How to Replace Solid Tires on a Wheelchair

Installing wheelchair tires can be a time-consuming process, but can be done with the right tools. Tires must be carefully stretched onto a rim so that the tire will sit right on the rim. Using a vise and a snap- on tire tool, along with a few odds and ends and some elbow grease, you can fix wheelchair tires to make your wheelchair last a long time.

Things You'll Need

• Bench mounted vise
• Snap-on tire tool
• Plastic tie wraps
• Spray bottle of soapy water
• Screwdrivers
• Rubber mallet

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Instructions

• 1

  Put the tool rods through the wheel bearings so that the adjustable rod is facing out of the wheel. Connect the tire tool to the vise with the rods facing up.

• 2

  Use a tie wrap to attach the wheel to the tire. Cover the outside rod with the tire. Spray water on the rod and the rim under the tire.

• 3

  Stretch the tire to get it onto the rim while you rotate the wheel and tire clockwise. Put the tire on the wheel with the vents pointing inward and the smooth side on the outside. (Keep holding the tire so that the tire doesn't spring back. Rotate until you reach the tie wrap.

• 4

  Turn the wheel counterclockwise for an entire revolution to make the tire set itself. Pull the tire tool up to remove it. Take off the tie wrap.