it doesn't hurt my back to work on it. Thanks for the vid!!
You're more than welcome! I'm really glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to comment!!. :)
I used the bumper jack and screwdrive/tire irons as a kid.....I'd probably blow a disc if I had to do it that way again. lol
This video was made in 2013 and he is still replying to comments? What dedication this man must have!
lol....Thanks. :) I still try my best to respond to all of the comments. The channel has grown rather slowly, so it still isn't so big or busy that I can't keep up. :)
Plus....I've actually made thousands of dollars from this video over the years, so the least I can do is respond to people that take the time to comment. Thank you!!
One of the best reviews of HF's tire changer. Most idiots who post don't have a clue how to use this simple $32.00 tool. Well presented my friend.
Thank you very much Captain Ron! I really appreciate hearing that. :) Mike
Great video. You actually know how to use the machine and demonstrate the proper procedure. Think I'm going to buy one of these. Thanks!!
Thanks!! Bolting it down to the concrete is what makes it so usable. Welding it comes in a close second. If you expand the description box, you'll find links to more info about the anchors I used. Good luck with yours. I hope it performs as well as mine has. :) Mike
Most people (like you and me) don't have the resources to have "ultimate" equipment in their shop. Thanks for sharing man!!
+redwhitentrue You're right!!! Considering the size of the shop and the fact that I could unbolt it and store it in the shed, it was as close to "ultimate" as I could justify. :) And now that I don't use it, it's still perfect. lol I've got a cnc mill sitting over the anchors now. :)
Thanks!
Mike
Finally a guy who knows how to used one
Thanks! :)
Good on you for taking the time to provide detailed steps and advice from the perspective of someone being new to mounting & dismounting tires.. Most people aren't willing to spend that much time to educate folks on how to do something. Two big thumbs up to you!
Thank you very much!!! That's exactly what I was going for. :)
best way to not scratch or damage the rim edge is simply to turn the rim upside down with the face pointing downwards. Just cut a hole in a rubber mat and place it on the top surface of the harbor freight tire changer. When working on the backside it doesn't matter if you get some minor scratches
Thanks.
Thanks! You are the first Harbor Freight manual tire changer video I came across that actually bolted down the machine "Firmly" to the floor. Nice video and great explanation of how it works!
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! :)
I could not get past the last 10 inches as it was far too tight (Michelin low profile tight tires). But I found that I could lift up the handle at that point and it pushed the rest down. I'm talking about the outside face of the tire - the last step. Hope this helps someone.
Flipping the bar like that to get the last of it on is pretty common on tight tires....I know I've done it quite a bit.....but thanks for pointing it out in case others don't figure it out.
I am glad we have these people willing to share their expertise. The service industry will never lack for work, so anything we can do to keep our money is a good thing. Thanks
+olddavid4 You are more than welcome!! I can certainly agree with you on this point. :) Thanks!!!
Holy shit, this guy is a PRO!
LOL....not sure about that, but thanks. :)
I haven't seen anybody using the HF tyre changer as smoothly as you. Your superior understanding of the process must really help.
Thank you very much!! I originally learned how to change tires with the old, powered tire changer that works just like these manual ones. Understanding that machine made using this one simple, just way more physical. lol :)
You're kidding right? looks like is the very first time he does that work..
thank you for your video
You're more than welcome! :)
I forgot how to use this thing!!! thanks man for the refresher! great job and I found me a ring to use so I don't damage my rim ,, I need some of that tire lube that helps a lot!
Im going to bolt my tire changer to the floor just like yours and weld the lower section.
I broke the pin that goes through the bold hole in the rim to stop it from moving and i used my 90 amp welder from HF to weld it back together, the welder did a great job of fixing it, All round this video is a great help to many People ! Thanks
Steven Guldenstein Hi Steven! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! Congrats on getting it fixed. :)
Thanks!! Mike
I like the tool but it does not work on all the tires I tried on a new tire and no luck at all . Works great on my trailer tires .
Not sure why it wouldn't, but it is definitely old technology.
Same, works easy on tires with thin rubber but not heavy duty tires
Explosive finish! When the tire pops it is so fast that I wondered at
first if it was a special effect with the video editing software. I love
making DIY videos and I take my hat off to your entire production. You
narrate and explain really well and keep things interesting. You
showed the 'failed' flaming attempt at seating the bead and why...I can
see you have a lot of cool equipment in your shop and I like that you
threw in the air jets that the tire shop has to seat the beads.
I about peed myself on the first attempt with the starting fluid! lol Thanks for all the kind words. :) This is by far my most watched vid. There are times I think that I should try to do more of these type, but I just don't work on car stuff that much any more. Plus, I've got even more equipment in the shop now. I still do car related stuff, but it's designing/building parts for cars...more specifically, old Datsun trucks. I still don't have a problem showing my "fails".....I think there's almost more to be learned from some of them than a perfect run through. Plus...I don't rehearse anything before hand, so I end up videoing the good and bad.....why waste it. :)
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!!!!! I really appreciate it!
