How to use a Harbor Freight Manual tire changer - It's EASIER than I thought it would be

[@LastCommodore]

Of several videos I have seen on using this changer, yours is the best presentation.

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Thanks!

[@sigsputnik5031]

It looks like it's mostly about keeping that wheel solidly held down.

[@Alpha-ms9nj]

I used to install the new tire, lubed up of course, and would twist the tire on to the top bead then use the tool the rest of the way. I did alot of tires back in the day, started working for garages back in 79 and seen guys change semi tires by hand out in the country, that always drew a crowd. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@charredskeleton]

Bolt it to the floor! Mines bolted down with anchors that sit below the surface, this way I can unbolt the unit and store it in the corner when not in use.

[@lacyfurmage8846]

I have one of these Machines, it's starting to get hashed for all the use, I've done at least 50 times, A tip for ya'll. WHEN putting air back in, take out the valve needle, remove air chuck end and shove it on the valve stem for a quicker blast to get it going. then once it sets bead, pop the needle back in.

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Great tip!

[@mikeroup2721]

On tires that I cannot get the bead close enough to seat, I use a ratchet strap around the center perimeter of the tire and tighten it up. This pushes the tire bead a lot closer to the rim which really helps. Not sure how it would work on a narrow tire, I use this method on garden tractor tires. I'm scared to try the starting fluid/carb cleaner method! I'll watch the guys on-line do it as I don't need excitement that bad. Thanks for the video.

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Yeah on one of these tires I tried to use the ratchet strap trick. These trailer tires are so skinny that it didn't work. I finally got it to seat using the method I used in the vid but it was a struggle. I was looking at that can of starting fluid but I didn't need the excitement either.

[@genuinedickies99]

I started doing that the first time I got a huge fireball to the face. Nothing hurt but my pride and the ratchet strap works every time.

[@kentbarger8628]

I'm a retired mechanic when you lift up the tire to put air in it lift up the tire and twist to help it seal the top bead of the tire to the rim then use your hands and allow the tire to go downward a little bit you are supporting the tire with your hands also take the valve stem out of the tire you get more volume up air into the tire faster I change thousands of tires pull up hard and twist a tire on the rim support the tire and now it to go downward I put the air in the tire sometimes you may need some help to put air in the tire you could also use your knee to help support the tire and allow the tire to go to the bottom side of the rim I hope this information may help you you could also use a ratchet strap also to help you

[@TheSaltyDawg]

Lol, yeah I tried that once on a bigger used truck tire after using straps, my knees, etc. I thought I'd just sprayed a small amount, but when I lit it the tire actually blew up! My neighbor come running out & found me just standing there with my eyes closed & arms in the air. He asked me if I was alright....I simply said Do you seen any blood & do I still have my d...privates? He said no blood, so I opened my eyes & seen the tire had "pied" out. Thank heavens on the opposite side of the tire from me. The force of the blast was so strong, it felt like pieces went right through me!😆I think what went wrong is I wasn't prepared enough & had mis-placed my bbq grill lighter, so I gave it 1 more little squirt & then lit it. During that time the fumes stayed in & I thought they'd dissipated bcuz I couldn't smell the starting fluid anymore. I won't ever do that again unless it's a tractor tire, but def nvr ever a reg tire again!

[@oneeyedjack8525]

I've done that works great

[@oliverrojas3185]

Done like a pro. Great preparatory instructions and warnings. Very nice job removing top and bottom portions of tire

[@butler386]

Great job. You have some great tips on modifications which are needed for sure. I do like the foam inserts as well. You made changing the tire look easy. Thanks for the video.

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Thanks D.

[@thangknowa3288]

Tip: While mounting, ready to use the tire spoon - Lift up on the side of the tire already in the rim to middle of the rim, it lessens the circumference for the bead to go in. Lot less work, and kinder on the seating surface of the bead. Big help.

[@RandomBitzzz]

This might be the best non-duckbill mod HF tire changer video on KZbin. Nice to see someone do trailer tires with this tool. I didn't know if it could handle them. I see you did T235/80 R15s so I don't think my T205/75 R15s will be an issue when the time comes. First time I used this tool it took me 6 hours to do 2 tires. I ended up using the same pry bar method you did as I just couldn't get the hooked side of the HF tool to install the tire without popping off.

