Tire Builders
Overview
Tire builders work in manufacturing facilities operating specialized machines and tools to construct tires from the ground up. You'll cut and position rubber plies, operate rotating drums to wind materials into tire shapes, and use precision tools like gauges and rollers to ensure each tire meets exact specifications. The job combines hands-on craftsmanship with modern manufacturing technology, requiring attention to detail as you inspect materials, align components, and activate automated systems that press and bond tire parts together. This role offers stable employment in the automotive industry and provides valuable technical skills in manufacturing processes.
Did you know?
Tire building involves repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and exposure to chemicals and machinery, requiring strong physical fitness and adherence to strict safety protocols.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$49,205.26 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Complex Problem Solving
Key Responsibilities
- Clean and paint completed tires.
- Brush or spray solvents onto plies to ensure adhesion, and repeat process as specified, alternating direction of each ply to strengthen tires.
- Fit inner tubes and final layers of rubber onto tires.
- Inspect worn tires for faults, cracks, cuts, and nail holes, and to determine if tires are suitable for retreading.
- Rub cement sticks on drum edges to provide adhesive surfaces for plies.
- Position ply stitcher rollers and drums according to width of stock, using hand tools and gauges.
- Measure tires to determine mold size requirements.
- Fill cuts and holes in tires, using hot rubber.
- Place tires into molds for new tread.
- Pull plies from supply racks, and align plies with edges of drums.
- Build semi-raw rubber treads onto buffed tire casings to prepare tires for vulcanization in recapping or retreading processes.
- Wind chafers and breakers onto plies.
- Depress pedals to rotate drums, and wind specified numbers of plies around drums to form tire bodies.
- Align treads with guides, start drums to wind treads onto plies, and slice ends.
- Trim excess rubber and imperfections during retreading processes.
- Cut plies at splice points, and press ends together to form continuous bands.
- Roll hand rollers over rebuilt casings, exerting pressure to ensure adhesion between camelbacks and casings.
- Buff tires according to specifications for width and undertread depth.
- Start rollers that bond tread and plies as drums revolve.
- Depress pedals to collapse drums after processing is complete.
Career Considerations
Physical Demands and Safety Requirements
Tire building involves repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and exposure to chemicals and machinery, requiring strong physical fitness and adherence to strict safety protocols.
Industry Automation and Job Market Changes
The tire manufacturing industry is increasingly adopting automated systems, which may reduce traditional tire builder positions while creating opportunities for those with technical maintenance skills.
Skills Development and Career Advancement
Advancing in tire manufacturing typically requires learning specialized equipment operation, quality control processes, and potentially pursuing certifications in industrial maintenance or supervision.