POORLY EXECUTED PRODUCT,
May 5, 2008
By MrEngineer from California
"I bought this tool so that I could change tires on racing go karts with 5" wheels.
The idea of the tool is good, but the execution is poor.
First of all, the bottom cylinder is supposed to fit up inside the reverse side of the wheel. Unfortunately for kart wheels, it won't fit.
Secondly, the center shaft is too small a diameter, and will bend if you apply any significant amount of force - like when bead breaking. It needs to the the next size larger - a modification I intend to make to see if I can get this puppy to work.
Thirdly, the tire iron tool (the part that slides around the rim between the rim and the tire) is round rather than flat, and will damage any alloy wheel. This is another modification I intend to make.
In short, it's a good start, and may work in some very limited applications (as a few reviewers have mentioned), but it's not a universal tool, and it has some very significant deficiencies - and therefore cannot be recommended for general use.
I am a mechanical engineer, a racer, and an expert mechanic, so I know what I'm talking about."
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Fell apart.,
February 28, 2008
By Cashinhand from Burlington,IL
"All the silver pieces that you see are made of cast aluminum. It may be light but it ain't strong. The machine broke on the second ATV tire. I do plan on fixing the machine using steel stock and not aluminum. The idea works great. But, they tried to shave corners on the quality of the tool and that never pays off in the long run.
I'm not sorry that I bought it. It does have a very good concept when compared to other tools on the market. But, if you don't own a welder-don't buy it."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Tire Changer,
January 21, 2008
"I've used this a couple of times to chage/repair a tire on a trailer for a
garden tractor. It worked fine, no problems. The rim was in good condition.."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Light Weight,
January 14, 2008
By WallytheArmor from North Georgia Mountains
"The vertical shaft bends over when I tried to use the bead breaker. It works okay when mounting and unmounting tires but the bead breaker problem makes the unit more trouble than it's worth. I could have drive the 30 minutes and had the two tires mounted and returned with less aggrivation. Bead breaking a small tire that has been mounted for any length of time is really going to be a problem."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Tire changer to the rescue,
November 8, 2007
By tasdes from Springfield, MA
"30 year old tubed tire, off and back together in less than an hour; then on to the next one.,
Never get this job done without it..."
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional