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The
R&R Beadbreaker & Tyre Refitting Tool Story
The
Beadbreaker was invented by 75 year old retired engineer, Wolfgang Bousler
who migrated from Germany to Australia at the age of forty and became
an avid Aussie bush traveller. Looking for better tyre solutions and
conducting lengthy research Wolf finally decided to change over from
split rims to safety rims as the best option.
On
his next trip to Cape York Wolf suffered several flat tyre's, the job
of breaking the bead was much the same as the old split rims, with an
attachment and chain on the hilift jack that Wolf had knocked up many
years before.
But
when it came to refitting the tyre back on to the rim Wolf was stumped.
Now in his 70's he did not have the strength or the mobility to knock
it on with a rubber mallet or lever it on with levers. Luckily Wolf
was able to flag down other travellers to assist him, although he greatly
appreciated the help he quickly learnt that there is a great art and
a bloody lot of sweat to fit a tyre on to a rim with a rubber mallet.
The damage done to the seal (bead) also caused more problems later,
as they tried to reseat the tyre onto the rim it was difficult to overcome
the air escaping through the seal.
Wolf
found using quality long levers and the correct technique it was possible
for someone of average fitness (with a bit of weight) but was very strenuous
because of the need to bend, twist and use their body weight to hold
the tyre down as they levered it on. Wolfgang was unable to do this
due to his ageing body.
Taking
up the challenge find a better way it took him two years in his backyard
workshop to come up with the tool he says should have been invented
40 or 50 years ago.
The
tool not only breaks the bead with ease but most importantly refits
the tyre to the rim with very little effort from the operator and can
be carried out on a camp table or ute tailgate no longer requirng tortuous
back bending effort. |