Originally Posted by LóFarkas
That said, I think most tyre levers snap because the user forces them the wrong way. You should go slowly, centimetre by centimetre, sliding the lever along the rim, and not pulling it out to reinsert it 3 inches further away.
Thank you! I've seen a couple of my riding buddies wreck their $5 levers trying to pry on their tires. I only need one, and I've pulled and replaced DH tires with it. Sliding is the key. Here's my method for really tough combos:
Get the tire 3/4 on. Have the lever in below where the bead is still out, the wheel standing up; the lever should be sticking out at or below the horizontal level. Sit on the wheel so that the lever is between your legs. Grab the lever with both hands, and pull with your back. Sitting on the wheel keeps it from slippling, and you get to use your whole body to get that tire lever around. Works like a charm.