Set‐up of your new Bead Bazooka™ (BB6L) unit
Before using the Bead Bazooka™ you must install the following:
1) The air coupler nipple is not included. Install an air coupler nipple that fits your particular system into the
small intake valve (a) pictured above.
2)The slotted double barrel (b) must be installed into the large release opening shown in the above diagram.
Install and secure lock nut so that the slotted double barrel is securely tightened.
Using the Bead Bazooka™ with the tire/wheel assembly in a horizontal position:
1.Adjust the slotted double barrel so that the barrel flange is on top (opposite side of the handle stock and trigger
release) and parallel to the ground.
2.Place the tire (any size up to medium commercial truck tire) so that the short side of the wheel is on the bottom
and the long side of the wheel is on the top. (see diagram #2 below) The valve stem should be pointed upward to
the sky. At this point the Gaither tire stand (GB‐51) or block of wood should be holding the tire and wheel off the
ground and the bottom bead should already be seated properly. (Note: to ensure proper and perfect bead seat, tire
and wheel should always be adequately lubricated)
3.Attach an airline to your air coupler nipple and open the intake valve to fill the air tank to the desired working
pressure. (see proper storage and unit charging recommendation –next page) Normal working pressure is from 20
to 110 psi / 1.5 to 8 Bar. The amount of pressure that is needed in the tank depends on the tire size and condition
of the tire. The Bead Bazooka™ can help set the beads to wheels on motorcycle, passenger, ATV, industrial, truck,
and some small agricultural tires.
4.Using two hands; one on the handle stock with trigger protector and the other on the handle which is on top of the
tank, direct the slotted double barrel flange to the wheel exactly opposite the valve stem. (In most cases this is the
best position but in some cases with smaller tires it is better to position the barrel close to the valve stem) Once
you are in position to fire the Bead Bazooka™ you may want to bring the barrel away from the wheel approximately
1" to 2" so that the barrel does not contact the bead as it quickly rises from the force of air flow. Make sure there
is no valve core in the valve stem and using an airline or the Gaither Whip Hose (GB‐52) apply a steady flow of air
into the valve stem while simultaneously firing the Bead Bazooka™. For extreme cases: a Gaither Tire Wedge (GB
‐53) or wedges may be used under the tire to help
close extremely large gaps between tire and wheel.
(See Diagram #2)
5.Position the Bead Bazooka™ so that the slotted double
barrel opening is pointing directly into the largest gap
between the tire and wheel. Normally a 50‐70 degree
angle is the best.
6.Secure tightly the Bead Bazooka™ with both hands on
both handles and place your index finger onto the
trigger. Pull gently to release the air inside of the tank.
Hold steady the unit and always keep the air flow di‐
rected into the gap between the tire and wheel. Note:
If this does not properly set the bead to the wheel,
repeat the procedure at a higher pressure. You can also
try to use the Bead Bazooka™ in an upright position
CAUTION: AFTER THE BEAD HAS BEEN SET TO THE WHEEL, STOP THE AIR FLOW TO THE VALVE
STEM, PLACE A VALVE CORE IN THE STEM, AND MOVE THE TIRE / WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO A TIRE
INFLATION CAGE AND THEN CONTINUE INFLATING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED
OPERATING PRESSURE.
Using the Bead Bazooka™ with the tire/wheel assembly in a vertical position: (recommended for
truck tires only)
1) Adjust slotted double barrel so that the barrel flange is on the bottom same side as the handle stock with
trigger release (opposite side of the pressure gauge) and parallel to the ground. Make sure the barrel is
fastened tightly with the lock nut.
2) Place tire/wheel assembly against a wall or solid prop so the bottom (or back bead) is already set to the
wheel. (see diagram #3) Make sure the valve stem is pointing out and the long side of the wheel is closest to
you. The Gaither Tire Wedge (GB‐53) can be used as a prop to help set the bead properly.
3) Attach an airline to your air coupler nipple and open the intake valve to fill the air tank to the desired working
pressure. (see proper storage and unit charging recommendation –next page) Normal working pressure in
the vertical position is from 50 to 110 psi / 1.5 to 8 Bar. The amount of pressure that is needed in the tank
depends on the tire size and condition of the tire.
4) Using two hands; one on the handle stock with trigger release and the other on the handle which is on top of
the tank, direct the slotted double barrel flange to the wheel exactly opposite the valve stem. Once you are
in position to fire the Bead Bazooka™ you may want to bring the barrel away from the wheel approximately
1" to 2" so that the barrel does not contact the bead as it
quickly rises from the force of air flow. Make sure that
there is no valve core in the valve stem and using an
airline or the Gaither Whip Hose (GB‐52) apply a steady
flow of air into the valve stem while simultaneously firing
the Bead Bazooka™.
5) Position the Bead Bazooka™ so that the slotted double
barrel opening is pointing directly into the largest gap
between the tire and wheel. Normally a 50‐70 degree
angle is the best.
6) Secure tightly the Bead Bazooka™ with both hands on both
handles and place your index finger onto the trigger. Pull
gently to release the air inside of the tank. Hold steady the
unit and always keep the air flow directed into the gap
between the tire and wheel. Note: If this does not prop‐
erly set the bead to the wheel, repeat the procedure at a
higher pressure.
CAUTION: AFTER THE BEAD HAS BEEN SET TO THE WHEEL, STOP THE AIR FLOW TO THE VALVE
STEM, PLACE A VALVE CORE IN THE STEM, AND MOVE THE TIRE / WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO A TIRE
INFLATION CAGE AND THEN CONTINUE INFLATING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED
OPERATING PRESSURE.
WARNING: COMPRESSED AIR IS DANGEROUS ‐ ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION. AL‐
WAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ABOVE. THE BEAD BAZOOKA IS A TOOL FOR THE TIRE
INDUSTRY AND SHOULD NEVER BE USED OTHERWISE. THIS TOOL IS NOT A GUN. THIS TOOL IS
NOT A TOY AND SHOULD NEVER BE USED FOR ANYTHING EXCEPT FOR ITS SPECIFIED USE.
Note: For other trouble shooting issues and maintenance suggestions for your new Bead Ba‐
zooka™, as well as tips for problematic tires, please log on to www.gaithertool.com
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