FAQs
Please read our how to use guide in full before using your TyreKey
What will it work on?
As a guideline;
Road tyres 18-42mm in width
Gravel tyres up to 42mm in width
CX tyres up to 42mm in width (depending on tread height)
Hybrid/touring tyres up to 42mm in width (depending on tread height)
It will not work correctly on tyres wider than the dimensions specified above.
There may be some exceptions depending on the tread depth and carcass stiffness.
Disc, rim, carbon, alloy wheels of any depth with external width 22-30mm, measured across the top of the rim walls. Do not rely on manufacturer provided dimensions, check your own wheels first. Do not try to use TyreKey on wheels narrower than these measurements.
TyreKey may work on tyres wider than 42mm, but we cannot guarantee it will work as well as intended.
Any specific incompatibilities?
Continental GP5000TL (now superseded by GP5000S TR) are extremely difficult to fit on many rims and virtually impossible on Mavic UST and Prime rims, even with workshop sized tools and professional mechanics. We do not recommend attempting to fit the GP5000TL to any wheel and instead suggest purchasing the newer model which is much improved.
Do not use on Mavic Cosmic SLR, older Prime rims or other carbon wheels with very thin sidewalls and external widths (measured from the top of the sidewalls) below the 22-30mm operating range of the TyreKey. There is a chance of causing damage to the rim.
If in doubt, contact us first.
The tool
How big/heavy is it?
The dimensions are 139x66x8mm. Weight 30g
What is it made from?
TyreKey is made from a high strength, low friction plastic. It is strong enough to work on very tight tyres without damaging or scratching rims. The tool may wear slightly with normal use but this will not impact its performance.
What tyre sizes does it work on?
TyreKey works best on tyres of widths between 18mm and 42mm, as a guideline. As long as you can get the tyre completely inside the claw part of the tool (see how-to-use video for tips), you will be able to use TyreKey to install your tyre. It works on road, gravel and hybrid tyres.
What rim sizes does it work on?
TyreKey works on the majority of currently available road and gravel rims. It can be used on rims with external width from 22mm to 30mm. It can be used on rims of any depth and diameter.
Is it safe for carbon wheels?
Yes, TyreKey can be used safely on carbon. Follow the usage instructions and make sure your rim is within the 22-30mm external width ranged (measured from the top of the rim walls). As with any tool, TyreKey should be used with care, but under normal use the nylon material will not scratch or damage carbon rims. We have tested it extensively on a range of carbon rims with no ill-effects.
We advise using your discretion on disc brake specific rims which have been painted to the top of the rim wall. When reinstalling tyres on this style of rim, the design of TyreKey means it is sitting directly on the painted surface.
Do not use the TyreKey directly on top of decals as it may mark them.
Does it work on tubeless?
Yes, TyreKey works great for installing tight tubeless tyres!
Why would I use TyreKey instead of traditional tyre levers?
When installing a tyre, the design of a traditional lever is trying to fit between the tyre bead and rim wall. This effectively increases the circumference of the rim and makes a tight tyre even harder to install than it would already be. It also increases the chance of pinching the inner tube, either between the tyre bead and rim wall or with the tyre lever itself. TyreKey avoids both of these potential issues whilst providing extra leverage.
I already have two built-in tyre levers, they’re called thumbs! Who is TyreKey for?
If you can remove and re-fit a tyre with just your hands, great! In an ideal world, we’d all do it by hand. TyreKey has proven useful for those with weaker hands, arthritis, mechanics fitting many tyres a day, very tight tyre/rim combinations and riders with cold and wet hands who just want to get home ASAP!
Why do you suggest finishing installation over the valve? I’ve always been told the opposite!
The tyre bead needs to sit completely in the central channel of the rim to make the installation as easy as possible. By finishing at the valve, you allow as much of the bead to sit in this position as possible, which gives you the maximum amount of ‘slack’ to finish the installation easily. We also find this method helps to keep the inner tube correctly located, further reducing the chance of the tube becoming trapped between the tyre and rim.
How long will it take to arrive?
We try to dispatch all orders within 24hrs of the order being placed (excl. Sundays.)
International orders usually take 5-7 business days. It can take up to 25 business days due to customs processing or during busy periods with high volumes of postage (e.g. in the run up to Christmas.)
Where is my order?
If your order has not arrived within the suggested timeframes please contact us at info@tyrekey.com and we will investigate for you.