Re: I want to change my own tires

On Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:17:07 -0400, Wolf Greenblatt wrote:

I want to see if I can change my own tires at home.
Just for the fun of it.
 
What tools do I need that everyone doesn't already have.
I have the jacking & compressor related tools.
 
But what specific tire-removal & replacement & balancing tools do I
need?

Tire irons (spoons)

https://www.harborfreight.com/24-inch-general-purpose-tire-iron-93230.html

Sometimes a singlejack (5 lb. short handled sledge hammer) helps. I change
the tube-type tires on one of the bikes. Tubeless tires can be problematic
to get the bead to seat. You can find youtube videos of people using 5
gallon air tanks with high flow capability. There's also the not
recommended explosive method involving starting fluid.

Another way is sort of a inflatable band around the circumference of the
tire that will tend to spread the sidewalls out. It depends a lot of the
tire characteristics. Even with tube-type Kendas getting the bead to seat
can be a PITA while other brands are no problem.

If you can back the brakes off so there's very little drag you can sort of
balance a tire on one of the non-driven hubs. I don't bother with the bike
since I run DOT knobbies and balance is a moot point.