Which bubble balancer

Fred Werring · Jan 7, 2015

Looking to buy a bubble balancer. Got some trailer wheels with about a 4-1/4" center hole

The Torin balancer at Northern Tool claims to handle rims with a 4-1/2" center hole

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200514379_200514379

There's balancers on ebay, look the same, but only say they'll go to a 4" center.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Portable-Hubs-Wheel-Balancer-w-Bubble-Level-Heavy-Duty-Rim-Tire-Cars-Trucks-/131195878965

Anybody know if the cones are the same size, just the torin claims a larger diameter? There's about $35 bucks difference in the price, I'll pay the $35 if there is a difference, but why pay it if there's not?

Or any thoughts on a better one to buy? Got one to sell? All the new ones look the same to me.

Thanks

Fred

hoof print · Jan 7, 2015

They are the same. Also the same one sold by harbor freight.

I have the HF version. It's "ok". Not nearly as accurate as the old bubble balancers I grew up using.

If you want one, pick the cheapest price and go for it.

Glenn F. · Jan 7, 2015

Yeah, I've got a Micro Precision brand bubble balancer. It does an excellent job. Paid $100 for it used. Came with the adapter for large center wheels.

Glenn F.

Brian G. NY · Jan 7, 2015

Don't know about the new ones but I bought this old one 25 or 30 years ago at a flea market for $5.
The bubble was broken so I bought one of those little bubble levels from Harbor Freight and glued it on. Been using it ever since and it works really well.

Slowpoke · Jan 7, 2015

Glen F
I have the same balancer and would like to get an
operators manual for use and care of the machine, but have never been able to find one. But it still works good for an old machine

Glenn F. · Jan 8, 2015

No owner's manual here.

Glenn F.

BIG ED · Jan 8, 2015

Check E Bay, there **WERE* some reprints on there.If not I may be able to come up with a reprint.

hd6gtom · Jan 8, 2015

after owning a tire shop for over 20 years, the best advice is Forget them, take the tires to a pro and have them done right.

Fred Werring · Jan 8, 2015

Want to get your money back out of it?

Glenn F. · Jan 8, 2015

Point well taken, but bubble balancers were the industry standard for decades. A good unit does a pretty good job. I keep our five vehicles on the road with mine. Cost the professionals quite a little income.

Glenn F.

Ron-MO · Jan 8, 2015

After an experience a couple weeks ago, I am on the lookout for one. I had a set of winter tires, and found a set of used steel rims I wanted to use and not have to mount/dismount every winter, and have my own tire tool to mount. I made the mistake of not asking what a local shop would charge for balance only off the car. $40 later I was on my way home, but not very happy with the price he charged. Might be just me, and I realize his overhead is expensive, but that seems a bit much since he did not turn a lug nut, or mount the tires, and I even carried the tires into his shop. I guess I should have asked what his normal charge was to mount, balance and put on the vehicle as I have a feeling it would be the same. And I am not fully convinced the spin balancers are that much better since I have had many tires that will shake from day one that had been "computer spin balancing". Ironically these have a slight vibration at around 50 mph, but I will live with it.

big a · Jan 9, 2015

I use an old Micro-Precision bubble balancer. New, high tech spin balancers might be better, but any machine is only as good as it's operator. Only tire shop around, open when I could get there is Wal-Mart.
From what I see there, I'll take my chances!

Which bubble balancer

Fred Werring

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hoof print

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Glenn F.

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Brian G. NY

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Slowpoke

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Glenn F.

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BIG ED

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hd6gtom

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Fred Werring

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Glenn F.

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Ron-MO

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big a

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