Aircraft tire bead breaker

A crucial tool for aircraft maintenance!

An aircraft tire bead breaker is a specialized tool used to remove the tire bead from the rim of an aircraft tire. The bead is the ring that holds the tire in place on the rim, and it can be quite stubborn to remove. Here's why:

  1. Tire bead design: The bead is designed to be a tight fit on the rim, which makes it difficult to remove without damaging the tire or the rim.
  2. Tire pressure: Aircraft tires are inflated to high pressures, which makes them even more difficult to remove from the rim.
  3. Rim design: Aircraft rims are designed to be strong and durable, but this also makes them resistant to being removed without the right tools.

Aircraft tire bead breakers are designed to safely and efficiently remove the tire bead from the rim. Here are some key features to look for:

  1. Hydraulic or pneumatic power: A good bead breaker should have hydraulic or pneumatic power to provide the necessary force to break the bead loose.
  2. Adjustable pressure: The tool should have adjustable pressure settings to accommodate different tire sizes and bead designs.
  3. Safety features: The tool should have safety features such as a safety valve to prevent over-pressurization and a pressure gauge to monitor the pressure.
  4. Durability: The tool should be made of durable materials to withstand the rigors of repeated use.

Types of aircraft tire bead breakers:

  1. Hydraulic bead breakers: These use hydraulic fluid to generate the necessary pressure to break the bead loose.
  2. Pneumatic bead breakers: These use compressed air to generate the necessary pressure.
  3. Electric bead breakers: These use an electric motor to generate the necessary pressure.

Some popular brands of aircraft tire bead breakers include:

  1. Aircraft Tooling Company (ATC)
  2. Snap-on
  3. Mac Tools
  4. Matco
  5. Kobalt

When choosing an aircraft tire bead breaker, consider the following factors:

  1. Tire size: Make sure the tool is designed to accommodate the size of the tire you need to remove.
  2. Bead design: Consider the type of bead design on the tire and choose a tool that is specifically designed for that type of bead.
  3. Pressure requirements: Choose a tool that can generate the necessary pressure to break the bead loose.
  4. Safety features: Look for tools with safety features such as a safety valve and pressure gauge.
  5. Durability: Choose a tool that is made of durable materials and can withstand repeated use.

Remember to always follow proper safety procedures when using an aircraft tire bead breaker, and consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance.