Balancing with stick-on tabs or clipped-on lead weights?

[SumGuy]

I had new tires mounted recently to a pair of 14-inch "magnum" steel / chromed rims that are period-correct for my car, I should have thought about it beforehand and asked for the weights to be the old-style lead clipped to the outer rim instead of those stick-on tabs, because I don't think the tabs will hold long-term. I have 2 more rims to have the tires mounted, I will ask / demand for the lead weights for them.

Does putting the weights on the inside rim surface give more precise ability to balance the tire? Is the outer / inner rim location a comprimise? Are clip-on lead weights still available, or environmentally prohibited now?

Or does this just reflect that all modern (aluminum) rims are not compatible with the old clip-on weights, and the guys at the shop just went through the motions without thinking?

 

[BHopkins]

No tire trade knowledge here, but from what I understand, the stick-on weights are preferred because they do not distract from the looks. And, it seems modern aluminum wheels can have rims that are difficult to attach clip-on weights to.

I highly doubt that clip-on weights are any more reliable at staying attached to a wheel, than stick-on. In fact, I would suspect stick-on weights stay in place more reliably than clip-on.

Before stick-on weights, it was very common to see clip-on wheel weights on the side of the road, when walking. I have never seen a stick-on weight on the side of a road.

 

[Johnny248]

Most weights are all steel now. It doesn't make a difference if they are clipped or tapped.

 

[cheesepuffs2]

Does putting the weights on the inside rim surface give more precise ability to balance the tire? Is the outer / inner rim location a comprimise?

It's the opposite. When the weighs are adhered to the center of the barrel, that's called static balance. When you have weights applied to the inner and outer lip of the rim, that's called dynamic balance, and is a more precise balance.

The reason why the old style ("clip-on") weights aren't used anymore is because most (if not all?) wheels on modern cars don't have that lip anymore on the inside and outside edges. For aesthetics, the edge of the rim is smooth/flat, so there's nothing to clip onto.

If you have an old-school wheel that can accept the old weights then there's no problem with asking for them to be used. The shop will likely have some of those weights available for steelies and like.

We're at a point where it may have been overlooked the first time because there are likely some younger techs that haven't even grown up with the previous style of wheels and weights. The transition began around the mid 2000s.

 

[dfarr67]

As usual its quality of install, I've had clip on cause corrosion where they break the clear coat, and I've lost the peel n stick because of bad prep.

 

[thescreensavers]

Stick on weights work just fine if it's a clean surface. The only time they fall off is during track days where they get hot and fall off. Usually solved by putting aluminum tape over the weight's

 

[eljefino]

My state banned lead weights some time ago.

Depending on how far outboard they're able to put the sticky weights on the backside of the wheel, you won't need any outboard clip-on weights at all. It takes more weight on the inside rim for the same effect, as the weights don't have the same "leverage" for side-loads. But if you have enough, you have enough.

Do you like the balance you have so far on what you've got? I'd keep using this tire shop, honestly.

 

[Oldswagon]

I have a couple of sets or Magnum 500 wheels, one original and one aftermarket. I use the stick on weights as the clip on weights can damage the chrome, in particular on the repro wheels which seem to have less durable chrome than the OE wheels. I ensure the wheel is very clean before balancing. I also tape over the weights with aluminum tape. I have never had an issue with losing the weights.