Mini Harbor Freight tire changer

4getgto

4getgto

Bill from Northampton County, Pennsylvania
Member
Had a sale going on and decided to pick one up. Haven't used it yet nor did I ever use one. I did watch a bunch of videos of them and they look as though they make things a little easier. I've done many of tires the old fashion way and they're (most) aren't to bad . But sometimes especially on the smaller tires you feel like a monkey doing a football. I'll let you know what I think as I have a few to change in a week or so.

IMG_20201220_135202.jpg
 
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I will report back. But my tires aren't due in till next week..
Are your tires the open center type with lug nut holes.? Reason I ask is some local garages can do the smaller tires as long they're open and don't have your typical bushing/ bearings.
8 tires is a lot of cussing. ;)
 
Mine do NOT have the lug nut holes, just a simple hole attached with a center thread/nut.
I had considered taking them into the local tire shop, but I reckon they'll still charge $10 to $15 each (that's if they can even do them), and from past experience, they DON'T like installing tubes! :confused:

Yeah, I reckon if I do these 8 myself, it will take the whole DAY....from taking the wheels off the rake, removing the tires/tubes, reinstalling the new tires/tubes, and fitting them back on the rake. Actually, it may take even longer, especially if I have a beer for each tire. :po_O

Looking forward to your 'review'.
 
The 1/2" all-thread on these HF mini hangers is too weak and bends easily trying to break beads on old stiff tires. Not enough meat to tap to 5/8, but I did tap mine out to accept 9/16" all-thread, and major improvement.
 
A little update as my tires are "suppose" to here today and figured I'd get the old ones off. Just dismounting for now.
First tire came off great. Really excited I was. Almost too easy. The tire and rim were really clean and no rust so that was big plus. Worked great.....IMG_20201223_091740.jpg
Second one NOT so much. Struggled mightily on this one. The bead breaker has a little to be desired. Even on the first tire a little. Second one I got one side pushed down but the other side wasn't happening. Had to pound that side down with a hammer and dull chisel . Just couldn't get it with their bead breaker.IMG_20201223_091815.jpg

The tool bar they give you to take the tire off rim works good even on the rusted tire and rim. So that was a big help.
I'll be back soon and let you know how that goes..
 
4getgto said:
A little update as my tires are "suppose" to here today and figured I'd get the old ones off. Just dismounting for now.
First tire came off great. Really excited I was. Almost too easy. The tire and rim were really clean and no rust so that was big plus. Worked great.....View attachment 32614
Second one NOT so much. Struggled mightily on this one. The bead breaker has a little to be desired. Even on the first tire a little. Second one I got one side pushed down but the other side wasn't happening. Had to pound that side down with a hammer and dull chisel . Just couldn't get it with their bead breaker.View attachment 32615

The tool bar they give you to take the tire off rim works good even on the rusted tire and rim. So that was a big help.
I'll be back soon and let you know how that goes..
Click to expand...
That wheel looks like slime was involved!
 
olcowhand said:
The 1/2" all-thread on these HF mini hangers is too weak and bends easily trying to break beads on old stiff tires. Not enough meat to tap to 5/8, but I did tap mine out to accept 9/16" all-thread, and major improvement.
Click to expand...
Same here Daniel, I think I used 5/8" acne rod
 
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