Nail Pullers
 

I'm wondering what folks think about those "nail puller" or "tire saver" gadgets that were found on older bikes? I have two bikes that use tubulars and came with these gadgets (I took them off because I didn't appreciate the whiny sound they made...and I guess that they were also causing some degree of friction energy loss. They're supposed to decrease the risk of puncture flats, which might be worth it when riding tubulars, which are expensive and a PITA to repair. What say ye?:)

Actually I thought they work to some degree, but they fell out of favor when Kevlar tires came on the market, and some people doubted their usefulness, but I figured if they saved me from one flat in the life of a tire they were worth it. So now they tell you to use your gloved hand and wipe the tire off...really? the tire saver doesn't work that great but somehow your hand will work better? By the time you get your hand into action to place on the tire for a wipe that tire has made several revolutions allowing whatever your trying to wipe off to penetrate the tire, whereas the tire saver get's the object on the first pass before it has a chance to penetrate on the next revolution. I haven't use them since the early 80's when I stopped using tubular tires, but their still available, see: http://www.loosescrews.com/Products/UB-TS1.html Please note what the web site says, they only work on smooth tires. Also I found if you mount them reverse, in other words they point to the rear instead of forward as the instructions say to do, you won't bend the Saver if the tire should grab it.

OP:

You should contact Rootboy - he hand-crafts modern versions of brass and a more pliable flexible tubing. They're works of art in their own right, but very quiet compared to the old versions. My theory is the more flexible tubing he uses. I've been using a set I got from him for nearly a year and no flats :)

Plug ended - you're free to return to your regularly scheduled program.

DD

Thanks for the plug D Dude. Yes, Neurocop, they're sort of old school but I still find them useful, especially on tubulars. I have them mounted on my bike with tubulars and they seem to work for me. Here are a couple of pics of the ones I make.
The lower pic is of them mounted on a bike without tubulars, just for illustration purposes. They will also work with clinchers that have a relatively smooth tread. I personally think the friction issue is somewhat over-stated. When set up properly, just barely grazing the tire, they don't slow you down or bleed off energy. With mine mounted this way I've found they make a hint of noise but very subtle.http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/...iresavers4.jpghttp://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/...iresavers7.jpg

Adjust them so that are as close as possible to the tires without touching them. If you let them rub all the time they'll be cut in half before too long.

Yes they work.

Aaron :)

I am not sure if they work or not but I have a pair on atleast one bike, but I just never think to put them on more. I think another reason the fell by the wayside is recessed brakes, which make you have to put it between the caliper and the frame.

they make great conversation starters like exposed brake cables, DT shifters and a tubular tire strapped to the seat.

Another plug for Rootboy .. I just installed them on my Vent Noir, they're beautifully made. Much nicer than what you'd find on eBay.

Scott

rootboy,
any details on these beyond the pics? Either for buying or for making my own? Your use of the clear tubing is different from the one made only of wire.

I'll send you a PM. Thx.

Thanks

Loose Screws sells a 6mm x 12mm bolt for newer brakes. This is the screw: http://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi...d=169669529976

Or if you carbon forks you need a sleeve and a screw here's that: http://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi...d=169669529976

Those screws are designed to work with the these tire savers: http://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi...d=169669529976 But should work with the RootBoy tire savers since their both exactly the same design just using different material.

Thanks Scott. Not sure those do that beautiful bike justice but...the brass kind of looks good with the smoke chrome. Still want to see that bike up close !

There were two brand new sets in the "Box of Crap" game going on right now. I've got a pair on my Raleigh and grabbed another set from the box for my slow Ciocc project.

Some are solid steel and don't flex at all. You definitely don't dont want to set them up so they rub on the tires.

I've seen them called a lot of different things, but "nail pullers" is a new one on me. It seems unsuitable because they certainly won't pull nails.

Why are you building a slow Ciocc?

Me too GB, though I note he called them "tire savers" too. Let's see; I've seen them referred to as Tire Savers, thorn catchers, sticker flickers, which I kind of liked but decided not to use when labeling mine. Thorn catchers is decidedly English. "Sticker Flickers " seems rather colloquial and quaint. I called mine "Flat Stoppers" in the packaging, for lack of anything better. Pretty lame and the implied claim might not be entirely accurate. They help, but surely won't stop all flats. You're right about mounting them, but I like to have mine just barely grazing the tire, afraid a tiny shard of glass or something may not be dislodged if they are mounted to ride a hair above the tire. But right, they will wear out quickly if they rub the tire too much.

I have some of rootboy's on my Gazelle. I haven't had a flat yet with Michelin Pro 3 race tires. I have a set of tubulars waiting to be glued on. I did end up cutting all the little rubber tabs off the tires. The noise was getting to me. You definitely have to do some bending so they contour properly to your tire. When mine came from rootboy, they probably had a 32-35mm radius. Now, I have them hugging a 23mm tire and they don't make a terribly amount of noise... no more than my chain, jockey wheels, tires on pavement, etc.

This is good feedback 20grit, and I appreciate the input. I was thinking of asking those who've tried them how they like the fit. I'm bending them around a form which does indeed give a somewhat wide radius when used on skinny tires. My thinking was to just have them contact the tire mostly where the contact patch would be on a properly inflated tire, but that can vary depending on the tire used.
I'm wondering if I should customize or amend them a bit. Thanks. Rootboy.

We called them tire savers. One shop I worked in had some customers who called the tire shavers. ;)

I'm not convinced they work. I don't even know how we can prove they work or don't work. If you get a flat, it's not exactly proof it doesn't work. If you don't get a flat, it's not at all proof that it works.

Since this topic came up several months ago, I dug up several pair I had left over from my intense riding days in HS. Recessed brakes are a challenge that I addressed by flatening the mount portion, so it looks like a washer. This worked much better than trying to use the rounded portion. In the old days we mounted them on the rear of the bolt (non caliper side of the fork/bridge). It looked good on the fork because very little of it showed. With this arrangement, it looks a little wierd to me, but function is the important aspect. Now the rear looks better!

I've used my hand for decades. I don't know whether I've prevented flats or not, but I flat very infrequently and I've never impaled myself. Of course, on a bike with fenders I just hope for the best. Which begs the question: has anyone ever tried mounting the tire savers to a fender?

My biggest problem with them is that the rear one drops a load of grit onto the chain.

I wouldn't change them. They're flexible enough that the user can bend them in any way they want. I wanted mine to wrap down the sides of the tires a bit. Others may only want some center contact or be running wider tires. Your product is fine the way it is.

I do have a beef with the design in general though. I always have issues when tightening the brake nut down... the tire saver likes to rotate with it. Just takes some planning to avoid it.

I still do this too, out of habit, I guess. Even with the tire savers mounted, after I go through a patch of particularly nasty looking stuff. I use my middle and index fingers. Above the gloves. Not smart perhaps, but it works OK. Never tried to mount them to fenders personally, but I saw a pic once of some custom ones mounted to the under-side of the fenders. That was eons ago.