Make Your Own Tire Changing Tool

I got old and I got weak. Bummer. But between my ears has not eroded. So I had to substitute brains for brawn...and on a strict budget...

Breaking lug nuts has become daunting. Especially those that Arnold Schwarzenegger wanna-be tire monkeys have tightened.

Breaking lug nuts lose while the tire is still on the ground is beyond my ability. The upper arc of lug nuts is too far off the ground. I want to jump up and down on the handle of a breaker bar to snap really tight lug nuts loose. Remember, I said I was weak. I'm not kidding...

So I jack the tire up off the ground. No need to worry about it spinning.

I made a post out of a length of 4x4 Doug Fir. Comfortable height. Reaches the height of the bottom lug nut. A 2x4 won't work. It will tip.

I cut a full-across V notch on one end, About an inch and a half deep.

I set the 4x4 against the wheel. Fasten the black impact wrench socket and extension across the notch, then carefully climb up onto the breaker (a long ratchet with cheater extension pipe is best as it won't swivel and cause a mishap).

Grab ahold of some place on the body. Nine times out of ten my body weight is enough to twist the tool. Being lowest to the ground, I can step off the ratchet, and revolve the tire to the next nut.

I can only wish I was forty years younger. Hope this helps. Ladies might appreciate the tip.