Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Remove the side wall
• Method 2 of 2: Cut tires into smaller pieces
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities
• Remove the side wall
• Cut tires into smaller pieces

Sometimes it is necessary to cut tires in order to dispose of them properly. Since tires are made from thick, durable rubber, you need the right tools to cut through them. You can remove the side of a standard tire with a sharp knife by cutting along the seam just next to the tread, being careful not to get the blade too close to the tread. To cut a tire down to manageable pieces, equip yourself with an electric cutting tool, such as a circular saw or dremel, equipped with a blade suitable for use on metal.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Remove the side wall

1. Pierce the side wall close to the profile with a sharp knife. A utility knife or snap-off knife provides the best results when piercing the thick rubber. Push the tip of the blade straight into the smooth surface, about an inch from the start of the profile. Be careful not to cut too close to the tread, as it may be reinforced with steel straps.
   • If you have trouble making the first hole, use an awl, ice pick, or other tool with a sharp and pointed end.
   • Trying to manually cut directly into the steel straps can damage or dull your cutting tool, or result in a lot of wasted effort.
2. Push on the tire with your foot or knee. Place the sole of your foot on the lower part of the band or kneel and push the band against the ground with one knee. This prevents the band from wobbling or shifting while you cut.
   • To avoid accidents, make sure that you only place your foot or knee in a part of the area where you are not cutting.
3. Cut along the outside of the profile with a sawing motion. Use your free hand to stabilize the band as you smoothly push the blade through the rubber of the sidewall. Follow the seam that runs along the thicker profile.
   • For maximum lifting power and control, place the blade with the tip facing you and slowly guide it down between your legs.
   • If you are in a hurry, you can use a jigsaw or dremel with a cutting attachment to speed up the process.

   Tip: spray your blade with WD-40 or a similar lubricant to reduce the friction caused by the rubber.

   
   
4. Use a wooden stick to separate the cut parts. Place one side of the stick in the split band and lift it up. This pulls the rubber apart on both sides, making it easier to continue working without pinching or deflecting your blade towards the profile.
   • Holding the cut parts open with a stick, rather than your own hand, also makes it less likely to cut yourself.
5. Rotate or move the band to complete the cut. When you have cut the top ⅓-½ part of the sidewall, pause and turn the band a half turn or walk around it until you are in a good position to continue working. Bring the blade all the way around to the starting point, then pull the material off the sidewall.
   • Most waste disposal services will not collect old tires unless the sidewalls have been removed. Not only are they difficult to handle while intact, but they can also accumulate water and other substances.
   • If you want to reuse the tire instead of throwing it away, consider converting it into a garden hose holder, mini-pond or unique planter for your garden.

Method 2 of 2: Cut tires into smaller pieces

1. Cut in a workshop or outdoor area. Cutting tires can be tricky as they tend to leave a lot of small rubber and metal fragments behind. To ensure that you work as safely, efficiently and neatly as possible, place the belt on a work table or a set of sawhorses, or place it outside on the ground.
   • When you're done, sweep up the materials and throw them in the trash.
   • You may need an extension cord if there are no power outlets near your outdoor workspace.
2. Place a metal-safe blade on your electric saw or dremel. Most large belts are equipped with supporting metal belts, which means that it is important to use a knife blade that can cut through metal. For circular and jigsaws, ferrous metal blades are recommended, while for a dremel a metal cutting disc provides the best cutting power.
   • If you have to cut a lot of tires, invest in a set of carbide-toothed blades. Carbide blades make cleaner cuts and stay sharp much longer than regular saw blades.
   • You may also be able to cut a band with a hacksaw, if you don't mind the extra movement.
3. Start the first cut across, through one side of the tire. Lay the band flat on its side on your work surface and turn on your saw or dremel. Push the cutting edge laterally or across the sidewall, into the top surface of the tire. Move the tool slowly from the inner edge to the outer edge and stop just before you reach the profile.
   • You can feel resistance from the steel bands on the inner rim of the tire. Don't worry - as long as you used the correct blade, you should be able to cut through the tire with relative ease.
   • If you are going to saw through the band in several places, you can make all cuts on the same side first, to save time.

   Warning: it is good to put on safety goggles in case pieces unexpectedly pop out of the tire.

   
   
4. Flip the band over and complete the cut on the other side. Align the tool with the end of the cut you just made on one side, and complete the cut on the other. Work slowly and carefully, and don't forget to take your time when you get to a steel or nylon strap.
   • Dividing the belt into two halves makes cutting faster and easier than trying to push the cutting tool through both sides at the same time. It also helps prevent unnecessary damage to the work surface.
5. Make any other necessary cuts in the same way. Once you've cut band in half, turn the resulting pieces 90 degrees and start cutting through the center of both halves. You can continue working this way until you have cut your tire into quarters, or even smaller.
   • Stabilize the tire well after the first cut. As the pieces get smaller, the more likely they will slip or shift on the work surface.
   • Most municipal disposal guidelines require tires to be cut into at least two pieces.
6. Cut through the profile separately if it is tricky. It can be difficult to cut through the tread of a particularly large tire if you want to cut through it from the side. In this case, you can cut the sides of the tire and then put the tire upright to cut directly into the profile. When the three cuts intersect, the rubber should disintegrate without difficulty.
   • If possible, fix the band with a vise or adjustable clamp. If you don't have one, you can also clamp the strap between your thighs to keep it in place.
   • Be very careful when using your cutting tool and make sure to keep it a safe distance from your body at all times.

Tips

• When you're done cutting your tires, you can take them in at any recycling center, waste collection point, or disposal center that handles rubber.
• Tires are a good source of residual rubber for various construction, craft and garden projects.

Warnings

• The exposed steel bands in the cut band are very sharp, so avoid touching them.
• Keep in mind that tires cannot be resold once cut.

Necessities

Remove the side wall

• Sharp knife (Stanley knife, snap-off knife, etc.)
• Wooden stick
• WD-40 or comparable lubricant (optional)
• Awl or ice pick (optional)

Cut tires into smaller pieces

• Circular saw, jigsaw or dremel
• Ferrous metal bald or metal grinding disc
• Safety glasses
• Vise or adjustable clamps (optional)
• Workbench or sawhorses (optional)