Topic: Anybody using the Harbor Freight tire changer?

[b1jackson]

Hi folks. 

Considering a purchase of a manual tire changer as I believe its something that would pay for itself quite quickly.  I've read up on all the necessary "mods" that you have to do to these units including the plastic pucks so the rims aren't scratched and the better quality removal bar with the nylon tips.

https://www.harborfreight.com/motorcycle-tire-changer-attachment-60810.html

I'm aware of other tire install options and I have had some success with simple spoons however I am wanting an upgrade while still keeping in budget.  That budget being under $400 or so.  Harbor Freight isn't around here in Canada but a similar unit can be bought on Amazon.

Alot of the videos I see are people installing using these manual machines on wider rims either from sport bikes or dual purpose.  Always tubeless and usually wider rims and rubber.  Had anyone had success and use these regularly for narrower CB rims or for vintage spoked wheels?  That is exclusively what I would be using this machine for.

THanks for your input!

[05c50]

I used a Harbor Freight changer once. It was less than satisfactory. I purchased a Cycle Hill changer for under $400 and couldn't be happier.  It fits pretty much any wheel that you'll run into. I've changed tons of tires with it, everything from mini bikes to pickup tires. It won't handle the 23" bagger tires though. The tubeless sport bike tires almost fall on, but some of the narrow spoke wheels take a little finess. Everything that touches the wheel is plastic so there's not much chance of scratching the wheel. I've had it for years and have replaced some of the nylon inserts, but that's it and the tire lube that comes with it is very good too. Like anything else, you'll learn little tricks that will make the job easier, but it won't take long. They also sell a "Yellow Thing" that acts a third hand when installing some of the heavier bagger tires that comes in handy.
https://www.nomartirechanger.com/Tire_Changers_s/37.htm
There's also a good youtube video showing it's operation.

........Paul

[b1jackson]

I did look at those but the duty, shipping and exchange rate kinda sting abit.

[05c50]

Mine paid for itself once my buddies found out they could buy tires on the internet and not pay the dealer extra$$$ to mount and balance them. In fact some dealers won't mount the tires unless you buy from them.

...Paul

[754]

 I like my No Mar tire changer, got it used..

[b1jackson]

I should try and do the same as it would be close to $800 to get a new one here by the time I pay duty and exchange.

[02z06dave]

I have the harbor freight one and don't have any problems with it. I sell parts for a living and wanted something that I could easily remove sport bike tires. I have found spoons to be difficult for that. I did the upgrade of the mojo lever and mojo blocks. I find that often the old bikes i buy have tires that are super old and hard and typically its easier to use the spoons on them. I don't keep mine set up all the time because of space, so i set it up when i feel i really have to. I would definitely use it more often if it were permanently set up.  I will add that the mojo lever isn't designed well and can't handle the old hard tires. But, if you're wanting to use the setup to change tires that aren't crazy old, the harbor freight changer and mojo products are just fine, especially for the low cost. Ive been using the setup pretty regularlyfor about 2 years.

[02z06dave]

Also, the harbor freight changer as it comes out of the box is basically unusable.

[05c50]

I did look at those but the duty, shipping and exchange rate kinda sting abit.

I completely understand that cost is a large part of the decision making process and I have no experience with the Mojolever, but considering the price of the HF tire changer, the HF motorcycle adapter, the Mojolever and the mod to the changer to make it a little more user friendly, you're half way to the price of the Cycle Hill. And it comes with free tire lube.

......Paul 

[05c50]

I find that often the old bikes i buy have tires that are super old and hard and typically its easier to use the spoons on them. I don't keep mine set up all the time because of space, so i set it up when i feel i really have to. I would definitely use it more often if it were permanently set up.  I will add that the mojo lever isn't designed well and can't handle the old hard tires.

On the old hard tires on the narrow wheels, I usually use a spoon to pry up the bead and cut it with an angle grinder. Saves all the grunting and groaning.

...............Paul

[PeWe]

What about the floor if only doing the tires on your own bike(s)?

