Tire Changing Stand Recommendation?

[Smit-Dog]

I'm considering getting a tire changing stand to help make a fun job even easier.

Looking at either the Toolz Tire Changing Stand or the Zip-Ty Tire Changer.

I like the Toolz for the fact that you can stand up to change the tire, but it looks as though you'd have to mount the base to a piece of plywood to help support it while wrestling with the tire.

The Zip-Ty looks nice, but it would also need to be mounted to a piece of plywood to help secure it. Also, you'd be down on your knees changing the tire. I don't have a large enough workbench to lock it down there (although that project is not out of the question).

Here is a link to reviews on each of them:

http://www.4strokes.com/reviews/toolz/

http://www.4strokes.com/reviews/zipty/tirechng/

Both are about the same price. Does anyone have any experience with either of these stands?

Thanks!

 

[n8MX]

I haven't used either of the stands, but out of curiosity, what is the advantage of one of these over a 5 gallon bucket? I have used them in the past, and they work well, in addition of course to being cheap or free.

Andy

 

[Smit-Dog]

The stand from Toolz puts the tire and rim waist high. I figure changing a few tires a year, it will come in handy. I don't mind spending money on a useful tool that makes a job easier to do.

Kinda like safety wire pliers. Necessary? No. Cool and fun to use? :thumb:

 

[wibby]

Has anyone tried this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42927
It goes with this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34552

 

[Farmer John]

I use a 5 gal plastic bucket.

 

[Papakeith]

I've taken to changing my tires on the tailgate of my pickup for the same reason you stated. I even use the latch for the gate to hold one of the longer tire irons in place on the tire while I work the rest of it off.
The price was right too. Free! :)

 

[Layton]

I change mine on an old car rim. It's kind of lide the Zip-Ty unit only much cheaper. :)

 

[jmics19067]

try a sturdy trash can or 30 gallon drum, one that is half full can be fairly steady especially if it is your scrap iron collector ;) only problem is when you drop your 12 mm wrench trying loosen the rimlock you have to go digging

 

[Danman]

I change mine on an old car rim. It's kind of lide the Zip-Ty unit only much cheaper.

The same here. I put a peice of allthread in the center. I use 2 2x4s and some bolts to keep it centered the in the rim. The thing does not move. I have been looking for some rubber cones of the top and bottom of the rim so that it will center itself on the allthread. I also used some 1 inch rubber hose for the bead.

I have it set up so that I can mount the rim on the work bench, but I thinking of making table that mounts to the wall out of 2x4 and a bead breaker.

I got the idea from this link:

Link to tire changing page

 

[mx547]

i guess i'm the only one who has bought one. i have the zip-ty changer. i've had it for several years and it's been a godsend. it's the single best "gimmick-type" tool i have ever purchased. it works like a dream. i actually enjoy changing tires now. i have mine mounted on a sheet of plywood. go ahead and spend the money, you won't be sorry.

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Great link, THANKS Dan. :thumb:

 

[lawman]

i use my buddy's stand from white bros.; it is the stand-up type. works great, & i like not being hunched over. i just step on the legs if i need more leverage, it's not mounted to a board. the only drawback is that since it is waist high, you can't put a foot or knee on the tire to keep it in the center of the rim. so for that i bought a vise-grip pliers with a big c-clamp for jaws. it is so easy that i no longer dread changing tires.

there's a guy on ebay selling them for about $55.

 

[scroskrey]

If you're not afraid to spend the money, check out www.mikesracingproducts.com. He makes the ones that the Dunlop boys use. I have one adn it is a very high quality unit that works perfectly.

 

[Smit-Dog]

scroskrey - Thanks for the excellent link!

That is one trick stand! Priced about the same as the others, but looks to be of better quality and design. And I like the storage feature.

:thumb:

 

[NashInPA]

I use a free 15 gallon grease drum from any one of the quick lube places. Its the same diametyer as a 5 gallon bucket but three times as high. They usually throw them out and are happy to give them away in hopes of gaining a customer.

 

[nephron]

I've got the Terry Cable changer. You don't have to bolt it to a piece of plywood, even though it says you should. You don't have to torque the tire irons in much if you gingerly hammer it under the bead. Drop the opposite bead down with largish vicegrips, and use 3 closely spaced irons on the side you're working. It's easier than changing a tire on a John Deere with CaCl2 in the tubes. ;)