“What in the world is a tire thumper?” I couldn’t help but laugh as I heard a kid at the truck stop ask his mother. Her response, “I guess it thumps tires.” Good guess momma.
Actually, if you’ve been a truck stop attendee, you’ve likely seen the tire thumper a time or two; along with a bunch of other gadgets that make you scratch your head. The thumper has evolved over the years, starting back in the days with just about anything you can bang your tire with to the beautifully engineered tire thumper we have today.
RoadPro RPTT-1 Wooden Tire Thumper, 19-Inches, Assorted Dark or Light Wood
Although in the tire thumper is a novelty truck stop item, it does serve a purpose. With enough practice, you can quickly check your tire pressures. You can go through dozens of tires in a matter of a minute or two. Sure beats capping the valves.
How To Use Your Tire ThumperTruck tires make a certain sound when they’re full as required. If the tire pressure is low, it makes a different sound, hence you know that particular tire will need air added. It takes some getting use to, but the tire thumper will save you time, money and effort.
You have to get use to the sound the thumper makes, it will take practice. You’ll find that learning how to use the tire thumper is easy. It just takes practice. There’s a number of good quality thumpers out there, the two in this post I personally recommend.
Here’s the simple steps.
ATAK Tire Thumper with Light, 16-Inch
There’s a number of different companies that produce tire thumpers.
A few of the most well known include RoadPro, ATAK and Tire Boss.
Wow, what a great question. Well, you be the judge. If your truck is getting robbed, is it possible you grab the tire thumper under the seat? You bet! Well, unless you have a 12 gauge or 45 – those would be much better options. I won’t point you in the right direction, I’ll leave you with your thoughts to find the answer. Somehow, I think you know the answer to that.
Best Tire Thumpers?Three of my favorites tire thumpers are listed above. Bought them both from Amazon, not at the truck stop although I’ve bought a few here and there over the years. My favorite is the ATAK tire thumper. Sure, it cost a little more. I love the LED light that comes with it and after all my thumping, it still works. Not to mention I’ve dropped it a time or two, light still works. Solid piece of equipment.
The ATAK tire thumper is made from heavy duty aluminum, a great shell.
Mine has took some beating as I’ve had it for some time now, still use it today. Works great.
The RoadPro RPTT-1 wooden tire thumper is built solid too. That would be the thumpers on top of this article. These are built with solid wood, strong as can be. 19 inches long. You can’t go wrong with either listed in the article. Among reviews, these 2 thumpers get the most and highest praised. Personally using both, I feel confident in my findings and recommendations.
The RoadPro RPTT2 weighted wood tire thumper is equally as good. RoadPro is a brand you can trust. There’s a lot of these products out there, I like to stick to what I know and what I personally use on the road. Hopefully this article will guide you as all 3 are well worth their asking price.
RoadPro RPTT2 18″ Weighted Wood Tire Thumper
Using a tire pressure gauge is perhaps the most common way to check tire pressure. This method is the most accurate, but it is time-consuming.
Most people are discouraged from purchasing one because of this. They are also inconvenient for truck drivers who have more than eight wheels.
Thumping the tires is a fast and simple way to check tire pressure. Some vehicles have a lot of tires, and this method is the quickest way to check tire pressure before driving. With that, a tire thumper is a rod that can be used to quickly check tire pressure. It will provide you a good indication of tire pressure if you hit a tire with it and hear the sound it makes. It resembles a cut baseball bat and it is frequently equipped with a curved grip and a leather strap. Using it will save a lot of time especially when they need to go through a number of tires in a little while.
When used in a tire with air, the tire thumper will be able to bounce easily and make a loud sharp sound; on the other hand, if it is used in a flat tire, it won’t be able to bounce and will only make a muffled sound compared to the aired tire.
One can quickly check their tire pressures if they have practiced enough.
The tire thumper takes some work to use, but it will save anyone not just time, but also cash and energy.
Whereas tire thumping is a fast way of checking for flat tires, if users believe a tire is low on air, they should always verify it with a tire gauge. The equipment must be utilized as a tool for identifying changes in sound when beating tires in order to successfully identify if a tire has a problem.
Tire Thumper vs Pressure GaugeA pressure gauge’s accuracy is astounding. However, the tire thumper’s convenience and ease of use are also excellent. Choosing between the two is a difficult decision. It is not really a “either/or” situation. Both tools have their advantages and disadvantages and each has its place in different situations. Preferably, buy one of each if needed.
A pressure gauge is required to determine the exact pressure in a tire. It is strongly advised to use one to evaluate all of your tires before venturing on a long drive, as this correctness comes at a cost.
To measure pressure with a gauge, one needs to remove the tire cap. As a result, testing the pressure in multiple tires is time-consuming and should be done when there’s plenty of time.
Experienced drivers can tell whether or not a tire is safe to drive on. To get a “feel” for the wheel, they may not need precise measurements. Often, these people can tell if a tire is underinflated even while driving. Alternatively, for short-distance driving, you can utilize a tire thumper but one can use a pressure gauge to check if they are unsure. This tool protects you while helping you save time.
