I want to change my own tires, HELP---harbor freight tire changer

[esj001]

who else has the harbor freight tire changer?--im thinking bout getting one---do they work well and what are the tricks? do i really need the motorcycle wheel attachment

http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...-changers.html

looks like they no longer sell them---anyone know where i can get one for around the 50 bucks price?----all other ones like it that i find are bout 90 bucks, plus another 60 for the motorcycle wheel attachment---but once again i suck at googling

what other methods can i get this done on my own

thanks in advance

 

[FiremanBob]

I have one. It really needs to be bolted down to a platform that you can stand on to stabilize it -otherwise pulling the levers will make it tip over. Also, the pry bar that comes with it is crummy, and the metal rim holders will deeply scratch your wheels.

The fix is to get a set of mojo blocks, which are plastic wheel holders, and a one of mojo's or no-mar's pry bars. Then it will be a pleasure to change your own tires.

Don't forget you also have to balance the wheel once the tire is on, and a good balancer is another $100.

I have three bikes, so buying online and changing my own is definitely worth the investment.

 

[atonic]

I used my HF tire changer to seriously scratch 3 rims. Changed the tires while I was at it. Bought a cycle hill version, but haven't changed a tire since then.

The HF one is $50 + $50 for the motorcycle adapter. Then ~$20 bucks for the heavy plywood to bolt it to. You can have mine for $50 if you want to come get it.

 

[esj001]

thanks yall---i may think about trying to get yours atonic--ill let you know (would be a long trip though)-------thanks for the info fireman bob, i read other posts where you need the mojo blocks--but i was hoping there was a way of doing it without getting the motorcycle attachment-----ive found pretty much the same changer on ebay with the attachment for like 160---how much are the mojo blocks and the no-mar pry bar?

ive got a balancer where i work so no problem there and i will be using this thing on 4 motorcycles and a scooter-so yeah i think it will be worth the investment.

thanks for the replies-----anyone near nashville want to get rid of their changer?throw a price at me

 

[Souske]

If you have a truck with a tow hitch, you might consider modifying your tire changer to mount to that, easy to get plenty of leverage when you are yanking on a 4k lbs + vehicle.

As for scooter tires, I did mine with an old set of small spoons, no machine needed. However doing the GS tires required me and a friend, sweating and cursing for an hour. Worthwhile to pay the $20/ tire to me

 

[ddaniels]

I cut my old tires off with a saw and Mr. Steve mounted my new ones for me with nothing more than a couple pretty good size tire spoons. Balancing was performed with two jack stands. No need to spend all that money.

 

[Baatfam]

I cut my old tires off with a saw and Mr. Steve mounted my new ones for me with nothing more than a couple pretty good size tire spoons. Balancing was performed with two jack stands. No need to spend all that money.

Yup...I've changed many tires with a good set of tire irons...

('course these days I have a friend with a No-Mar set up...)

 

[esj001]

thanks ddaniels--i was thinking of going the spoon route myself---which spoons should i get and how many 2 or 3?---can i get the cheap 7 dollar spoons from northern or harbor freight--or do i leed the 30 dollar long daddy ones--thanks in advance

 

[bwringer]

Here's how I do it -- you don't need a machine. You only need simple tools, a way to hold the wheel securely and safely, and the patience to develop a few simple skills.

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing.html

 

[Guest]

I use three irons, two short ones and one long one, my knees and baby powder.

 

[Guest]

thanks yall---i may think about trying to get yours atonic--ill let you know (would be a long trip though)-------thanks for the info fireman bob, i read other posts where you need the mojo blocks--but i was hoping there was a way of doing it without getting the motorcycle attachment-----ive found pretty much the same changer on ebay with the attachment for like 160---how much are the mojo blocks and the no-mar pry bar?

ive got a balancer where i work so no problem there and i will be using this thing on 4 motorcycles and a scooter-so yeah i think it will be worth the investment.

thanks for the replies-----anyone near nashville want to get rid of their changer?throw a price at me

You don't need the motorcycle attachment. Mine's been in the corner of the garage for years.
I have a 3/4-inch bar that I insert in the middle of the vertical center tube of the HF tire changer.... works like a charm!
Add Mojo blocks along with the Mojo bar ... and you are ready for some tire changing!

 

[esj001]

Thanks bwringer for that link--GOOD STUFF that should be the info i was wanting--i knew yall would show me the road

 

[Guest]

Great info and links guys. I'm sick and tired of paying a shop to change out my tires. I'll grab some tire irons and next time do it myself.

 

[chuck hahn]

....my knees and baby powder. Bet you do a lot of things on your knees, dont you!!!

 

[chuck hahn]

Rob....did the side cover emblems arrive? Never got returned here yet.

 

[Guest]

Here's how I do it -- you don't need a machine. You only need simple tools, a way to hold the wheel securely and safely, and the patience to develop a few simple skills.

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing.html

+1, on balancing.

In my experience, dismounting is far easier than mounting the new tires. A person with the skills and equipment to quickly mount tires amazes me.

 

[koolaid_kid]

I have watched and assisted bwringer on several tire changes. His tools are simple and inexpensive; the tire irons he uses are very versatile and far better than the simple spoons I used to use. IMHO, the irons, along with his unique method of breaking the bead, are the key to smooth changes.
Balancing is also easy and inexpensive; it is entirely possible I have been on more than one bwringer-balanced set of tires in the triple-digit zone with rock-steady performance.

 

[esj001]

thanks Quexpress--i didnt think you had to have that dang attachment,, if i go that route thats what i will do

i think i will try the old spoon method with some rim protectors

what would you guys suggest for holding the wheel in place while im wrastlin the tire on and off?

---is there something i can build that will do the job well?--i have access to a large vise--if this is covered in bwringers link i apologize, i havent read it all yet

what should i use for rim protectors--piece of garden or heater hose? or is there something better?

any special tricks for tube tires?

just read the bwringer link----wow all my questions answered pretty much--this is great
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing.html


thanks again to everybody

 

[Guest]

....my knees and baby powder. Bet you do a lot of things on your knees, dont you!!!

Your reference to homosexual activity kinda worries me.:-k
We know what's on your mind..

 

[afholderman]

what should i use for rim protectors--piece of garden or heater hose? or is there something better?

Get a gallon of Tropicana orange juice, enjoy the contents, then cut up the plastic bottle into nice sized panels that will slide down between the rim and tire.