How to Remove a Tire Tread
The tread of a tire is thicker then the sidewall and often reinforced with an additional layer of steel core wire or cable. This makes tire treads ideal for conversion into a number of surprising products, such as telephone poles, as the rubber is as stiff as wood. If wanting to remove a tire tread to make sandals, it would be better to use a non steel core tire. With either type of tire, the process to remove a tire tread is easy but must be done slowly to avoid damaging the tread.
Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
- Respirator (optional)
- Tire
- Box knife
- Side-cutting pliers
- Sawzall
- Sawzall blade (metal)
- Sidewall cutting machine (if desired)
Instructions
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1
Put on safety goggles and a pair of heavy work gloves. Wear a breathing respirator if concerned about fumes that may be released from the rubber as it gets heated while being cut with the Sawzall.
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2
Lay the tire down on its side, and use a box knife to cut through the side wall from the hollow center of the tire to the edge of the tread. Cut through any steel core wires or cables woven into the tire using a pair of side cutters. Cut along the edge of the tread a half inch out from each side of the cut down from the center so the cuts form a "T" at the edge of the tread.
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3
Pull the Sawzall blade down to the edge of the tread using the opening cut in the sidewall of the tire. Turn the blade in the bottom of the "T" cut so the blade is running perpendicular to the edge of the tread.
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4
Place one foot on the tire, away from the Sawzall blade, to hold the tire steady and cut all around the tire tread edge on the one side of the tire. Lift the sidewall piece out of the tire. Flip the tire over, and cut the sidewall out of the other side.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider purchasing a sidewall cutting machine if you are planning on recycling the tread of a large number of tires. The money saved in labor will cover the cost of the machine.
Never cut a tire without wearing appropriate safety equipment, as the steel cords found in most tires can fray and fly apart easily causing injury.
References
- Photo Credit stack of old tires image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
