Coats has launched new steel clamp jaws for 17.5-inch and 19.5-inch standard and reverse drop center wheels. Designed for use with Coats Maxx tire changers, the Coats steel clamp jaws give commercial and multi-service shops a safer, more secure method of handling these assemblies. They also let shops expand into light and medium-duty truck work without buying a dedicated commercial tire changer, Coats said.
Coats Steel Clamp Jaws: Built for Reverse Drop Center Wheels
The jaws feature a three-position adjustable design and are made entirely from steel to grip the wider bead profiles common on 17.5-inch and 19.5-inch wheels. Their taller profile accommodates reverse drop center wheels with high positive offsets, ensuring a secure outside-in clamp. This approach avoids the risks of inside-out clamping, which can compromise safety because of the conical wheel shape.
“These jaws are for shops that want to do commercial wheel work the right way,” said Kyle Harris, Senior Product Manager at Coats. “Without the right jaw profile to grip these wheels, you can’t properly clamp reverse drop center 17.5s or 19.5s. These jaws are purpose-built to grab the fat, commercial-grade lip and hold it securely through the full changeover process.”
Expanding Service Opportunities for Shops
Along with increasing shop capabilities, the new jaws can serve as an all-purpose clamp for standard wheel service. While they do not include the Grip Max protectors found in other Coats jaws, they feature a corrosion-resistant zinc coating. Coats said that enhances durability in high-volume shop environments.
From independent repair shops to national fleet service centers, these jaws allow existing Maxx tire changer machines to handle more jobs. The result is new revenue opportunities without sacrificing shop space or uptime.
