How to Remove R/C Tires From Wheels

Glue keeps tires from spinning inside a remote-control vehicle's wheels.

High-powered remote-control (R/C) cars are often strong enough to spin the wheels inside the tires, diminishing the R/C cars' performance. Gluing the inside of an R/C wheel to the bead of an R/C tire keeps the wheel from spinning inside the tire, and it's a common practice. But this increases the difficulty of removing the tire from the wheel in the event you wear out the tire or wish to change the wheel to another R/C vehicle. Breaking the bond created by the glue allows you to separate the tire and wheel without causing damage to either component.

Things You'll Need

• Metal pot
• Water
• Stove
• Tongs
• 200-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Fill a metal pot 3/4-full with hot water. Bring the water to a rapid boil on a stove.

2. Lower and hold the mounted R/C tire in the boiling water with a pair of tongs. Keep the tire submerged for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the stove.

3. Remove the tire from the water. Allow the tire to cool for 30 to 45 minutes.

4. Hold the tire with two hands. Push the tire away from the front of the wheel with your thumbs to break the bond between the tire and the wheel. Rotate the tire in your hands as you continue to push. Boil the tire for an addition 15 minutes if the tire remains stuck to the wheel. Pull the tire from the wheel.

5. Clear adhesive from the tire bead and wheel by lightly sanding both pieces with 200-grit sandpaper.

References

• Misbehavin' RC: Removing Glued Tires