Mike
I have fond memories of the Datsun cars and trucks from the 70's. Everything is so big and bloated these days. Also, I like the tub of tire dressing - I have seen that at the tire shops and could see the value right away.
They're great little cars and trucks! They're bringing the Datsun name back. Already have models overseas....no clue when they'll come to the states.
If you scan the comment to this vid, there's a lot of other suggestions for lubricating the bead of the tire. If you don't do it very often, some of them may fit the bill better than buying a gallon of this stuff. :) I don't typically use it when removing a tire, but it does help a lot with removal! :)
We had a 76 B210 fastback.....LOVED it!! We never got that kind of mileage with it. I think 36 was the best for me. Might have hit 40 if my wife had been driving. :) We thought about getting another, but they're too low to the ground and too small these days.......and by that I mean we're too old and fat for them to be comfortable!! lol :)
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!!
bluehandsvideo Well done dude. Apparatus.
Gandalf the White
Thanks!
@@Rodsupremos q
+11@
You are a great teacher. you make me want to buy a tire changer from Harbor Freight. great job sir
+Andrew King Thank you very much!!!! :)
Pretty sure this guy could take off and install the tire without the harbor freight tool. Only his hands
LOL....maybe back then. I've still got the weight to put behind it, but my strength seems about half of what it used to be. I actually just gave this tire changer away to a buddy a few days ago.
Best video by far on the Harbor Freight. Very logical with excellent advice on the little details that mater.
Thank you very much!!!
M Campbell I agree to bad it wasn't a little closer
I bought this machine after watching video's like this on TH-cam but, all I can say is that you must be operating under different laws of physics as this does not work for me. I can get the tyre off but there is no way it is going back on no matter how I try.
Double check that the tire going back on is the correct size. There's no way you'll get a 13" tire onto a 14" rim. Also, make sure that the bead of the tire going on is in the valley of the time. If it's up on the lip where the bead will sit after it's on, it will never stretch over the outside edge of the rims. I show this right at the 12:14 min mark.
Thanks, I very much appreciate you taking the time to reply.
I can't for the life of me see what is wrong, the tyre and rim are both 14 inch and I am putting the same tyre back on the same rim it came off so definitely not different sizes.
I cant even get the first bead to go back on while I see you got the first bead on by hand. The bead seems to be in the valley, I can see from underneath that it's in there but it gets three quarters of the way on and then gets so tight it will not go any further.
I'm in Australia, you can probably tell by my calling a tire a "tyre" but I'm certain the laws of physics are the same here, even though everything is upside down and we drive on the other side of the road.
Surely our tyres and rims are the same here as in the States? I just can't see what I'm missing.
Oh BTW, we definitely don't use ruglide when getting romantic with our kangaroos. That's probably something you should take up with the New Zealanders and their sheep. (joking, of course) Lol
You're more than welcome. Roo-glide!! That's funny!!!! Hmmm.....only 3/4's of the way on the first side. That's especially strange since it's the same tire that came off.......so it has to be in the technique. Oh....which way do you have the rim? if you notice, the valley is typically off center. of the valley is closer to the bottom of the rim as you're trying to mount it, they that's the problem. The tires can really only go on the rim one way. The tire can be flipped....it's symetrical.....but the valley needs to be near the top of the rim when you put it on. Maybe you have a weird rim and it's reversed? If you've got any pictures you'd like to send me, you can contact me on the contact page of my site..... www.bluehandsfab.com ....at the bottom of the page is a link to upload pics/files if you'd like. If you have a vid and upload it, put a link in your reply and I'll take a look at it. I'm really kind of thinking that the valley is in the wrong position...it's the only thing that I can think of. Mike
@@bluehandsvideo
Hi Mike.
There must be a difference between US tires and the Australian tyres I think.
I have checked all of your suggestions and still can not get this tyre to fit back on.
After a huge wrestling match I did get the first bead on but was not able to manage this without damaging the tyre bead.
It did prove to me that the tyre is definitely a 14 inch as is the rim otherwise, as you said, it would be impossible to get it on at all. The second bead is even tighter and there is no chance at all of it going on.
The valley of the rim is closer to the outer face side of the wheel so a normal type of rim. I may try to get some video of my efforts but, for now I need to attend to my injuries and get my breath back after my last round with this malicious beast.
Unfortunately, I am far too old and fragile now to consider this an easy DIY option. It seems I may have to relegate this new contraption to the scrap metal pile.
I tell yer what though. I thought trying to have sex with a kangaroo was rough and dangerous but, after this darned thing I'm not so sure.
Hi Paul,
Sorry to hear you damaged the bead. Did you have this much trouble getting the tire off the rim? It will be interesting to see a video if you do one.
Maybe leave the kangaroos for the young guys......Koala's are much cuter anyway. :)
very good. the only demo of this tool I have seen on u-tube where you have the tyre changer clamped down properly. great teaching. thank you. Just bought one!
Graham
+Graham Hall Thank you very much Graham!!! :) Have fun with it! Mike
No lube.. NO MERCY!
I don't use lube every time, but when I don't, the rubber tends to tear. ;) LOL
I was thinking of returning the tire changer until we viewed your video. Thanks very much for showing the complete install, including your idea of bolting to the floor, I really did not want a pallet hanging around. So its a keeper and we are off to HD for bolts and then changing 4 tires / rims on our Honda CRV.
~
this video was much better than some of them that I've looked at it's a little lengthy but it's more thorough and it actually shows how to use all the tools that come with the manual tire changer an extra information that's very helpful a way to mount it to the floor to keep it in place the manuel Tire change it is inexpensive and really great when you don't have much money to pay somebody what's the tires on the rims for you and it's good to have a video to show you how to use it properly and safely. I got mine really cheap at Tractor Supply. Cheaper than eBay or Amazon and I picked it up the same day. Don't buy this at Harbor Freight in Pennsylvania they only have the one for motorcycle.
Wow! Thank you so much for taking to time to post such a wonderful comment!! I really do appreciate it!! You wouldn't believe how many "fat" comments I've gotten over the years from this video. LOL Did you open up the "show more" on the description box? Kinda sounds like you did. There's more specific info there about the anchors and other tools. It's definitely a bit on the long side, but some of that is the "fun" stuff at the end. lol Thanks again!!!!! Mike
@@bluehandsvideo obviously the people watching were not trying to learn how to use the machine properly or get tips if they had time to make jokes about your weight. I would like to have more information on how to put a brand new tire on the rim. I don't have the power to push the first part of the tire down on the rim. I'm a little on the light side, and short too. Lol
@@cheryljago2459 Yep....trolls will be trolls. lol It was pretty obvious that they weren't there for anything relating to tire changing. Hmmm.....I guess I don't really show that in the vid. New tires are a bit tighter than the used ones. Are you using lube? Liquid dish soap should work and will help a lot! If you start the vid at the 11:00 minute mark, you do the same thing with the first bead, it's just a bit harder since the bulk of the tire is in the way. Once you get the tire bead in the V of the bar, hold the first bead below the rim and move the tool around the rim in a clockwise direction....same as shown for the second bead. You'll want to hold the tire bead under the rim. As it starts to go on, the tire will hold itself in position, but it will want to rotate with the tool when you start. It's rather hard to explain and I don't have the changer anymore.....otherwise, I'd consider doing a short vid for you.
His setup is different, but he uses a clamp/holder to help start the tire. th-cam.com/video/z10aytYSr3c/w-d-xo.html It's on the second half of the tire, but it will give you an idea how it works. You might be able to use vise grips or a C clamp.
Good video on changing tires. A word of warning. The harbor freight tire changer will rip up your beads even when well lubed with Ru glyd. New tires not so bad but tires with some miles the bead will be damaged. Listen to the ripping sound at 7:18-7:35. Before you air up the tire make sure to loosen the center hold down or it will be difficult to remove.
+scyth625 Thanks. I've only gotten damage on tires that had dry, crusty beads already. The sound was just dry rubber squeaking on the dry rim. You can see the bead at 7:54 and it's not ripped.....but I have had them rip. Since the tire hangs by the rim in free space, air it up doesn't cause any issues......but it does on the old style automatic tire changers....did that a bunch of times before I finally learned! lol :)
+bluehandsvideo Thanks for the reply and taking the time to make the video. I have been unhappy with the HF tire machine but use it to break the beads when needed.
+scyth625 I'm sorry to hear that you don't like it. Have you seen the bar by No-Mar? They have a delrin end on them to stop the marring on nice rims, but I think it might help with the beads tearing on you.
Always avoided switching summer>winter tread because I didn't want to pay the install fee every year. Now that I know they make these I'm gonna look into a second set. Good video~thanks
Thanks!
I'm in an area where we don't get much snow, so I have a second set of rims with my snow tires mounted on. I can switch out quick and easy when I need to. If you put your winter tires on and leave them on for the season, this will pay for itself the first use. Google "tire balancing beads". A lot of guys use Airsoft pellets.
Was gratified to see you also welded yours. The factory bolts aren't skookum enough.
I agree...the bolts were pretty pathetic! Welding made a huge difference.
