Most tire iron scratches happen when the bar slips and skates across the rim. Stop the slip and you stop most of the scratches. Lube the bead so the bar is not fighting it, put a rim protector under the bar on finished wheels, check the bar tip for burrs, and give the tech a hold that does not slide when gloves get wet or greasy. For Coats and Hunter pry bars, the CHAOS Moto Pry Bar Grip adds that non-slip hold.
Why do tire irons scratch wheels?
- The bar slips out of a sweaty or greasy glove and skates across the rim lip.
- A dry bead makes the tech force the bar, so it jumps when the bead lets go.
- Bare steel touches a clear-coated, painted, or polished edge.
- A burr or rust spot on the bar tip drags across the finish.
How does a shop stop it?
- Lube both beads and the rim edge before the bar goes in.
- Use a rim protector between the bar and the rim on finished or custom wheels.
- Inspect bar tips and dress or replace any with a burr.
- Take smaller bites with the bar instead of one big pry.
- Put a non-slip grip on the bar so it stays where the tech puts it.
What does a pry bar grip change?
Most rim damage starts with the bar moving when the tech did not mean it to. A non-slip grip keeps the bar where the tech puts it. The CHAOS Moto Pry Bar Grip slides onto 9.2 inch Coats and Hunter tire-lever pry bars in seconds and gives a cushioned, non-slip hold for the whole shift, wet or greasy. It does not change technique. It keeps good technique from coming undone.
Which grip fits which tool?
- CHAOS Moto Pry Bar Grip: 9.2 inch Coats and Hunter tire-lever pry bars.
- Bead Biter Tire Bar Grip: most tire pry bars, a good pick for a mixed set of bars.
- Max Bead Breaker Grip: 7/8 inch bead breaker handles on Coats Maxx machines.
CHAOS grips are made in the USA.
Common questions
Do rim protectors alone stop tire iron scratches?
They help on finished wheels, but they do not stop a bar that slips in the tech's hand. Pair them with bead lube and a non-slip hold on the bar.
Which CHAOS grip fits my bar?
The CHAOS Moto Pry Bar Grip fits 9.2 inch Coats and Hunter tire-lever pry bars. The Bead Biter Tire Bar Grip fits most tire pry bars. The Max Bead Breaker Grip fits 7/8 inch bead breaker handles on Coats Maxx machines.
Are CHAOS grips made in the USA?
Yes. CHAOS grips are made in the USA.
See where to buy for distributors and volume orders, or email sales@chaosmoto.com. The CHAOS Moto Pry Bar Grip is not sold on Amazon. Related: how to break a tire bead with a pry bar.