Tubeless Tire Re-inflated Using Tourniquet Method

[PCX150Rider]

I found the "Tourniquet Method" to re-inflate a flat tubeless tire (for smaller tire sizes like garden equipment and scooters) to be quite useful today and my efforts resulted with success.

Originally I was going to start some work on my KLR 650 but that got put off t'ill tomorrow.

My wheelbarrow takes a 480/400 - 8 tubeless tire. The tire on it had totally deflated over time from non-use due to circumstances. About a month ago I turned it upside down to allow the rubber time to restore it's shape and now that the weather is much warmer I figured it would be a good time to try and see if I could inflate it again.

Much to my surprise and elation my efforts worked and it didn't take that long. The pictures below were taken after I actually got the tire to seal on the rim and hold air. As an added note there is also a video on YouTube that shows this method being used as well.

This pic shows the basic layout of the rope and hammer handle I used to tighten down on the tire and force the walls to seal against the rim. I basically tied an overhand knot somewhat firmly and then positioned the hammer handle inside another two half hitches knot. I started rotating the hammer handle, keeping the rope in line on the wheel, and tightened until the walls were against the rim.

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Next, you will see the tire is now inflated. When I was adding air from my compressor line I gradually released the tourniquet pressure slowly and let the tire return to it's normal inflated condition. The compressor was set to 30 PSI and I used my tire gauge to set the tire pressure at 24 PSI. . . adequate for practical use.

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Finally, since the tire is really old and showing some dry cracking, I added a dish soap and water solution to see if I could detect any apparent bubbles from leaks. It was fine. Rather proud that I just saved myself some money and will kick this can down the road another few miles. . ..

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Along the way I've read about other scooter riders using this method as well and figured I'd try it on my wheelbarrow as a practical lesson. That said, when it comes time to replace the tires on my Genuine Roughhouse R50, I may try to mount them myself and get them inflated this way.

Hope this helps and if anyone else needs to fix any garden equipment wheels or maybe try it on a scooter here's the video I got my info from.

[relic]

I see now tire shops are using a water soluble grease to seal heavy truck tires for inflating, sure beats the previous methods of spraying ether and igniting it, rubber O rings and tire blasters.
Simply apply the grease around the bead inflate and scoop the excess up and put back in the can for next time.

[you you]

I see now tire shops are using a water soluble grease to seal heavy truck tires for inflating, sure beats the previous methods of spraying ether and igniting it, rubber O rings and tire blasters.
Simply apply the grease around the bead inflate and scoop the excess up and put back in the can for next time.

I've seen the igniting method

[gn2]

Seen it done using a big ratchet strap rather than rope.

[easyrider]

Seen it done using a big ratchet strap rather than rope.

Me too.

Job well done.. and a feeling of accomplishment. YES!