After breaking down some stock tires without one, I think it is time to invest in a bead breaker or tire changer tool... I'd like it to be able to handle 12 and 14" wheels that works reliably, but I don't want to dump much money into one.

Harbor Freight has a couple different styles, and tractor supply places also have a couple options for around $40- but I'd like to hear from owners about what works and what doesn't.

If you have one that works well, please also provide where to get it.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

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680 Rincon camo, Foreman headlight, xt30, guru bumper
500 Foreman FM green, 2500 warn
Kit Patio Hauler 295F 5th wheel
Ram 3500 Laramie quad 4wd

Lay the tire/rim on the ground and run over the tire with the car or something to break the bead..

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EastCoastWest
2007 Ski-doo GTX 500SS 9225 km
1997 Suzuki KQ 300 showing 1320 km but I know it's higher than that.

Edited: 04/30/2008 at 07:04 PM by EastCoastWest

What he said...

I am fortunate enough to have a friend who works at a Tire center... and we just use the aluminum rim machine to mount the tires

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CraZy Steve
=========
2007 Grizzly 450 4x4
- Warn 2.5ci Winch w/20 foot remote
- GYTR Deluxe Rear Rack Extention
- GYTR Skids (Belly, Rear, Front A-Arm)
- CSS (CraZySteve Skids) Footwell Rock-rails
- CSS Front CV Boot Extenders (attached to GYTR A-Arm Skids)
- Garmin GPSMap 60Cx w/R.A.M. Mount W/Topo 2008 USA Maps
- Snorkle for front of Belt Drive

I've been there, done that (drive truck on them) but some are really a pain to get to break like that. They either flip up, or just won't come off the bead.

I've used the bumper jack, or the landing pads on the 5th wheel before, too, but sometimes the just don't want to go, especially on factory tires that have been on a long time...

That's why I'm looking for an inexpensive, easier way to do it.

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680 Rincon camo, Foreman headlight, xt30, guru bumper
500 Foreman FM green, 2500 warn
Kit Patio Hauler 295F 5th wheel
Ram 3500 Laramie quad 4wd

Jeff,

Found this link from NE ATV's --- Answering the question you asked It is an "ok" web forum - this one is better.

http://northeastatvers.com/for...ndex.php?topic=14750.0

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CraZy Steve
=========
2007 Grizzly 450 4x4
- Warn 2.5ci Winch w/20 foot remote
- GYTR Deluxe Rear Rack Extention
- GYTR Skids (Belly, Rear, Front A-Arm)
- CSS (CraZySteve Skids) Footwell Rock-rails
- CSS Front CV Boot Extenders (attached to GYTR A-Arm Skids)
- Garmin GPSMap 60Cx w/R.A.M. Mount W/Topo 2008 USA Maps
- Snorkle for front of Belt Drive

Thanks.

I think I'll give that first one a shot...

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680 Rincon camo, Foreman headlight, xt30, guru bumper
500 Foreman FM green, 2500 warn
Kit Patio Hauler 295F 5th wheel
Ram 3500 Laramie quad 4wd

To break the bead using your car or truck,first place a 2X6 around 3 long foot on the tire next to the rims edge,drive on the board this should break the bead..It works for me..

On the link that Crazysteve provided, I have used the first one and it works pretty good. One thing that makes it easier is to leave some air in the tires so the sides don't collapse.

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2005 Rubicon
98 Chevy S-10 ZR2 72000 miles

Cool. That's the one I ordered. It hasn't gotten here yet, but I'll post back when I've had a chance to use it.

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680 Rincon camo, Foreman headlight, xt30, guru bumper
500 Foreman FM green, 2500 warn
Kit Patio Hauler 295F 5th wheel
Ram 3500 Laramie quad 4wd

I bought one some months ago. It was worth the investment. It sounds quite simple, but it actually took some tries to figure out how to work it properly. Use lots of padding though. It will scratch up your rims quite nice.