Today’s modern mechanic or avid car hobbyist knows good tools are essential to achieving goals and caring for prized possessions.
New tools are entering the market with the intent to make mechanical projects easier and more attainable for auto mechanics and hobbyists alike.
Mechanical solutions are not limited to a mechanic shop or garage and can easily be brought to the comfort of the personal garage or space.
The tire bead seater is one of those tools essential to growing a tool collection. This item – also called a bead blaster – is a simple and safe tool designed to save time when changing tires by quickly inflating tire sidewalls to seat the bead on the wheel rim.
The seater has a valve and rubber coated nozzle, allowing for easy air release and preventing damage to the tire rims.
It is able to be used on multiple types of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, lawn tractors, ATVs, and RVs. For mechanics without access to a tire changer machine it can be a handy alternative.
The tire bead seater cuts out extra steps in order to create a quick and easy inflation process for tires as needed. Instead of arranging time at a local mechanic shop and shelling out labor costs and more, the tire bead seater brings the process home to the comfort of a personal garage or space.
The product is also reasonably priced across various models and tank options and comes with optional manufacturer warranty. The price allows it to be a worthwhile investment, whether used by an avid car enthusiast or a potential newcomer is seeking a learning opportunity. It saves not only time, but ultimately money as well.
The design, coupled with the safety features, works to prevent damage to tire rims. Ultimately, the tire bead seater is an essential tool to safely expedite the tire seating process in a manageable way for anyone looking to make a strong investment for their tool collection.
Tire Bead Seaters Compared
Preview | Product | Max Pressure | Max Tire Size | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neiko 30007L Tooluxe Air 5GAL | 145 PSI | 24.5” | |
| Mallofusa 10 Gallon | 145 PSI | 24.5” | |
| SUNCOO | 116 PSI | 24.5” | |
| TSI Cheetah CH-5 | 120 PSI | 24.5” | |
| XtremepowerUS HD 5GAL | 145 PSI | 24.5” | |
| XtremepowerUS | 145 PSI | 24.5” | |
| Tengchang Portable | 116 PSI | 24.5” | |
| OEMTOOLS 24449 | 120 PSI | 24.5” | |
| Giantex 10 Gallon | 145 PSI | 47” |
Bead Blaster Buying Guide
As you search for an air bead seater tool, there are some criteria you will want to evaluate each model by.
Durability
When you look at the durability of a bead seating tool, you want to think about more than just the air tank. Even if the air bead blaster has a steel tank, you must evaluate all of the parts and components that come with the set. Are they made from materials that are going to last, or will you find yourself looking for replacements in a year?
Max Pressure
PSI is the pound-force per square inch. This valuable figure tells you how much power the tire bead seater is. The higher the number is, the more capability you will have. This ensures you don’t spend more time than needed to while working on a tire bead. Of course, the more PSI a machine has, the higher the price tends to go.
Suitable for Your Vehicles
Before you purchase a bead blaster, you want to first look at the requirements of your vehicles and tires. After all, it does no good to invest in a tire blaster if it isn’t going to help you work on the cars you have. If you are a professional mechanic, you will need a bead seater tank that is versatile.
Design Quality & Ease of Use
When you are using an air tire bead seater blaster, you have a lot to think about. That's why a well-built machine makes everything more straightforward for you. Check out the design of the tire bead seater tank to ensure it contains the features you need, such as an easy to read gauge.
Safety Features
Safety should be your primary consideration while using a bead seater blaster. With the higher-end models, you will find several safety features included, but each one will increase the price. Above all, you will want to find a model with an automatic safety valve. Never forget that you are using a large piece of machinery – use it wisely no matter what safety features are included.
Portability
How much will you be moving the air tank tire bead seater around? Do you need to take it to other job sites, or will you only be using it in your auto shop? You can receive more capability with a larger and heavier machine, but that won't be wise if you need to take it on the go. Evaluate your needs to choose the best air tire bead seater blaster for you.
