When inspecting or repairing an automobile tire, it is really difficult to get the tire spread far enough to get to the inside of the tire. I have needed this tool for 50 years, but kept putting off making one until now. I could have bought a similar tool for $150 to $450 online, but since I am retired, I decided to make one from scrap steel from my junk pile.

Step 1: Supplies Needed

The 4 legged bottom of it is an old TV stand I repurposed, but I could have made it from angle iron or pipe

Various pieces of steel rod, pipe and a couple of bolts.

A welder of some kind. I used a MIG welder

An acetylene/oxygen torch for heating & bending rods

Step 2: Engineering It

The hook on the left side just hooks inside the bead of the tire.

The hook on the right is attached to a handle.

The handle pulls the hook, spreading the tire, extending on an arc, until it goes past center and locks the hook, holding the tire wide open.

Step 3: Finished Product

Cost = $0

Time to build = 2 to 3 hours

It is light enough to store about anywhere and carry anywhere.

It is strong enough to do the job.

I know, it's not all that pretty, but pretty does not get the job done and all my DIY tools are "one-offs".

If you need more photos, you probably should go to eBay or Amazon and shell out the $350.00 instead of making one. You can get a nice base for it for an additional $100.00. One that's pneumatic powered runs $1600.00. (plus S/H, of course) Still haven't convinced you? You say you can't make it? Sure you can, I'm 79 and I did.

This one is a great tool. I wish I had made it years ago. At least the grandkids can use it.