Welding the bead breaker arm with some cross braces is good too, because it tends to twist and distort with the force needed for some tough beads.
its really cool to see some of you older guys still working out in the shop good video
Yep,...had to part the walker just out of camera view. :)
You have one of the best videos on th HF tire changer Thanks for adding the extra video at the end It is funny how the exploding fuel can seat the tire But also cool and make a vacuum to unpop the bead It reminds me of the suck an egg into a milk bottle trick
not2fast4u2c Thanks!!! Yep....that starting fluid trick at the end is quite the trick. I was so intrigued with it when I watched it in other youtube vids, I just had to try it. I had to throw away those shorts, but it was worth it. :)
When I worked at a Gulf gas station in the 70's, we had an adjustable inflatable hose we wrapped around the tire, then inflated it and it expanded to get the tire to seat on the rim. It was made for that purpose and worked well.
Enjoyed the video. Now I want one.
I remember those!!! I don't think I've seen one since the 80's. I doubt they'd work on the extremely stretched tires like the air blast tanks, but for normal tires....they seemed pretty good. I've always wondered if one fit all diameters of rims.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
bluehandsvideo They do fit all diameters of rims. It has double D rings on one end and the other end is the belt. The trick is to tighten the deflated belt in the center of the tread as much as you can before airing it up. As you inflate the belt it forces the beads to tighten against the rim. They can be dangerous if not used properly. Many guys have been injured by them exploding from over-inflation. The key is to start with the belt extremely tight before inflating so it can do its job. Starting with a loose or excess slack belt may not tighten against the tire enough and this is where guys get in trouble over-inflating the belt until it explodes.
liv2drive1 Ah...thanks for the explanation! I had originally thought it was an inflatable o-ring that fit between the bead and the rim......they'd hold enough of the air in and get pushed out as the tire inflated. I can imagine the ones you were using could cause some pretty good pain if not used right! I think I'd be getting an air canon/tank if I had more tires to do. Thanks again!!!!
Super demonstration of this product. You make it look way to easy. :) BIG THANKS! Looks like you are a jack-of-all-trades with all the equipment.
+s jordan Thanks! Having it anchored down and also having some weight to put behind the bar makes it a lot easier. :)
That's an older video.....even more equipment in there now! lol .....master of none! :)
Great start by showing the female anchor threads. I never used those and I wanted to mount this on the driveway but I didn't want bolts sticking up. Now I know to do what you did, thanks!
If you pull down the "show more" for the description, I have a link to a vid that shows the anchors specifically.
Thanks!! I use the same anchors with eye bolts in the driveway to hold my carports down. :)
I will click the link.... "...to hold my carports down." so you are saying they are strong! lol Thanks again.
You're more than welcome!
I was thinking about one of these HF tire machines after fighting tires!!!! you sold me on this thing next time I am there one is coming home with me!!!! thanks for the vid!
+MegaBearslayer Awesome! The trick is to get it anchored down really well. Click the "show more" to see links about the anchors.
It paid for itself the first time I swapped 4 tires/rims around :)
+bluehandsvideo I have used a wood splitter and tire irons to break beads but no more! thanks for the response and the advice.
+MegaBearslayer Wood splitter....very creative....never would have thought of it!! :)
You're more than welcome!
Mike
I'd advise using special care, or just going to a shop for alloy wheels.
I learned the wrong way. Screwed up the edges from getting the tire off, and even the middle area of the spokes when deflating the tire.
roberij05 Absolutely! I bought this, mainly for rims/tires on parts and project cars. I've done some aluminum rims that were scrap.....not pretty! Thanks!
A great example of helping yourself. I have one of these HF tire changers. I don't know where to install it because It takes Garage Space. I am thinking to put in in concrete outside and cover it from rain. Great Video. Thank you
+sahmadi1000 Thank you! You're more than welcome!
I store mine in the shed. I only bring it in when I need it. That's why I used the type of anchor I did....so that when I don't need it, I don't have any studs sticking up from the floor. I have links in the description box to other vids showing the anchors.
Thanks!! Mike
This is by far the best HF tire video that I have seen , thanks for posting. Good Work!!!!!!
You're more than welcome! Thank you very much!!!
Now I have a question that maybe you can help me with:)
I bought the changer and with your instructions it works like a champ! The question is; do you know if the HF balancer will work with a dulley wheel, I have searched google and TH-cam , I even went back to HF and they didn't know ..the questionable hitch that I am concerned about is the weight of the dulley wheel. I don't know if it will bottom out and possibly damage the balancer . Thanks for any input. Sincerely Phillip Hall
phillip hall
I was just looking at the manual online. I don't see a weight limit listed anywhere, but the cone will only handle up to a 4" center hols. If the dually rim has a larger hole than that, I'd say no, it won't work. I'd be careful placing the wheel on the balancer if it's really heavy. Hmmm.....get the lifetime warranty with it.....just in case :)
:) good advice, even if its not useable in this application at least I can still use it for my regular car and truck tires. It's a rewarding feeling to be able to handle the tire situation myself at home , especially with online tire shopping wirh the tires delivered right to our door. Thanks again for your easy to understand video and you input about the balancer. God Bless You and your family . Sincerely , Phillip Hall
phillip hall
You're more than welcome Phillip!
