The duckhead is the primary working tool on a tire changing machine, named for its shape resembling a duck's bill. It mounts securely against the edge of the wheel rim to guide the tire bead smoothly on or off the wheel during rotation. Plastic duckheads are frequently used to prevent scratching delicate alloy wheels.
Heard on the job
Make sure you swap to the plastic duckhead before you dismount those custom alloys.
Insider tip
If the duckhead is worn or positioned too far from the rim edge, it will tear the tire bead or scratch the wheel face.
Also heard as
- mount/demount head