BarnyardEngineering
Well-known Member
- Location
- Rochester, NY
Several years ago I bought a cheap ($149) Esco manual bead breaker tool. I've used it on everything from lawn mower tires to 18.4x34 tractor tires.
It works, but you can tell it's not the best made tool. I've chipped the edge of the foot, and there's clear galling where the thrust washer pushes against the casting.
My biggest complaint is that it strictly says "no impact tools." I tried, they don't work, and I'm sure if I rattled on it much I'd probably strip out the threads.
The tool still works, but it could use a new foot. A new foot would cost $50 or so.
Then there's the upgrade path. I like the looks of this BeadBuster XB-550, and they not only recommend, but ENCOURAGE the use of electric impact tools. Price tag is $250-ish. Buy once cry once, as they say...
It works, but you can tell it's not the best made tool. I've chipped the edge of the foot, and there's clear galling where the thrust washer pushes against the casting.
My biggest complaint is that it strictly says "no impact tools." I tried, they don't work, and I'm sure if I rattled on it much I'd probably strip out the threads.
The tool still works, but it could use a new foot. A new foot would cost $50 or so.
Then there's the upgrade path. I like the looks of this BeadBuster XB-550, and they not only recommend, but ENCOURAGE the use of electric impact tools. Price tag is $250-ish. Buy once cry once, as they say...