How Tire Thumpers Are UsedThe tire thumper requires a few trials and errors, but it will save you money, and time and energy. Here are the easy steps on how to use it:
Firmly grip on the tire thumperTo give your tires a good beating, ensure that you have a good grip on the thumper. This will allow you to hear if your tires are properly inflated.
Hit the tires with full powerWhen you hit the tires with little energy, you won’t be able to properly hear the sound they make.
When truck tires are properly inflated, they make a particular sound. When the tire pressure is low, it creates a different sound, indicating that the tire needs to be inflated.
EvaluateThe tire thumper will bounce off if there is enough pressure in your tire. It will do so in a spring-like way. This will result in a loud, solid thud. If this is not the scenario, your tires need to be inflated. A few thumps are all that is required.
Tips in Using a Tire Thumper
Tire thumpers are classified into two types: wooden and metal. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but they operate similarly. A wooden one will produce the same results as a metallic one.
Wooden Tire ThumperMetal appears to lack the natural feel and attractive appearance of wood. However, it is not as sturdy as metal and requires more care, including regular greasing. Wooden tire thumpers are typically less expensive than metal models, but they would not last as long. Wooden tire thumpers are also frequently found in groups.
Pros:Metallic thumpers are frequently more pricey than wooden.
However, they last longer and are cheaper to maintain. Because metal conducts heat, the temperature of a metal tire thumper can vary depending on its environment. When using it, this could be uncomfortable.
There are two types of tire thumpers, as previously stated. They vary in price and material, but they will all perform the same function. In addition, hereunder are by far the most strongly regarded products available in the market.
RoadPro RPTT-1 wooden tire thumperThese are made of solid wood and are incredibly sturdy with 19 inches in length.
RoadPro RPTT2 weighted wood tire thumperThis is presented in a polished wood finish.
In terms of durability, it compares favorably to metal tire thumpers.
Because of its aluminum build, this mini baseball bat is both lightweight and sturdy. It also has a nice firm grip.
ATAK Tire ThumperIt’s made of durable aluminum but is also a little pricey.
Alternative to Tire ThumpersBodySeveral people check the tire pressure by kicking while others press their hands against the tire. These methods can be harmful that they should be avoided. The hands and feet are incapable of exerting sufficient force on a tire and using those to thud a tire will not produce the expected sound. However, this will only result in injuries if not done properly.
HammerA hammer is a good alternative, but make sure to use the flat end to protect your tire. In reality, if your vehicle has only four wheels and you have a nice quality hammer, you won’t be needing a tire thumper because it can already do a great work of tire thumping.
A spanner is also referred to as a specialized wrench. It has two major drawbacks. The grip comes first because it lacks a natural grip for striking a surface. The absence of a flat surface is the second source of concern. The surfaces of the majority of spanners are curved. They will get the job done, but they aren’t ideal.
The Most Typical Reason for Tire MalfunctionUnder-inflation is one of the top reasons for tire failure. Inadequately inflated tires have more flex in the inner side. They generate heat much further than their normal working average temperature of too much flexing. If driving at high velocities for extended periods of time in warm temperatures, this problem arises.
When a tire becomes too hot, the rubber starts to deteriorate, leading to a breakage in the sidewall of a wheel, or tread separation, if pushed on long excessively. As a result, the tire loses air pressure quickly and loudly, frequently preceded by a huge noise.
Whether you’ve been driving all over the neighborhood to the local supermarket or across the region for a weekend getaway, a flat tire is just one of the factors that can turn a good day into a bad one. The real kicker is that flat tires can often be avoided by following a few simple precautions and performing routine maintenance.
Truck drivers are said to carry tire thumpers as self-defense weapons. It may appear absurd, but there is logic to it. Due to its size, it can fit in a glove compartment. It is also durable enough to knock someone out. When not in use, it has no sharp edges that could endanger children.
Individuals should not be afraid to use a tire thumper as a self-defense weapon if the situation calls for it. When it comes to self-defense, you should use whatever means are available to you and it should be the same for a tire thumper.
Will Tire Thumping Cause Tire Damage?No, in most cases. The tires ought to be secured if you use a standard tire thumper.
However, users should avoid applying too much pressure. You would then damage your tires or injure yourself if you use a double-handed hold and stiffen your jaw.
To guarantee the safety of all those with who you share space as well as yourself, it is essential for monitoring your tire pressures. Conduct precise pressure checks with a pressure gauge ahead of time of a long drive, while and a tire thumper, on the other hand, will reassure you if your tires are properly inflated.
Contents
The tire changer is a professional tool for regular tire changes. However, it is also available for people who want to perform this maneuver on their own, right from home.
The tire changer makes it easy to remove and install new tires on your vehicle. Its operation is based on leverage between the tire and Jante car to remove it safely and effortlessly.
