Abstract: Tire bead holding pliers includes a first jaw having a lipped plate configured to engage an outboard side of a wheel rim to locate the pliers, and a second jaw defined by a first and second hook and configured to curve around the wheel rim, move toward the first jaw, and engage an inboard side of the wheel rim as the pliers are tightened. The first hook has a first concave portion facing away from the first jaw and configured to receive a bead. The second hook extends from the first hook opposite the first concave portion, has a second concave portion facing the first jaw, and clamps the wheel rim therebetween. During tire installation or removal, the bead is hooked onto the second jaw, which holds the bead in place during the operation in a hands-free fashion.

Abstract: A vehicle lift adapter system in one embodiment includes a central support bar including a mounting portion configured to be removably mounted on a jack arm of a floor jack, a first outer support arm supported by the central support bar, a first wheel capture base with a first middle portion located between a first and a second base end portion, the first wheel capture base operably connected to the first outer support arm, a first wheel capture arm configured to be supported by the first end portion, and a second wheel capture arm configured to be supported by the second end portion, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are arranged such that a weight applied to the first wheel capture arm and the second wheel capture arm is substantially centered on the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system for flaring an end of a fluid line includes a first and second adapter mountable on a first and second jaw of the gripping tool, respectively, and an arbor. Once mounted, the first and second adapters each have a working surface facing toward each other defining a channel half-profile. In a closed position, the working surfaces together form a channel from the half-profiles having a flare shape portion and a linear portion for receiving a fluid line in a non-slip fit. The working surface of one adapter has a U-shaped profile, and the other adapter is configured to be received therein. Each sidewall of the U-shaped profile defines a port opening into the channel. The arbor includes a die head that forms a flared end on a fluid line received in the channel as the arbor is inserted therein via the port.

Abstract: A tool for breaking a bead of a tire from a wheel rim includes a clamping device and prying device. First and second jaws of the clamping device clamp onto the wheel rim. As the jaws clamp together, the second jaw wedges between the tire and wheel rim, forming a gap therebetween. The second jaw includes a hook that provides a fixed leverage point when the clamping device is fixed in place. The prying device engages with the fixed leverage point, and a wedge disposed on a bend in the prying device is wedged into the gap formed by the clamping device. The prying device is then levered on the fixed leverage point toward the tire so that the wedge pushes on an outer surface of the tire to break the bead of the tire from the wheel rim.

Abstract: A vehicle lift adapter system in one embodiment includes a central support bar including a mounting portion configured to be removably mounted on a jack arm of a floor jack, a first outer support arm supported by the central support bar, a first wheel capture base with a first middle portion located between a first and a second base end portion, the first wheel capture base operably connected to the first outer support arm, a first wheel capture arm configured to be supported by the first end portion, and a second wheel capture arm configured to be supported by the second end portion, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are arranged such that a weight applied to the first wheel capture arm and the second wheel capture arm is substantially centered on the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Tire bead holding pliers includes a first jaw having a lipped plate configured to engage an outboard side of a wheel rim to locate the pliers, and a second jaw defined by a first and second hook and configured to curve around the wheel rim, move toward the first jaw, and engage an inboard side of the wheel rim as the pliers are tightened. The first hook has a first concave portion facing away from the first jaw and configured to receive a bead. The second hook extends from the first hook opposite the first concave portion, has a second concave portion facing the first jaw, and clamps the wheel rim therebetween. During tire installation or removal, the bead is hooked onto the second jaw, which holds the bead in place during the operation in a hands-free fashion.

Abstract: A system for flaring an end of a fluid line includes a first and second adapter mountable on a first and second jaw of the gripping tool, respectively, and an arbor. Once mounted, the first and second adapters each have a working surface facing toward each other defining a channel half-profile. In a closed position, the working surfaces together form a channel from the half-profiles having a flare shape portion and a linear portion for receiving a fluid line in a non-slip fit. The working surface of one adapter has a U-shaped profile, and the other adapter is configured to be received therein. Each sidewall of the U-shaped profile defines a port opening into the channel. The arbor includes a die head that forms a flared end on a fluid line received in the channel as the arbor is inserted therein via the port.

Abstract: A slide hammer bead breaker and wheel tipper tool includes a guide shaft, a weight slidably received within the guide shaft, and an impact head attached to an end of the guide shaft. The impact head includes a foot loop and a slot formed in each of two opposing sides, and includes a wedge protruding from an end opposite the guide shaft. The wedge is tapered and curved from the guide shaft to a tip, and includes a notch which separates the wedge into two wedge portions. Each foot loop is sized such that a user's foot can rest thereon.