Using tire irons without scratching rim. How?

[BadNews]

Every time I want to remove a tire I wind up scratching the rim, in spite of using rim protectors. I've scratched both the inside and outside of the rim. I have two questions:
1) Are rim scratches a serious problem; should I fix them?
2) How do you change a tire without scratching the rims using just tire irons and rim protectors?

 

[tntmo]

Some people are very worried about scratches. I am not one of those people. You can use a black Sharpie marker to kind of fill them in temporarily, bit it kind of turns purply-blue. Or some black touch up paint. Otherwise, it will ride the same no matter what.

People who have a lot of patience and care can change tires with irons and not scratch the rims. I don't have much of either.

 

[BadNews]

I've been reading through some threads on here about changing tires. There are a lot of owners who carry tools to change tires on the road. I've reached the conclusion that either they have some secret, or their rims are scratched up. I've done it in the cool of my basement, with plenty of time and patience and rim protectors, but still get new scratches. I'd rather not shell out for a Cycle Hill tire changer if I can avoid it. Does anyone who uses tire spoons to change tires still have scratch-free rims? I'd like to know your secrets.

Recommendation for touch up paint?

 

[swakop_toe]

This.

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[BadNews]

Yes, I have 3 tire spoons with handles and 3 rim protectors. Still get scratches, still don't know your secret.....

 

[holligl]

I did some scratching when I was first learning. Now I use 3-4 rim protectors, and plenty of lube, and don't rush. One bigger tire iron and two smaller. I have also learned to brush & scrub the rim bead surfaces for a long lasting seal. I will usually dip them in water to check for leaks. No more scratches from tire changing, but plenty of rock chips on the rims. Usually covered with dust so I don't notice. It is rarely a problem, since it's rarely clean. Ride on...

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[RCinNC]

There's one solution: get a set of Stubby tire levers. Check them out here: https://www.stubbytiretools.com/

They're made of plastic, so they have a lot less chance of scratching the rims. I'm not overly fond of them, but I have used them, and they do work.

 

[BadNews]

I did some scratching when I was first learning. Now I use 3-4 rim protectors, and plenty of lube, and don't rush. One bigger tire iron and two smaller. I have also learned to brush & scrub the rim bead surfaces for a long lasting seal. I will usually dip them in water to check for leaks. No more scratches from tire changing, but plenty of rock chips on the rims. Usually covered with dust so I don't notice. It is rarely a problem, since it's rarely clean. Ride on...

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Thanks, that and tntmo's response answers question 1: Rim scratches are not a serious problem. I just watched RTWPaul's review of the Rabaconda Tire Changer on the adventure forum and he didn't seem to care how many scratches he put on his front rim.

There's one solution: get a set of Stubby tire levers. Check them out here: https://www.stubbytiretools.com/

Thanks, I will check them out. Seems No-Mar also has a set of spoons, metal with no-scratch nylon inserts, about twice the price, though.

 

[RCinNC]

This is another solution I use. I use this one to lever the second bead off the tire. It's a pain to try and keep a rim protector in place when you're doing this, so I made a vinyl sheath for the big lever. It's just a piece of clear vinyl hose that I stuck over the end of the tire lever and then heated with a heat gun until it conformed to the shape of the lever. I sewed up one side of the tubing so it was tight against the tire lever and then cut off the excess tubing. It works like a charm; I don't need the rim protector, and it never scratches the rim.

I imagine you could do the same thing with regular tire levers if you wanted; they'd be a lot cheaper than the Stubby tools. Truthfully, the scratches don't really bother me any more. They don't compromise the wheel at all.

 

[Dons 1911]

I use the Rabaconda Tire Changer, four Motion Pro Rim Guards and 4 Motion Pro 15" spoons. Lots of RuGlyde and away we go. Put a couple scratches on my Stelvio rims learning how to use the Rabaconda while worrying about scratches. I've changed three tires on my S10 without a scratch. Either I figured it our or I'm lucky. Or some combo of both! It CAN be done without scratches!

GREAT idea on the vinyl covered spoon there RC!

 

[BadNews]

This is another solution I use. I use this one to lever the second bead off the tire. It's a pain to try and keep a rim protector in place when you're doing this, so I made a vinyl sheath for the big lever. It's just a piece of clear vinyl hose that I stuck over the end of the tire lever and then heated with a heat gun until it conformed to the shape of the lever. I sewed up one side of the tubing so it was tight against the tire lever and then cut off the excess tubing. It works like a charm; I don't need the rim protector, and it never scratches the rim.

