Dolly wheel question

anthonyk · Apr 30, 2005

I know this is probably a dumb question but....
Any suggestions on how to reinflate a dolly (hand cart) wheel once it's totally flat?
I've got one of those simple grey Milwaukee dollys, the kind you stack a box on, tilt back and roll. The wheels might be 8 inches, and they've got the standard tire valve stems to inflate.
The other day I went to use it, and both were really low.
No problem, I've got my trusty air pump. BUT when you try to inflate the tires, the air just runs out around the wheel hub.
I've tried holding the tires, squeezing them, cursing them, but no go. I have it admit, I finally started laughing.
Now, I'm open to advice. Any suggestions? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Anthony

GRUMPA · Apr 30, 2005

You know not to long ago we had the same problem here. Problem was the tubes were to old to hold air anymore and replacement tubes were $6ea+shipping. We have a harbor freight store close by and looked in their to see what they had. Well as luck would have it they not only had the tubes but for another .50ea you could buy the whole assembly (rim, tire with tube) so we walked out the store with new wheels and tires for under $15. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Buckcreek · Apr 30, 2005

I had the same problem a couple months ago. My tires were tubless and i was using a air compressor. i tried squeezing the tier and ever other trick i could. I was kind of cool that day, my dad said he would take care of it. a week later he said he fixed the flat /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif, he said he just put air too it and it pumped up , It was warm the day he did it so the temp. must have made the diff.

GaryM · Apr 30, 2005

Assuming they are tubeless tires....

Take a piece of rope long enough to go around the tires tread with some extra. Tie a knot so you have a loop. Sick a piece of pipe or wood through the loop and twist it as you would a touniquet. This will compress the tread and force the tire's bead against the wheel. Now add the air.

A small rachet type tie down strap will work too.

Junkman · Apr 30, 2005

first thing to do is remove the core from the valve stem so the full amount of air can "rush" into the tire. Then once it is inflated, put your finger over the valve stem. Grab the valve core and using the core removal tube, reinstall the core. Make sure to be wearing face protection, so if the core flies out, it won't do any damage to you. This is how they do it at the tire stores, but I have never seen any of them use face protection. Guess thats the difference between an amateur and a professional.

GerardC · Apr 30, 2005

( Assuming they are tubeless tires....

Take a piece of rope long enough to go around the tires tread with some extra. Tie a knot so you have a loop. Sick a piece of pipe or wood through the loop and twist it as you would a touniquet. This will compress the tread and force the tire's bead against the wheel. Now add the air.

A small rachet type tie down strap will work too. )

That's exactly how I do it. Works great.

PineRidge · Apr 30, 2005

Anthony if you follow the above advice that others have given and you are lucky enough to get air in your tires I might recommend pumping in a bit of Slime to keep this from happening ever again.

I put it in the air compressor tires, gas welding cart tires, and 2 hand dolly's. I think mine were just going flat from inactivity but they haven't given me any grief since I gave them all an injection.

GerardC · Apr 30, 2005

I might recommend pumping in a bit of Slime to keep this from happening ever again. 

Preventative maintenance, that's not a bad idea. But what is a bit? 1 ounce, 1 pint, for what tire size etc. Could you elaborate on this little bit? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Thanks.

PineRidge · May 1, 2005

Gerard if you pick up any bottle of Slime you will see an application chart on the backside. It doesn't take a lot of Slime for the smaller tires but you should use the amount that they recommend for your tire size. Just make sure that you do get the right formula as they make the stuff for tube and tubeless tires. I have seen it at TSC as well as Harbor Freight, two of my favorite places to visit. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

beagdog · May 1, 2005

The rope idea works great, but what I do is use a couple of long, stainless steel worm drive hose clamps, screw them together to make a big ring, then tighten them down equally, wont squeeze on side so tight it allows air out of the other side. Works for me.