Why is this needed?

I don't see a "centering pin" listed. Do you mean the guide pin of the lug hole?

Blink...blink...yes.

It keeps the tire from spinning

"If the personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution inhibit the government's ability to govern the people, we should look to limit those guarantees."

Bill Clinton 1993-08-12

If you're talking about the pin that comes through the base, it is to keep the tire from spinning during work. The old tire changers had a spinner cone shaped device to keep it centered on the machine, and one pin to keep it from spinning. Gawd, I wonder what the numerical equivalent was on that threaded cone. One thread per two inches, or something like that.

Steve

Considering the many foot-pounds of torque you apply with the bead seating tool, you need more than the spider to keep the wheel from spinning.

I wouldn't be too optimistic about these gadgets on any tires car sized and up, unless you're desperate. The do-it-yourself savings are not worth the effort, and they don't work very well. There's a reason tire changers are big hydraulic tools costing $1000s.

Have you considered looking for a used tire changer? I bought a used Coates 20-20 in 1979 for $120 and it has been working fine ever since. This model is a serious air-powered machine. The only thing it lacks is the extra pressure tank and ring under the tire that "blows" the bead into place, but that's easy to get around anyway.

There must be plenty of them around, since the technology is always advancing. When I bought mine, the 30-30 and (I think)40-40 had already been around for a while.

Pete Stanaitis

--------------

stryped wrote:

I have been looking. Actually, I had been thinking of making one of these at home as I have some round and square tubing. Mainly for my 15 inch trailer wheels but alos, lawn mower, tiller, etc. It seemed like a neat project.

But there is a "spider" that goes over the wheel and a top post that screws down against the spider. I thought that this woudl hold the tire?

If you were making one, how would you install a guide pin? Arent different wheel's holes different spaces from center? I dont see how one would work for all?

I have been looking. Actually, I had been thinking of making one of these at home as I have some round and square tubing. Mainly for my 15 inch trailer wheels but alos, lawn mower, tiller, etc. It seemed like a neat project.

But there is a "spider" that goes over the wheel and a top post that screws down against the spider. I thought that this woudl hold the tire?

If you were making one, how would you install a guide pin? Arent different wheel's holes different spaces from center? I dont see how one would work for all? The guide pin is mounted on a pivot so that it can swivel radially toward or away from the post. Some also telescope to accomodate different rim widths. The wheel has to be securely restrained from turning as sometimes it can take quite a bit of force to get the tire bead to slide over the rim. If the tire is soft and WELL lubricated it often goes very easily but some are a real bear. The rim design effects the effort also.

Don Young

One last thing. I went to Harbor freight and looked at theirs. The part the wheel "rests" on is a small circular piece of metal. Would there be an advantage/disadvantage to having a larger piece, maybe a 1 foot by one foot square or so? It seems it would make the unit stronger. Also would one of these changers work on the front tires of my 8n? I have never had them off but I think the "center hole" of the tire looks different.

As always appreciate your help!

Some people simply feel obligated to keep reinventing the wheel.

All the power to them. On the other hand..they dont have a lot of time to do other more important stuff because of this.

Gunner

"Upon Roosevelt's death in 1945, H. L. Mencken predicted in his diary that Roosevelt would be remembered as a great president, "maybe even alongside Washington and Lincoln," opining that Roosevelt "had every quality that morons esteem in their heroes.""