I imagine you could do the same thing with regular tire levers if you wanted; they'd be a lot cheaper than the Stubby tools. Truthfully, the scratches don't really bother me any more. They don't compromise the wheel at all.

This is the kind of low tech solution I'm in favor of. I actually have a heat gun and some 1" vinyl hose in the basement. Not much for sewing, but I'll figure out the rest of it.
So there really is no secret to limiting scratches? Just use some kind of protection on the tool or rim, and be careful? I'm thinking the "be careful" part is where I failed.

I'd like to see RTWPaul use that Rabaconda thing on the rear tire!

 

[BadNews]

I use the Rabaconda Tire Changer, four Motion Pro Rim Guards and 4 Motion Pro 15" spoons. Lots of RuGlyde and away we go. Put a couple scratches on my Stelvio rims learning how to use the Rabaconda while worrying about scratches. I've changed three tires on my S10 without a scratch. Either I figured it our or I'm lucky. Or some combo of both! It CAN be done without scratches!

GREAT idea on the vinyl covered spoon there RC!

Yep, I used Ru-glyde also.

Did you see the price on that Rabaconda ADV version? I like the Cycle Hill system better, but the fact that the Rabaconda folds up into a neat package is nice.

 

[gv550]

Here’s my wheels, and the irons I use. Bike has 187k and at least a dozen tire changes by hand. Not a scratch anywhere, and never use rim protectors.

 

[Dons 1911]

I like the storage and the fact that I stumbled into mine used (once, or so he said. I believe it, it was like new!) for a great price! And yes, brand new I think they are a bit too spendy.

 

[BadNews]

Here’s my wheels, and the irons I use. Bike has 187k and at least a dozen tire changes by hand. Not a scratch anywhere, and never use rim protectors. View attachment 82617View attachment 82618View attachment 82619

So what's the secret to using just tire irons without scratching the rims? Is it the irons? What kind are they? What is your method?

 

[RCinNC]

This is the kind of low tech solution I'm in favor of. I actually have a heat gun and some 1" vinyl hose in the basement. Not much for sewing, but I'll figure out the rest of it.
So there really is no secret to limiting scratches? Just use some kind of protection on the tool or rim, and be careful? I'm thinking the "be careful" part is where I failed.

I'd like to see RTWPaul use that Rabaconda thing on the rear tire!

Being careful pretty much is the most important thing, if avoiding scratches is the goal. I help a buddy when he needs to change the tires on his 1250GS, and he is super anal about not scratching those nice gold rims. He uses the Stubby tools, and so far, we've never put a scratch on the rims. I'm not nearly that careful with my own; I was at first, but after the inevitable chips and dings that accumulate on a wheel that spends time in dirt and gravel, I don't worry about it any more. I still use rim protectors, but more than once I've skipped moving the protectors for that last bit of tire that was going over the rim.

 

[gv550]

I didn’t realize that I had a method, other than being careful and keeping the bead pushed to the centre of the rim to reduce the force required and minimizing the chance of slipping. And I have been changing tires manually for 40+ years. The curved irons work well, I’ve tried straight irons and simply can not get them to work for me.

 

[BadNews]

I have 3 fairly straight-handled spoons and one lever I got from Harbor Freight, also straight. I can see how the curved ones would be an advantage. Yours look a lot like the Motion Pro curved ones.
So to sum up so far: Patience, tire lube, work on my technique (verifying the opposite side of the tire is in the drop center of the rim), and I think I'm going to try a set of the curved irons. What do you think of these?

Amazon.com: PIVOTRAX 15” Tire Mount | Demount Curved Iron Tire Lever | Wrench, Set of 2: Automotive

Buy PIVOTRAX 15” Tire Mount | Demount Curved Iron Tire Lever | Wrench, Set of 2: Tire Repair Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Dons 1911]

Rocky Mountain ATV has the Tusk ones on sale...

Tusk 15" Curved Tire Iron | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Shop for Tools, like Tusk 15" Curved Tire Iron at Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. We have the best prices on dirt bike, atv and motorcycle parts, apparel and accessories and offer excellent customer service.

www.rockymountainatvmc.com

 

[Dons 1911]

Twisted Throttle has the Motion Pro ones on sale for a dollar less!!!

Motion Pro 08-0007 Tire Iron Curved 15in

Add a Motion Pro 08-0007 Tire Iron Curved 15in to your shop for the leverage you need for changes to your motorcycle tires. Available at Twisted Throttle.

twistedthrottle.com