10 replies to this topic

[Craig]

Okay folks,

I'm going to start mounting my own tires now and have run into a small glitch with making the hole in the tire to get to the set screw. On the plastic hubs, I simply cut away the plastic and this works well in that application. However, when I mount up the doughnut on the Speedshop mag/aluminum rim (whatever material that is) I'd like to know how to create that hole without damaging the tire, drill bit and me. Yes, I could simply remove the rim material from the set screw area before I mount the rubber but I'd rather do it correctly and have a small hole I can stick the wrench through in order to get to the screw.

Any ideas?

Thank all.....

[Marty Stanley]

Craig,

First of all, I really don't think you can drill the rubber. It is soft, will cling to the drill bit and just make a big wad on the drill bit. Kind of like if you have ever tried to drill through carpeting.

All I do is to use my Parma Allen Wrench and push it through the rubber. I do mark my wheels and use the mark to align the tool up. Then I just push. It goes right through and into the allen head every time.

Gve it a try, I think you will see it's pretty easy.

[Mopar Rob]

I use a piece of .032 piano wire and heat it up with a torch and burn a hole in it. Make sure you have something on the other end of the wire so you dont burn yourself while holding the wire

[Craig]

Thank you gentlemen, the hot wire sounds like the ticket!

[team burrito]

I use an automatic center punch; push the needle into the set screw hole & bang! A nice clean hole, no fuss & no muss & no drilling.

[Craig]

Wouldn't that bend the rim Russ?

[hjames]

best way i have found is to just puncture it with an allen driver that you use to sinch them up to the axle. because it is a blunt end the puncture will always be visible. I tried the sharpened .055 wire and it just moved the rubber which moved right back after it was removed.(invisible hole) not easy to find.

[Zippity]

I tried the sharpened .055 wire and it just moved the rubber which moved right back after it was removed.(invisible hole) not easy to find.

That's why you should heat the piano wire with a torch or a lighted match first

It sears the rubber and leaves a visible hole - easy to find

[Mopar Rob]

BTW:


If burning a hole method is used....... I burn the hole in the doughnut first and then mount it to the rim with a tire wrench in the hole so it's in the correct location. That way when you grind the tires you will have a small hole in the correct location

[team burrito]

Wouldn't that bend the rim Russ?

No, because you're putting the point in the set screw hole & punching it through the donut. The hole is almost invisible, but becomes apparent with wear.

[Craig]

I want to thank everyone for all the great info on how to create the holes for the set screw. I've opted to use the hot wire method and had great success. I choose to use a piece of .047 wire and it's just the right size in my opinion. Now if 3M would hurry up and get my order to me I can get these doughnuts mount up

Again, thanks to all.....