I changed front tire a month ago, wooden planks to keep rotor from the floor. It has dual brakes so planks needed for wheel to be placed flat.
An old sheet to let it stay away from garage floor dirt.

Rear tire another month earlier.

[b1jackson]

[/quote]

On the old hard tires on the narrow wheels, I usually use a spoon to pry up the bead and cut it with an angle grinder. Saves all the grunting and groaning.

...............Paul
[/quote]

Me too. If I've made the decision on replacement, the old one comes off this way!

[Bryce1552]

Short of running a business it seems like all of these are far too expensive to outweigh the cost of there use considering my local cyclegear only charges 25 dollars for a mount and balance, unless im chaning a tube on the side of the road I generally can't afford not to do this considering the frustration is saves. Atleast for me.

[BenelliSEI]

Several years ago, a local dealer changed two tires for me. I didn’t buy the tires from their shop, but the place had a lots of business from me. Mounting, balancing (and “disposal”) was close to $100. Last time I ever went there. Bought three good irons, rim protectors, a cool little cable for pulling valves through, and a trueing/ balancing stand. My 18” and 19” wheels sit beautifully on the mouth of a green plastic garbage can, in my shop. A bead breaker would be useful, but I already have a large C clamp that works. I probably changed/balanced 20-30 tires since. Did two more today.

I often cut the bead cable on garbage tires with an old bolt cutter. Two snips and they fall off.

P.S. empty plastic antifreeze jugs, cut into strips, are great rim protectors. Hint: only use three, and make sure you have them all when completed. If you leave one in, with the tube, you will have a flat soon........ don’t ask.

[HondaMan]

No, not me. It has Coronavirus (maybe?).

[ofreen]

No, not me. It has Coronavirus (maybe?).

Besides it being crappy beer, now they've got this problem -

https://nypost.com/2020/02/27/americans-are-avoiding-corona-beer-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-survey-finds/

 

[BenelliSEI]

Swapped two tires for new ones on the Rickman today. Here’s what I use. The towel across the top of the plastic garbage can stops the valve core from falling into the garbage  (when I drop it at least once).

[PeWe]

Tire mounting lubricant paste make a huge difference. Richly on both sides of the tire walls where it sits in the rim.
The tire just slides on with minimum need of tire irons the last moments where the tube can be pinched.

I bought 2 kg bucket that will last for all my future tires.

Helps when taking off the tire too.

[b1jackson]

Any link to this magic paste?  I just have some cheapo lube from Princess Auto but perhaps good paste is in order.

[PeWe]

Search Tire mounting lubricant paste

Very common product.

I got my local here, not available outside Scandinavia. I guess Denmark and Norway have same shop as this in Sweden
https://www.biltema.se/bil---mc/bilverktyg/dacktillbehor/dackverktyg/dackmonteringspasta-2000023377

[BenelliSEI]

PeWe...... I usually have the paste, but my son “borrowed” it 6 months ago and I am still waiting! You are right, it’s 10X better than Windex.

[PeWe]

I used common floor cleaning soap mixed with water many years ago.
Rim rusted inside and not that slippery as the real thing.

I have recently started to change tire by myself due to one tire shop dented my rim. New irons purchased.
I set the tire oriented with its marked dot  at the valve. The tires lightest point.

[05c50]

Any link to this magic paste?  I just have some cheapo lube from Princess Auto but perhaps good paste is in order.

This stuff works great and will probably last the average person a lifetime. It's water soluable so you can mix it and put it in a spray bottle to use when removeing the tire and can easily be cleaned up. If you look around a little bit you can find it a little cheaper. https://www.nomartirechanger.com/Tire_Lube_Paste_1_Pint_Jar_p/sp-lube-pint.htm

........Paul

[slikwilli420]

I use Ruglyde. It's safe for wheels and rubber unlike the old dish soap trick. I found lots of white corrosion dust using soap and never any after switching to the right tool for the job. Also make mounting and dismounting far easier. I race so I do tire swaps more regularly than I would otherwise.

[b1jackson]

Thanks for the tips all.  I think I'm just going to try a better quality lube vs. struggling with what I have.  I'll save the tool purchase for another day (or another tool)