Thank you! :)
Mike
He a tire changer similar to yours at Tractor Supply for $35 (managers special sale) about five years ago. Love it. Only issue I had was the bead breaker. The two flat posts bent... I welded some 1/2" angle iron to them and have not had a problem since.
I put a couple of pumps of Slime in the tires in case. Seems to really reduce issues with nails and such.
+Clayton H Great fix! I'm surprised mine haven't bent...the bar bows before the flats bend much. Thanks for the tip!!!
Thanks for the video, I used the HF Tire Changer to break the bead on the tire so I could replace my TMPS sensors in all 4 tires. I didn't even have to remove the tire from the rim. Thanks again for the "How To". Also, I used the drop in anchors you mentioned to secure the tire changer.
Dobie Gillis Awesome!!! I'm happy to hear that! You're more than welcome! Since my garage is full of equipment now, I think I'm going to put some anchors in the driveway so I can mount it out there when I need to. :)
Thanks!
Mike
I just bought one to take 2 snows off their rims and put 2 new ones on. I have to tell you, I had a way harder time putting the new ones on than you did in this video. I thought I was going to ruin the bead. The one advantage I did have was by the time they were on, I didn't have to do anything to help them take air. They were already tight enough to the rim :-)
I've done some truck tires with stiff sidewalls that were a ton more work. These were nice used 14" passenger tires. New tires are definitely stiffer and typically require more lube.....the new flashing on the inner edge can get caught and tear if you do it dry. I'd almost rather fight with getting it on then having to fight with getting the bead to seal up enough to start filling up. If you can still do 105 pushups, I doubt strength was an issue......but I'm sure I have a lot more weight to put behind the bar!! LOL
Thanks!
Nice man! Best video on this I’ve ever seen.
Thank you very much! :)
People, The tire bar that keeps slipping off when your trying to get the bead to seat on top, your bottom of the tire is where you want to keep upward force....Forget the topside!! AS I sit here pissed and about to loose a nail, this is the number 1 thing to remember. KEEP THE BOTTOMSIDE OF THE TIRE UP AND OVER THE CURVE.
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Thank you for doing such a nice job explaining how to mount/dismount tires using this changer. I had a heck of a time mounting snow tires and discovered why at 12:08 of your video. Very explanatory.
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback! I'm really glad it helped. :)
Thanks!!
I've found that using simple White GOOP hand cleaner is an excellent rubber lubricant for beads on tires.Try it sometime.Washes off & no residue.I'm buying 1 of these Tire Changers.I didn't even know that HF sold em.Excellent Video!!!
Thanks for the tip! That's the first time I've heard of GOOP being suggested. I'll have to keep that in mind.
Thanks!
Mike
Thanks for the video. I will be getting one of these for my shop and mounting it exactly the way you did, I love how it can be moved away so easily when not needed. Excellent video!
***** You're more than welcome! Glad to hear it! Did you see the other video about the anchors I used? I've heard from a couple of guys that have poured a small concrete slab outside of their shop to anchor theirs down. We get too much rain to consider that option.
Thanks!!!
Thanks for the video. I have a Harbor Freight unit and have swapped a half dozen ATV tires. Perhaps the wheel's bead is more pronounced for off road applications so as to stop the tire bead from unseating. But even with pre-lubing the tire/rim, I found breaking the bead to be more difficult than what you've shown. You have it mastered.
P.S. the portion at the middle of the rim with the smallest diameter, which serves as an aid in installing and removing tires is called the 'Drop Center'.
You're more than welcome! Thanks for the info and insight. :)
@@bluehandsvideo Harbor's tool has a great price. But I have two complaints about it. 1) The little triangular steel bump on the frame, shown to the left of the screen at 1:17 tends to scratch steel rims and gaul aluminum ones. I place fabric over this, which quickly gets chewed through but protects the rim.
2) My biggest complaint is exactly what you mentioned at 4:18. Even with the rim shoe set at the highest leverage, the angle was often not sufficient to stop the shoe from falling to the center of the sidewall. I resorted to various 'grunt' means to force the shoe to stay in position.
Again, I suspect that the rims used in off road applications may have a slightly different geometry, making more difficult to unseat the tire.
