Abstract: An apparatus (10) for holding a tire in a tire balancing machine includes a base (12) that receives a locking member (14). When locking member (14) is positioned in base (12), a tire is secured between an upper rim (16) and a lower rim (18). Base (12) includes an inner sleeve (20) carrying ball bearings (22) in channels (28) therein. An outer sleeve (30) is positioned around inner sleeve (20) and is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. Outer sleeve (30) urges movement of the ball bearings (22) through the channels (28) in the inner sleeve (20), to particularly allow movement of inner ball bearings (22A) into and out of receptive grooves (78) in the outer surface of a locking base (66) of the locking member (14).