[@markcdeyoung3118]

I got my HF changer 25yrs. Ago still in excellent shape I've used it 100's of times and I work with some pretty crusty OLD stubborn SOB tires many many over the years most a the time more often than not do the mods to um en they are a pretty handy tool I bought the motorcycle wheel attachment they chased the connection hub with the wrong pitch threads so I took some carbide paste en worked them in together about 5 threads worth to get enough purchase to bind it secure to the base changer I've also have their li'l static wheel balancer cheap works good I think the pivot pin is their weak point I packed the pivot pin receiver hole full of teflon tape en worked it in to give it some protection its holding up sofar

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Good to know, thanks. I've been tempted by the motorcycle attachment. Last time I really struggled on my honda tires. Does it work well now that you fixed the threads?

[@markcdeyoung3118]

@@TheHandsOnChannel it's just like the base changer it sits ON it needs some tweek'in although I think they might have atleast surely by now fixed that thread issue as I've had mine for over 10yrs. now I had to weld a smaller rod into the lever pivot bar that slides through the axle hole and the clamping jaws need a piece of hardwood or a thick piece cutting board OR EQUVLANT HDPE with notches to accept the rim with some traction groove sipes caz the stuff is slick en slippy OR you can get um through Mojo as well as the mount/and demount bar bit on the expensive side OR you can get a commercial tire bar head en mount it to a bar work excellent and only requires ONE bar for the mount/demount comes in handy ESPECIALLY when your mounting a D606 or that TOUGH ASS Tusk DSport

[@Dee-hi5zj]

Heres a trick on airing/seating the bead if the outer gives you a problem... after you snug the inside bead, take the tire OFF the tool and stand it up leaning against the wall. It will look too relaxed to fill with air, but try it... I mounted some big-ass wide tires a while back and tried everything to get them to inflate on the tool. Out of frustration I took them off and decided to take them to the tire shop, but in one last attempt I shot air into them while leaning and they both inflated incredibly easy without manipulating at all... Also if your tire is difficult to get on after you start the outer bead, use a pair of vice grips to keep the outer from slipping around the wheel. Using a thick rag will protect the wheel (don't know about alloy wheels)

[@Trig242]

Having it on the pallet is brilliant!

[@jimnunes6286]

Great video, try using tire mounting soap mixed in a spray bottle with water around the bead. Step on the side wall to work the soap into the bead, makes for easier bead breaking sometimes. Also when putting on the replacement tire, soap up the rim bead area and the tire bead surface, makes for easier assembly!!!

[@markrocketmangrimstead]

Great video, im currently making a tyre changer out of a scaffold pole and car brake disc

[@stephenwilliams5201]

Lube is key. Used to be a farm boy in ohio. ( 235+old highway 25/I-75) AND ALSO WORKED the Texaco© I-75/ 235 near Mount Corey ohio. Your in the know and on the way to $AVEINGS . Good show. 73 de sgt williams retired

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Thanks. I haven't seen a Texaco in quite awhile. They used to run most of the full service stations around here. Now it's hard to even find an air hose at the gas station. My how far we have fallen.

[@stephenwilliams5201]

Even though it's gone. I rember the logo. YOU CAN TRUST YOUR CAR TO THE MAN THAT WEARS THE STAR BRIGHT RED TEXACO STAR. OH HI YES WE HAD WARS . WE WOULD LAUNCH FIREWORKS AT THE PHILLIPS 66 Station Across THE ROAD. Dang luck the place didn't go up in a mushroom cloud. COURSE THAT WAS 1969 HI HI. AND IF YOU WERE CAREFULL ENOUFGH YOU WOULD GET A BIRDS EYE VIEW OF TROOPERS Chasing BAD GUYS RUNNING DOWN I-75. Not to miss NICKERSON FARMS. ACROST the other side a fore Runner to shonies® THAT WAS AMERICA. MY THANKS

[@jayrenner211]

After installing the tire, take it off and roll it on the ground while pressing down hard on the top of the tire. It will seat both beads enough to get it to hold air and fill. It's not perfect, but it works. Use plenty of window cleaner or such too!