@@gregparrott I did the same.....folded shop rag over the angled piece.
Yep....I never liked the angle...or the weakness of the bars. If I used it all the time, I would have done some mods to it. I hadn't used it for at least 5 years??....so I gave it to a buddy a couple of months ago. :)
I don't have any clue about the off road stuff.....you may very well be right about them.
I found this video to be very helpful. I want to buy one of these things now. I work in a tire/lube shop and we have expensive machines that do this type of job like nothing. I don't need these expensive machines at home though. I'll just be working on my tires and my family's tires LOL. This can be very handy when doing flat repairs yourself or putting on new tires. It comes out to be cheaper if you do the work yourself. :)
+The Viewer I've very happy to hear that! :) Yes, it's perfect for the home shop!
Thanks!!
You sure did knock that second one out quick! Thanks for the video, great job - Very helpful.
+Posting House You're more than welcome :)
It's this video that made me buy one of these tyre changers, saved a few euros since.
Yep....mine paid for itself the first time I did a set of 4 tires. :)
If your having trouble with the weight on the rim get a piece of chalk or tape and put it on the tire to mark where the weight was and where the valve stem was then take the weight off and when you put the tire back on the rim line up the line on the tire with the valve stem and then put the weight back where the other line is just a little tip
Oliver Klozeoff Great information!!!! Thanks!!
Perfect! Once I get my HF tire changer floor mounted I'll refer to this again.... Thanks!
You're more than welcome. Floor mounting it is definitely the way to go. If you expand the description box, there's links to other info, including the anchors I used. Thanks for watching and commenting! :) -Mike
best way to not scratch or damage the rim edge is simply to turn the rim upside down with the face pointing downwards. Just cut a hole in a rubber mat and place it on the top surface of the harbor freight tire changer. When working on the backside it doesn't matter if you get some minor scratches
Best Video yet, old dude is good.
Thanks! Nearly another decade older since then. ;)
Great Video. I'm pretty sure I'm going to purchase this tire changer now. Hell 3 tires and it's paid for.
Also no worries bout the slip-ups on words, if viewers can't catch them they probably shouldn't be changing their own tires.
Also very much thanks on showing the starting fluid trick, My wife has forbade it till now. Owe ya!
+Ronguor ShieldWolf Seems youtube missed sending me a lot of notices on comments.
Thanks!!
Mike
Best instructions ever!!!!! Really appreciate you taking the time to make this video!!!! Thank you
Thank you very much!! You're more than welcome. :) If I count the editing time, that was the most profitable 2hrs of my life. lol
You've done this more then once ! Great video and I've done this too in the past !
Yep ;) Thanks! ....past...being the best part. :)
I like the picture summary at the beginning, that's a great idea and never seen it before!
Thanks for the feedback!! I think that's the only vid with it......I'll have to do it some more. :)
Mike
Very good this machine was wanting to make a tire to take off , this then makes the two functions . I will make one. thanks for the video even more.
+Valdir Alves If you click the "show more" under the description box, I have a link to another video with the dimensions of the changer.
Wanted to thank you for this video ..... wasn’t stretching the tire properly and damaged a bead , couldn’t for the life of me figure it out until I watched your video , thank you sooo much !!!!! Make sure you check out some of videos as well and keep sharing the knowledge 😀
You're more than welcome!! I'm happy to hear that it helped. :)
You're a pro! Great video man.
Thanks! I'm happy to hear that. :) I was a bit rusty...hadn't done one in some time when I made this vid. I figured I shoot the vid since I was pretty sure it was my last time doing it......and it was. I gave that changer away a few years ago. -Mike
Well I've got a new hero. Thanks for this and showing one and all that big guys
can do just as much as skinny guys when they put their mind to it. Nice shop,
too!
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Great explainer... well detailed... Thank you. Headed to HF tonight to get a changer.
+Rory Siwik Thanks!! :)
I mounted mine the same way to the concrete! Works perfect!!! Good tips! Thx
Awesome! I'm happy to hear that. :)
Thanks for posting this vid! I haven't changed many tires and was forgetting the bead needs to move into the middle part. Was making me nuts!
+Ron Moore You're more than welcome Ron. Yep....without putting them in the middle part, it's extremely hard....maybe impossible?....to get the tires on. I'm glad the vid helped!!
Thanks,
Mike
Really thinking about buying this! I have to buy new tires for my car this spring, and will be swapping 8 tires / wheels for my Jeep in the spring. Way easier than doing it by hand!
