Replacing Band Saw Tire: What to Measure Before Ordering

You need to replace the tires on your band saw and you are not sure what size to order. The old tires are cracked, hardened, or missing. You see tires listed by wheel diameter and you want to make sure you order the right ones. You need a guide that covers how to measure, what material to choose, and how to install them.

Band saw tires are the rubber or urethane rings that sit on the wheels and provide traction for the blade. They also cushion the blade and reduce noise. Tires wear out, harden, and crack over time. Replacing them is the most common band saw repair.

How to Measure for New Tires

Step 1: Measure the Wheel Diameter

Remove the old tire from one wheel. Measure the wheel diameter from edge to edge across the center.

Important: Measure the bare wheel, not the wheel with the old tire still on it. The old tire adds thickness that will give you the wrong measurement.

If the old tire is stuck, heat it with a heat gun or soak in hot water to soften the adhesive. Scrape the residue off the wheel before measuring.

Step 2: Measure the Wheel Width

Measure the width of the tire contact surface on the wheel. This is the flat or slightly crowned surface where the tire sits.

Most tires are sold by wheel diameter only, and the width is standard for that diameter. But if your saw has an unusual wheel width, check that the tire width matches.

Step 3: Identify Your Saw Model

Look up the model number on the saw. Cross-reference the wheel diameter with the manufacturer’s specifications. This confirms your measurement.

Common Tire Sizes by Saw Size

Saw Size	Wheel Diameter	Tire Size
9-inch	9 inches	9-inch tires
10-inch	10 inches	10-inch tires
12-inch	12 inches	12-inch tires
14-inch	14 inches	14-inch tires
16-inch	16 inches	16-inch tires
18-inch	18 inches	18-inch tires
20-inch	20 inches	20-inch tires

Note: Some saws have wheels that are slightly different from the nominal saw size. Always measure the actual wheel diameter.

Rubber vs Urethane Tires

Rubber Tires

Material: Natural or synthetic rubber. Pros:

• Original equipment on most saws
• Good traction
• Quiet operation

Cons:

• Hardens and cracks after 5 to 10 years
• Can develop flat spots
• Requires adhesive to install
• More difficult to install

Cost: 15 to 30 dollars per pair.

Urethane Tires

Material: Polyurethane. Pros:

• Does not harden or crack like rubber
• Longer lasting (10 to 20 years)
• Does not require adhesive
• Easier to install (stretches over the wheel)
• Better blade tracking
• Available in colors for easy inspection

Cons:

• More expensive than rubber
• May not fit all wheel profiles
• Slightly different feel than rubber

Cost: 20 to 40 dollars per pair.

Which to Choose

Urethane is the better choice for most saws. It lasts longer, is easier to install, and does not require adhesive. The higher cost is offset by longer life and easier installation.

Rubber is the right choice if you want to match the original equipment exactly, or if your saw has a wheel profile that urethane does not fit.

Installation

Rubber Tire Installation

1. Clean the wheel thoroughly. Remove all old adhesive and residue.
2. Apply tire adhesive to the wheel.
3. Stretch the tire over the wheel and position it.
4. Press the tire into the adhesive.
5. Let the adhesive cure for 24 hours.
6. Trim any excess tire material flush with the wheel edge.
7. Crown the tire if needed (see below).

Urethane Tire Installation

1. Clean the wheel thoroughly.
2. Soak the urethane tire in hot water (140 to 160 degrees F) for 5 to 10 minutes to soften it.
3. Stretch the tire over the wheel. Start at one point and work around the wheel.
4. Position the tire centered on the wheel.
5. No adhesive needed. The tire stays in place by tension.
6. Let the tire cool and settle for 30 minutes.

Crowning

Some tires need to be crowned (shaped to a slight dome) for proper blade tracking. Rubber tires usually need crowning. Urethane tires are often pre-crowned.

To crown a tire:

1. Install the tire on the wheel.
2. Mount the wheel on the saw.
3. Install a blade and tension it.
4. Run the saw.
5. Use a sanding block or file to shape the tire to a slight dome while the wheel is spinning.
6. The crown should be about 1/32 inch high at the center.

Safety: Use a sanding block, not your fingers. Keep hands away from the spinning wheel and blade.

Signs You Need New Tires

Cracks: Visible cracks in the tire surface. The tire is hardening and will fail soon.

Hardening: The tire feels hard and inflexible. It should feel rubbery and slightly soft.

Flat spots: The tire has worn flat where the blade runs. This causes poor tracking.

Blade tracking problems: The blade will not stay centered on the tire, even after adjusting the tracking.

Vibration: The saw vibrates more than usual, especially at higher speeds.

Noise: The saw is louder than usual, with a thumping or grinding sound.

Common Sizing Mistakes

Measuring with the old tire on: The old tire adds thickness. Measure the bare wheel.

Ordering by saw size instead of wheel size: Some saws have wheels that are different from the nominal size. Always measure the actual wheel.

Ordering the wrong width: Most tires are sold by diameter only, but some saws have unusual wheel widths. Check the width.

Not accounting for a riser block: If your saw has a riser block, the upper wheel may be the same diameter but the tire size does not change. The riser only changes the blade length.

FAQ

How do I know what size band saw tire to order?

Remove the old tire and measure the bare wheel diameter from edge to edge. Order tires in that diameter. Cross-reference with your saw model number to confirm.

Should I buy rubber or urethane tires?

Urethane is the better choice for most saws. It lasts longer, is easier to install, and does not require adhesive. Rubber is the right choice if you want to match original equipment or if your wheel profile does not fit urethane.

How often should I replace my band saw tires?

Rubber tires typically last 5 to 10 years. Urethane tires last 10 to 20 years. Replace them when you see cracks, hardening, flat spots, or tracking problems.

Do urethane tires need adhesive?

No. Urethane tires stay in place by tension. They stretch over the wheel and grip without adhesive.

How do I install urethane tires?

Soak the tire in hot water (140 to 160 degrees F) for 5 to 10 minutes to soften it. Stretch it over the wheel and center it. Let it cool for 30 minutes. No adhesive needed.

References

• Carter Products. “Band Saw Tire Installation Guide.” Carter Products.
• Iturra Design. “Band Saw Tire Reference.” Iturra Design.
• Grizzly Industrial. “Tire Replacement Instructions.” Grizzly Industrial.
• Fine Woodworking. “Replacing Band Saw Tires.” Taunton Press.
• Olson Saw. “Band Saw Maintenance Guide.” Olson Saw Company.