[@charredskeleton]

I ripped a bead once by prying them on. Next time i mount tires I’ll try to make a video of how to use mounting end of the harbor freight bar. Its actually easier then prying them on and way better for the tire, but it has a STEEP learning curve.

[@viscache1]

The whole reason I came to watch this was because locally in our farming area a car tire costs $79 per tire to mount and balance, Truck/Lrg SUV tires $109 per tire and Tractor Tires $224 per tire to take off the old, mount and balance the new. I spend about $4500 per year on tires and changing for our tiny farm. I found a way to order tires 10 at a time for $15.00 each plus $24 per tire shipping and I buy weights for $23 per 100 assorted weights and if I put them on myself I’m saving over $3000 per year….teach on master! Teach on!

[@silverstake88]

$79 to m/b HOLY COW!!! They think you're rolling in cabbage!

[@ofilippov]

Nice video, but a few things you might want to consider. It's ok to use your soapy water to dismount, but not for mounting. That's how the rust inside the tire starts. You don't want any moisture inside. Get some tire mounting paste for that. Another thing - put some balancing beads inside the tire, those things really do work. I got a 17+lb bucket on Amzn - it will last me a lifetime.

[@damonlemaster6067]

Unfortunately, this is true, but the air has moisture in it, too... i would use nitrogen if it is that big of a concern ... but yeah bead paste works well

[@oneeyedjack8525]

I used to drive the big rigs, and some guys said they put a golf ball in their tires. Also you can use a sledgehammer to break the bead if you have a good aim

[@mestep511]

Nonsense, beads don’t work, compressed air has humidity and condensation occurs naturally from weather.

[@charredskeleton]

Beading up is a process of escalation. I start like you did, move on to removing the valve core and holding a blow gun with a fine tip on/in the stem be aware i hit 50psi with ease just holding the blow gun on there. If that doesn’t work put the valve core back in and bounce the tire/wheel on the floor holding the assembly upright as though it was on the car. If that doesnt work Ratchet strap. It that doesnt work lay it down on the floor over night, and come back the next day or week … or 3 months (i was pissed, best let it be) it actually worked! Finally ether, haven’t tried it, the above always worked for me. I likely would buy a cheap bead blaster before ether, my life’s worth more then $50. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, ear plugs, and LEATHER gloves. That last part is kind of a mantra for life!

[@douglasrodrigues8361]

The duckbill fixture I just purchased, at 6 times what the stand cost, will make tire changes go quicker and easier.

[@Jason1Pa]

Where did you get yours?

[@drewfleming7065]

To mount tire...hold tool on a steep angle so the edge on tool hooks over the rim....

[@douglasdupuis3866]

I love mine. The duck attachment makes it so much easier

[@dennisjackson3531]

good work thanks for info

[@popeye5808]

I like how you mounted the changer on a pallet. Good video. Very helpful 👌

[@derrick.l1870]

Ha ha yeah me too, because I was wondering on how stiff it was. I saw another video where a guy bolted his to the concrete.

[@stevesifers7431]

Fyi, they dont have the star holder anymore on mine i bought today 2023 july 23 at Harber freight its flat and black color, thanks.

[@job38four10]

Leave the valve core out when seating a stubborn tire, that way you get more in tire at once.........

[@jimmoravec1326]

The very first thing you need to do is bolt it To the floor saves time and frustration 👍

[@dubmob151]

That makes a world of difference when you can simply heave on the bar without having to simultaneously brace it from moving on the floor.

[@budlanctot3060]

The fourth way to seal the bead and get the compressor air into the tire to seal the bead is use tire "grease". Its a thick paste in a big bucket. You grab a big scoop of it with your hand and smear it along the upper(outer) bead to seal the gap. When air sets the bead, you just wipe off the paste that has gushed out from between the wheel and tire, & put it back in the bucket for next time use.

[@tcmits3699]

You can't beat these changers, you do need patience. As for setting a bead, did the pull push down hold up, then had wife force my cordless leaf blower nozzle in the section that was leaking, then woohoo bead starting rising up😊 good luck 🤞

[@meseahunt]

Good video I just bought V2 of this machine so will see how she does? 🤠

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

If the tire is not usable anyway, you could just drill a small hole in the damaged spot to let the air out and not have to remove the valve stem.