In fact, it will block the rim, putting pressure on it, allowing you to remove the tire. Currently, the automotive market offers 6 types of tire fitting works with more or less similar functions:
Whether you choose a hydraulic or automatic tire changer, everything works the same way. Check out our step-by-step guide to using a tire changer.
Material required:
He will remove the board of the rest of your wheel, combining it with a blade. Then press the unload pedal, which will hold the rim in place for maneuvers.
For this step, you will need to press the clamp pedal, which is distinguished by the presence of claws. It is necessary to position the wheel and tire to easily remove them at the same time.
Start by lubricating the rim and tire so they are easy to install and will not resist installation. Install them using the removal head.
In order to choose the most suitable tire changer for your needs, it is necessary to consider regular use of equipment, Tire size of your car and your budget dedicated to this purchase.
If you want to use it in professional or even industrial environments, you will have to turn to an automatic tire changer for optimum time savings and simplicity.
In addition, these models will allow the processing of tires up to size From 12 to 25 inches is used on various types of vehicles (SUVs, 4x4s, sedans, city cars, trucks, etc.). Hydraulic models are also the most efficient in terms of volume as they are capable of removing around 100 tires per hour.
For a private person, the best option is to contact the electric tire changer because it is very powerful and affordable models.
The prices of tire changers will vary widely as they are very efficient equipment.
Hydraulic, electric and automatic tire changers are often more expensive. Their prices will range from 1 euro and 000 euro . A manual tire changer will not be very expensive: its cost is between 130 € and 200 € .
The tire changer is a piece of equipment that is more commonly used by professionals, but is also intended for people who change the tire on their car themselves. If you want to change your tires in a reliable garage, use our online tire comparator to find the one closest to you and offer you a price accurate to the euro!
09/20/2017
General view of the tire changer
The tire changer is an incredibly simple device in its structure. On the base of the stand there is a rack with a mounting head fixed on it, under the head there is a turntable with clamping fists, and a squeezing blade is usually placed on the side, which is driven by pneumatics.
That is why you should not forget that the tire changer must be connected not only to the network, but also to a compressor or other source of compressed air mixture.
The procedure for working with the tire changer is as follows:
To detach the rubber from the disc, you must use a rubber wringer. Next, the wheel must be placed on the desktop and secured with cams. After that, the mounting head is brought in for the disassembly procedure. The working area of \u200b\u200bthe head is placed between the rubber and the disk, after which, using a lever (usually a mount), the pressed edge of the rubber is put on the mounting head.
General view of the working table
Next, you need to press the pedal, which in turn drives the rotating table that rotates simultaneously with the clamped wheel, and the nozzle releases the rubber around the entire circumference of the disc. The disassembly of the second part of the disk is done in a similar way. This principle of operation is typical for most tire changers designed for passenger cars.
Equipment intended for servicing trucks and special equipment most often does not have a working rotating table, and the wheel is fixed with grippers and rotated around the axis. Razbortovka using the mounting head occurs according to the principle described above.
The tire changer is controlled by pedals. In semi-automatic models there are 3 pedals: a pedal for squeezing rubber, a pedal responsible for the operation of the cam mechanism, a pedal responsible for the table rotation mechanism. In automatic models, there are 4 of them, the first three are similar to those used in semi-automatic ones, and the fourth is responsible for controlling the rack. The difference between an automatic and a semi-automatic stand is only that in the automatic machine the removal of the mounting rack is carried out using pneumatics, and not manually, as is the case with a semi-automatic device. This design simplifies the maintenance of wheels with a large board diameter, used, for example, in heavy vehicles.
In almost all modern automatic models of this type of equipment, the gap between the disc and the rubber is adjusted automatically. But for a small tire changer serving a small number of cars per day, buying an automatic machine will not be the best solution, primarily because of the high price, the required installation space and the frequency of replacing consumables and components. For this reason, we recommend that owners of such workshops pay attention to semi-automatic models.
First, you need to determine the type of vehicles you are going to work with. Most of the tire changers are designed to work with the wheels of passenger cars. For truck tire fitting, the choice of models is not so large, but among them you can choose exactly what you need to solve current problems. When choosing tire fitting equipment, it is necessary, first of all, to pay attention to several key characteristics:
Maximum wheel diameter - This value usually ranges from 24 to 90 inches.
For servicing passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, models with a diameter of up to 40 inches are ideal. For work with trucks and special equipment, the optimal value will be in the range from 60 to 90 inches.
Maximum wheel size - This parameter is usually between 12 and 15 inches, for trucks and special equipment up to 42.
Operating Voltage - Most tire changers operate on a 380V electrical network. It is also worth noting that there is also equipment of small power up to one kilowatt, which must be connected to a single-phase network.
Air pressure - For the correct operation of the pneumatic actuator, an air mixture pressure of between 8 and 9 atmospheres is required.
On our website you can find both car and truck tire changers that allow you to service wheels of any size and diameter.
By purchasing a modern tire changer for your workshop, you will increase the efficiency, quality and speed of your work several times, as well as start getting more profit by expanding the range of services provided, as well as the speed of service.