Designed Lip
Before you purchase a tire bead seater tank, you need to evaluate the reach you will require with your tool. Measure the area and make sure your tank can accommodate this requirement. You might need an extension cord for a maximum reach, but don’t neglect the benefits of a specially-designed lip for a longer reach.
Price & Warranty
The higher the price goes for an air tank tire bead seater, the better the chances are that it will be a reliable tool. However, not everyone needs the top of the line air tire bead seater. If your budget is holding you back, find the most affordable option with the features you need. Just don’t neglect the value of a good warranty. It provides peace of mind in case something should break.
9 Best Tire Bead Seaters Reviewed
Whether you are looking for a Cheetah tank or some other brand, we have examined nine options as the best tire bead seater for you to choose from.
1. Neiko 30007L Tooluxe Air 5GAL
Best 5 Gallon Air Tire Bead Seater
Tank Capacity | 5 gallons |
Operating Pressure | 87 to 116 PSI |
Max Pressure | 145 PSI |
Max Tire Size | 24.5” |
Warranty | Yes, lifetime |
This 5-gallon tire bead seater quickly inflates tire sidewalls, so the bead is seated perfectly on wheel rims. You can use this for tires up to 24.5", which includes most regular vehicles, trucks, RVs, ATVs, and tractors. The CE approved, heavy-duty steel tank is finished with powder coating for maximum durability. It also comes complete with an easy-to-read gauge. Fill the tank from your shop compressor with recommended operating pressures between 87 and 116 PSI.
To keep you from harm, there is an automatic safety valve that pops up and releases the air when it gets above the operating pressure. It also features a specially designed lip on the metal barrel to deliver the air to the tire with a perfect angle. You won’t have to fiddle with the equipment to get your job done.
At just 22 pounds, you shouldn’t have trouble taking this tank with you on the go. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, which is remarkable considering the price. This is our top choice as a 5-gallon tire bead seater for the everyday user. It's versatile, portable, and an overall great tool. Every shop should come equipped with one to get those tire jobs done faster than ever before.
Pros
Cons
2. Mallofusa
Runner Up
Tank Capacity | 5 gallons |
Operating Pressure | 87 to 116 PSI |
Max Pressure | 145 PSI |
Max Tire Size | 24.5” |
Warranty | unknown |
The third pick in our review of tire bead seaters is the Mallofusa 5 Gallon Air Tire Bead Seater. Like our top 2 choices, the Mallofusa unit has a 5-gallon capacity, and can handle a max pressure of 145 PSI. It too is constructed from heavy steel that has been powder coated to resist corrosion, so you can be sure it will hold up over time. Mallofusa added an easy to read pressure gauge for filling, and a safety valve that will prevent you from overfilling the tank to dangerous levels.
The working end of the Mallofusa bead blaster has a metal barrel with a specially designed lip. This lip is fashioned to deliver a quick blast of air between your rim and tire at the perfect angle and position to properly seat the bead.
For those of you on a budget but looking for a 5-gallon bead seater, the Mallofusa tank comes at a very attractive price. And since over 90% of the reviews online give it 4 or 5-stars, you can be sure of getting a good tire bead seater you can afford.
Pros
Cons
3. SUNCOO
Best 10 Gallon Model
Tank Capacity | 10 gallons |
Operating Pressure | 87 to 116 PSI |
Max Pressure | 116 PSI |
Max Tire Size | 24.5” |
Warranty | unknown |
When you require the best 10-gallon model tire bead seater, you can’t go wrong with this option from SUNCOO. With this seater, you can quickly inflate the tire sidewall on a wide range of vehicles. It handles tire sizes up to 24.5” and features a recommended operating pressure of 87 to 116 PSI.
