Author Topic: Tyre levers (Read 2865 times)

TLPower · « **on:** March 02, 2014, 17:32:17 »

Looking at changing my own tyres, done loads of off road tyres using short levers carried in my bum bag, question is what length would you tyre barons recommend 18" or 24"?

Many thanks.

Jacko · « **Reply #1 on:** March 02, 2014, 17:58:41 »

18" is fine.

Juvecu · « **Reply #2 on:** March 02, 2014, 18:19:24 »

That's what she said.

I have 3 of these levers: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350827023667
I find the spoon type work quite well.

Locky · « **Reply #3 on:** March 02, 2014, 18:46:05 »

I manage OK with 12" levers ..

Jacko · « **Reply #4 on:** March 02, 2014, 18:49:57 »

Yeah, I have a 12 and an 8, all I need.

greywolf · « **Reply #5 on:** March 02, 2014, 20:42:22 »

Long levers can damage tyre beads and allow sloppy technique. Just make sure the bead opposite the lever position is down in the well of the rim and shorter levers work fine.

user650 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 02, 2014, 22:15:33 »

And get some rim protectors as well

Juvecu · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2014, 22:09:22 »

+1, buy two sets of rim protectors, better to have more than too few when you need them and they are cheap.

greywolf · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2014, 22:48:13 »

I have four rim protectors and some wooden blocks cut so they jam between the side wall and the rim, keeping the bead down in the wheel's rim well.

TLPower · « **Reply #9 on:** March 04, 2014, 05:59:07 »

Thanks for the replies chaps, I've gone for the 18's.

And a large box of plasters.

Jacko · « **Reply #10 on:** March 04, 2014, 06:53:16 »

Quote from: "greywolf"

I have four rim protectors and some wooden blocks cut so they jam between the side wall and the rim, keeping the bead down in the wheel's rim well.

I use my knees for that, they're always where I can find them.

greywolf · « **Reply #11 on:** March 04, 2014, 12:24:27 »

The arthritis in my knees is too bad for that any more. I've also built a drop down hinged platform to do tyre changes while standing. Getting old sucks.

hookie · « **Reply #12 on:** March 04, 2014, 16:50:39 »

Make sure your rim protectors have a facility to attach a piece of string to them as they can easily end up inside the tyre just after you've popped the last bit of the tyre on and it's much easier to get them out if they've got a bit of string on them. A swear box is a handy thing to have as well.....

TLPower · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2014, 17:20:30 »

I'm a Yorkshireman, we have no need to use profanities, so no need for your fancy southern swearbox.

Yea right.

bigpie · « **Reply #14 on:** May 29, 2014, 15:04:47 »

Good luck, I've tried and failed.

Used the car and some wood to break the bead. - Check
Got old tyre off - Check
Got new tyre on - Check
Inflate - No

Couldn't seat the bead with all the will, tried my step dads compressor with a big tank, tried ratchet straps and a propane torch. Gave up.

Jacko · « **Reply #15 on:** May 29, 2014, 15:35:19 »

Are you removing the valve insert? Is the tyre used, does it have an uneven bead due to previous fitting and removing pressures? Have you soaped it up well? Have you tried bouncing it on the ground at the point where the air is escaping as you pump air in?

bigpie · « **Reply #16 on:** May 29, 2014, 19:35:33 »

Can't remember where my mate got the tyre from. Soaped it up. Looked online. Bounced it. Gave up and took it to tyre place.
TLPower, let me know how you get on. My tyres need replacing soon, so I might give it another go before giving up completely.

I have rim protectors, levers, valve tools and valves. I just couldn't seat the bead on his tyre.

Jacko · « **Reply #17 on:** May 29, 2014, 20:26:40 »

Don't let that put you off. I've fitted about 12-15 pairs of tyres now. I had one that wouldn't seat, a right PITA, took about an hour, did it in the end though. It was used (one I'd already had on then removed for some track rubber), it had stress points on the bead and that's why it wouldn't seat. Pleased it wasn't my first attempt.

bigpie · « **Reply #18 on:** May 29, 2014, 21:01:55 »

I don't have a proper compressor though, no power in the garage, just one of the 12v jobbies.

TLPower · « **Reply #19 on:** June 14, 2014, 14:49:52 »

A big thanks to bigpie for the use of his muscles, tyre levers and tyre soap. Braking the bead was straight forward once I listened to the young one. No tyre can withstand the the might of a 12 year old Volvo estate.

The new one went straight on, no nipped tube but it refused to seat until we introduced it to 65psi.

I decided to change the rear wheel bearings at the same time, I'd ordered 3 but when I stripped it down I found it had 4 fitted.

A note of caution, never be too lazy to use the first hammer you can lay your hands on if it is 4lb lump hammer. Left thumb is throbbing nicely and a lovely shade of purple.

All back together, an afternoon nap is on the cards.