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FAQs

What is the BeadBuster?

The BeadBuster Portable ATV Tire Bead Breaker is a small but powerful tool for breaking loose tire beads from rims.  It is especially well suited for ATV/UTV rims which have large bead retainers.  It does not require mounting and can be operated with hand tools.  The manual bead breaker tool applies a reaction force directly against the lip of the rim and won’t bend lightweight aluminum rims from high compression forces. The BeadBusters are competitively priced, starting at ~$100.00.

Why are ATV tires so hard to get off the rim?

ATV and UTV rims have a bead retainer (‘safety ridge’) that basically acts as a speed bump, which helps keep the tire in place even after complete loss of air pressure.  This is an especially good feature for trail riding, but makes it almost impossible to change for the average DIY mechanic without specialized, expensive tire changing equipment.
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Whats wrong with other so-called 'Bead Breakers' on the market?

Most of them just plain don’t work.  Especially the cheaper ones, they simply fail at being an effective tool for changing ATV or other troublesome tires.  Higher priced units (over $100) can do the job, but often require bench or floor mounting, can still be difficult to operate with a single person, and often damage your rims in the process!  Many are also very large, complicated to use, and far from portable. There are some VERY expensive models that work similar to the BeadBuster, but you have to take out a 2nd mortgage to buy it!

The BeadBuster Manual Bead Breaker Tool has the following advantages:

  • Our patent-pending design WORKS extremely well
  • Easy to use, quick, can be operated by one person, even a child
  • Its rugged, built to last
  • Its portable, you can take it with you on your trail ride for emergency tire changes
  • Best of all, its inexpensive…less than one trip to the dealership for 4 changed tires.  It is by far the most affordable bead breaker that actually works, but the BeadBuster works better than anything else.

Do I need anything else to change my own tires?

You will need a 3/4” hand or socket wrench to drive the clamp and ram bolts.  A small cordless impact works beautifully for this.  You will also need some soapy water to lube the tire up.  After breaking the bead on a rim, you will need Tire Irons to complete the job of removing the tire from the rim. Beers are optional.

What can you tell me about the Quality?

The creators of the BeadBuster are professional Mechanical Engineers, with over 50 yrs of collective tool design experience.  When we set out to make this manual bead breaker tool, we did it right. Over a year of product development, several prototypes were tested and tweaked, resulting in the XB-450.  It has been field-trialed by countless riders and mechanics and put through its paces, and has become a favorite tool of all who have used it.

XB-450 & XB-451

  • The entire structure is made from heavy duty steel, precision MIG & TIG welded.
  • The finish is a durable epoxy powder coat.
  • The bolts used are Zinc-Plated, Grade 5 & Grade 8 are used.
  • The BeadBuster is proudly Designed and Manufactured in the USA (PA).

XB-454 PRO

  • The entire structure is made from Chrome-Moly steel, precision TIG welded.
  • The finish is a durable epoxy powder coat.
  • The bolts used are Yellow Zinc-Plated, Grade 8.
  • The BeadBuster is proudly Designed and Manufactured in the USA (PA).

XB-455

  • The entire structure is made from heavy duty steel, precision MIG.
  • The Ram Foot is extra-strong, made from Hardened and Tempered 4130 Chome-Moly Steel.
  • The finish is a durable epoxy powder coat.
  • The bolts used are Zinc-Plated, Grade 5 & Grade 8 are used.
  • The XB-455 is proudly Designed in USA and Manufactured with care in Taiwan.

XB-550 HEAVY DUTY

  • The entire structure is made from heavy duty steel, precision MIG welded.
  • The finish is a durable epoxy powder coat.
  • The bolts used are Zinc-Plated, Grade 5.
  • The BeadBuster is proudly Designed and Manufactured in the USA (PA).

XB-554 HD PROFESSIONAL

  • The entire structure is made from heavy duty steel, precision MIG welded.
  • Key wear points are upgraded to hardened 4140 Chrome-Moly Steel.
  • Replaceable 4140 Thread Insert for the Ram Bolt.
  • The finish is a durable epoxy powder coat.
  • The bolts used are Yellow Zinc-Plated, Grade 8.
  • The BeadBuster is proudly Designed and Manufactured in the USA (PA).

How does the BeadBuster protect my rims?

We use a heavy duty, polyethylene bumper, which is the only part of the BeadBuster that touches a visible surface on your rim.  The pad is attached to the clamp arm with a screw, not glue, so that it will always stay in place.  Other manual bead breaker tools are designed so that hard metal edges grab onto the rim, which will scratch and dent aluminum…Not Good if you have nice looking wheels.

How do I maintain my BeadBuster?

Lubricate the threads on both bolts, and the ram shaft with light grease.  This will keep the action smooth and reliable for years of use.

Are there any SAFETY PRECAUTIONS I need to know about?

Due to the nature of the tool, there is a potential pinching hazard with any Bead Breaker.  Keep fingers away from the clamp while tightening. Keep fingers out of the gap between the bead and rim.  Common sense is not optional on this one.