Posted by Greg Coffin [67.176.56.44] on Tuesday, October 06, 2015 at 09:02:56 :
In Reply to: How to remove a split ring rim? posted by Andrew Walak [96.240.253.9] on Monday, October 05, 2015 at 19:20:06 :
Good advise below. Clean the rim and ring with a wire brush on a grinder to be sure there is no rust or debris to interfere with the two seating. If either one is badly pitted from rust, it's time discard it.
I bought a clip-on air chuck that looks like a small quick disconnect fitting. I think it came from NAPA. It's the only one I could find that would reliably grip the stem without leaking. Like the others, I have a remote pressure gauge, and fill the tire slowly.
I also wrap the ring and tire with a heavy chain and grab hooks through each of the 5 hand holes. I set the wheel on the ground with the ring up so I can watch what is happening from about 5 ft away. I fill the tire with a couple pounds and watch how the ring reacts. The ring should settle into the rim channel and the ends of the ring should squeeze together, but not touch. If they do you need to grind off a little so there is a small (1/16"?) gap. Once the ring is set and tire bead slips over the inner flange, you SHOULD be safe.
It's not rocket science, but you do have to treat these rims with respect or they can kill you.