[@juliosdiy3206]

Freakin shit why didnt i think of that idea i was just going to use the tire as a wood chopper. Next time i will just drill it. Thnks.

[@raymondhughes6679]

Im doing 22" chrome wheels on same tire changer ... if I could picture it for you it would be easy to see . To not scratch them up , place wheel upside down and all tire on and off is done by the backside of the rim . In effect , you never use the front of rim to remove or install tire so there is no way to scratch front of rim . Fatigue mats ( rubber ) on tire changer mount plate stops scatches to rim center . Just an fyi

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Thanks bud!

[@juliosdiy3206]

I tried to use the back side n its hard as hell i broke the center weld!

[@donbahn1319]

polish the paint off the harbor freight bar and it works better.

[@wikbriks5753]

Thanks for the demo.....well worth the money to have it done by the garage.

[@thecuttingforce]

Good video helped be out. I need the tool the red bar is hard and scratch all up... I used a ratchet strap. That how I do my lawn tiers..

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Right on

[@LincolnSP150]

Bravo ..... Good Job !!

[@jeremygourde9880]

Literally just Bought a horror freight manual tire changer 2 days ago to change a set of 31x10.50r15’s out to 34x10.50r15’s. By the second tire the bead breaking foot was bent & had to be reinforced with 2” square stock. By the time I got the 3rd tire bead broken the bar is bent and the holes for pins are tearing out of the bead breaking arm & the mounted base is bent and pulling/tearing the strike anchor holes. Hopefully it’ll last to finish the 4th tire. Granted I didn’t expect anything from harbor freight to last, but I figured it’d last at least a set of tires, I’m not sure it will. I think for small car tires and trailer tires it should work ok, but for large stiff walled tires it just can’t handle it. The unit needs to be built outta a bit heavier steel.

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Thanks for letting us know the limitations. I didnt have any problems but I haven't tried big tires like that. I had to reinforce mine with some welding.

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

Same thing happened to me. I’m doing 205/55/R16 little economy car wheels and tires. I’ll say this taking off the tires is fine it’s the putting the tires back on the wheel that gets you. Only thing I can think of to fix it is cut the ends off and weld them to a solid steel bar. Or some square tube and it also needs steel bolts because the bolts that hold it together also snapped.

[@chrisrobles2012]

1st tire the bead breaker bent sideways . Only bought it to break the bead to change tpms and it was taken apart and put back in the box. I want to return it. I thought about reinforcement but not sure

[@silverdragontaylir8252]

Great job

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

I need one of these. I hate paying someone to put tyres on my cars.

[@brianwayne4869]

I own A tire shop, and the dots on the tire are inspection marks from the factory. these are for x-ray and balance tollerence if it passes they send it on. if it fails it gets sold as a blemish or ( BLEM ) . if you want it to be balanced just go buy a cheap bubble balancer an some wheel weights

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

It probably doesn't matter if you are balancing the tire on a machine. They say the yellow dot is the lightest part of the tire and to line it up with the heaviest part of the rim, the valve stem. tiregrades.com/tire-maintenance/balancing/red-and-yellow-dots-on-tires/

[@marianoperez3750]

thank you comrade

[@cyberexposure7168]

Pry bars are the way to go when putting the tires on...

[@gerhelwinters1967]

I'm having A hard time breaking down the back side. But I have a wider wheel, I think I need to make it more adjustable. I even have A slide hammer!

[@jimmoravec1326]

I painted mine the same way a couple years ago 😂

[@JR-qf4mr]

a bead cheetah works great also

[@jasdunlop9907]

I have 1 of these .hook thick end over rim and pull it the opposite way you took it off no need for tyre levers .this mchine is useless if not bolted to the floor

[@Leveluplivin]

Mounted to a pallet? great! Idea 😮😊

[@022rty]

Ive heard the dot on the tire and the valve stem are the heaviest part of each part. They should be on opposite sides.

[@nedcramdon1306]

I can find the short 10" tire iron set but the one you have look much better. More leverage.

