Well, I got to use it (the Harbor Freight one) today.

We broke down some factory dunlops and mounted some Bighorns for my GF's dad.

The first one was a pain, but once we got it figured out, it went pretty quick.

First, breaking down factory tires, it really helps to have some air in them to keep the flimsy sidewall from just caving away and causing the foot of the bead breaker to slide off (Thanks for that tip, Angler!). I also found it helpful to have two people so one person can use a wrecking bar to keep the foot of the bead breaker agaist the bead.

On back tires, where the bead has quite a bit to move, you need to get the bead started moving and turn the tire 90 degrees from time to time.

Once you get the first bead off, you can hit the other one with some soap.

The little thing on the top of the changer, that is supposed to hold the wheel while you lever the tire off after the bead is broken- not worth using and easy to scratch the rim up... Once both beads are off, it is much easier to get the old tire off the wheel and the new tire on by hand with a regular tire lever.

I'm thinking I might cut or grind some roughness on the bottom edge of the foot of the bead breaker, so it would grip the sidewall of a tire a bit better.


The last time I had to break down some stock tires, it was a major struggle (trying the above methods of driving on it, using a jack, and so on).

Overall, this tool was totally worth the price. 4 tires on and off in around about an hour, counting mounting the tire changer to the floor, and removing it.


Thanks everyone, for your input.

Jeff