OK, I’m SURE there is some sort of magic trick to this…..but I have a flat wheelbarrow tire, and I can’t seem to air it up. I have an air compressor, but the air keeps coming out of the sides when I’m trying to blow up the tire. I can’t seem to get a seal on the rim. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!
Jeannie
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Replies
Try wraping a rope around the center of the tire.
Then use a bar and twist the rope so that it will squease in the center of the tire and help push the tire bead out toward the rim.
The rope doesn't work too well (just about impossible to get it tight enough, but a ratchet strap likely will. I've seen the ether-and-match trick done, but I've also heard of folks killing themselves (or bystanders) that way, when the rim comes apart.The tire needs to be reasoably warm and supple. If it's been sitting flat for some time, prop it up (or turn the barrow over) so that the flat can go away.
If what Bill Hartmann said does not work, buy an inner tube. That's what I do now. Never any problems again.
If you have the deflated tire every spring, get an inner tube. Otherwise, it'll be flat whenever you need it. The rope/ratchet strap around the middle does work, though. If you go to a tire store that has an unregulated air line, it'll inflate.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
My local lumber store sells a puncture proof tire. Cost me $30 and seems to work.
I've done the wrap-the-rope around the tire trick with some success. You can also get a solid foam-rubber wheelbarrow tire that will NEVER ever go flat or need air. I've got one and am very happy with it. It does add a little weight to the wheelbarrow, but when it's loaded with cement, you won't notice.
The 'tire' on our Rol=Aire compressor was carved outta a chunk of LVL, ala Flintstones.No,really.
I didn't do it....the buck does NOT stop here.
Solid ruber tires don't go flat
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A solid tire would've been my next step. I just don't get punctures by using the thing only in my yard.
Nothing like air to keep the load where it belongs. That is, IMHO. Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Put some slime in there once you get it seated.
Clean the rim and the bead on the tire. Squirt in a quick shot of hairspray, or starting fluid; toss a match at it.
Then, inflate with air compressor to desired psi.
Don't sue me if you get carried away with the hair spray....but this method does work quite well.
But, putting a tube in the tire is always a good idea, especially on small implements, like wheelbarrows, roto tillers and the like.
Edited 3/29/2005 9:02 pm ET by Wormdrive
Edited 3/29/2005 9:04 pm ET by Wormdrive
The rims rust where the tire mates to make a seal. Same thing happens with cars that have sat up for a time in the weather.
Rim rusts and the tire can't make a good seal. Slow leak. You can remove the tire, sand out the rust, a bit of body putty or epoxy to fill in any pits, and repaint but it is far easier to install an inner tube.
You still should sand and repaint but it can be a rough job, doable without completely removing the tire and just enough to stop the rust, because the rim will no longer be keeping the air in.
I was going to buy a new tire for my wheelbarrow, but when I went to Northern Tool to get one I found that a whole new assembled wheel and tire, full of air and all ready to go, was only a couple bucks more. I decided it wasn't worth fooling around trying to wrestle a new tire onto the old rim.
I just checked their website, and they're selling the wheel/tire assembly for $12.99 right now.
after the inner tube add a bottle of puncture seal to the tire.. the tire will die of old age before you get another flat...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I bought "Green Slime" inner tubes for all my wheelbarrows ( I think I got them at Lowe's). Haven't had to fix a flat in 2 years and that's a long time in the roofing biz. I've even got a couple of spare wheels that have been sitting all that time as well.
I see dumb people.