Tire Tools: Odds And Ends

 Last week I wrote a post on tire levers (HERE) and in that post I mentioned I would be back with some ideas for other good tools that you might want to consider for your home shop. I have two things which are related and one sort-of tire lever addition that also does another task you may be needing a good tool to do. 

These tools are a must-have for tubeless tire installation.

"Tire-Jack" Tools - These are a must-have for tight fitting tires like tubeless tires if you are not familiar with tire installation, have delicate or weaker hands, or if you just want to make life easier. These have been a little known secret of shop mechanics until recently when tubeless tires gained popularity and other manufacturers/brands got into the game. 

The one on the left is probably best known as a "Kool Stop Tire Jack", although mine is branded something else. The Kool Stop one is nearly identical to this. The premise is that you have one bead of the tire up and over the rim in the inner rim well. Now you are down to that last 4-5 inches of tire that you need to get set into the rim, but things are getting pretty tight and hard to do at this point. That's when you take this tool and place the non-hinged, straight end against the rim edge on the other side of the tire- where it is seated into the rim already- and the "hook" end, which is hinged, has a lip on the end which you place under the edge (bead) of the tire you are trying to "jack over" the rim edge. 

The operation is intuitive once you get the tool placed correctly. Anyway, this was pretty much the only choice for decades until others like the Challenge tool on the right showed up. That tool is ergonomically better, has a better leverage over the tire, and the "hook" end grabs better without slipping off easily. It is also spring loaded which helps with the operation of the tool in one hand. 

The basic "Kool Stop" version is about 13-14 bucks. The Challenge "Smart Bead" version is about 16 bucks. I highly recommend spending the extra for the Challenge tool, or a similarly designed one.  

The Topeak Power Lever X

The next tool is really a few things in one. It is the Topeak Power Lever X tool. I'm focusing on the tire lever bit here, but this might be a great tool for the touring cyclist, bikepacker, (aren't those the same person?) , and any adventurer. 

This lever set also will install or remove a chain quick-link and it can remove a Presta valve core. The tool comes with a clip to harness the chain and provide some slack to ease the installation of a quick-link and has a storage spot for a spare quick-link. So, it goes beyond just being a cool tire lever set. 

I like the extra length for leverage, the stiff steel core, and the wide, angled bead lip here. Cons are that these are a little heavy, and you still would need a chain tool in certain instances to repair a chain in the field.Of course, if you don't need a lever set with the other functions it is a non-starter for you. But I'd be fine packing this lever set for long gravel rides on a bike with tubeless tires. You know- just in case a tire failed to seal. But then again- how often does that happen to you? Risk versus reward. That answer will be different for everybody. I like the idea because it has other functions than being a tire lever set. In fact, wouldn't this thing make a great mud-scraper tool in wet weather?

The price isn't bad for what this can do at 15 bucks or so. Also, I have reviewed this tool before on Riding Gravel and am doing a more in-depth look at it again there. So, the Standard Disclaimer applies here, and for that Challenge Smart Bead tool as that was provided to me by Challenge Tires.