Harbor Freight Tire Changer
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Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Keweenaw Bay, MI
Harbor Freight Tire Changer
Has anybody out there bought one of them tire changers that Harbor Freight is offering for $39.95? They look like they are pretty well made and was considering getting one.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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Yep, I have one.
I have used it to change everything from a 8" yard trailer tire, up to a 35 x 12.5 mud tire. You absolutely need to mount it down. I had it mounted to a sheet of plywood so I could move it, But now it is just mounted to the concrete outside the garage door. Works so much better.
The attached bead breaker leaves something to be desired. I welded some cross braces into it, and it made a big difference. But I usually use a Snap-on bead breaker that I have.
I have used it to change everything from a 8" yard trailer tire, up to a 35 x 12.5 mud tire. You absolutely need to mount it down. I had it mounted to a sheet of plywood so I could move it, But now it is just mounted to the concrete outside the garage door. Works so much better.
The attached bead breaker leaves something to be desired. I welded some cross braces into it, and it made a big difference. But I usually use a Snap-on bead breaker that I have.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
I have been using one as well, and if nothing more, it is handy to have it up off the floor where you don't have to bend over. I had to reinforce the bead breaker on the one my dad has, and will likely have to do it sooner or later to mine. I just ran a piece of flat iron perpendicular to the flat iron it had, and stitch welded it on, no problems.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 174
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From: Dayton, Ohio
I had about a 25 year collection of tires on rims that needed to go to the dump. I bought one from Harbor freight to separate the tires from the rims.
First time I used it, I bent the bead breaker. I welded reinforcement on it and it's been fine since.
The second time I used it, the "star" clamp that holds the wheel onto the tire changer split along one side. I welded it and it's been fine since.
The third time that I used it the base bent. I welded diagonal braces from the base up along the column and it's been fine since.
For $40 I expected these problems, but went ahead and bought it. It was easier/faster than constructing one from scrap.
I've removed close to 50 tires with it.
First time I used it, I bent the bead breaker. I welded reinforcement on it and it's been fine since.
The second time I used it, the "star" clamp that holds the wheel onto the tire changer split along one side. I welded it and it's been fine since.
The third time that I used it the base bent. I welded diagonal braces from the base up along the column and it's been fine since.
For $40 I expected these problems, but went ahead and bought it. It was easier/faster than constructing one from scrap.
I've removed close to 50 tires with it.