LOL! I know what you mean! As a teenager, I did it manually in a dirt driveway. I used a bumper jack and weight of my dad's full size truck to break the beads, then used tire iron/lug wrenches straight out of the trunk to swap the rubber. I'd be in the hospital if I tried to do 4 tires like that today!! :)
Question why did you not lube the tyre before you removed it makes it so much better when lubed up you dont rip the rubber bead when removing it
When I originally learned how to use a tire machine, I was never shown to use the lube when removing the tire. So, I don't think to do it when I use this machine. But.....it's a great idea and it's been pointed out several times by other viewers. If I ever change any tires again, I'll have to keep it in mind. Thanks!!
You're more than welcome. I think I would have hated it if it weren't for welding it together and anchoring it to the floor. It's light enough I can easily carry it out to the shed to store it. It paid for itself the first day I used it. Have fun!
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I have this tire changer , with alloys care is needed , the top clamp will leave marks , the bar will also leave marks if you are not careful , I place pieces of rubber under the claw that holds the rim down..care is also needed with the beading edges. thanks for the video.
bill blyth You are absolutely right!! It's been brought up a couple of times in the comments, but it's always good to have a fresh one posted. That bar can really chew up the edge of an alloy rim! Heck...the bead breaker will do enough damage without protection. Rubber pads are a great idea! The pads could probably be cut out of the sidewalls of some scrap tires. :) You're more than welcome and thank you for your input!! I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
Mike
Max pressure is the max that tire should go to. Always go by the tire placard on the inside of your door jam. Running a tire at 44 psi on a car that only calls for 32 psi will prematurely wear out the center tread of the tire.
Over all nice tutorial!
Good point!
Thanks!
Great video!! I just bought the Harbor Freight tire changer for my 4 wheelers and wanted to know the best way it works. Thanks for explaining it in great detail.
You're more than welcome! Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate that very much. :) Mike
Wow I bought one of these tire changers just like this one off craigslist... I got a good deal I think... I got it for $150.00 The guy said it cost $250 new... It looks new to me...I'm glad I found this video now I know better how to use it... I got it to fix my lawn tractor tire... Thanks For posting this great video...
Awesome! I'm glad you like it! I hope it helps :)
Yes, lube is the ticket! I only used dish soap since I didn't have anything else. I wonder if the Ru-glyde would have been better (probably). In any case your clear explanation of how to get the second bead on was huge! I might have given up withou it :-) Thanks bunches...
After I was done I felt like I did 105 pushups. LOL!
According to a bunch of comments on this vid, dish soap is just fine. The Ru-glyde feels just like dish soap anyway.
I'm glad I explained it clear enough :)
The 105 pushups was a reference to one of your vids :)
excellent explanations - great sense of humor too - thanks so much!
Thank you very much!!! :)
You're most welcome!
Mike
really good video, very well done I have watched several times so I can change my own tires.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! Good luck! It gets easier each time you do it. :)
Regards the insulation tape, I use a wide 2" roll and clearly apply quite a few turns to beef it up. You're right of course! It's necessary to add more to it as the oayers get wrecked
The silicone you mentioned will probably help it last longer too. :)
This works well on steel and chrome/plated wheels. It does NOT work on painted Aluminum as the bar digs into the aluminum and does not peel well. It also damages the rim face.
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Love the threads in the floor!! great idea :) I gotta get me one of those tire changers, I do em with tow levers but sometimes they just won't go on
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great little tool to have I have saved tons of money with mine the only issue ive had is the bar it comes with twisted in half so I had to use a piece of galvanized pipe in its place but ive mounted up to 38 inch tires and it works awesome
My bar started to bend and I thought I'd have to do the same thing, but I've gotten lucky so far. I hardly use it anymore. Did you happen to lengthen the pipe for more leverage while you were at it?
Reminds me of the old days...Good job...
Me too........since I haven't used this changer in at least 6 years....in fact, I gave it away over a year ago. lol Thanks!! :) -Mike
Thanks for sharing this video I was looking at the harbor freight tire changer myself and wanted to know how well it worked.
I did not want to permanently mount this, but with the anchors in the floor I looks like I could make some " long handle T Bolts "
to mount this with, I will also consider welding too.
You're welcome! T bolts is a great idea! The impact gun worked well for me, but if you don't have one, the T bolts would be awesome! If you open the description box by clicking the "show more", I have links in there to more info for the anchors I used.
Thanks!
Great video! I love the last clip with the torch.
+Stephen Webb Thanks! There's a lot more vids of that method on youtube....especially with stretched tires and 4x4's. The air cannons are way safer!! :)
You are a tire changing machine… I’m going to watch this a few more times a week… for a long time… I’ve never seen or had it go so easy mounting a wheel back on…
lol....Thanks! I learned the principles on an old automatic machine at the base hobby shop. I changed a ton of tires on this manual machine. I gave it to a friend a couple of years ago. :)
Very nice tutorial! Now, I know how I can make my own tire changer for those delicate plated vintage Kawasaki rims - and how to use it! Scary business, that starting fluid but You came out safe & sound to make more interesting videos in the future! Thanks..:)
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Well, I can tell you have used this tool a time or 2 or 100...Best vid yet! Thanks, I'll go get one tomorrow.