[@oneeyedjack8525]

I would use that

[@nedcramdon1306]

I'm gonna try this unit on a set of 63X23.5-25 front end loader wheels.... Wish me luck!

[@pdreamer79]

I like that, No commy red! Lol 😆

[@Turco949]

Curious, would I be able to change motorcycle tire with this? I don't see a reason why not but just checking. TIA.

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

I think that center post will be too big to use on MC or ATV's.

[@redbone9952]

You hit the nail of the head. You can change tires but how do you balance them

[@jasonbusch3624]

I always use new valve stems. I had a valve stem fail that was less than 2 years old it was dry rotted and cracked. I caught it about 20 miles from home and had to get back. It looked like it was going to fall out of the wheel. I headed home and about 6 miles from home it let go and cracked on one side and went flat. Luckily I had my bicycle pump in the car. I pushed it back over the hole and filled the tire with air then wedged a small stone between the wheel and the valve stem. I had to stop 2 more times to make it home but made it and pulled in the driveway right next to the garage. I jacked it up and broke the bead down right on the trailer and put a new valve stem on in minutes without even taking it off. I have 2 of the harbor freight tire levers and they work great even for changing car tires. I have used them for changing the tires on my daughter's 1994 Toyota Corolla. Got 2 brand new tires at Walmart for $90 and put them on myself in under 30 minutes. I use a hi lift jack in my tractor bucket for a bead breaker and put ceramic balance beads in them. It works great.

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

I thought about using the tractor to break beads. I figured I could do 2 at a time if I lined them up right. I usually would change the stems but this Biden economy has turned me into a miser. I did inspect them and checked for leaks but I would've preferred new stems. I've never used the balance beads. How do you know how much weight to put in each wheel?

[@jasonbusch3624]

@@TheHandsOnChannel I have a tooth bar with 6 teeth and found out the hard way not to use them for breaking beads. I put a tooth through the sidewall. But the hi lift jack is wider and works like a hydraulic press. There is a chart that tells you how many ounces for what size tire. I use a small squeeze bottle and hose and a engraver up against the hose to rattle them down the valve stem. You have to keep squeezing and releasing the bottle and they slide right in. I put them in all motorcycle scooter and trailer tires. No need to balance tires as they balance as they spin with the beads.

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

@@jasonbusch3624 Very cool, I'll give it a try.

[@outoftime788]

im jus wonderin how big of a wheel u can use on this

[@Road_Rash]

What's wrong with all commie red? I love the color red... the new ones aren't red anymore though...at least not on the website... but whatever color it is, I'm more interested in whether or not it'll get a tire on & off a rim...Lol! All 🐂💩 aside, just having it bolted to that pallet is enough to keep it secure while you change out a tire?

[@scotta7034]

Take the valve stem out and push the air Chuck quick connector over the valve stem works the best shoots a lot of air in all at once pop's the bead on the rim. don't use the air Chuck just the connector

[@RattyFlyer]

Harbor freight sold out of these. Maybe I will weld up my own.

[@sonysony9585]

hi, can you do flat run tyre - remove old and place new flat run tyre? please add link video if you have. if not place give details why thank you have a nice day

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Sorry I have no experience with run flat tires. I would think they would be much stiffer than a standard tire. This machine probably wouldn't be able to handle that.

[@frankyhernandez476]

Does this tool cause a lot of scratching or gouging to wheels?

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Yes, I wont do aluminum wheels on this because it scratches.

[@dubmob151]

Using a modified changer using what they call a duckbill head allows the tire to be levered off with minimal contact with the edge of the rim, but harbor freight hasn't caught on to the concept yet, so the extra attachment costs 5x the price of the changer, unless you can make one yourself.

[@JOzArT-cb9ip]

What is the size of the air tank you are using to set the bead on that tire?

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

I believe it's a 60 gallon tank but I also have a second 40 gallon auxiliary air tank hooked up.

[@wolfman7393]

It is easy but sometimes you run into tires that are just not having it!

[@pitster]

How to use. 1) put back in box. 2) throw in garbage. 3) find hydraulic used unit on FB marketplace or Offer up. 4) be happy.

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

LOL it's not that bad. I've used it several times with good results.

[@leeyo5494]

lol opening line i dont really care what colour it is so i painted it,

[@emadreviews]

Where did ya get this for 40 some dollars? This video is dated 1 year ago and now this same tool at HF is close to $100 😮

[@bjarnieinarsson3472]

Why do so many americans not know how leverage work? Push down at the furthest end of the lever.. not middle or just above.

[@derrick.l1870]

Is that pallet you got it on pretty steady ?🤔

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Yeah as long as I stand on it. It would work much better bolted to the concrete.

[@derrick.l1870]

@@TheHandsOnChannel yeah ok and that's what I kinda figured. I'm debating on what to do whenever I get one. 🤔

[@dubmob151]

​@@derrick.l1870if you can manage to bolt it down, it will make it work much better, because you can then just lean into the bar with your hip while focusing on keeping the opposite side of the tire bead in the drop center to get sufficient slack.

[@bradnavratil5502]

Just bought one of them... Like you said Too much red Thanks for the tips I think I might bolt mine to the floor No traction it moves around too much😎🇨🇦

[@RaffySandrinoMargate-mf1uv]

Air bluster

[@RattyFlyer]

I just stick a board on the tire and drive my car onto it too break the bead

[@michaelwolfe2149]

Easier to learn how a duck head works. If not, get two pry bars.

[@elijahmcgaugh9579]

Hay i a used 15"trailer tire

[@zdravkomomci7570]

Hi bro LMAO😝😃Commie Red!!!!

[@rpaull3]

Doesn't work for me... not much well I'm my Chevy rim

[@chrishuisingh1742]

One bead at a time

[@MrCoffeypaul]

Man that is shit fffnn hot!

[@ambientac7795]

.

[@AIRMANBEAR]

BE CAREFUL WITH THE PRY BAR ALONE IT CAN RIP THE BEAD AND THEN YOU WILL HAVE A LEAK

[@dlyall26]

All commy red 😅

[@stephenwilliams5201]

The spider? Get a big washer maby enough to clear the center and no more than 3/4" wide and spot it in place adds a extra order of strength or better is to buy a total spare unit for that rainy day. I still think that this spider gov wants to feed off the independent person. Good luck. om 73

[@TheHandsOnChannel]

Good idea on the washer. I think that might give it some more rigidity. We're all caught in their web of deceit. Thanks for the comment Stephen.

[@dubmob151]

I use cut up strips from discarded tires, and place two on opposing sides of the spider legs. Crank down on it and it's going nowhere, nohow-

[@SAFE-AT-HOME-SPORTS.]

Get off the tire and on the end of the handle

[@ryshaystudio77]

Talk about struggling...Nothing easy about that!

[@kevinaalberts9251]

Oh, for cripe sakes use the tool already

[@dubmob151]

Yeah, the hook tool is placed against the rim so the bead goes on the slope of the head, and then with the bar braces at a high angle on the center post, pushed on the proper direction to progressively push the bead in. That's the purpose of the tool, more than just a wheel holder.

[@waytospergtherebro]

I think I'd rather spend two hours hanging around Costco than five minutes screwing around with that heap.

[@davidmackenthun9306]

Don't buy harbor freight is carp

[@maxsharpe2194]

found the Hunter/Snap-On salesman.

[@JoelMartinez-mi2de]

Super stupid 😂

[@charredskeleton]

I ripped a bead once by prying them on. Next time i mount tires I’ll try to make a video of how to use mounting end of the harbor freight bar. Its actually easier then prying them on and way better for the tire, but it has a STEEP learning curve.

[@ARNFjB]

Mine got scrapped...makes me wanna break shit

[@damonlemaster6067]

If you mount the wheel upside down to mount the tire, will it work the same? Mount the wheel upside down to prevent scratching the outside edge of the rim?

[@Harold_Callahan]

10:20 I was about to go out and yell at my neighbor's dog because it barks all day, but then I realized it was this video! LOL

[@johnjon6349]

I wouldn’t of thought it easily possible without a lock on air chuck

[@M70ACARRY]

What you call the "well", is called the drop-center.

[@fabianpachoek7731]

Cut and chage valve