I found the urethane tires for 25.99 at Rockler. Has anybody used these on the wheel after the old rubber aged out?
Any tips on replacing the old with the new would be appreciated. Most of the sales folks say heat the tire in warm water fit it on the wheel and wait on the cool down before use.
Any additional tips- much appreciated.
dan
Replies
I replaced the rubber tires on my 14" Ridgid with Carter urethane tires, and they're working very well. The old tires were lifting off of the wheel "at speed"; the new ones have no such tendency.
I didn't really have to do anything special to get them on--I just heated them in hot water as suggested, then slid them on. It does help to have an extra set of hands, though.
Once they're on, there's a trick you can use to ensure that the tension is even all around: take a hardwood dowel (hard maple is good) about 1/4" in diameter, sharpen one end slightly (like a knitting needle), then slip it under the tire, between the tire and the wheel rim. Now roll the dowel along the rim a couple of times around the circumference of the wheel. This way, any especially tight or loose spots get worked out and spread around.
-Steve
I'm going to do that. thanks for the input.
dan
I put urethane tires on my 14" Rockwell Delta (1969 model) and it was easy.
As they say, put the tires in hot water for a while, make sure that the wheel is clean, then start by putting the tire on as far as you can by hand, then use a phillips-head screwdriver to stretch it on the rest of the way (like putting a bike tire on the rim). Before you remove the screwdriver from under the tire, roll it around the circumference of the wheel once or twice to equalize tension, then when you are satisfied that the tire is centered, gently remove the screwdriver.
While you are at it, remove the drive belt and spin the wheels to see if the bearings are ok.
Good stuff - thanks
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