dude great vid need to make video on beed beaking and removel i just brought one off of greglist plus blancer for 130 now leaning how to use it thanks
Instead of the C-clamps, 2 or 3 1/2" to 3/4" wood blocks to push the bead down are all you need. Not real crazy about using furniture polish as a lube. A lot of other better choices out there. Dish soap, shampoo, K-Y jelly (flavor optional) is good as it is water soluble. Too bad the Harbor Freight tire was discontinued. Not a bad piece for the occasional tire changer. Price was right.
Also, the C-Clamp to keep the darn tire from walking off the rim as I try to put it on is an excellent idea. I usually have to change the tire by myself, so it's difficult to prevent that. And the furniture polish is good too. I used dish washing liquid, but the polish might be better. Thanks again. I have a tire waiting for me right now and this will help. Good video.
Thanks so much man. I've been using the HF tire changer on my motorcycle tires for ~ 2-3 years, and it's always a PITA. You just gave me a ton of ideas to make this easier. I'm gonna remove the top piece of the changer which ALWAYS gets in my way. I always wondered why that piece was there - and just in the way. Makes sense to remove it. Also, the plastic piece on the tire tool to prevent scarring is a great idea. I usually put duct tape around my rim to prevent it, but it's not perfect.
@devinatorp I used the same machine to change a tubed tire on my DR-650, and it was about the same, although I spent a lot of time making sure I didn't pinch the tube while putting the last bead on. If you have a pair of tire irons you can just use the rim clamp to hold everything steady while you mount the tire.
great vid. Thank you. I think i'll invest in that changer. I have my front tire off right now and i have a friend who has 2 tires for his bike. i'll just charge him 40 bucks and concider the 30 or 35 i'll save on my own and pretty much pay for the tire changer in one week. :)
hey kirk, i googled "harbor freight tire changer" and found your video. thanks a lot for this,it seems very helpful, i think i am going to but one of these mfs and try it out :D
Hey this is going to sound stupid, but like I said earlier my threading is screwed up. But can you make a video of actually putting the tire on the machine and getting the hf machine to hold it tightly?
I turned those around before I used it, but my machine will not hold the rim tight at all. I can tighten it up all the way but it slips on the rim when using it.
On the coating for the pry bar. Try using garden hose or this new PVC piping for heating.
As for the jaws that hold the wheel, 1 or 2" copper pipe cut to lengh & Shape to jaws. Then heat it to red hot and then cool it in water. The reason is you want the copper to be soft so that it does not leave marks on the wheel.
Good clip, I like the mod you added to the tyre leaver. I was interest in this unit, but I was worried about the UN-treated steel ends on the leaver. Also as you said, a warm tyre is much easier to work with. Where there no Sun, use a hair drier.Work for me.
I started with a bare tool end and left some nice ride paint streaks on my rims. Adding the plastic is a great idea (not mine originally), and a nice saver for the poor rims.
Yes, I do balance tires that I'm going to take to track, but I don't bother with street tires. FYI, I ride like a grandma on the street (no need to go fast - that's what the track is for). I use a Marc Parnes set-up and highly recommend his balancer.
What did you use on the spots that hold the rim, to keep it from scratching them? Also how does the screw rim holder work? I can only get mine to screw out and not in, so it will never hold them rim sturdy.
I initially used plasti-dip on the clamps, but that wore off and no I just wrap them in electrical tape. That lasts two or three tire changes, then needs to be replaced. But electrical tape is cheap. On the rim clamps, some of the MC attachments arrive with the clamps facing outward (away from the center). This is incorrect. The clamps should face inward so they grap the rim of the tire on the outside. If I'm reading your question correctly, try flipping the rim clamps around 180 degrees.
Yeah, mine is facing the rim, but for some reason it will not screw in and hold the rim. So whenever I try to start using the demount bar the rim spins on the rim clamps. All three rim clamps are facing inwards to grab the lip of the rim.
Thanks for posting this video. I was struggling with changing my first tire, but your vid answered my questions. Two key things I learned: using the clamp to keep the bead from moving around the rim and popping the bead UP on the install tool with the tire iron. The instructions with the machine are vague, at best, but for $100 it's a decent setup.