Thanks! You're welcome. :) I learned how to use the old automatic ones at the base auto hobby shop when I was 19. I got really good at it. And yes, I had done quite a few on this changer prior to this vid. I this this vid was actually the last time I ever used it. I don't have any way....or need....to use it now, so I gave it all to a friend that will.
Anchoring it to the floor is by far the best upgrade to it. After that, if you can weld it together, that helps a lot too. Good luck and have fun with it. I have some other links in the description box for other arms, anchors and dimensions of the tool holder if you can or want to build your own. The tool rack doesn't come with it and I've never seen another one available anywhere. -Mike
@@bluehandsvideo thanks for the tips... I'll be sure to get it set up the way you had yours for easy use.😎👍
@@ricksspringfield45 You're more than welcome. :) Easy use? LOL I've got a lot of weight to put behind the bar and they were nice soft tires. A skinny friend came over once to do some 50 series 15" tires......he could not manage to pull or push the bar around. We got a pretty good laugh over it. :)
@@bluehandsvideo In saying that I meant the way you have the tools handy, within reach. lol
At 6'1 250 I can put my weight in to it but my son's at a buck fifty may have some issues.🥴
We have been doing this with crowbar for years... anything's gotta be better than that! 😉👍
@@ricksspringfield45 :) That tool caddy was definitely worth buying. They only offered it for a short time. It's funny....the chinese copied it right down to the "COATS" name on the lube bottle. LOL HF still sells tire irons that would probably be easier to use than crowbars. I grew up doing this manually on the ground with a bumper jack to break the bead and crowbars for tire irons.......so I can relate. :)
God did job looks effortless I have that machine but not in controlled environment gave lots of good tips. I use to do it all by hand on the ground the way my dad taught me to change them now I got Harbor Freight to hep me. Thanks for recording
:)
Really needed one of these for events on the go, thanks for the video!
You're welcome :)
I've seen these mounted on 2" square tubing so that they can be hooked to a receiver hitch. Here's one option if the link works. www.mytractorforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=896137&d=1405853257
Thanks! I'm glad it helped. Google No-Mar......they make a bar for the manual tire changer that won't mar the rim. It looks like something you could make fairly easily too. This HF setup will definitely scar nice aluminum rims.
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To seat the bead, just press the the air hose female fitting onto the valve, with valve core removed, Works almost every time..
Thanks for the video...
I used to fill tires up like that all the time. I'd have to try it again, but I don't think these universal connectors will do it. I know I tried it before and it didn't work, but I can't be sure which connector I had on the hose at the time. I'll have to check again.
Thanks!!
Super great vid man. Thank you. I had already mounted mine like you but welding hadn't occurred to me. I'll do that for sure. One thing I noticed is your setup came with holders for the bars and such. Mine did not.. and only one bar. I'm wondering if my kit was missing it or if they just stopped providing all the stuff. Annoying not having a place for the bar.
weeral1 The tool holder setup was a separate purchase and it's no longer available via HF. I don't recall the second bar off hand....if it's silver, it's a tire iron from HF.If you look in the description box for this vid, I put a link there to a vid I did that has all the measurements of the changer and the tool holder. You can probably make one quite easily. :)Thanks!!
Great video. I was thinking of buying one of these a few years ago, but I figured I'd probably only use it once every few years :)
Thanks. :)
My use of it was pretty sporadic, but it's one of those tools that's great to have waiting in the wings. Since I can easily remove the anchors, I keep mine stored in the shed, out of the way. :)
Yeah that's true, I might have a rethink :)
Great Video. I wish Harbor freight stuff cost 20% more and was built twice as good.
I enjoyed the written script corrections. Probably leather conditioner would work too, well maybe not when lubing up the rear!
kuladeeluxe From the time I started buying from HF.....about 10 years ago?.....that's exactly what they've done. The prices have gone up some, but the quality of certain things....especially electric tools.....has gotten way better!!! Certainly still room for improvement!!
The most common input on lube from commenters is dish soap. Is the leather conditioner a rubber cleaner too? I have no clue about leather conditioner.
Thanks!!!
I just got one a couple days ago from HF. On sale & with a coupon it was only $35.99! At that price it'll pay for itself quickly considering what tire shops charge. Next will be a "bubble" balancer to go along with it.
Cool! If you like the tool holder, I posted another vid with the dimensions. I put a link in the description box above....just click the show more.
I wish there was a cheap way to dynamically balance tires. I'm not a big fan of bubble balancers......especially on wider tires/rims.
Have fun!!!!