Some tire and rim combinations simply refuse to cooperate with bare hands. Tight-fitting tubeless-ready tires, stiff wire beads, and shallow rim wells can turn a simple tire installation into a frustrating wrestling match. The Tire Bead Jack from Kool Stop addresses this problem with an articulated lever design that uses mechanical advantage rather than brute force to seat the final section of a stubborn tire bead.

The tool works on a fulcrum principle. One rigid section hooks against the rim edge while a hinged arm grabs the tire bead. When you apply pressure to the handle, the hinged end lifts the bead up and over the opposite rim wall. This approach focuses force exactly where you need it rather than having your thumbs push against a bead that refuses to budge. The comfortable grip handle provides enough leverage to tackle tight tires without destroying your hands in the process.

At roughly 9" in length, the Bead Jack is too large for most saddle bags but fits easily in a frame bag or jersey pocket for roadside use. The strong nylon construction handles significant force without flexing, though like any tire tool it can break under extreme loads. That's actually by design: a tool that fails before your carbon rim does is the right tradeoff. For typical tight-fitting clincher and tubeless installations, it holds up well over repeated use.... Read More