Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for facilitating the inflation of tires mounted on split rims. Gripper devices are fixed to the outer flange ring of the split rim at equidistantly spaced intervals therearound, and generally equal forces are exerted on these devices to pull the bead seat ring of the rim toward the outer end of the rim. This: (1) seats the bead seat ring on an O-ring surrounding the bead seat to keep air from leaking between the bead seat and bead seat ring, and (2) displaces the outer flange ring away from the outer bead of the tire so that the bead can move toward the outer end of the rim and the tire thereby freely expand as air is pumped into the tire.