Breaking a bead with the Hi-Lift?

[ntsqd]

Largest tire that I've popped lose is a 31. I changed a pair of 31's using the previous tool (that succumbed to an HCL attack due to the negligence of an un-named person ) and a pair of motorcycle tire irons. More a matter of opportunity than ability. I honestly don't know if there is an upper limit or where it might be. I'd be more concerned about a short sidewall tire than an off road intended tire.

Effort level is high enough that my 100 lbs. fiance' isn't likely to do it, but my 200 lbs. doesn't have much trouble.

I see it just the other way around. By leaving it bolted on you're not chasing it across the ground while prying on it. For a boot, patch or a tube you don't need access to both sides, one will do.

Occurs to me the sewing together an inside sidewall you might want it both off the vehicle and the wheel. So far that is the only reason that I see.

 

[Patman]

The only time I have needed to pop a bead off for repair on the trail, I've already mounted the full size spare. I have had to do it with 31s, 35s, 39.5s, and 44s(not my own). Larger is definately easier.

I think the homemade tool is genius. Only dislike carrying another tool. The bolt on highlift foot can be left in place (except on rock) and makes the job much easier.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I'm not the guy that's going to make a knock-off product just to undercut another company, but that's a $20 product. Maaaaaybe $30?

Yeah, $5 worth of steel, 2 minutes of welding (if that) and 3 holes.

The only time I have needed to pop a bead off for repair on the trail, I've already mounted the full size spare.

In my case, I got dirt packed into the bead of one tire, causing a leak. So I switched it out with the spare. Then I promptly packed wood into the bead of another tire causing an even bigger leak... I ended up having to drive on it.

 

[dbreid]

tyrepliers

I carry these: [URL="http://www.tyrepliers.com.au/New/home.html"]http://www.tyrepliers.com.au/New/home.html[/URL]

Very compact, and make short work of breaking beads to clean junk out of them (I often do this mounted on the truck. Use the hilift to lift the truck, and break the bead with the tyreplier).

I use tire spoons as well. And I carry a CO2 tank to reseat the bead (use a strap, pull the valve core, and POP! goes right on....) THis is with 40" tires normally.