Removing a tire?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,264
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From: Rhode island
Removing a tire?
How can I get a tire off the wheel using regular household tools?
I don't need the tire so any method that would help, including cutting the tire ( if possible)
I don't need the tire so any method that would help, including cutting the tire ( if possible)
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 614
Likes: 0
From: Carrollton, Tx
3 or 4 *big* screw drivers should do it. Tire irons are best but they aren't your everyday "household tool".
Use each of the screw drives to pry the tire up and over the rim of the wheel. Once you get one screw driver in hold it in place while you take the next screw driver and pry up another section of the tire 4-6" away from the last. Continue going around the wheel doing this until one side of the tire is over the rim. Then work your way around again getting the second half of the tire off.
I'm sure a tire shop would remove them for $20. Well worth it because the approach I just described is a pain in the ****!!! Not worth the trouble.
Use each of the screw drives to pry the tire up and over the rim of the wheel. Once you get one screw driver in hold it in place while you take the next screw driver and pry up another section of the tire 4-6" away from the last. Continue going around the wheel doing this until one side of the tire is over the rim. Then work your way around again getting the second half of the tire off.
I'm sure a tire shop would remove them for $20. Well worth it because the approach I just described is a pain in the ****!!! Not worth the trouble.
Last edited by rubiconMike; Mar 25, 2010 at 03:18 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: poughkeepsie, ny
I wouldn't try it. Take the tire and rim to a local bike shop, doesn't have to be a Harley shop. Bring a dozen donuts with ya, and ask the shop mgr. if he could pull a tire off a rim for ya. If he charges you, tell him I said that's really f***ed up.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
Never tried it. Im thinkin sawsall and bolt cutters near the edge of the tire and to cut the bead.
If it were, Id pay a metric shop the $20 to remove it.
If it were, Id pay a metric shop the $20 to remove it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 676
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yep. thats exactly what i would do. Id have their cash before they had my wheel.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 43
From: NJ
OK, If you really want to save 20-40 bucks, here is how.
Break the bead with two 2X4's (2 feet long) and two large C-clamps, put the tire between the lumber and squeeze with the clamps.
Take your Black and Decker Sabre saw with a medium blade and cut a "U" shape knotch out of the tire as close to the rim as you can without damaging it. That should be very close to the bead.
Take some bolt cutters and cut both beads...wal-lahh, tire is off.
This really works and it's fast if the bead breaks ok for ya..When money was real tight this is how I did it.
Doug
Break the bead with two 2X4's (2 feet long) and two large C-clamps, put the tire between the lumber and squeeze with the clamps.
Take your Black and Decker Sabre saw with a medium blade and cut a "U" shape knotch out of the tire as close to the rim as you can without damaging it. That should be very close to the bead.
Take some bolt cutters and cut both beads...wal-lahh, tire is off.
This really works and it's fast if the bead breaks ok for ya..When money was real tight this is how I did it.
Doug
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,447
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From: Danville Va, Providence NC
I did my own rear tire change last year on my Sportster. I scratched the rim when the screwdriver slipped. If you use duct tape on the screwdrivers, they won't slip, so I have been told. Also use some dishwashing detergent to lube it up. That definitely works wonderz!
Now I need to figure out how to get that scratch off my mag, lol........
Now I need to figure out how to get that scratch off my mag, lol........
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Marysville, OH
If it's not something you're going to do again, don't bother; take it to a shop. Cruiser tires are stiff and hard to work with compared to sportbike and dirtbike tires, but you can do it. If I can, anybody can, but patience and practice both help. Here goes: first, you need to remove the valve core (tool for $1-$4, or really really fine needle nose pliers). Next, spray the heck out of the bead area with a lubricant (liquid soap and water mixture or even windex will work). Then, you have to break the bead. You can do it with your car and two lengths of 2"x4" (several Youtube videos show you how). Keep the wheel flat down on the ground sideways (hub down). Wipe some lubricant on the inside lip of the topside of the wheel. Then, try to collapse the bead area of the tire touching your knees and shift that side up into the drop center of the wheel; place your knees on the tire. Then, the far side of the tire should have just enough space so you can get a tire spoon in. Use some old Capri Sun packages or cut up milk jugs or oil containers to use as rim protectors. If you have strong hands, you can get the top side off after you get it started well (two tire spoons will help a lot). For the bottom side, pick the tire up so it's right-side up (tire down, not hub). Double up your rim protectors and stick one tire spoon all the way through from the side you already pulled out. Pull the spoon towards you with the rim against your legs. Once the near side bead starts to come off the rim, you'll be able to finish with your hands (no more spoon). Wallah! You just removed your first cruiser tire. If you're like me, you swore a lot. But the second one is much, much easier. Oh, use LOTS of lube, and the whole thing will be much easier.
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