The steel tank is covered with a corrosion- and rust-resistant powder-coat for longer life. It also features an attractive pressure gauge that's easy to read while you are working. While it is slightly more substantial because of the size, there is a convenient built-in carrying handle so you can take it with you. The high-quality safety valve removes excess air to keep you safe. There is also a unique lip on the threaded barrel that allows you to use the proper angle for correct bead seating and air insertion.
Even with the larger capacity, you aren’t going to pay a premium price for this unit. This helps you to receive the capability you require without breaking the bank. Just think of all the tires you can work on with this powerful and efficient unit. It’s like it was always meant to be a part of your auto repair shop.
Pros
Cons
4. TSI Cheetah CH-5
Best Rated
Tank Capacity | 5 gallons |
Operating Pressure | 87 to 116 PSI |
Max Pressure | 120 PSI |
Max Tire Size | 24.5” |
Warranty | Yes, 1-year |
The next bead blaster in our roundup is the Cheetah Model CH-5 Bead Seating Tool. The Cheetah brand is very recognizable when it comes to bead blasters, which typically means that the company puts out good products. And the CH-5 certainly fits the bill as a professional grade tire bead sealer.
The 5-gallon tank on the CH-5 is ASME-certified, and made from steel with powder coat finish for enhanced durability. It also includes an easy carry handle attached to the tank, which really makes the CH-5 easy to carry around and use. And it also includes mounting feet that make storing the unit simple, while at the same time protecting the barrel assembly from any damage.
Despite being only 5 gallons, this small unit is able to handle everything from small 4-inch tires up to 24-1/2 inch truck tires. For most shops that will be more than enough for the types of work they will see. Online reviewers love the CH-5, with 92% giving the bead blaster a 4 or 5-star rating. Words like “awesome”, “excellent”, and “indestructible” are used liberally by owners, which instills confidence in this tire bead seater’s performance.
Of course, with a good brand name also comes a higher price, and the CH-5 clocks in as the most expensive in our roundup. But since you frequently get what you pay for, the Cheetah CH-5 would be a great addition to any workshop that appreciates quality tools.
Pros
Cons
5. XtremepowerUS HD
Good for All Types of Tires
Tank Capacity | 5 gallons |
Operating Pressure | 85 to 116 PSI |
Max Pressure | 145 PSI |
Max Tire Size | 24.5” |
Warranty | No |
This five-gallon Xtrempower unit is perfect for most vehicles. It can be used on cars, lawn tractors, trucks, RVs, ATVs, and large tractors. With the easy carry handle, you can even take it with you for work anywhere.
Once you place the high-pressure tube between the rim and gap, you simply turn on the valve and spend minimal time inflating the tire. Then, you turn it back off when you are finished. It really doesn't get much easier than that.
Because this machine is made from 2.5mm carbon steel, you know it is built to last. The powder finish ensures that it isn’t going to rust or face corrosion after sitting in your shop. The easy to read gauge helps you read the measurements and quickly adjust the pressure. Plus, it has a specially designed lip to provide the perfect angle for any application.
The low price and lightweight design make this machine one of the best options on the market. The only downside is that the company doesn't seem to provide a warranty. With the construction, it's unlikely anything will go wrong with it. Just look at the fantastic reviews left by customers that can't say enough good things about this model.
Pros
Cons
6. XtremepowerUS
Affordable Bead Blaster
Tank Capacity | 5 gallons |
Operating Pressure | 85 to 116 PSI |
Max Pressure | 145 PSI |
Max Tire Size | 24.5” |
Warranty | No |
The final tire bead seater in our group is the XtremepowerUS Bead Seater. Another 5-gallon entry, this tank also features steel construction and powder coating for enhanced durability. It also comes with a carrying handle for portability, and attached feet to keep the unit stable when you put it down.
That helps both with storing it when not in use, and also protecting the gauge and other fittings on the tank. Like the other 5-gallon entries in our review, the XtremepowerUS tank is designed to operate at pressures between 87 and 116 PSI, which allows you to seat tires up to 24.5 inches in diameter.
