Tire Builders

What the job really is

Operate machines to build tires.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-9197
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Build semi-raw rubber treads onto buffed tire casings to prepare tires for vulcanization in recapping or retreading processes.
• Trim excess rubber and imperfections during retreading processes.
• Fill cuts and holes in tires, using hot rubber.
• Place tires into molds for new tread.
• Fit inner tubes and final layers of rubber onto tires.
• Buff tires according to specifications for width and undertread depth.
• Brush or spray solvents onto plies to ensure adhesion, and repeat process as specified, alternating direction of each ply to strengthen tires.
• Start rollers that bond tread and plies as drums revolve.
• Align treads with guides, start drums to wind treads onto plies, and slice ends.
• Inspect worn tires for faults, cracks, cuts, and nail holes, and to determine if tires are suitable for retreading.
• Measure tires to determine mold size requirements.
• Roll hand rollers over rebuilt casings, exerting pressure to ensure adhesion between camelbacks and casings.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Adjustable handwrenches, Automatic tire building machines TBM, Bead flipping machines, Bead setters, Belt conveyors

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Tire Repairers and Changers
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Foundry Mold and Coremakers
• Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
• Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Tire Builders — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.