How to Cut a Tire
Step 1
1
Puncture the sidewall close to the tread with a sharp knife. A utility knife or retractable box cutter will do the best job of slicing through the thick tire rubber. Thrust the tip of the blade straight into the smooth surface of the rubber about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from where the tread begins. Be careful not to cut too close to the tread itself, as it may be reinforced with steel belts.
If you’re having trouble getting your initial hole started, grab an awl, ice pick, or similar tool with a sharp, pointed tip.
Attempting to cut directly through steel belts by hand could dull or damage your cutting implement, or result in a lot of wasted effort.
Step 2
2
Brace the tire with your foot or knee. Place the sole of your foot onto the lower section of the tire, or kneel down and pin it to the ground with one knee. This will prevent the tire from rocking or shifting once you begin cutting.
To avoid an accident, make sure you only rest your foot or knee on a section of the tire you’re not actively cutting.
Step 3
3
Cut along the outside the tread with a sawing motion. Use your free hand to steady the tire as you work the blade smoothly through the rubber of the sidewall. Follow the seam running alongside the thicker tread.
For maximum leverage and control, position the knife with the blade pointing towards you and slowly guiding it down between your legs.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a jigsaw or dremel tool with a cutting blade attachment to speed up the process.
Tip: Spray your knife with WD-40 or a similar lubricant to cut down on the friction created by the rubber.
Step 4
4
Use a wooden dowel to keep the cut sections separated. Insert one end of the dowel into the split tire and pull up on it sharply. Doing so will pry apart the rubber on both sides, making it easier to continue working without your blade becoming stuck or veering towards the tread.
Holding the cut sections open with a dowel as opposed to your own hand will also make you less likely to accidentally cut yourself.