As an overseas knock-off of some of the better brands, the XtremepowerUS has most of the features but less of the frills, making it an affordable alternative. 85% of online reviewers give it 4 or 5 stars in their evaluation, so it seems like a good alternative for those wanting to own a tire bead sealer for their home garage without wiping out their tool budget.
Pros
Cons
7. Tengchang Portable
Lightweight Portable Tire Bead Seater
Tank Capacity | 2.1 gallons |
Operating Pressure | 87 to 116 PSI |
Max Pressure | 116 PSI |
Max Tire Size | 24.5” |
Warranty | No |
If you need to take your bead seater on the go, there are a few things you will sacrifice. First, you will need a small tank to keep the machine lightweight. Aside from that, you are going to pay more for this convenience. We see both of those with this Tengchang seater, but this isn’t the best option if you need a cheap machine.
This 2.1-gallon tank is constructed from durable solid steel. It features an easy to read air gauge that lets you know what the air volume is at. There is also a unique, long shaped neck on this unit to help you reach the tire without putting you too close. What we enjoy most about this portable unit is the special trigger design that makes the filling process more comfortable than ever before.
At just 13.2 pounds, there are no limits to where you can take this portable bead seater. Despite the smaller size, it doesn’t sacrifice on power, but still provides a recommended air pressure of 87-116 PSI. With the higher price, we would have liked to see a lengthy warranty available, but there’s no information regarding any type of guarantee. Still, the ratings suggest that you will have nothing to worry about with this durable unit.
Pros
Cons
8. OEMTOOLS 24449
Trusted Brand
Tank Capacity | 5 gallons |
Operating Pressure | 87 to 116 PSI |
Max Pressure | 120 PSI |
Max Tire Size | 24.5” |
Warranty | Yes, unknown |
Once you get past the unusual bright green design of this tank, you can see that the OEMTOOLS bead seater is an excellent option for busy shops. It operates with a maximum pressure of 120 PSI and will work on tires up to 24.5". With the unique lip on barrel design, you also maintain the proper angle any time you need accurate bead seating for tires.
This five-gallon tank provides you with a fast and simple way to seat difficult tires. There is also an air release valve that takes the compressed air and pumps it into the tire bead to lift it onto the rim. When you want to create a tight seal, you won’t find much better than this unit.
This product does have a warranty, but we are unsure how long that is. You would need to reach out to the manufacturer to get more information, but the reviews indicate that this unit is well constructed for a long life. In addition, it is a little on the heavier side, but still portable if you need to take it with you. As far as the price goes, you are paying slightly more because it is a trusted brand.
Pros
Cons
9. Giantex
Best Bead Seater for Truck Tires
Tank Capacity | 10 gallons |
Operating Pressure | 85 to 116 PSI |
Max Pressure | 145 PSI |
Max Tire Size | 47” |
Warranty | unknown |
Among the numerous 10-gallon tire bead seater options, you will find that this is a winner. You don't have to pay a premium price for the additional capacity, either. Busy shop owners know how important it is to have quick, easy air inflation, and this machine provides both. You won't spend a lot of time getting the tire bead seated correctly.
You can use the easy to read gauge to make the adjustments and get the pressure right where you need it. The max pressure is 145 PSI and works on tires up to 47”, so it can be used for a variety of applications. The ten-gallon tank is made from 2.5mm carbon steel for maximum durability. Plus, it’s covered in a powder coat for corrosion and rust-resistance.
The metal barrel inflator is the solution you have been hoping for when working on cars, trucks, tractors, RVs, or ATVs. You can pump one vehicle out after another and keep working at maximum capacity. There are a couple of downsides to this model. First, it is on the heavier side, which is to be expected with a ten-gallon tank. Secondly, there is no warranty information, so you might be on your own if something should break. Thankfully, that's unlikely to happen.
Pros
Cons
How do Tire Bead Seaters work?
