I know we have some constructive, open-minded, creative folks in here. I know this is possible. I don't know how to make it happen.
I bought a box of TSMI #11 studs for a pair of winter tires. Before I ordered I test-fitted one (pulled from tires that I de-studded by hand, which is an easy job) and found it took a reasonable amount of effort with two medium-sized needlenose pliers and a screwdriver. I don't remember exactly how I did it though. Now that I'm going to get down to it, I bought a heavy duty external snap ring pliers and some very long needlenose pliers, thinking one of those would be great for the job. I can't seem to get a single stud installed.
FYI, studs are shaped like this:
They go into holes pre-drilled in the tread blocks and fit like this:
Normally it's done with a Bruno Wessel pneumatic stud gun. It has three jaws that spread the hole and a plunger that shoves the stud in. It's way out of my budget. A shop won't be willing to do the job because the tires are used.
So, any creative DIY redneck-engineering minds in here? My budget is pretty much blown. The only thing I can think of some sort of inverse drill chuck, or a pipe that is slotted longitudinally that collapses, is inserted into the hole, then I drive studs down into it and it expands from the stud (or a second concentric pipe expands it and the stud is dropped in). Maybe a pipe, not slotted, just the right diameter; use pliers to spread hole, work pipe into hole, drop stud into it. Gotta find the right pipe.
One person reports doing it with pliers:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewto ... =3&t=23666
I've been struggling and can't seem to repeat my test-fit result. HALP!I simply took automotive studs and drilled a hole (the diameter of the SHAFT of the stud, not the head) into the center of beefy lug on the tire, and forced the hole open enough to get the head of the stud in there with some modified needle nose pliers.