Types of Wheel Weights: Materials, Styles, and Removal Tips
As discussed in our other Shop Talk Blog, wheel weights are paramount to ensuring the wheels turn without extra vibration. MT-RSR carries and sells a wide variety of weights for wheels and balancing solutions. With this, there are many types of wheel weights available.
Let’s break down the different types of wheel weights, what they’re made of, and how to properly remove adhesive weights when it’s time for rebalancing.
What Are Wheel Weights Made Of?
Most wheel weights are made from one of the following metals:
Some specialty internal balancing beads (used inside tires) may be made from glass or plastic, but when you're dealing with external weights, metal is the go-to for durability and effectiveness.
What Is the Purity of Zinc Wheel Weights?
The purity of zinc wheel weights varies by manufacturer. According to U.S. Patent US20040007912A1, some zinc weights can contain up to 27% aluminum as part of a specialized zinc alloy. Very few wheel weights contain 100% pure Zinc, and often include a special made Zinc alloy.
Clip-On (Hammer-On) Wheel Weights
Clip-on wheel weights, also known as hammer-on weights, are one of the oldest and most commonly used styles. These are typically made of:
They clip directly onto the wheel rim flange and come in a variety of profiles. A tire balancer will recommend the precise weight value, which can range from 0.25 oz for passenger cars up to 7 oz or more for commercial applications.
Pro Tip: Be sure to use a rim gauge to choose the correct profile for the rim you’re working with.
Adhesive Wheel Weights
Adhesive (or “stick-on”) wheel weights are growing in popularity, especially for:
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Aluminum alloy wheels
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Composite wheels
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Low-profile or specialty vehicles
These weights are backed with high-strength adhesive and are commonly made from steel or lead. They’re ideal when you need a low-profile, corrosion-resistant balancing solution.
Pro Tip: Proper wheel cleaning and adhesive removal is essential before reapplying new weights.
How to Remove Adhesive Wheel Weights
Removing adhesive wheel weights properly helps ensure a clean rebalance and avoids damaging the rim surface.
Step-by-Step Removal:
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Pry off the old weight using a wheel weight scraper or plastic removal tool.
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Break down sticky residue with the 14-ERCONE adhesive remover cone.
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Clean the surface using a wheel cleaner like CHS-WC32-1 and clean rags to remove brake dust, grease, and leftover adhesive.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're using clip-on or adhesive weights, understanding the materials and proper removal process helps ensure every tire leaves the shop perfectly balanced.
Shop top-tier tools and premium weights at MT-RSR, trusted by professionals nationwide.
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