For those who are complaining about the machine, go spend $700 on a no-mar setup. :)
I did, but it was part of the set-up video that was so horrible. The big part is breaking the bead of the old tire, but once you've done that getting the tire off is just the reverse of putting the new one on. As long as you get the opposite side down in the well of the rim, you can slip the tire off the rim.
I bought one and mounted to the floor, did everything properly, it is IMPOSSIBLE not to scratch your wheels with the cave-man tools that you are provided with when you buy this device.
the camps that hold your wheel in place don't have any rubber grommets.
there maybe be tire changing solutions out there, but this isnt one of them.
I wrap mine in electrical tape, but if you'd prefer a more permanent solution do a Google Search for 'Mojo Blocks'. They're a set of plastic block that can be attached to the tops of the clamps and are shaped to accept a tire rim.
Best of luck. I hope you find a tire changing solution that works for you.
what about the balance dot. He used the spoon to get the new tire over the bar and did not use a rim protector. You don't need a clamp to hold the bead, hold it with one hand and pull the bar around with the other.
Every rim has an arrow on it marking the direction of the spin. older wheels have a speedo cable telling you which way the wheel mounts on the bike. a bit of liquid soap in a spray bottle filled with water does the trick and is very inexpensive. I bet I can change tires faster and with less scratches using clamp type bead breaker and tire spoons with rim protectors....
Well, my ZX-6R rim doesn't have either a direction arrow or a speedo hub. But I did mention that about the BMW wheel when I talked about the ABS mechanism.
Post of vid of your technique. It'd give folks looking to do their own tire change more infomation.
BTW, I can change a wheel much faster too. I was going slow so I could show what I was doing on the video :-)
No directional markers on the rim? That's why I ride a Honda... But seriously, you did a nice job, just missed a couple of what I thought were very important points. I have a Coats 220 in my garage, so my technique will not do much good for the most people out there.
That looks so easy. I'm purchasing my HF tools asap...shops want $35/tire just to mount them if I bring the wheels and tires into the shop! It can't take them more than 10 min using real tire mounting machines.
I did tape a thing on the set-up and how it attaches to the floor, but it sucked (this is my first time doing a how-to video) and I didn't post it. I bought some anchor bolts from my local hardware store, drilled holes in my basement floor and bolted the machine down.
dude great vid need to make video on beed beaking and removel i just brought one off of greglist plus blancer for 130 now leaning how to use it thanks
SuperGsrider 3 months ago
Instead of the C-clamps, 2 or 3 1/2" to 3/4" wood blocks to push the bead down are all you need. Not real crazy about using furniture polish as a lube. A lot of other better choices out there. Dish soap, shampoo, K-Y jelly (flavor optional) is good as it is water soluble. Too bad the Harbor Freight tire was discontinued. Not a bad piece for the occasional tire changer. Price was right.
ChgoSTrider 8 months ago
I liked your video very much.
satellitetune 9 months ago
I liked your video very much.
gwk4657 9 months ago
Also, the C-Clamp to keep the darn tire from walking off the rim as I try to put it on is an excellent idea. I usually have to change the tire by myself, so it's difficult to prevent that. And the furniture polish is good too. I used dish washing liquid, but the polish might be better. Thanks again. I have a tire waiting for me right now and this will help. Good video.
StreakingTiger 10 months ago
Thanks so much man. I've been using the HF tire changer on my motorcycle tires for ~ 2-3 years, and it's always a PITA. You just gave me a ton of ideas to make this easier. I'm gonna remove the top piece of the changer which ALWAYS gets in my way. I always wondered why that piece was there - and just in the way. Makes sense to remove it. Also, the plastic piece on the tire tool to prevent scarring is a great idea. I usually put duct tape around my rim to prevent it, but it's not perfect.
StreakingTiger 10 months ago
Thank you for the video. Very helpful.
Evadd73 10 months ago
Awesome clip! I'm off to Harbor Freight to buy one of these!
killermalibu 1 year ago
Are you not using the top piece of the motorcycle tire changer? How'd you get the bar to stay directly up?
