We've never seen anything not good from EOP, but the new 'pliers are so much gooder they're worth mentioning, even though Tyrepliers aren't new per se (see Four Wheeler, June '99 for details). But this new version has slimmer jaws that are easier to insert, and a wider contact area that is nicer to the tire's bead. Also, now the 'pliers work on rims from 4 to 19 1/2 inches in diameter-up to 25 inches with an optional extension-but are still just 22 inches long. It may seem that $139.95 is a lot of money for a bead-breaker tool, but it's probably only a matter of how many hours, screwdrivers and tires you're willing to waste before getting the real thing.
Tyrepliers are the fastest and easiest tool for breaking tire beads that we know of, and while the new version may look identical at a quick glance, it has notable improvements. A separate small foot works on rims in the 4- to 12-inch range, while the adjustable long leg handles wheels from 13 to 19 1/2 inches, whereas the old 'pliers work on 10- to 16-inch rims. Also, the new jaws are wider and even easier to get between the wheel and tire bead.