Abstract: A wheel rim locking device for tire removal machines, comprising, for supporting the wheel rim, an upper plate provided with an axial hole and supported at the top of a hollow vertical rotary shaft, conical means to be inserted axially into said hole and into the cavity of said shaft to lock the wheel rim in a centered position, means driving said conical means towards the wheel rim and axially locking them, and means for rotatably locking said hollow shaft relative to said wheel rim.