Lizzylump 1 year ago
If the tire is mounted the bar will just sit there without the top piece. I find having to work around the top bit was a PITA, so I stopped using it.
ntmatr 1 year ago
What if you have an old bike, like a 73 GT 250 and it has a tube, how do u do that?
devinatorp 1 year ago
@devinatorp I used the same machine to change a tubed tire on my DR-650, and it was about the same, although I spent a lot of time making sure I didn't pinch the tube while putting the last bead on. If you have a pair of tire irons you can just use the rim clamp to hold everything steady while you mount the tire.
ntmatr 1 year ago
wow,a very nice clip.this is much better than the old way,a afternoon and a 6 pack of beer.
yamahaRT1M 1 year ago
great vid. Thank you. I think i'll invest in that changer. I have my front tire off right now and i have a friend who has 2 tires for his bike. i'll just charge him 40 bucks and concider the 30 or 35 i'll save on my own and pretty much pay for the tire changer in one week. :)
frank48164 1 year ago
great job. thanks. i think i'll invest in that mout
frank48164 1 year ago
hey kirk, i googled "harbor freight tire changer" and found your video. thanks a lot for this,it seems very helpful, i think i am going to but one of these mfs and try it out :D
SRd240sx 2 years ago
Awesome method.
BritishRider 2 years ago
Hey this is going to sound stupid, but like I said earlier my threading is screwed up. But can you make a video of actually putting the tire on the machine and getting the hf machine to hold it tightly?
anothermarky86 2 years ago
Your HF machine may have the rim clamps installed backwards. Many have had this problem including me.
kirkkw 2 years ago
I turned those around before I used it, but my machine will not hold the rim tight at all. I can tighten it up all the way but it slips on the rim when using it.
anothermarky86 2 years ago
You have 3 choices so help solve this issue.
1. run a strap through the spoke and around one of the changers arms.
2. I just hold the wheel with my free hand
3. put a piece of inner tube around the lip which grabs the rim.
I sell plastic inserts to protect the wheel/rim from scratches $22 delivered in lower 48.
kirkkw 2 years ago
message me a link with pictures of the plastic covers.
anothermarky86 2 years ago
On the coating for the pry bar. Try using garden hose or this new PVC piping for heating.
As for the jaws that hold the wheel, 1 or 2" copper pipe cut to lengh & Shape to jaws. Then heat it to red hot and then cool it in water. The reason is you want the copper to be soft so that it does not leave marks on the wheel.
MrGo2000 2 years ago
Good clip, I like the mod you added to the tyre leaver. I was interest in this unit, but I was worried about the UN-treated steel ends on the leaver. Also as you said, a warm tyre is much easier to work with. Where there no Sun, use a hair drier.Work for me.
MrGo2000 2 years ago
I started with a bare tool end and left some nice ride paint streaks on my rims. Adding the plastic is a great idea (not mine originally), and a nice saver for the poor rims.
ntmatr 2 years ago
Do you balance your own tires also? I also bought a static balancer from Harbor Freight. I am going to replace mine this weekend for the first time.
rdseals1 2 years ago
Yes, I do balance tires that I'm going to take to track, but I don't bother with street tires. FYI, I ride like a grandma on the street (no need to go fast - that's what the track is for). I use a Marc Parnes set-up and highly recommend his balancer.
ntmatr 2 years ago
What did you use on the spots that hold the rim, to keep it from scratching them? Also how does the screw rim holder work? I can only get mine to screw out and not in, so it will never hold them rim sturdy.
anothermarky86 2 years ago
I initially used plasti-dip on the clamps, but that wore off and no I just wrap them in electrical tape. That lasts two or three tire changes, then needs to be replaced. But electrical tape is cheap. On the rim clamps, some of the MC attachments arrive with the clamps facing outward (away from the center). This is incorrect. The clamps should face inward so they grap the rim of the tire on the outside. If I'm reading your question correctly, try flipping the rim clamps around 180 degrees.
