Abstract: Apparatus for quickly and effectively removing the bead wires from tires, and comprising first and second clamps which are movable toward and away from each other. A tire to be debeaded is positioned between the two clamps with the axis of the tire parallel with the direction of movement of the clamps. A harpoon is mounted for movement parallel to the axis of the tire and through openings of the clamps and the tire. The first and second clamps hold the tire between them, the clamps engaging the side walls of the tire. The harpoon is moves through the center opening of the tire, and barbs or hooks formed on the harpoon engage the beads and pull the bead wires out of the tire. The movement of the harpoon in one direction operates to center the tire, and movement in the opposite direction operates to remove the bead wires.