A tire bead seater delivers large amounts of pressurized air into the cavity of a tubeless tire to seat the beads. Because these tires have stiff sidewalls, the beads won’t seat appropriately by pumping air into the valve stem.
The tire bead blaster stores compressed air in an external tank until it is needed.
How to Use A Bead Seater
The operational process is rather simple. The 5-gallon tank is filled by a standard shop compressor (87-116) PSI. (Note: maximum pressure for the 5-gallon steel tank if 145 PSI). It has a large gauge to provide accurate reading of the current operating pressure.
The bead blaster sends the highly pressured air to the tubeless tire, which “seats the beads” of the tire to the wheel assembly. The process takes less than a second for most cars and light trucks. The continual air flow maintains pressure and pushes the tire to inflate correctly. With the long neck attachment, it is easier to achieve the optimal angle between rim and tire. The rubber design also prevents damage to the tire rim during this process.
For more visual learners, there are multiple videos on the Internet providing examples of how to use the tire bead seater. Experienced users demonstrate how to use the tool with easy to follow instructions. Here is a short YouTube demonstration of seating a large tire with the Cheetah bead sealer:
Tire Bead Seater Safety Features
Handling any mechanical tool is less stressful knowing the safety attributes of the item. Operating items with high pressure involved requires a steady hand and keen sense of attention to the pressure gauge. The tire bead seater should be CE approved and constructed from high-quality, durable steel.
The final powder coating ensures durability through many usages with no deterioration or rusting. It is a tool able to last long past the initial need for it.
It has an automatic safety valve that naturally opens to release air when unsafe operating pressure is detected. Over-inflated tires will cause the center to wear out and drastically reduce the life of the tire. Over-inflation will also cause loss of traction for the tire.
The failsafe is a way to protect from over inflation, pertinent for newcomers to the bead blasting process. The air gauge is also a safety addition found on high-quality tire bead seaters. Monitoring intake volume accurately is visible and easy to track on the large gauge face.
Additional Features To Consider
While a standard 5-gallon bead seater is typically sufficient, it is limited to 24.5” tires and below. There are other options on the market for those with larger tires and different needs. The 10-gallon tank is suited for up to 47” tires. Just like the 5-gallon version, it can be used on cars, trucks, tractors, ATVs, and RVs.
The other features, like the automatic safety valve release and CE approval, come standard for the 5-gallon and 10-gallon tanks. It is important to note the maximum pressure will vary based on tank size. For the 10-gallon tank the maximum pressure is 145 PSI.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Which tank size should I choose? Which is better, 5 gallon or a 10-gallon bead seater?
When choosing between the 5 gallon vs. 10-gallon bead seater, the amount of work you have to accomplish is what should make the difference. The 10-gallon tank holds more air and produces additional power, but will also cost more.
What causes a bead leak on a tire?
A bead leak occurs when water makes its way into the wheel and sits where the rim and tire meet. This is the bead seal area. They occur most frequently with aluminum and alloy rims.
What can I do to make my bead seater last longer?
You want to take care of your bead seater to ensure a long life. Keep your equipment out of the weather and make sure it is cleaned off regularly. Store the tool in an environment that keeps it safe from harm.
Where can I buy replacement parts for my bead blaster?
You should always start by looking on Amazon since they offer the best prices and most extensive selection. If you can't find what you need there, you should reach out to the manufacturer.
What are the safety tips when using a tire bead seater?
Safety should be your top concern when using a bead seater. Make sure you check your surroundings before using any power equipment. Don't use it anywhere that there is a risk for fire. You also don't want it to come into contact with an electrical source. Keep children away from all power tools, as well.
Conclusion
You can deal with those stubborn tires right in your home workshop when you have the Neiko 30007L Tooluxe Air 5GAL. This unit is the best overall option for anyone in need of a tire bead seater. It provides plenty of power, durable construction, and a reasonable price. What tires will you be working on next?