ntmatr 2 years ago
Yeah, mine is facing the rim, but for some reason it will not screw in and hold the rim. So whenever I try to start using the demount bar the rim spins on the rim clamps. All three rim clamps are facing inwards to grab the lip of the rim.
anothermarky86 2 years ago
"Don't be afraid to use a lot of lube." That's what she said..
benfirst 2 years ago
Like I said, you don't want to get stuck half way.
ntmatr 2 years ago
Thanks for posting this video. I was struggling with changing my first tire, but your vid answered my questions. Two key things I learned: using the clamp to keep the bead from moving around the rim and popping the bead UP on the install tool with the tire iron. The instructions with the machine are vague, at best, but for $100 it's a decent setup.
For those who are complaining about the machine, go spend $700 on a no-mar setup. :)
twowheeltravel2 2 years ago
What about the balance dot? Every rin has a heay and a light side. You are suppose to line the balance dot on the tire with the valve stem.
tdman77 2 years ago
I wish you had the first video of taking the tire off.
rdseals1 3 years ago
I did, but it was part of the set-up video that was so horrible. The big part is breaking the bead of the old tire, but once you've done that getting the tire off is just the reverse of putting the new one on. As long as you get the opposite side down in the well of the rim, you can slip the tire off the rim.
ntmatr 3 years ago
I bought one and mounted to the floor, did everything properly, it is IMPOSSIBLE not to scratch your wheels with the cave-man tools that you are provided with when you buy this device.
the camps that hold your wheel in place don't have any rubber grommets.
there maybe be tire changing solutions out there, but this isnt one of them.
kitkat224 3 years ago
I wrap mine in electrical tape, but if you'd prefer a more permanent solution do a Google Search for 'Mojo Blocks'. They're a set of plastic block that can be attached to the tops of the clamps and are shaped to accept a tire rim.
Best of luck. I hope you find a tire changing solution that works for you.
ntmatr 3 years ago
thanks alot for this vid. i got the HF changer a while back and just wore my front out. you make it look super easy
Live2RideFast 3 years ago
what about the balance dot. He used the spoon to get the new tire over the bar and did not use a rim protector. You don't need a clamp to hold the bead, hold it with one hand and pull the bar around with the other.
__________________
ginolevino 3 years ago
Every rim has an arrow on it marking the direction of the spin. older wheels have a speedo cable telling you which way the wheel mounts on the bike. a bit of liquid soap in a spray bottle filled with water does the trick and is very inexpensive. I bet I can change tires faster and with less scratches using clamp type bead breaker and tire spoons with rim protectors....
ginolevino 3 years ago
Well, my ZX-6R rim doesn't have either a direction arrow or a speedo hub. But I did mention that about the BMW wheel when I talked about the ABS mechanism.
Post of vid of your technique. It'd give folks looking to do their own tire change more infomation.
BTW, I can change a wheel much faster too. I was going slow so I could show what I was doing on the video :-)
ntmatr 3 years ago
No directional markers on the rim? That's why I ride a Honda... But seriously, you did a nice job, just missed a couple of what I thought were very important points. I have a Coats 220 in my garage, so my technique will not do much good for the most people out there.
ginolevino 3 years ago
That looks so easy. I'm purchasing my HF tools asap...shops want $35/tire just to mount them if I bring the wheels and tires into the shop! It can't take them more than 10 min using real tire mounting machines.
JLUDE01 3 years ago
Great vid, thanks a ton for the lesson!
Lorilye 4 years ago
got a vid on unmountin. and how did u mount it to your floor ? thanks .
BEEPERHAWK 4 years ago
I did tape a thing on the set-up and how it attaches to the floor, but it sucked (this is my first time doing a how-to video) and I didn't post it. I bought some anchor bolts from my local hardware store, drilled holes in my basement floor and bolted the machine down.
Hope that helps!
ntmatr 4 years ago
just what i needed and will do. i dont see the m/c attachment. not that i want to buy it. do u ever use it ?
BEEPERHAWK 4 years ago
Actually, the MC attachment is the thing with the clamps holding the tire rim in place. It mounts on top of the Harbor Freight car tire changer.
ntmatr 4 years ago